At a special presentation evening in Port Macquarie on October 2, Carolyn and Russell McFarland and Dylan Wood were presented the award for their project 'Benbulla' at Wherrol Flat.

The house is owned by Bob and Susan who Carolyn said gave them the brief to design a home that would engage locals and use local materials.

"It's a beautiful property," admits Carolyn.

With a very simple plan the home is rich in finishes and textures and enjoys a close connection to the landscape.

The judging jury said the home "encourages you to breathe quietly, slow down and just appreciate the delicate balance offered between landscape and shelter."

For Carolyn and team who have won this particular award three times, it is always a thrill to have their work recognised.

"We do it for our clients," said Carolyn of entering the awards.

"Our clients have gone on a journey with us and put their faith in us," she said.

"It is always an honour."

Many locals were involved in the project starting with Lincoln Brickworks who created a special mix for the bricks.

The size is also non-standard and looks longer and thinner than most bricks on the market.

Austin McFarland also teamed up with Terry Cross of Altez Building Contractors, a partnership that has proven successful in the past.

"This is our seventh architectural win with projects built with Terry," admits Carolyn.

"We're a good team."

The expansive views of the home come courtesy of the huge windows.

Bago woodworks of Wauchope were able to produce all the timber joinery and windows in the home.

Machin's Sawmill supplied all the Blackbutt timber flooring and cladding for the completely autonomous building.

Operating off the grid, the home enjoys a double glazed living room and main bedroom, solar water, sewerage is treated off the property and the heat exchange with wet back fireplace was designed by home owner Bob, a combustion engineer.

Using local supplies is what makes the homes designed by Austin McFarland so successful believes Carolyn.

"This home was a real collaboration and a lovely project," she said.

Carolyn credits home-owner Susan for the texture in the home and said it is the first time she has had to incorporate a four metre dining table into a building.

No time was wasted putting the huge table to good use it would seem.

Bob and Susan invited the entire team responsible for the work on the house including tradies to lunch the day they moved in.

"It is very social," laughs Carolyn.

'Benbulla' will now progress to the State awards which will be held next year.