Nestled in the historic town of Chewton, Pyrenees designed by David Noordhoff is a testament to meticulous design and a harmonious integration with its environment. Designed as a three-bedroom home for a couple envisioning future growth, the project faced its unique set of challenges and triumphs. Photography by Jade Cantwell.

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Several challenges marked the architectural journey of Pyrenees. Filtering through the multitude of client ideas to distill the core requirements was a significant task. Additionally, the project had to navigate regulations as the site was historically protected. The busy road, a source of noise, had to be addressed in the design, and the construction phase coincided with the onset of the Covid pandemic, introducing material shortages as an unexpected challenge. Drawing inspiration from the local vernacular, Pyrenees pays homage to the humble agricultural buildings that dot the Central Victorian landscape and filters local material into its design language. The design also takes into account the sun’s movements, with pitched rooflines strategically capturing the warming winter sun while providing shade from harsh summer rays. This approach ensures both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
Incorporating a studio space for James, one of the clients and a former bandmate of the designer, David, became a key design element. Given James’s deep connection to music, this addition not only fu...