Modern building with sloped roof and glass windows in a rural setting at sunset.

A modern building with a sloped roof and large glass windows, set in a rural landscape at sunset. The structure features rammed earth walls and a patio area with outdoor seating and a fire pit.

A small, modern building with a flat roof is situated in a rural landscape surrounded by dense trees and a vineyard in the foreground.
A modern building with a flat roof and rammed earth walls set in a rural landscape at sunset.
A contemporary building with a flat roof and rammed earth walls set in a natural landscape with trees in the background.
A modern structure with a sloped roof, featuring rammed earth walls and a patio area with outdoor seating. A freestanding bathtub is placed on a landscaped area surrounded by grass and plants. The setting is rural with trees and hills in the background, and the sky shows a colorful sunset.
A modern single-story building with a sloped roof, featuring a combination of wood, glass, and rammed earth elements. The structure has an open patio area with outdoor furniture and a grill, surrounded by a landscaped garden and natural terrain.
An outdoor bathtub with a towel draped over the edge, surrounded by natural greenery and trees in the background. A sculptural art piece is visible nearby.
An outdoor scene featuring a modern structure with a flat roof and a rammed earth wall. In the foreground, there is a freestanding outdoor bathtub with a faucet, surrounded by greenery and a small stool. The background shows a forested area with trees under warm, golden lighting.
An outdoor setting featuring a freestanding bathtub and a small wooden stool on a concrete platform, surrounded by grass and plants. A rammed earth wall is in the background, with natural landscape and trees visible.
A modern exterior view of a building with large glass doors opening to a patio area. The patio features a small table with two chairs, and the building is surrounded by natural landscape. The structure includes rammed earth walls and a wooden ceiling.
A contemporary building with a wooden exterior and large glass sliding doors opening to a bedroom. The setting includes a concrete patio, a gravel pathway, and surrounding trees. The interior features wooden walls and a cozy bed. The sky is colorful, suggesting sunset.
A cozy interior space featuring a bed with an orange blanket, green lounge chairs, a wood-burning stove, and large sliding glass doors opening to an outdoor area with trees visible in the background.
Interior of a room featuring a modern wood-burning stove, a large window with a view of the outdoors, and a cozy seating area with green cushioned chairs. The room has a wooden ceiling and a polished concrete floor.
A cozy interior featuring a modern black wood-burning stove with a visible flame, set against a backdrop of textured walls and a wooden window nook. Dark curtains partially cover a window, adding warmth to the space.
A cozy interior space featuring a modern fireplace, a large window with a view of trees, a bed with an orange cover, and two green lounge chairs.
A cozy interior room featuring a bed with brown bedding, two green lounge chairs, a wood-burning stove, and a large window with a view of the outdoors. The walls are made of rammed earth and wood, and there is a polished concrete floor.
A cozy bedroom interior with wooden walls and ceiling, featuring a bed with white pillows and brown bedding. Two artworks hang on the walls, and there are small wall-mounted lights on either side of the bed.
A cozy interior space featuring a rammed earth wall adorned with a colorful painting. A pendant light hangs beside a bed with white and brown bedding.
A cozy bedroom interior featuring a wooden paneled wall, a bed with white and brown bedding, a piece of abstract art above the bed, and a small side table with a vase of greenery.
A cozy interior space featuring a wooden wall with a bed, green lounge chairs, and a kitchenette with a marble backsplash.
A modern kitchen interior with wooden wall panels, a marble countertop, and open shelving displaying glassware and decor.
A kitchen detail showcasing a brass faucet, a marble countertop and backsplash, and a wooden shelf with various cups and glasses.
A kitchen interior featuring a wooden panel wall, glass shelves with glassware, a small painting, and a marble countertop with a brass faucet.
A bathroom interior featuring a unique mirror with a gold frame, flanked by two round wall lights. Below the mirror is a terracotta-colored round sink set on a marble countertop. The wall is covered with small square tiles, and a small potted plant adds a touch of greenery.
A modern shower area with dual shower heads, brown tiled walls, and a wooden ceiling. Large window provides natural light and a view of the outdoors.
A modern shower area with two showerheads mounted on a tiled wall, with a view of the outdoors through a large window at sunset.
A bathroom interior featuring a round terracotta sink on a marble countertop with brass fixtures. The wall is covered with small green tiles and two round wall lights are mounted above. A striped towel hangs on the side.
A bathroom sink area featuring a round terracotta-colored basin, a wall-mounted metallic faucet, and a small potted plant on a shelf above. The wall is tiled with small square tiles, and a striped towel is visible.
A contemporary building with a flat roof and wooden cladding, set in a rural landscape.
A modern building with a flat roof and open storage areas, set in a rural landscape with trees and a blue sky.

Story

A contemporary farm stay merging art, architecture, and sustainability within a historic rural setting. Set amidst the undulating landscape of Mudgee, New South Wales, Sapling at Rosby offers a unique farm stay experience that intertwines art, architecture, and the rich history of a working rural property. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the building complements a collection of existing earth structures that define Rosby's identity. The property, once a historic dairy farm, has evolved since 1982 into a vibrant hub for sculpture exhibitions and art workshops, culminating in the award-winning rammed earth cellar door and gallery completed in 2020. The architectural narrative of Sapling at Rosby is deeply rooted in its surroundings. Its dramatic roofline ascends towards the vineyard, symbolizing a tribute to the land's historical significance. The building's orientation offers expansive valley views, establishing a seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape. Supported by three steel portal frames, the structure pays homage to the property's three owners, while rammed earth walls resonate with the material language of the farm's older structures. This thoughtful material palette of steel, earth, timber, and glass ensures a robust yet harmonious presence within the rural context. Art is integral to Sapling's identity, serving as both accommodation and a dynamic exhibition space for Australian artists. The interiors are designed to be open and gallery-like, fostering a visual connection to the surrounding landscape. This synergy is further enhanced by the property's tradition of hosting annual sculpture exhibitions, with artists invited to reside on-site during their showcases, enriching the cultural exchange between the building, its creators, and its visitors. Sustainability is at the core of Sapling's design. The off-grid building relies on 8.8kW solar panels and 18.8kW battery storage, with 43,000 litres of rainwater storage meeting daily and bushfire needs. Large roof overhangs and strategically planted trees mitigate the harsh summer sun, while operable windows and high-level louvers facilitate natural ventilation. The use of rammed earth walls and polished concrete floors enhances thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Locally sourced materials further anchor the project to its locale. The rammed earth construction, completed by Penney Constructions, and sustainably sourced Spotted Gum hardwood contribute to the building's tactile authenticity. Over time, the timber will weather naturally, allowing the structure to evolve alongside its environment, reinforcing its connection to the regional landscape and craftsmanship.

## Design Highlights

Dramatic roofline oriented towards the vineyard Integration of art as a rotating exhibition space Off-grid sustainability with solar and rainwater systems Use of rammed earth and locally sourced materials Gallery-like interiors with expansive valley views

## Key Facts

Feature Details
Location Mudgee, NSW, Australia
Architect Cameron Anderson Architects
Year Completed 2023
Sustainability Off-grid with solar and rainwater systems
Materials Rammed earth, Spotted Gum hardwood

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and a tactile quality.
  • Floor Finish: Polished concrete flooring helps stabilize indoor conditions.

Materials

  • Rammed Earth — Walls
  • Glass — Windows and doors
  • Steel — Structural frames
  • Wood — Interior and exterior cladding

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Three steel portal frames support the structure.
  • Facade System: Combination of rammed earth and glass elements.

Products

  • Solar Panels — 8.8kW solar panels — by Black Lab Solar (Energy generation)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: natural earth tones, warm wood hues
  • Lighting: Natural lighting with large windows and overhangs for shading

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View Cameron Anderson Architects