Contemporary Steel Pavilion Extends Historic Australian Farmhouse on Monaro Plateau

Rodney Moss and Josh Mulford Architects, in partnership with Sally Hieatt Interiors, have completed a residential project called Monaro Plateau Homestead near Canberra, Australia. The design integrates a new steel-framed pavilion with a restored late 19th-century stone cottage, creating a unified rural residence. The team collaborated with structural engineer Ken Murtagh and builder Mark Loader on the project. The new pavilion houses the main living areas and master bedroom, featuring a lightweight steel structure with precast concrete panels for service zones. The original cottage accommodates children's and guest bedrooms, establishing distinct zones for communal and private activities. Large sliding timber-framed glass doors connect both structures, offering expansive views of the surrounding Monaro landscape. The design incorporates sustainable features including natural ventilation systems that utilize prevailing breezes for climate control, rainwater collection from the roof for household use, and an integrated wastewater treatment system. The architectural approach balances heritage preservation with contemporary design, using raw industrial materials to create a durable response to Australia's environmental conditions. Photography for the project was provided by Ben Wrigley.