A Mindful Retreat: Pokolbin House by Lot 1 Design and Matthew Woodward Architecture.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

A trifecta of interconnected pavilions, Pokolbin House balances the demands of a working estate in one of Australia’s most established wine regions with the refined ease of a country retreat for a Sydney family. A nod to the principles of mid-century modernism, particularly Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and its connection to the landscape, this project delivers a cohesive and formidable outcome through subtle and elegant design expressions.

The experience of slowing down begins well before the arrival at the house via the long driveway that descends onto the property. “Connecting with the place at a slower pace heightens the experience of being here,” says Matthew Woodward, Principal Architect at his eponymous practice.

“This is a home away from home”, says interior designer Tammy Miconi of Lot 1 Design. “A place (for the client) to reconnect with nature, but also with themselves.” This is Tammy’s fourth project with her client over the last 15 years. “We’ve become friends, and I clearly understand who they are, and how they love to live,” she says.

After securing the country property for their new holiday home, the clients turned to Tammy for her architect recommendation. “Having seen Matthew’s Wirra-Willa Pavilion, which I loved and felt had the right foundational design elements the clients were seeking, they engaged Matt and his team to collaborate on the project.”

“I knew the Hunter Valley and Pokolbin area quite well following my time studying at Newcastle University,” says Matthew. “I think this enabled an ease in conversation with the clients and an immediate connection.”

The brief called for a retreat to escape to and find respite within the rolling hills of the Pokolbin viticultural landscape. A home that was responsive to the location and climate, blurring the delineation between inside and outside living. “A home that was subservient within the dynamic, ever-changing landscape,” explains Matthew.

Wirra Willa Pavilion Retreat in Somersby, NSW by Matthew Woodward Architecture.

Designed as a retreat for his father, this pavilion is set amongst an 80-acre former citrus orchard, and forms a wellness...

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

The site contained relics from early 20th-century winemaking and a ruin of the original homestead, built in 1865 that once belonged to founding winemakers in the region. “These relics, the viticultural context, Mediterranean influence and the natural Australian bush backdrop were a big source of inspiration,” Matthew says.

“Regarding the interiors, the brief was to keep the spaces light and natural, using texture and intricate detailing to enhance the experience,” explains Tammy. “We wanted to maintain a connection to the surrounding vistas towards Barrington Tops, Broken Back Ranges, Pokolbin Mountain and Port Stephens.”

External finishes are robust and able to withstand the extremes of the harsh elements, with some continuing inside, like the white sand render. Inspired by how the pavilions sit within the landscape as a strong presence yet connect with the surroundings, every aspect of the interior carries a similar concept of solid forms balanced with delicately detailed connections.

The most notable example is the kitchen island bench, with tops and slab ends crafted from an Italian travertine block with curves that soften the edges. The individual stone elements appear connected without taking away from each other, while delivering a powerful form together.

“There is just so much that goes into a well-resolved interior,” explains Tammy. “The material selections, the way they connect with one another—not just aesthetically, but functionally.” In this vein, furniture selections feature a mix of design classics, local products and bespoke pieces, with the overall intent focused on comfort, timelessness and longevity. “The idea is that these pieces will age beautifully and, for the most part, never be replaced,” says Tammy.

A Blend of History & Modernity: The Estate in Rural NSW by Luke Moloney Architecture.

Set in far-off rural New South Wales this sensitive refurbishment of an 1880s homestead was built...

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Brett Boardman.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

Photo by Prue Ruscoe.

In a nod to the clients’ love for mid-century architecture, Tammy selected several design classics like Charlotte Perriand’s Rio coffee table from Cassina, Hans J. Wegner’s CH23 dining chairs from Carl Hansen & Son, Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair and ottoman from Knoll, and Eileen Gray’s Roattino floor lamp from ClassiCon. Among the Australian-made pieces is a selection of living room rugs from Armadillo & Co, Adam Goodrum’s Nest Side Tables from Nau and the Breeze outdoor collection from Tait. Bespoke furniture includes the 14-seater dining table, and the onyx and oak side table made by the stone mason from Onyx left over from the custom-designed bathroom basins.

When asked what he’s most proud of, Matthew says: “It’s the way the house sits harmoniously within the surrounding landscape and acts as a platform to experience its ever-changing beauty.” He credits the entire team, including the builders from PCM Projects and Structural Engineers from SDA Structures, for making the outcome successful and cohesive. “Never has a project felt more complete at handover with everything fitting perfectly together,” he says. “I love that there is a feeling of understated elegance about the place while being perfectly functional.”

For Tammy, her clients’ genuine love for architecture and design is one of her favourite aspects. “They see the value added when spaces encompass a true extension of who they are and how living and sharing these spaces with their loved ones enhances wellbeing and connection,” she says. “As designers, this is why we do what we do, and to work with clients that share this ideology adds so much pleasure to the project.”

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Three small volumes resembling more of an encampment than a home are situated around a sun-drenched courtyard...

[Images courtesy of Lot 1 Design & Matthew Woodward. Photography by Brett Boardman & Prue Ruscoe. Video by Tommy Devy.]