Hepburn House: Old Meets New in a Modern Family Home
Build Date
May 2022
Location
Hepburn Springs, Victoria
Client
Prue & Christine
Architect / Designer
Branch Studio Architects
Value
$1M
A vision for a dream home with serene views and connection to the region’s natural beauty led to a build that was defined by a series of formidable challenges for the construction team and the clients.
The clients wanted a place of refuge that would elevate them within the Hepburn Springs landscape to maximise their valley views. The design solution from Branch Studio Architects was to graft a bold, modern extension onto their historic miner’s cottage in Hepburn Springs.
The site was incredibly steep, small and constantly muddy. This made access for vehicles and construction equipment a constant struggle that required careful planning and execution. Add in the timing of the project, which unfolded in the depths of COVID-19 lockdowns. This unprecedented situation saw our team rent a local house and remain on-site for six consecutive weeks. Their commitment, dedication and resilience in a time of personal and professional hardship was commendable.
The outcome is an example of how thoughtful design can transform a modest, historic property into a modern sanctuary that is a tribute to stylish design.
The existing structure, an historic miner’s cottage, had all the charm the category implies. But it needed open space, practical comforts and height to bring the stunning views outside, inside.
The extension employs a bold interplay of materials and forms. Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and a tactile, natural aesthetic. It contrasts with the crisp lines of the extensive glass features. The timber exterior, clad in spotted gum shiplap, curves and wraps the building’s form, softening the modern geometry and helping the structure blend seamlessly with the surrounding bushland. The home steps elegantly with the slope of the land, incorporating three different floor levels, and integrates outdoor stairwells and water management strategies to accommodate rainfall and runoff.
One of the most compelling design features is a full-height window that appears to pass through a solid rammed earth wall, a technical and visual highlight of the project. Achieving this required careful structural planning, with steel beams concealed within the walls to provide support while maintaining the illusion of uninterrupted glass. This approach exemplifies the innovative problem-solving that ran throughout the project.
Internally, the home balances open, modern living spaces with the warmth and intimacy of the original cottage. The kitchen and bedrooms were renovated to modern standards. Flooring was replaced, finishes updated, but the character of the historic building was maintained. The layout maximises views, natural light, and ventilation, creating a sanctuary that is functional and visually inspiring.
There were plenty of logistical challenges. The steep site required custom footing solutions, and temporary tracks for machinery were constantly rebuilt to facilitate access. Rain, mud, and winter conditions complicated daily operations, while the constraints of the site meant material delivery, installation, and on-site work had to be carefully planned.
Despite these challenges, the project was completed on budget and delivered a home that far exceeded the clients’ expectations.
From a team perspective, Hepburn House was a demonstration of resilience, craftsmanship, and client collaboration. We navigated complex design challenges, overcame unforeseen obstacles, and built strong relationships with the clients. Their appreciation of the final product – a home that combines comfort, striking design, and seamless connection to the landscape – was deeply rewarding.
The home combines a sense of tranquillity with a modern living experience that complements the heritage of the original cottage.
Hepburn House is a testament to the power of innovative design, careful planning, and perseverance. It celebrates the fusion of old and new, the beauty of its natural setting, and the clients’ vision for a home that is at once a sanctuary, a statement, and a lasting achievement of design, craftsmanship and innovative construction solutions.
