Shack in the Rocks. Light and poetic space among the Australian rocks

The Shack in the Rocks meets the primary requirements necessary in rural Australia and the outback: shelter from the sun and rain, a space to live outdoors. Cooking, eating, socializing while immersing in the spectacle of the landscape

Architecture Rooted in the Landscape

We are in Victoria, about an hour's drive west of Melbourne; here the team at Sean Godsell Architects is realizing one of its extraordinary architecture projects, named Shack in the Rocks. The structure consists of two translucent blocks, elegantly positioned at the eastern end of a monolithic concrete base. This design choice creates a strong contrast between the solidity of the base and the visual lightness of the upper volumes. The two blocks are intended for different functions: one houses the daytime and social activities, creating open and bright spaces for socializing, while the other is dedicated to the sleeping area and bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort.

The art of dwelling between interior and exterior

The distribution of spaces within the shelter is conceived with a highly poetic approach, where each architectural element harmoniously interacts with the surrounding environment. The roofing plays a crucial role, acting as a unifying element that protects both the interiors and exteriors, creating a continuum between living space and natural landscape. Sean Godsell's inspiration stems from the renowned Yamakawa Cottage by Riken Yamamoto (1976), an emblematic example of how architecture can blend internal functions and protected external spaces. This concept of "other space" represents a unique hybrid, where the boundary between interior and exterior dissolves, offering an immersive and contemplative living experience.

Innovation in materials and forms

The architecture of the shelter emerges as a modern interpretation of a barn structure, adapted with innovative solutions that reflect Godsell's design philosophy. The use of a translucent roofing material allows diffused natural lighting, creating plays of light that vary throughout the day and contribute to a sense of visual well-being. Additionally, the integration of industrial grid walkways acts as a sunshade element, providing shade and contributing to the building's energy efficiency. This balance between rural tradition and contemporary design gives the shelter a distinctive character, in perfect harmony with the wild and unspoiled landscape of Victoria.

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Sean Godsell Architects

196 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Victoria 3065, Australia