Project: House in the Dry
Architecture: MRTN Architects
Landscape Architect: SBLA
Location: Moore Creek, New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Anthony Basheer Photography
House in the Dry by MRTN Architects transforms a scrubby, parched plot of ex‑grazing land in Tamworth into an energy‑efficient, contemporary home. This semi‑rural residence sits amid regenerated native plants and proves that smart design can turn harsh environments into thriving spaces.
Regenerating a Drought‑Prone Landscape
When MRTN Architects first visited the site during a severe drought, they saw dry, dusty ground with only a few yellow plants clinging to life. Therefore, the design focused on two main goals. First, it aimed to regenerate the land and create a lush garden. Second, it sought to resist future drought conditions. To achieve this, the architects created an almost fully enclosed courtyard garden at the heart of the house. At the front, two sheds connected by a roof join the house on either side to form a square around this central courtyard. This layout not only encourages plant growth but also shields the home from harsh weather.
An Agricultural Aesthetic
The materials and aesthetics embrace an agricultural look that breaks away from typical suburban brick and tile. Instead, the house features a metal roof and walls made of metal, timber, and stone. Designers chose a dull silver roof, black sheets, and ironbark timber to keep the look subtle. Inside, “interior” rooms receive a painted plasterboard finish, timber accents in the kitchen, and tiles in the bathroom. In contrast, “outdoor” spaces use brick, timber, and stone to blend naturally with the landscape.
A Thoughtful and Flexible Layout
At the center of the house lies a spacious pavilion that combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas. To the west, a guest wing offers bedrooms and a bathroom, while to the east, the main bedroom features an ensuite and a walk‑in wardrobe. An outdoor room with a fireplace and roof stands out as a favorite spot. Enclosed only by insect screens, this area provides a cool retreat during warmer months.
Moreover, a singular roof connects all the buildings. This design choice reduces the overall scale of the house and creates undercover walkways between different areas. These sheltered corridors act as breezeways, much like those found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean climates, which help cool the space even in arid conditions.
Integrating Landscape and Sustainability
MRTN Architects worked closely with landscape architects SBLA to shape the entire site. They contoured the land slightly to screen the property from neighbors and relocated soil to enhance the garden. Native grasses, new plantings, and re‑established trees all play vital roles in regenerating the land. In addition, the project features a solar panel array, a north‑facing thermal mass, and a water‑capture system. These sustainable features enable the house to cope with both drought and cold winter conditions.
An Architecture That Sits Low and Embeds in the Landscape
Tamworth House sits low on the land with elongated forms that recede into the landscape. It offers sweeping views of the foothills and a strong sense of place in the Australian outback. The finished house proves to be both intelligent in design and simple in expression. Overall, House in the Dry shows that even in the harshest climates, smart design and sustainable practices can create a beautiful, resilient home.
