Fantastic Ms Fox

masterpiece and it is located “somewhere” in the vicinity of the Glass House Mountains.

The Barn, as it is so beautifully and almost ironically named given its sheer grandeur, took around two-and-a-half years to bring to life from concept to design, construction and completion. And, if you were to ask anyone instrumental in its evolution, they would say the impressive wait was well worth the time. In fact, the home won two coveted awards at last year’s Housing Industry Association Awards including Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Home of the Year, Queensland Outdoor Project of the Year and was also a finalist in the Queensland Custom Built Home of the Year.

According to Dayne Lawrie of Dayne Lawrie Constructions, the project presented a number of challenges and hurdles.

“It was certainly a project that tested everyone’s problemsolving skills because we wanted it to be just right,” he says.

“There were months of planning that went into this, and a lot of time obsessing over every detail, but anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting the property now, is simply in awe of its presence.

“It is beautiful, down to the finest details, and it is a humbling experience to stand back and take it in now that it is finished.”

Designed to complement the natural beauty of the area, every last detail was considered so that the building sits perfectly amongst its surrounding landscape.

“The idea is to let the outside in and the inside flow seamlessly out too,” Dayne says. “Everything melts into its surroundings, the natural colours and timbers, the décor, the landscaping, the entire team has created something magic here.”

It would be safe to say that as impressive as they are, even the photos don’t do this home justice.

The true scale of the building isn’t realised until you are standing at the entrance and facing two large pivot doors, both which needed to be built on site due to their sheer weight and size. Once inside, the concrete floors, use of timber and neutral tones help bring a sense of calm.

Massive Glass House Mountain stone walls, laid by hand over several months, help give the building a sense of grandeur and mass, and are complemented by the large pitched roof line.

The roof beams and all other timber throughout the home are a mix of spotted gum and iron bark recycled timber with the timber beams weighing a mighty 250-350 kilograms each.

This is yet another element that took time and precision as each beam was manually handled and cut on the ground before being craned into position.

There is true craftsmanship at every corner of this building, and intricate details feature throughout, adding to the home’s strangely rustic charm. In fact, even that was on purpose.

“We wanted to create a building that feels like it has been around for generations,” Dayne says.

“And yet, it is unique in that it is robust, but still encompasses the latest technology and automation, and really promotes the ability for quality entertaining.”

Speaking of entertaining, the outside of this property is designed for exactly that.

Large sliding doors open up to a natural amphitheatre of gum trees with the outdoor area and pool positioned below.

“The large pool with wet edge was carefully considered and set out to work with full tiles,” Dayne says. “You can imagine just by looking at the space how peaceful it would be to sit back on the pool’s edge, with the imported natural stone tiles, watching the beautiful sunsets each night.”

The outside entertaining space also boasts a sauna, outdoor shower, spa, pizza oven and fireplace and firepit to enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire as day turns to night, and summer gives way to the cooler months.

“The outdoor area also used recycled beams and battens which were carefully set-out, and includes an acrylic ceiling behind to allow light to pass through into the outdoor space,” Dayne says. “The barbecue and seating area showcases off-form concrete that had weeks of preparation work to produce the quality of finish you see now.

“There are a number of solar panels lining the roof and all of the spaces use large glass doors and windows to really open the home from the inside out so we are making use of natural lighting. We have also created a brighter, white space in the main bedroom to add to this natural, open and airy feel. There is a corridor of bunk beds, something that came mid-way through the design process and space for additional bedrooms or loving spaces as well as master ensuite if the owners choose to expand in the future,” he says.

“Overall, this home was a wonderful collaboration between the homeowners, architect, landscaping team and us, and we are very proud of the end product.”

4. Marimekko Fokus tray and a combination of Sirrtolapuutarha Rasymatto cups, THE MODERN FURNITURE STORE, Noosa Heads, themodern.com.au

5. Moroccan mother of pearl inlay chair, two available, $1500 each, LA EXTRAVAGANZA, Mooloolaba, 0478 627 886 or laextravaganza.com.au

6. Vintage Asian carved resin vase, LA EXTRAVAGANZA, Mooloolaba, 0478 627 886 or laextravaganza.com.au

7. Mexican hanging pots, available at NZARI, 0401 815 811 or nzari.com.au

8. Marimekko cushion cover, Pieni Sirrtolapuutarha pattern, $89, THE MODERN FURNITURE STORE, Noosa Heads, themodern.com.au

9. All things Noosa, HEARTS AND MINDS ART, 1 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, 0407 840 745

10. Vintage handmade clay urn, LA EXTRAVAGANZA, Mooloolaba, 0478 627 886 or laextravaganza.com.au

11. Mother of pearl inlay window and frame, LA EXTRAVAGANZA, Mooloolaba, 0478 627 886 or laextravaganza.com.au