Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Architecture Wednesday: River Shack

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 …

As always, click to emBIGGERate ...

9 comments:

  1. I think this is a hard pass for me. I don't see anything I'd find comfortable or cozy.

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    1. I kind of like the wide open spaces and the minimalist vibe. I don't know if I'd LIVE there but I'd visit.

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  2. I'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.

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    1. Yeah, I noticed that odd bathroom situation; that would need to be remedied right away!

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  3. Do not --- I repeat --- do not get caught burning down that barn. We need you and Maddie!
    This place? Oh, yeah. I could live there, even with the way I struggle with stairs.

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  4. No, it doesn't have a comfortable place to sit.

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  5. Interesting, needs a bit more color. But where the rest of the pics? The schematic indicates bedrooms with an attached garden?

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  6. Cleora Borealis10:42 AM

    😉 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!! 🦘🥂🤩
    https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/marramarra-lodge

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Say anything, but keep it civil .......