Front view of a passive house in Victoria, Australia, with awning over balcony, surrounded by trees | TERRA! Architecture

Kerrie Hills

A modern, energy-efficient farmhouse tailored for outdoor living and family life.
LOCATION
Macedon Ranges, VIC
TYPE
Residential
YEAR
2025
STATUS
Complete
PROJECT OVERVIEW

A high-performance house transformation

At the start, TERRA Architecture simplified the typical farmhouse design down to its basics: a strong roof, sturdy timber walls, and just one chimney — fitting it nicely into the surrounding landscape.
01 — Performance

High-performance design in action

Strategically oriented, it features large north-facing windows with a verandah wrapping around the house for summer shade. Inside, thermal mass elements like stone walls and concrete floors absorb and release heat, ensuring year-round comfort. High-quality insulation and cross-ventilation maintain optimal temperatures, while solar panels on the roof provide electricity. The open floor plan promotes airflow and natural light — and with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, this farmhouse offers a serene retreat in harmony with nature.
Ariel view of passive house, showing three wings, surrounded by trees in Victoria, Australia | TERRA! Architecture
Balcony wrapping around a passive house design, with established trees in garden in Victoria, Australia | TERRA! Architecture
02 — Inside

A story that unfolds, room by room

Stepping inside, you'll find a welcoming entrance with spaces for muddy boots and coats, while a secret courtyard adds to the connection with nature. Inside, the house is like a story unfolding, with TERRA arranging different spaces under one roof. The master bedroom faces the courtyard on one side, while communal areas — the living room, kitchen, and rumpus room — celebrate living close to nature. Clever high-performance windows bring in lots of natural light and blur the line between inside and outside.
03 — Materials

Sustainable materials at the core

The material palette is simple: timber and stone are the predominant elements — contributing to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also enhancing its functionality, sustainability, and cultural significance. They embody the essence of rural living, creating a timeless sanctuary that celebrates the beauty and resilience of natural materials. Through thoughtful design, TERRA has made a farmhouse that feels like a true part of nature, inside and out.
Table and chairs underneath an awning of a passive house in Victoria, Australia | TERRA! Architecture

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What makes it matter?

Sustainable Design

This space is designed with sustainable principles.

Durability & Adaptability

We used durable and adaptable materials.

Energy Efficiency

This space has energy efficient technologies.

Waste Reduction

This space has advanced waste reduction.

Healthier Environment

We designed a space with a healthier environment.

Natural & Plant Based Materials

We used natural or plant based materials.

Unique Design

This space is a unique design.

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WHAT'S NEXT

Interested in building a passive house?

Contact us to find out how TERRA can bring your passive house vision to life. We accept expressions of interest in Melbourne and around Australia.
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