A Secluded, Off-Grid Cabin Echoes Stunning Minimalist Design
According to Dan Devine and Hugh Maguire of Maguire + Devine Architects in Tasmania, their client was born in Taiwan and had grown up surrounded by traditional Japanese architecture. "Out of this grew a love for highly-crafted minimalist design," they explain.
"Our brief was to capture that love and design a building as a piece of furniture with everything she needs built in. The only furniture allowed was a low table and mattress on the sleeping loft."
The 301-square-foot cabin is situated on 99 acres on Bruny Island, an island off the coast of Tasmania. For the exterior, the architects have chosen materials that "comply with the Bushfire Attack Level of 19," they explain, including bushfire resistant wood and zincalume metal. The cabin collects its own rainwater—storage tanks are underground for an uncluttered look—and the roof sports solar panels.
"Translucent glass in the sliding doors references the light qualities of Japanese rice-paper screens, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy at night, while encouraging the occupant to open them during the day," explain the architects. "They also prevent birds, including the endangered swift parrot, from attempting to fly through the building and striking the glass."
Structural Engineer: Stephen Cole
Cabinetry Installation: Custom Cabinets
Surveyor: Pitt & Sherry Building Surveyor
Waste Water System Design: Onsite Assessments
Published
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