CONSTRUCTIONS

Client Vision: Create a magical experience for city couples, enticing them to experience the magic of the Liverpool Plains region and escape the stresses of day-to-day life. Showcase the beauty of the landscape whilst offering luxurious accommodation, and facilitating the opportunity for couples to create cherished experiences together with a focus on food, cooking and connection to the land. Promote tourism to the region by providing a unique farm stay experience that has all the luxury of modern appointments and architecture whilst being a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. An eco-friendly design that is committed to sustainability through the use of local materials where possible.

Cameron Anderson architects were engaged to design a building that was unique and architecturally beautiful, exploiting the expansive Southern vista, but also sympathetic to the landscape.

The Hut as it is affectionately known, is a striking combination of angles complimented by curved features. Spotted gum ply establishes the warmth of the interior rising up in a cathedral ceiling. The warm timber interior is contrasted with dark features and steel fixtures. Custom black patina finish steel shelves and wide vanity/sink fabricated in house are one of the many bespoke features. A separate services shed is located to the North of the hut, with other services such as the the inverter and battery cabinet hidden via cleverly integrated exterior cupboards.

A trapezoidal highlight window adorns the northern aspect, drawing light through the loft area that reflects softly from the cathedral ceiling throughout the hut. The southern side glazing takes in the incredible expansive landscape. The positioning of the hut along with the cantilevered deck gives an incredible sense of height over the valley beyond. The polished concrete floor is not only beautiful finish to the infill slab, but acts as a heat bank absorbing from both the eastern windows in the morning and from the ambient wood heater when it is in use. The sides and underneath of the slab are also insulated with 25mm Cool-Therm polystyrene insulation. Wood for heating is plentiful on the property, and hazard reduction burning of timber is regularly required to reduce bushfire risk, so this can be put to good use for guests at the hut in the wood heater, the firepit and the wood-fired hot tub (which has a backup electric heat pump).

Shading is provided for at all times of the day in all seasons thanks to the overhanging roof and trapezoidal design. Double glazing aids the energy usage, with the hut being completely off-grid powered by a rooftop solar system. The western overhang of the roof provides shading helping to keep the hut cool from the afternoon sun.

The exterior is finished in a combination of materials that combine to create a perfect balance of clean sharp lines and warm, organic materials. Charred timber cladding symbolises growth and rejuvenation whilst honouring the tradition of cultural burning. The dark charred cladding is contrasted by the warm rich tones of spotted gum which glows warmly capturing the sunlight during the day. Colorbond matt provides the bold signature shape of the hut.

The landscaping features large boulders and paving stones sourced from the property and mulched gardens of low-water use plants. Water is captured and stored in a 58,600L tank and is supplemented by bore water drawn from the property. A reverse osmosis unit underneath the kitchen sink removes hard minerals from the water for when bore water is present.

The bespoke joinery of the kitchen ensures all modern comforts are provided whilst maintaining an organic, minimalist feel. Features include a fully integrated fridge, dish drawer, gas cooktop and complimentary wine on arrival is showcased in a custom made wine cooler display fridge.

Outside guests are enticed to experience the tranquillity of the countryside, with a wood fired hot tub and firepit which can also be used for cooking. A gas fired pizza oven is a feature.

Challenges specific to constructing the hut were the angled windows on the eastern side, installation and construction in a confined spaces, management of trades on site given small working area.