Country living reimagined in copper
Down a long driveway winding through an avenue of mature trees, the view opens to reveal a striking rural home, its sculptural form wrapped in a warm copper skin that gleams in the sun of the Gold Coast hinterland.
The property offers views down a gently rolling slope to a bubbling creek in the south, and serene paddocks and rainforest to the north. In this bucolic setting, a couple and their two children sought a rural abode with plenty of storage for sports equipment and toys, and a format with ample opportunity to entertain friends and family.
But rather than create something clean and contemporary that would jar against the rustic beauty of the rural setting, architect Paul Uhlmann of Paul Uhlmann Architects explored a more contextual solution.
“Copper was chosen because it’s something that ages with the landscape. It beds itself into the land, settling into the rural environment much better than a sharp, crisp cladding.”
The copper skin wraps itself neatly around the home’s envelope, creating an arbour that protects the inner workings of the family home, its rhythm interrupted momentarily by the protected internal courtyard spaces.
The ageing, rustic materiality is further reinforced by the use of spotted gum, a local eucalypt, which sits alongside limestone feature walls, matching the warmth and tactility of the copper tray roofing.
From an aerial view, the home forms a Y-shape plan, with the longest part of the Y containing the living spaces, and the two other sections delineating two bedroom wings. This format means the main living spaces take in both views of the paddocks and creek, creating a spine to the home that opens to the outdoors. Where the Y diverges into two forks, it takes in the parents’ wing with its master suite, gym, garaging and study that faces south to the creek, while the children’s wing looks out to the pool and tennis court.
Entry to the home is through the forecourt and lobby space, with a picture window in the foyer that perfectly frames the view to the landscape beyond. Turning left, you encounter the public spaces which meet an outdoor sitting area and garden courtyard space.
“We tried to bring some vegetation into the building to soften the interface between interior and exterior,” shares Paul. “The planting includes a large cherry blossom tree in the middle of the courtyard next to the outdoor fireplace.”
If you head past that courtyard, there's an external bar space (a nod to the couple’s love of entertaining), which then rolls back into the living room. The interiors echo the textures of the exterior with blackbutt timber floors, limestone feature walls, timber ceilings and fine, band-sawn timber wall cladding. Travertine, with a similarly warm tone to the copper, is employed in both the kitchen and externally, on the decking surrounding the pool. The consistent palette of interesting textures and warm tones integrates the rustic and rural elements of the setting.
The size of the home and its programme is impressive, shares Paul, yet it offers special moments for the family and their guests, and an opportunity to entertain large groups without losing the intimacy of a residential home.
“Even though it's a large-scale building, we're still creating spaces for a family to inhabit. I'm really happy about the scale of the internal spaces and that they cater to the fact that most of the time it's inhabited by four people,” says Paul.
This approach reflects Paul Uhlmann Architects’ design strength, a balance between form and feeling where thoughtful design enhances daily life and every space carries a sense of warmth and character.
“There's joyous moments throughout the building, which is what we always aim for: creating liveable spaces and making them memorable.”
In every detail, the home reflects a balance between strength and softness, scale and intimacy. Its materials will continue to age and evolve with the land, deepening its connection to the rural setting. More than a statement piece, it’s a family home designed to be lived in, to gather in, and to grow with: a true reimagining of country living.
Explore more projects by Paul Uhlmann Architects
This rural property is situated on the banks of Currumbin Creek in the hinterland of the Gold Coast. The sprawling single level residence has an outlook over the creek as well as views north over the pool and the hills beyond.
The copper roof form is articulated along its length to form wall elements that touch the ground. The articulation helps reduce the scale of the roof, while the copper surface provides a rustic backdrop to the clean lines of the interior.
The main external space occurs within the break of the main building. This space includes heated stone seating, concealed external screens, cantilevered fireplace, projector television and a large ornamental cherry blossom tree. This area is served by a well stocked bar.
Internal detailing include extensive use of timber cladding and veneers, stonework and bespoke cabinetwork.
Workmanship by the builder has been exceptional.
