Daruk, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri
NSW
Nestled within a World Heritage-listed landscape, gently sloping toward the Kanimbla Valley, the Blue Mountains CLT House and Studio is a refined expression of contemporary Australian architecture. Designed to complement the site’s historic and natural significance, the project celebrates a blend of innovation and heritage preservation.
Crafted from cross-laminated timber, the studio balances modern construction with natural materiality, offering both an artistic workspace and a private retreat that integrates with its semi-rural surroundings.
The existing cottage was thoughtfully restored to enhance thermal performance, energy efficiency and interior functionality, all while preserving its original charm. A considered landscape design unites the studio and cottage, strengthening the connection between the built and natural environments.
Each part of this project has been transformative. The studio provided uplifting workspaces, and the renewed house and entry are now better connected to the intimate courtyard and the broader context of the Kanimbla Valley. The building forms and details subtly enhance the connection between the various spaces but also the local context of 19th century cottages. The use of wood, stone and steel, elemental materials suit its top of the mountain setting and the varying and sometimes extreme weather we experience here. With the landscaping now finished the house is effectively complete and we love being here.