Gundungurra (Gandangara)
New South Wales
Gingkin is a small footprint, off grid, modular farmhouse located on a high plateau West of the Blue Mountains above Jenolan Caves, looking out towards Kanangra Walls. Â The site is wonderfully expansive, but also can be very cold and windy.Â
The core idea of the client’s brief was to provide a minimum level of amenity in terms of size and functionality to allow for comfortable habitation of this sometimes harsh environment.Â
It is entirely planned on a 3.6 x 3.6m grid for material efficiency. It is entirely electric, with a geothermal system for heating, and a large PV array (16KW) and modular battery system providing power.
It is designed to capture sun, and take account of the varying wind directions.Â
Ultimately the house is a result of the ideas in the client’s very thoughtful brief being carried through the project to their conclusions.Â
Award for Sustainable Architecture
Gingkin demonstrates sustainability as a holistic architectural proposition; one grounded not only in environmental performance, but in community, continuity, and ecological regeneration. Constructed almost entirely by local tradespeople in remote NSW, the project reinforces regional knowledge and community capability reinforcing enduring relationships between builder, trades and architect, embedding social sustainability within the making of the architecture.
Incidental Architecture’s approach draws fundamental sustainability principles back into the lineage of Australian regional architecture, resonating with the vernacular conditions of place through restraint, durability and responsiveness. Designed on a rigorous grid system to minimise waste, the project privileges renewable and low-impact materials while creating a calm and enduring refuge within a harsh inland climate.
Passive environmental strategies, natural ventilation, daylight and a constant connection to landscape foster wellbeing and seasonal occupation. Elevated lightly above the site, Gingkin minimises disturbance while supporting bush regeneration and new wildlife corridors. Off-grid and climate responsive, the project exemplifies resilient architecture grounded in stewardship, landscape and community.
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
This compact farmhouse in the Gingkin high country is a meticulously resolved offgrid retreat shaped by climate, landscape, and restraint. Situated at 1300 metres elevation, the design prioritises thermal comfort through passive house principles, compact planning, material efficiency, and careful orientation to capture warmth while shielding against severe weather. Entirely self-sufficient, the home incorporates geothermal heating, solar power, and 80,000 litres of water storage. Referencing the utilitarian character of local farm sheds, its palette of corrugated steel, timber, plywood, and concrete block follows a rigorous 3.6 metre grid that minimises waste.
The project exemplifies contemporary Australian architecture grounded in sustainability, durability, and connection to place.
Award for Sustainable Architecture
Gingkin demonstrates sustainability as a holistic architectural proposition; one grounded not only in environmental performance, but in community, continuity, and ecological regeneration. Constructed almost entirely by local tradespeople in remote NSW, the project reinforces regional knowledge and community capability reinforcing enduring relationships between builder, trades and architect, embedding social sustainability within the making of the architecture.
Incidental Architecture’s approach draws fundamental sustainability principles back into the lineage of Australian regional architecture, resonating with the vernacular conditions of place through restraint, durability and responsiveness. Designed on a rigorous grid system to minimise waste, the project privileges renewable and low-impact materials while creating a calm and enduring refuge within a harsh inland climate.
Passive environmental strategies, natural ventilation, daylight and a constant connection to landscape foster wellbeing and seasonal occupation. Elevated lightly above the site, Gingkin minimises disturbance while supporting bush regeneration and new wildlife corridors. Off-grid and climate responsive, the project exemplifies resilient architecture grounded in stewardship, landscape and community.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)
This compact farmhouse in the Gingkin high country is a meticulously resolved offgrid retreat shaped by climate, landscape, and restraint. Situated at 1300 metres elevation, the design prioritises thermal comfort through passive house principles, compact planning, material efficiency, and careful orientation to capture warmth while shielding against severe weather. Entirely self-sufficient, the home incorporates geothermal heating, solar power, and 80,000 litres of water storage. Referencing the utilitarian character of local farm sheds, its palette of corrugated steel, timber, plywood, and concrete block follows a rigorous 3.6 metre grid that minimises waste.
The project exemplifies contemporary Australian architecture grounded in sustainability, durability, and connection to place.
After years of dreaming about a self-sufficient off grid house we are delighted with our farm house. It is a simple and inviting escape from the city, allowing us to find peace in the Gingkin high country. With thoughtful design, the house sits sensitively in the landscape and is comfortable in all weather – sun, wind, rain or snow. Whether it’s just the two of us or entertaining family and friends who want to share a bit of the Gingkin Plateau wilderness, we love our little bush paradise
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Matt Elkan, Design Architect
Owen Kelly, Project Architect
Hayley Skelton, Project Architect
Daina Cunningham, Project Architect
Mike Jefferis, Structural Engineer
Calare Civil, Hydraulic Consultant
BERA – Tori Walker, ESD Consultant
Highlands Geoxchange (HGX), Services Consultant