Hale Farm
Align with SAXON HALL architecture & We Ponder
Location: Tinderbox, Tasmania
Status: Completed
Photographer: Matt Sansom
Builder: In2 Construction
Hale Farm is a rural home at Tinderbox, Tasmania, designed by Saxon Hall Architecture in collaboration with Align Architecture & Interiors and We Ponder Interiors & Lighting. The brief called for a home that felt generous yet intimate — comfortable for everyday living without feeling oversized.
The Tinderbox site is exposed to sun and wind, and its northerly aspect draws cold winds that press on night-time temperatures — something the design had to work with rather than against. Early in the process the scheme was tested against wind and sun plots, so orientation, glazing and thermal comfort could be resolved before construction began.
The response is a compact open plan in which kitchen, living and dining share one space that reads as roomy but stays cosy. A generous island bench doubles as a divider, expanding the living and dining zones while quietly concealing the working kitchen. A walkway with a deliberately lowered ceiling compresses the journey before releasing into the higher-volume lounge, giving the modest footprint a genuine sense of arrival.
Light Tasmanian timber runs through the interior, chosen for its quality and warmth. The result is a home that holds its temperature remarkably well: the owners found the first winter night comfortable without lighting the fire, and cross-ventilation cools the rooms easily in warmer weather. Built by In2 Construction and photographed by Matt Sansom, Hale Farm shows how careful passive-solar planning and honest materials make a small rural house genuinely comfortable to live in.
“The design process was fantastic, and we're absolutely thrilled with the outcome! The size is perfect for us – the kitchen, living, and dining area is just right, offering plenty of space without losing that cozy feel. We love the kitchen's ample storage, and the island bench divider is brilliant; it truly expands the living and dining area while discreetly hiding dishes. The thoughtful design of the walkway, with its lower ceiling leading into the higher lounge room, is exactly what I envisioned. Saxon, you did a wonderful job with the light timber – its quality is superb. It's amazing how comfortable the house stays. I planned a fire the first night but didn't even need it because the temperature was so agreeable. And when I did open the windows for a cross breeze, the house cooled down easily. The fire itself was wonderful!. The initial wind and sun plots were helpful, but living here, we've really noticed how important the night temperatures are, especially with the north winds influencing the cold. Even with a whirling wind outside, sitting with a glass of wine, I couldn't be happier. We really like it!" - ★★★★★
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