Wonnarua Nation, including Darkinjung and Awabakal lands
New South Wales
Hutch is a capsule of shelter, sustainability and style. A prototype, off-grid cabin tucked away in a valley near the rural village of Wollombi. The project was conceptualised recognising the urban dwellers’ need for escape, recharge in nature, rest, relaxation, adventure and, perhaps most of all, wellbeing. A need that has been heightened by the recent global pandemic that coincided with our design process.
Complex functional requirements had to be created in almost impossibly small spaces to achieve the modest footprint. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects met the challenge of maximum usability and sustainable living within the weight and size constraints of a mobile dwelling.
The end result is an open, flexible and spacious feeling pod which, when opened up, is virtually entirely outdoors. A wood-fired hot tub completes the experience with bathing beneath the stars at night.
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects were engaged to develop a unique, transportable luxury cabin for our wilderness ‘hotel’ business. The prototype has exceeded our expectations. It can be relocated to different sites easily and cost-effectively, allows flexible installation and fine-tuning of the cabin’s orientation on site. The design quality reinforces our “relaxed luxury” brand, and means we have less maintenance and running costs compared to cheaper models. This makes our business more sustainable long-term. This 360 degree nature-immersion experience sets a new design and quality standard for the small, mobile “home away from home”. We are excited for cabin no. 2!
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.
