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.

Modern building with flat roof in rural landscape surrounded by trees and vineyard.
Modern building with flat roof and rammed earth walls in a rural setting at sunset.
Contemporary building with flat roof and rammed earth walls surrounded by trees.
Modern building with rammed earth walls and sloped roof, outdoor bathtub, and patio seating in a rural setting at sunset.
Modern building with sloped roof, wood and glass elements, patio with furniture, and surrounding landscape.
Outdoor bathtub with towel and nearby sculpture amidst trees and greenery.
Outdoor scene with a modern structure, rammed earth wall, outdoor bathtub, and forested background.
Outdoor bathtub and stool on concrete platform with rammed earth wall and natural landscape in the background.
Exterior view of a modern building with glass doors, a small patio with chairs, and surrounding natural landscape.
Contemporary building with wooden exterior and glass doors opening to a bedroom, surrounded by trees and a gravel pathway.
Interior view of a room with a bed, green chairs, a wood stove, and large glass doors opening to an outdoor area with trees.
Interior room with a wood-burning stove, large window, green chairs, wooden ceiling, and concrete floor.
Interior with a modern black wood-burning stove, textured walls, a wooden window nook, and dark curtains.
Interior with a modern fireplace, large window, bed with orange cover, and green lounge chairs.
Interior room with a bed, green chairs, wood stove, large window, and rammed earth and wood walls.
Bedroom with wooden walls, bed with white pillows and brown bedding, and two artworks on the walls.
Interior view of a room with a rammed earth wall, a colorful painting, a pendant light, and a bed with white and brown bedding.
Bedroom with wooden wall, bed with white and brown bedding, abstract art, and side table with vase.
Interior view of a room with a wooden wall, bed, green chairs, and kitchenette with marble backsplash.
Modern kitchen with wooden panels, marble countertop, and open shelves with glassware.
Close-up of a kitchen sink area with a brass faucet, marble countertop and backsplash, and a wooden shelf with cups and glasses.
Kitchen interior with wooden panel wall, glass shelves, glassware, a small painting, and a marble countertop with a brass faucet.
Bathroom interior with a gold-framed mirror, round sink, marble countertop, and small square tiles.
Modern shower area with dual shower heads, brown tiled walls, wooden ceiling, and large window with outdoor view.
Modern shower with two showerheads on a tiled wall, overlooking a sunset view through a large window.
Bathroom with terracotta sink, marble countertop, brass fixtures, green tiled wall, and round wall lights.
Bathroom sink with terracotta basin and wall-mounted faucet, small plant on shelf, and tiled wall.
A modern building with a flat roof and wooden facade, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.
Modern building with flat roof and open storage, surrounded by rural landscape and trees.

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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