Gruyere Farm and the Art of Quiet Living in Australia’s Yarra Valley

Project Info

Project Name: Gruyere Farm

Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

Architects: Manifold

Interior Design: Simone Haag

Stone and timber pavilion nestles gently into Yarra landscape

Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Australia, Gruyere Farm is a residential project that explores how architecture and interior design can work together to deepen the relationship between dwelling and landscape. Designed collaboratively by Simone Haag and Manifold, the project is not driven by spectacle or formal experimentation. Instead, it focuses on atmosphere, tactility, and a measured response to its rural setting.

Curated vintage pieces layer warmth against timber wall panels

The house sits within a productive agricultural landscape defined by rolling terrain, vineyards, and expansive skies. Rather than attempting to dominate the site, the architecture adopts a grounded presence. The building is composed as a series of simple volumes that sit low against the land, allowing the surrounding environment to remain visually and experientially dominant.

Sculptural seating anchors intimate space beneath exposed stone masonry

Manifold’s architectural approach establishes a clear spatial framework that prioritizes proportion, light, and orientation. Rooms are arranged to respond directly to views across the valley, with openings carefully positioned to frame the landscape without overwhelming the interior. Circulation flows gently between spaces, reinforcing a sense of continuity and calm throughout the house.

Turquoise tile backsplash brings color to functional bathroom design

Interior design by Simone Haag plays a central role in shaping the project’s identity. The interiors are intentionally restrained, relying on a refined palette of natural materials to create warmth and depth. Timber surfaces, stone elements, and textured finishes are layered with subtlety, allowing each material to reveal its inherent qualities over time.

Corner nook frames valley views through floor-to-ceiling glazing

Furniture and objects are selected with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and authenticity. Rather than filling the space, each piece is given room to breathe, contributing to an atmosphere that feels curated yet relaxed. This careful editing supports a slower pace of living that aligns with the rhythms of the rural setting.

Organic furnishings soften light-filled living room with landscape connection

Light is treated as a key design material throughout the project. Daylight enters the interiors in a controlled manner, shifting across surfaces and highlighting textures as the day progresses. Large openings connect interior spaces with outdoor terraces and the surrounding fields, while maintaining a sense of enclosure and comfort.

Sliding chartreuse panel introduces playful color into restrained bedroom

The kitchen and communal living areas form the heart of the house. These spaces are designed to support both everyday routines and larger gatherings, reflecting the social nature of life on a working farm. Finishes remain understated, allowing use and wear to become part of the home’s evolving character.

Double-height timber ceiling emphasizes vertical volume in main space

Private spaces are quieter in tone, with a stronger focus on retreat and rest. Bedrooms are positioned to capture early morning light and long views, reinforcing a daily connection to the landscape. Bathrooms and ancillary spaces continue the project’s material language, balancing functionality with a sense of calm.

Vintage poster adds graphic punch to intimate wood-lined hallway

Sustainability is approached through thoughtful design rather than overt technological expression. The building’s orientation, material selection, and passive strategies work together to support thermal comfort and long term durability. This integrated approach reflects an understanding of sustainability as part of everyday living rather than a separate design layer.

PHOTO CREDIT: Traianos Pakioufakis