Gawthorne’s hut is a small, minimalist, Airbnb cabin situated in a rural farm area on the outskirts of Mudgee, Australia. It is a sustainable, off-grid accommodation recommended for the stay of 1-2 people. The budget for this particular project was ranging from $100k - $500k. Having an area of only 40 sqm, Gawthorne’s hut is situated in Wilgowrah, where the family owners of the farm wanted to provide guests with the experience of a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. The architects for this building are Cameron Anderson Architects.
As you pull up to Gawthorne’s hut, you’re welcomed by a large picture window that gives you a sample of the interiors. Entering the cabin, it can be noted that the bedroom, kitchen and living room are all connected, with the only enclosed space being the toilet. Most of the material that has gone into the construction of this building is recycled, where most of the recycled bricks were obtained from the owner, Benjamin Gawhtorne’s, original cottage. The roof has an addition of a 6.6-kilowatt solar system which is angled at 30 degrees north in order to maximise the use of solar energy; this is connected to 12-kilowatt battery storage that is hidden behind a panel on the western side of the cabin. Most of the ‘mechanisms' of the building are hidden from the guest, to aid the simplicity of the cabin. The exterior is composed of galvanised steel as well as woodwork that is more prominent as you enter the building. The architects used blackbutt plywood (a most common form of timber used in construction work and flooring ) as it’s both higher end than regular ply and much darker. Further contributing to the exterior is the 40,000 litres of rainwater storage, however, due to the location of Wilgowrah being in a bushfire-prone region, 20,000 litres of this rainwater is reserved for firefighting.
The kitchen consists of a small cooking area with an extension, that being the dining area or the workplace. The cooking area consists of a fridge hidden behind a shelf and two burner gas cookers. The kitchen area is made of timber which was just leftovers from the ceilings and walls. Although most of the dining is intended to be done outside by the fireplace, the inside dining area also provides a splendid outdoor experience by giving the guest a wider view of Wilgowrah with the aid of an operable picture window. The bedroom contains a king-sized bed, with a window facing in the northern direction. In order to intensify the warmth and intimate feeling of a cabin, the bed head and toilet are located towards the low ceiling part of the hut, in which the bed head intentionally consists of warm coloured recycled bricks which contrasts with the surrounding warm colours of the blackbutt plywood, bringing about that overall cosy-cabin feel. To maximise space as well as to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, the bed head is cleverly used as a separation from the bed and the enclosed toilet, whilst also having an extension of a sink. The toilet is quite minimalist in design and does a wonderful job at excluding natural light just to give that room a sense of uniqueness. The most private parts of a house, in general, are the bed and toilets and the low ceiling temporarily imitates the privacy of your own home and contributes to the overall calm and peacefulness.
The flooring is a polished concrete slab which achieves both thermal masses as well as using plain raw materials contributing to the greater nature-like pulchritude of the interiors. The minimalist bathroom is open-spaced but carefully situated in an isolated part of the farm, securing both your privacy and providing you with a splendid view of Wilgowrah. The bath is made out of concrete and again contrasts with the natural colours of the outdoors. Here we also realise that each face of the hut contains an operable window which aids in both cross ventilation and the entry of natural light. It should also be noted that the windows and doors are made from double-glazed timber. The cabin also has a ceiling fan and a woodfire place which provides cooling and heating when required.
The challenge behind the architecture of Gawthorne’s hut was to design it in such a way that it was distinguishable from the surrounding farm whilst also being able to contrast the mood of the area as well as being able to attract guests. Since it was located in a rural part of Australia ( 3 1/2 hrs drive from Sydney ) its main influence had to be catching urban people’s eyes so that many more would be able to experience the beauty of the country. The owners of Gawthorne’s hut also encourage the guest to plant trees after their stay, to contribute to the ever-growing variety of vegetation, adding to the heritage of the rich land of Wilgowrah. The overall purpose of Gawthorne’s hut was to be able to provide a sustainable living environment that would help individuals escape from the hectic form of life and just open their eyes to the natural beauty of the earth. As architects go on for a more eco-friendly future, Gawthorne’s hut provides concrete evidence that sustainable architecture attracts people from all over the world, even if it’s in the middle of nowhere.
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