South Australia
Esca is a nature-based tourism operator offering environmentally sensitive, luxury experiences in regional settings, enabling landowners to unlock the potential of underutilised properties with a turn-key prefabricated, off-grid, accommodation solution.
This project, Esca’s third venture, features two 66m2 suites located atop Mt Alma in the picturesque Inman Valley.
Tasked with designing an experience, not simply a building, the design responds to a scripted 48-hour stay, focusing on creating memorable moments of joy that stay with guests long after departure.
Material choices speak to the surrounding landscape, and were chosen with tactility, robustness, and comfort in mind.
An open-plan layout with intimate spaces concealed behind low-height walls and full-height cavity sliders, allow operability and privacy while maintaining incredible views from all key areas.
A full kitchen, luggage store, powder room, indoor/outdoor bathing, wood fire, king bed and protected terrace all provide a sense of space and luxury within a compact footprint.
Commendation for Small Project Architecture
ESCA is a modular accommodation suite nestled in Inman Valley. Through careful siting, ESCA appears to delicately hover over the earth. Crafted off-site, it is meticulously designed and minimises on-site impact. ESCA operates entirely off-grid and is equipped with a dedicated fire bunker. Internally, expansive glass invites users to embrace the natural beauty of its surrounds. Artisanal furniture and lighting enhance the guest experience.
Sara, Dino and the entire Das Studio team have been instrumental in the development of our business and product range at Esca.
Das Studio demonstrated a high level of technical capability to design and deliver these complex buildings, which was matched by their appreciation of the curated moments that bring immense joy for our guests.
The arrival sequence, the reveal upon opening the door and the considered location of hidden surprises throughout each suite ensure that we deliver a truly immersive experience in nature without compromise.
Dino Vrynios
Sara Horstmann
Ashleigh Pinto
Sara Threadgold
Rupert Piccoli
Andrew & Associates, Surveyor
BuildSurv, Building Certifier
MDLR, Project Manager
PT Design, Civil Engineer
PT Design, Structural Engineer
SUHO, Energy Consultant
Trident Detailing, BIM Consultant
URPS, Town Planner
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
