According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Australia is the world’s happiest country for the third year running (we’re No. 6 here in the US). The upside to life Down Under? A good economy–and we have to think that climate and natural beauty have something to do with it. Plus, perhaps, good architecture?

Melbourne-based Wolveridge Architects aim to create houses that are “beautiful and enrich the lives of their occupants.” (Plus they promise to return clients’ calls promptly and say they’ll pay $100 to the charity of your choosing if ever a day lapses.) Our favorite project from their portfolio? Not the sprawling modernist beach houses the firm is known for but a converted knackery, a last-stop for horses, partly reconstructed to become a weekend house in the bush of Trafalgar in Victoria’s east.

Photographs by Albert Comper via Wolveridge Architects.

Above: Wolveridge inserted a modern living space within the concrete block structure.

Above: Light floods the interior.

Above: A dining area with an unexpected blue painted stairway.

Above: The kitchen is rough yet refined.

Above: A corner window overlooks the surrounding landscape.

Above: A lounging corner.

Above: The rear deck.

More inspirational architecture? Go straight to our Architecture & Interiors posts, and for decorating ideas and color palettes, get lost in Home Inspiration. Looking to hire design help? For our list of recommended architects and designers around the world, see the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.