There’s no greater compliment for a builder than a client returning with a new dream. For Graham Kemp, this Wamboin project began exactly that way.
After previously working with Graham on their Giralang residence, the same clients — now living on abeautiful rural property in Wamboin, NSW — came back seeking his guidance once again. This time, they wanted to breathe new life into an existing farm building and convert it into a fully self-contained second residence / Air B&B accommodation.
They knew the craftsmanship they wanted. They knew who to trust. And Graham was ready to helpthem bring this rural transformation to life.
Set on 10 acres off Norton Road, the property features:
- Electric gated entry
- An existing main residence
- A stand-alone 11m x 7.5m solid brick farm building
- Terra-cotta roof tiles
- Concrete slab
- Exposed roof trusses and no ceiling
- Single roll a door
The building had strong structure, charm, and potential — but needed significant transformation to become a comfortable second dwelling.
The clients envisioned:
“A warm, functional second residence — possibly an Air B&B — with its own driveway, privacy from the main home, and a covered north-facing deck overlooking the sweeping Yass River valley.”
They also needed:
- Separate gated entry
- Privacy to existing main residence
- A stand-alone 11m x 7.5m solid brick farm building convert to Air B&B
- Remove Terra-cotta roof tiles
- Install Colorbond corrugated iron roof sheeting to match existing residence
- Extend existing sewerage line for Air B&B
- Provide new slab maintain 2.4 ceiling height
- Provide insulated internal walls & ceilings
Before any design began, Graham consulted with:
- The previous owner-builder to review existing septic and sewerage provisions
- Palarang Council for DA requirements and approval pathways
This ensured everything planned would be both practical and compliant.
Graham’s design focused on turning the farm building into a modern, functional rural retreat, while respecting the existing structure.
To begin:
- Removed the old terracotta roof tiles
- Installed a new Colorbond corrugated iron roof to match the main residence
- Utilised the generous 3m roof truss height to maintain ceiling heights after upgrades
- Achieved a final internal ceiling height of 2.4m, compliant and comfortable
- Installed modern laminated glass balustrades
The height and fall of the existing roof trusses allowed Graham to:
- Extend the existing septic system
- Install new sewer lines on top of the slab
- Lay consolidated fill
- Pour a new extended slab for the building’s addition
This brought modern plumbing capability to a previously unserviced farm building.
The final design included:
- Each with a walk-in robe
- Each with its own ensuite bathroom
- Each opening into the main living area
- Light-filled
- Designed for rural views
- Connecting directly to the new covered north-facing deck
- Practical for day-to-day living
- Ideal for short-term guest stays
- Matches the quality of the main wet areas
- Provides the main indoor–outdoor lifestyle feature – cover deck for guests
- Positioned to capture the stunning views over the Yass River
- Maintains privacy from the main home with its own separate driveway access
The original solid brick walls were not suitable for modern thermal or moisture performance. Graham resolved this by:
- Installing new timber-framed internal walls
- Adding internal moisture barriers to meet BCA compliance
- Including R2.5 insulation batts in the walls
- Installing R6.0 batts in the ceilings
- Relocating existing water tanks to improve functionality and layout
These upgrades turned the old farm structure into a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
A once unused farm building is now a beautifully designed, fully functional second residence — perfect for guests, extended family, or high-quality Air B&B stays.
The project delivered:
- Modern rural comfort
- Privacy and independence from the main home
- A bright, inviting living space
- Bedroom suites with hotel-style appeal
- A generous deck capturing uninterrupted rural views
- Strong structural performance and energy-efficient upgrades
.A true rural retreat — built with pride, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the client’s needs.