Katang-speaking aboriginal people of the Biripi and Worimi Tribes
New South Wales
Regional
The clients brief began as a rural shed. An object emblematic of rural life; rudimentary in its form, durable, strong and highly functional. The house was composed in three elements; a platform to elevate above the shifting landscape, an expansive roof to capture water and protect from the harsh sun, and a series of rooms arranged around a protected court. The house is designed to suit the dynamic evolution of a young family, accomodating extended visitors and entertaining while also maintaining privacy and isolation. It promotes an outdoor lifestyle through a number of protected out-door spaces that engage with the vast open landscape beyond. The house is completely off-grid, long-lasting and durable. It promotes a profound sense of self-sufficiency in an vast rural part of NSW.
Ideally sited, on a vast rural block and shielded from harsh weather to the south and west,, the graphic lines of House Nabiac’s zincalume façade are punctuated by fine timber screens, defining access and service zones.
Entry is delineated by a brick chimney and outdoor fireplace which anchors a large outdoor room that opens to the north-east, offering expansive views of the surrounding rural and bushland landscapes.’
Robustly detailed and comfortable, house Nabiac is a classic re-exploration of the rural tin shed vernacular demonstrating that fine architecture need not be borne of an expansive budget or lavish materiality.
The design of the home has been a foundation for family life. It is the rural shed, a sturdy, durable object in the vast country landscape of Nabiac. It provides a shelter from the summer sun and protection from strong westerly winds. Inside, it provides for the complex activities of family life. The living spaces adjoin the outdoor breezeway, fire and ’hearth’ of the home, while the bedroom wing allows for individual separation and privacy.
The verandah provides all weather protection, and connects what is an extension of the home; the rumpus / guest bedroom. Which is regularly used!
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.
