This completed project comprises the sensitive and carefully considered conversion of two former piggery structures into a single, contemporary three-bedroom family dwelling. The character and setting of the site have been central to the design process, with the scheme preserving and enhancing the distinctive qualities of the existing buildings and surrounding landscape.

The site is defined by two simple agricultural buildings arranged perpendicularly, forming an L-shaped plan. Viewed from the North and West, this form provides a strong visual character, with the unique monopitch and double-pitched roof profiles only apparent at close proximity. These elements have been rigorously appraised and retained as key heritage assets. To the south lies a partially collapsed walled yard, once fully enclosed and abutting a larger walled paddock. From Hammond Drive, the site presents as a largely continuous walled enclosure, a defining element of its historic agricultural context.

The design prioritises retention of the site's historic fabric and its enhancement through modest, high-quality interventions. New additions are deliberately submissive, using simple, rugged, and functional materials that echo the original agricultural purpose of the structures. Flat-roofed extensions are hidden behind parapet walls and kept low in profile to avoid disrupting the existing massing. The additions are clearly contemporary in style, yet remain respectful of the original buildings, deliberately avoiding imitation of historic architecture. New openings have been kept to a minimum to maintain the original sequence and character of the facades. All glazing on the southern elevation is shaded by a canopy, reducing glare and ensuring a muted, non-reflective appearance.

A structurally unsound section of the southern boundary wall has been replaced with a glazed elevation, screened by a canopy and parapet to preserve the silhouette and enclosure of the former paddock wall. Along the south-east elevation, the original capping stones have been reinstated to the boundary wall, fully screening this elevation from Hammond Drive. The south-west elevation features a small flat-roofed glazed entrance porch that links the two original buildings. This subtle connection allows the structures to be read independently, preserving their distinct roof forms. On the north-east elevation, a private, largely glazed extension brings light into the master and third bedrooms. The flat roof remains concealed from view, ensuring the original roof forms remain dominant in the site’s visual character.

Internally, the layout reuses and adapts the existing structures with minimal alteration. The courtyard has been enclosed to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area while retaining and repairing the historic central spine wall. The two farm buildings are subdivided to include two bathrooms, utility space, an office, and bedrooms. This layout has been carefully developed to meet the needs of the client and ensure the long-term viability of the property as a family home. All existing external walls have been underpinned and internally lined with insulated timber studwork to provide structural stability and meet current building standards. The studwork is designed to be reversible, enabling potential future restoration of the original wall finishes if desired.
This development represents a respectful, sustainable, and heritage-led approach to rural conversion. The design has been shaped through close consultation with the local authority, heritage consultants, and the client. It preserves the historic character and setting of the site while providing a functional and beautiful home, allowing the clients to remain on the site long-term. The project demonstrates how thoughtful, low-impact interventions can sensitively revitalise disused heritage assets into viable, modern homes with minimal disruption to their rural context.