An off-grid farm stay expressing sustainable architecture through rammed earth, steel frames, and an art-led program oriented to the vineyard landscape.
Project Overview
Developed by Amber Norton-Knight and Cameron Anderson, the building functions as both lodging and a rotating exhibition space for Australian artists. Its materials continue Rosby’s rammed earth lineage, while three steel portal frames register the property’s current three owners. Within the Mudgee region, its off-grid stance sits alongside projects such as Rammed Earth Retreat, sharing a focus on materiality and landscape.
The farm stay glows under evening light, showcasing timber and rammed earth textures.
Site and Urban Context
Located within Rosby’s working rural property, the building aligns with existing earth structures established over decades. Arrival occurs near a small parking area before the plan opens toward vineyard rows and long valley views. Broad eaves and new tree planting modulate exposure on the north and west, supporting shade and comfort as vegetation matures.
Aerial view captures the farm stay among vineyards and trees, emphasizing its rural setting.
Design Concept and sustainable architecture
A sculptural roof rises toward the vineyard, formally recognizing the land that underpins the property’s history. Three steel portal frames articulate the primary structure and symbolize the three owners. Rammed earth walls and a restrained palette of timber and glass provide continuity with earlier works on the farm without direct replication, emphasizing evolution rather than imitation.
Contemporary farm stay features a striking roofline and rammed earth walls, integrated within the landscape.
Spatial Organization
From the approach, the plan expands outward to capture views, with gallery-like interiors accommodating rotating exhibitions alongside guest functions. Operable openings and high-level louvres drive cross and night purging, enabling simple, legible circulation while maintaining visual connection to the surrounding landscape.
Materials and Facade
Rammed earth walls supply thermal mass and a tactile register of place. Spotted Gum hardwood is used for structure and joinery elements, including locally manufactured windows and doors. The steel portal frames and extensive glazing define a clear structural rhythm, while generous overhangs calibrate solar exposure. This regional sourcing and robust envelope align with material-forward approaches seen in rural hospitality and retreat architecture, comparable in sensibility to projects like Casa Eva.
Daylight accentuates the natural textures of the building, creating a harmonious outdoor space.
Light, Climate, and Atmosphere
Performance is anchored in off-grid systems and passive measures: 8.8kW of solar panels with 18.8kW battery storage, 43,000L of rainwater capacity, and envelope strategies that temper seasonal swings. Overhangs protect the north and west, while operable windows and high-level louvres enable night cooling. Rammed earth walls and polished concrete floors stabilize internal temperatures through thermal mass. The project’s rural climate responsiveness aligns with the environmental intent found in The Conservatory House.
Design Highlights
- Sculptural Roof Rising Toward The Vineyard To Frame Valley Views and Register The Agricultural Context.
- Primary Structure Formed By Three Steel Portal Frames, A Direct Reference To The Property’s Three Owners.
- Rammed Earth Walls Continue Rosby’s Established Material Language While Avoiding Direct Replication.
- Fully Off Grid Operation With 8.8kw Solar Array, 18.8kw Battery Storage, and 43,000l Rainwater Capacity.
- Passive Strategies Include Deep Overhangs To North and West, Operable Windows and High Level Louvres, and High Thermal Mass Via Rammed Earth and Polished Concrete Floors.
- Locally Sourced Spotted Gum Hardwood, Including Locally Manufactured Windows and Doors, Strengthens Regional Ties.
- Interiors Function As Accommodation and A Rotating Exhibition Space, Keeping Art Central To The Visitor Experience.
Key Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Sapling at Rosby |
| Architect | Cameron Anderson Architects |
| Location | Mudgee, NSW, Australia |
| Program | Farm stay accommodation with rotating art exhibition space |
| Main Materials | Rammed earth, Spotted Gum timber, steel portal frames, glass, polished concrete flooring |
| Status | Built |
| Keywords | sustainable architecture, Contemporary Architecture, Rammed Earth Construction, Off Grid Design, Art Exhibition Space |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the roof form relate to the site?
The roof inclines toward the vineyard, framing key views while expressing the property’s agricultural history. Three steel portal frames organize the primary structure and reference the property’s three owners.
What off-grid systems support the building?
The property operates on 8.8kW of solar panels with 18.8kW battery storage, paired with 43,000 litres of rainwater collection. Passive shading, operable windows, and high-level louvres reduce mechanical demand.
Which materials were sourced locally?
Rammed earth construction was delivered by Penney Constructions based within two kilometres of the site. Spotted Gum hardwood, including locally manufactured windows and doors, reinforces the connection to regional makers.
How does the program integrate art?
The interiors function as a rotating exhibition space for Australian artists, who are invited to stay during their shows. Gallery-like spaces maintain direct visual links to the surrounding landscape.
