House of Stone
Typology: Family dwelling
Status: Completed 2009
Traditional Custodians: Wadawurrung
Location: Buninynong, Victoria
One of the joys of this profession is meeting the most extraordinary craftsmen. The owner of this project was no exception. As a designer rarely will there be an instruction to “increase the offering”. This project was for a stonemason who wished to celebrate his craft.
Time was going to abide by the task. Mood, opportunity and health would dictate the pace and the result. More than 300 metres of face stone work lay in the paddocks ready to be lifted and set into place.
The design intent was to suggest that old and new blurred. Perhaps the walls had been found and an opportunity had presented itself? The area and its heritage gave every opportunity to suggest that previous stone work had been undertaken.
This new house for a local family was built from the paddock plain by its owner; the waterways, the landscaping and the sense of place embraced the intent. This was a gesture of love.