Ballarat Barn by Eliza Blair Architecture is a family home extension organised around one important constraint: a mature silver birch tree that the design needed to protect and celebrate.
The brief was practical. The clients had three children, wanted to open the house to a generous north-facing backyard and needed a garage large enough for outdoor gear, with a teenager loft above.
Project gallery
The project images show the floor plan, glazed living spaces and dark timber exterior that shape the family extension.
Project overview
The clients wanted a design that respected the existing heritage home while exploring a pitched roof and textured materials. The solution arranges two barn pavilions around the silver birch tree: one for kitchen, dining and living, and one for the garage, shed and carport.
A full-width wall of glazing opens the addition towards the garden, making the tree part of daily life rather than an obstacle to work around.
Material and product detail
- Nullabor Terracotta roof tiles in Titan by Monier Roofing.
- Silvertop Ash shiplap cladding from Everists Timber, stained in Porters Palm Beach black.
- Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Goodwood Shiplap lining boards with Porters white wood wash.
- Urban Ivory porcelain bathroom tiles from Arte Domus.
What makes the project useful to study
The project is a good reminder that residential extensions are often won through constraints. The tree, garden orientation, storage needs and heritage context give the design its structure.
Showcase a residential extension
Architecture Social can feature residential projects where the brief, constraints, materials and design response are explained clearly.
- State the family or client problem early.
- Show the constraint that shaped the scheme.
- Explain the plan, material choices and relationship to the existing home.
- Credit the practice, builder, photographer and key collaborators where available.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that domestic projects can be excellent portfolio evidence when they show judgement. The best write-ups explain the brief, the constraint and the design decision, not just the final finish.
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