‘Brent Knoll’ is a new house by March Studio located on the outskirts of Victoria. Despite a brief to extend an existing 1850’s homestead, it became apparent that the new extension is detached. Rather than a reinterpretation of a past architecture, the resultant became a celebration of both old and new. The two freestanding structures also continue a typical farm typology, where distributed structures, such as barn, out-house, and woolshed are connected by the outdoors and exposure to the elements.

Obscured by a dilapidated 1920’s lean-to, the 1850’s cottage was revealed and meticulously restored, later housing guest bedrooms and a library. Beyond the initial gesture to detach the two buildings, site features, climate, and client were the three driving design tools which informed the new house. The clients, insisting they were great entertainers, desired spaces where not only people could gather en masse, but also private places to escape to and repose in the late afternoon.