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Flooding is a constant threat in subtropical New South Wales, so Casey Johnston (pictured, with sons Raph and Ozzy) and husband Martin asked architect Justin Twohill to design a backyard house that could weather a downpour with minimal cleanup.

The former church and school are now part of a four-building complex. An infill building was constructed to connect the school and church. One of the project’s main focuses was to maintain its original architecture, such as preserving its original facade, archways, brick details, and windows.

The great room is surrounded by multiple dining and seating areas which can be arranged in a number of formats across the central gathering space. "It is an impressive setting for intimate dinner parties, but can also easily accommodate large-scale events.”

A stunning example of adaptive reuse, the brick structure features two connected parts: the chapel itself, which is a grade II-listed building, and a large, L-shaped meeting house set behind the former chapel and surrounded by a private garden.

The Cabin is used by a couple with a young child, who spend their weekends here while a larger country home is under construction.

The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and windows were the most expensive line item in the renovation. “The house would simply not be the same without them,” says architect Miguel Rivera. “When you are in the living area with the doors open, it creates one large indoor/outdoor space that is simply stunning.” Just beyond the kitchen, a bookcase in the hallway is painted to appear red from one side and gray from the other.

The jagged roof of Villa Tellier references both an upside-down chair (giving the residence its other name, The Chairhouse) and the owner’s initials, W.T.