Project Kangaroobie

On a ridge near Orange in New South Wales, this modular home sits within a 190-hectare working farm, its position chosen to open out across the valley towards Mount Canobolas. With the site roughly four hours' drive from the Sydney-based owners' main residence, Modscape built the house offsite in a controlled factory setting. That approach removed the risk of weather delays and the difficulty of coordinating multiple trades in a remote rural location.

Working from the initial concept sketches, Modscape refined the design into an efficient three-bedroom, two-bathroom home of 225 square metres formed from just three modules. Vertical Silvertop Ash cladding wraps the exterior and will silver over time to settle into the landscape. On approach the facade reveals little of the interior beyond a few narrow glimpses.

The plan is T-shaped, giving separate wings for living, sleeping and services, and allowing the house to turn towards the valley views to the south. Openings are placed to frame the setting: a low, wide window sits at seated height to capture the tree line, an enclosed porch with an outdoor fireplace and hammock hooks looks out over weather moving up the valley, and the living-area window is aligned to the sunsets. Utility spaces, including a mudroom laundry with storage for muddy boots and wet coats, the family bathroom and a powder room, are grouped in one wing so the living areas stay open and uncluttered.

Alongside the shared, flowing spaces are quieter corners: window seats in the bedrooms and a private deck off the master suite. Inside, a neutral palette leans contemporary with a country note, combining open timber shelving, a large log fire, Scyon-lined walls and ceramic tiles. Warm timber shelving and furniture play against the dark kitchen joinery for a simple, balanced result.

Completed in 2019.

Credits: Modscape + Modbotics, designer and builder. Photography by John Madden.