GAWTHORNE'S HUT || Luxury Off-Grid Tourism Experience in New South Wales, Australia
We’ve got cabin fever.
What better place to hide out to wait out the deep, dark months of winter than in a cozy cabin? Where the warm glow emitted by the lights of the cabin makes it appear like a firefly floating about in the wilderness?
Small spaces have always fascinated us because the confines of the space encourage the architect to be more creative. Gawthorne’s Hut, situated in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia, at just 40m2, is a prime example of the perfect getaway spot in nature.
Just 10 minutes from Mudgee brings you to Gawthorne’s Hut in a pristine natural setting.
The still pond reflects the beautiful surroundings.
The hut was designed as a luxury, 2 person, off-the-grid tourism experience 10 minutes from Mudgee. Designed to be sustainable and unique, the angled galvanized steel roof houses a solar array to maximize exposure to the northern sun, while the rich timber-lined interior references the rural environment with hay sheds and outbuildings. The project is a 100% off-grid building, with 40,000L of rainwater storage to collect and reuse rainwater, a high level of insulation in the roofs and walls, thermal mass via a polished concrete slab, gas hot water, efficient bathroom fixtures and passive solar shading.
The cozy space houses a sleek and contemporary kitchen with room to prepare meals.
The 40m2 interior utilizes an open floor plan with the washroom being the sole enclosed space. Recycled bricks from the original cottage on the property are used to build the fireplace. To retain the rustic and cozy look and feel, solar batteries, electrical boards, and a gas hot water unit are tactfully hidden behind a galvanized door on the Western facade.
A low height brick wall made from recycled bricks provide some degree of separation from the
The fireplace nestled within an enclosure made with recycled bricks from the original cottage.
A soaker tub sits by the window where guests can soak away the stress and bask in the warm sunlight. Despite the small space, the hut has room enough for a kitchen counter by the floor-to-ceiling window for guests to take in the breathtaking valley views as they start their day. A sliding door opens onto a covered terrace for a breath of fresh air; at night, guests can retreat indoors to sit by the fireplace before retiring to bed with the sound of nature instead of the sound of city cars as the backdrop.
This cozy and unique project won Airbnb’s Best Unique Stay Australia in 2021 and would make for the perfect getaway if you ever find yourself on the sunny continent.
A soaker tub to relax in the warm rays of sunshine.
The angled form is emphasised internally through a blackbutt lined ceiling which also frames the valley views to the East.
The angled form gives the building a distinct look.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architects: Cameron Anderson Architects
Builder: Callander Constructions
Structural Engineer: Barnson PL
Project size: 40 m2
Completion date: 2020
Building levels: 1
Photography: Amber Hooper