The client's brief was the design of a solar passive retreat with a small footprint, sensitive to the landscape and integrating within the surrounding natural environment of the traditional lands of the Ngunawal people.
With no available services, off-grid self sufficiency was required.
The linear plan design is oriented east west incorporating living spaces on an axis with bedrooms and amenities as bookends; the design incorporates a deliberate directional use of cross ventilation. The entry from the south celebrates landscape views to the north upon entrance.
High performance insulation withstands the extremes of temperature of this climatic zone.
The use of iron bark cladding gives a timeless impact and visual vibrancy of a natural skin. Large sliding northern orientated doors are protected by bays of fully adjustable louvers. Shutters on the east and west allow flexibility of light and sun protection.