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After that reviled barn conversion of a couple of weeks back—Maddie and I may or may not be making plans to drive to Connecticut and burn it down—this week’s entry is simple, and spare and minimalist; and I’m here for it. The shack/eco-home is constructed from a mix of cement fiber, plasterboard, ironbark, spotted gum, and recycled timbers, including 200-year-old electricity poles from the early colonial settlement of Marramarra Creek. The design revolves around its remarkable setting, with the centerpiece of the open-plan layout being a single 6-metre-high window overlooking the creek. Facing north, this window opens fully onto an outdoor deck, dissolving the boundary between indoors and outdoors. While its boxy form references traditional shack architecture, the off-grid house doesn’t skimp on comforts. A floating steel fireplace heats the living room and creates a dramatic focal point, while the interior celebrates craftsmanship with exposed wood throughout. The elevated kitchen has a custom steel sink and cooktop installed and is furnished with bespoke timber furniture. Solar energy and water are harvested on the cabin’s flat roof and stored on-site, making the home fully self-sustainable. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are tucked at the rear of the cabin, making it suitable as either a full-time residence or a holiday home for those seeking seclusion. I might use it as a second home because it seems very secluded and I need a little something more, but I do love that, for me, it has an Asian feel with the wood and windows and the simplicity of it all. Plus, if I wanted even more privacy than a tiny river shack, I could purchase the adjacent lot as well …          |
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Architecture Wednesday: River Shack
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I think this is a hard pass for me. I don't see anything I'd find comfortable or cozy.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the wide open spaces and the minimalist vibe. I don't know if I'd LIVE there but I'd visit.
DeleteI'd add some soft cushy leather chairs around the fireplace and to watch that view, and some padding on the seats for the table (distressed saddle leather?) The water closet, shower room layout is weird, you would have to cross through the kitchen to get from one to the other, that part of the layout needs a tweak (not a twink.) I love the view. I would buy flood insurance on this one.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I noticed that odd bathroom situation; that would need to be remedied right away!
DeleteDo not --- I repeat --- do not get caught burning down that barn. We need you and Maddie!
ReplyDeleteThis place? Oh, yeah. I could live there, even with the way I struggle with stairs.
I think Maddie and I have calmed down a bit but ....
DeleteI like the solitude of this place.
...whew.... we were about ready to take away the matches.
DeleteNo, it doesn't have a comfortable place to sit.
ReplyDeleteInvest in some cushions or big comfy chairs by the window and curl up with a book!
DeleteNo, thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is a specific taste.
DeleteInteresting, needs a bit more color. But where the rest of the pics? The schematic indicates bedrooms with an attached garden?
ReplyDeleteThe bedrooms are at the back of the house, up the hill; try as I might I could find no pictures of them!
Delete😉 OK, Bob, you little scamp. What are you up to not revealing where this oddity is located? I had never heard of Marramarra Creek so I was delighted to find it is in New South Wales, Australia! Since Australia is much better than the U.S. at dealing with guns and rogue politicians, I'd love to visit...but not in the shack. I'll be waving at you from my bungalow at the Lodge while I enjoy a gourmet meal. I will raise a glass of Australian chardonnay in your honor!! Oy, oy, oy!! 🦘🥂🤩
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/marramarra-lodge
Oops, my bad. I thought I'd said Australia but clearly I did not!
DeleteThe lodge looks nice, too.
the dog's mother
ReplyDeleteOther than the view - AK!
xoxo :-)
I like the austerity of it all, as a meditative getaway!
DeleteNo, too small, too austere, though I bet the views are phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't live there full time, but to getaway from it all would be perfect!
DeleteI would love to see the bedrooms and that back garden. I want to like it because it’s so interesting even though all that wood is not something I usually go for (but I get it here). However, that split bathroom with the toilet on one side and a walk through the kitchen to get to the sink, that’s a big no for me.
ReplyDeleteThe bathroom I don't get either; and I looked and looked for more photos of that and the bedrooms but couldn't find them!
DeleteThis would be the perfect weekend getaway place. No fuss or no cleaning of the house. There's nothing to clean. Now I don't like this but I don't hate it either. I think the reason I like it is because if you're already out in the woods like that this will just add to the tranquility. I adore the exterior and it's location. Imagine this place in the snow!
ReplyDeleteSee, I agree; just a place to hide out and crack open some wine, build a fire and read a good book!
DeleteI agree with Mads.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to this place for a week or two. The minimalism would quiet my mind and the view would soothe me. To live here I'd add some plush furniture and some rugs. And artwork. It needs artwork if you're gonna live here..
And DO NOT burn that barn down.
XOXO
I have been forbidden by Carlos from burning down any more houses that I don't like ...
DeleteI'd keep this as my private spot, simple and neat.
xoxo
Ah, an Aussie one. It looks practical and doesn't pretend to be what it isn't.
ReplyDeleteIt's practical except for that bathroom; I'd need that explained!
DeleteNice for a getaway, its only accessible by boat
ReplyDeleteKeeps the Bible thumpers and the salesmen out!
DeleteMost important question: how often does the river rise to flood levels?
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the "shack" is high up on the land, so maybe it's out of flood danger.
Delete