FMD Architects, Inc.

Coopworth House

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

COOPWORTH HOUSE

FMD Architects

ARCHITECTS
Fmd Architects

MANUFACTURERS
Lysaught, Robertson Building Products, Timberwood Panels

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Aldanmark Consulting Engineers

BUILDER
IN2 Construction

DESIGN TEAM
Fiona Dunin, Jayme Collins, Alice Edwards, Robert Kolak, Fady Ghabbour, Oscar Eltringham-Smith

PHOTOGRAPHS
Dianna Snape

AREA
263 m²

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Australia

CATEGORY
Houses, House Interiors

Nestled in the rural surrounds of Bruny Island, Tasmania, Coopworth is a contemporary interpretation of a country farmhouse.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

The site’s resident Coopworth sheep, the wide-ranging views to the water and mountain ranges beyond, as well as the weathering red lead shacks dotted over the island provide an ever-changing landscape with which the house converses.

The footprint of the house is consciously constrained to maximize arable land yet maintains generosity in its thoughtful internal arrangement.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

Internally, the contrast of lofty volumes and snug spaces are accentuated by a utilitarian palette of plywood linings and concrete floors, drawing focus to a dramatic ceiling lined with Coopworth wool from the property.

Sealed with clear, polycarbonate corrugated sheeting, the wool adds to the thermal performance, while celebrating the agricultural connections as an abstract wool fresco.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

The northern elevation establishes a rhythm of window niches, capturing the view.

Frameless windows are pushed to the edge of the floorplate to embrace wild winds and rains - at once immersed in the beauty and brutality of the weather and well protected from it.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

On the western elevation, the ubiquitous chimney stack seen on the historic shacks is reimagined as a sunken bath, thus connecting the bather to the surrounding paddock and resident sheep, as well as long views to the bay beyond.

While designed to accommodate two principal occupants, the house can be opened up to host family and friends through creative interpretations of Australian verandah sleepouts and caravan bunk beds.

Window bays are bordered with sunken beds; a camping-like arrangement nurturing familial connections.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

An attic-like mezzanine serves as study space and guest bedroom, while an additional plywood-lined bed is discreetly integrated amongst a wall of joinery. Bespoke details, including a folded steel firewood stand and leather-wrapped bathroom fittings, add further interior grain.

The house addresses accessibility, longevity and sustainability. In-ground trenches eliminate roof gutters, while all but one roof penetration is removed, mitigating leaks and fire risks. Compact spaces that can be closed off when not in use significantly reduce heating and cooling demands.

UV heat and radiation is absorbed by the ‘internal eave’ of day beds in peak summer, while concrete floors, wool-lined ceilings, operable ventilation panels and ceiling fans effectively moderate temperatures.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

A large solar array and water tanks on the nearby farm sheds provide a self-sustaining water and power supply, while an efficient, slow-combustion wood fire is the main source of heating.

Spaces are designed for universal access, with consideration of family with disabilities and the couple’s potential future needs.

The house’s lightweight construction eased transportation of building supplies to the remote site, while local trades were called upon to reduce travel and build ties with the community.Natural and locally sourced products were favoured, including plywood and recycled timber.

Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape

Furniture and LED lighting is locally designed and made. Charred timber sculptures by local first nation artist, Robby Wirramanda, provides an arresting, site-specific addition protecting the septic field from farm machinery, reiterating the balance between the pragmatic and poetic within the landscape.


Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape
Coopworth House
© Dianna Snape


Coopworth House
Site Plan
Coopworth House
Ground Floor Plan
Coopworth House
First Floor Plan


Coopworth House
Elevations

FMD Architects, Inc.
T +1 330 8362343 F +1 330 8367359
FMD Architects, Inc.
3200 W Market St # 205, Fairlawn, OH 44333, United States