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. The site is wonderfully expansive, but also can be very cold and windy.
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.
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.
Ultimately the house is a result of the ideas in the client’s very thoughtful brief being carried through the project to their conclusions.
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
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