About
The Retreat
Set deep in the Northern Flinders Ranges the previous shack had served the original owners well but had begun to suffer from the extreme weather conditions that exist in this area.
The brief was to provide another 'shack' on the family property 'Napowilla' where the children and grand children of the owners could continue to experience the freedom of space the site offers and together develop enduring memories. This is a place where technology can't reach. iPads , computers and tvs and mobiles don't work, but the senses are awakened by the peacefulness and beauty through connection to the environment and the changing, sounds, light and nature. Even water becomes an experience when thunderous heavy summer rains pour onto the roof.
A new site was identified at the location of the original pug and pine hut which had delapidated beyond repair. This position gave beautiful views to the eucalyptus lined dry creek bed, together with escarpment views. Opportunities were created to experience the still and sometimes crisp mornings and also the stunning orange glow of the sunsets, witnessing the birdlife that signal the end of the day.
Within the house, lounge room window seats capture the views and provide spaces to sit, talk and read while either being warmed by the fire box or by soaking up the sun in the passively designed lounge as it breaks through and burns away the overnight due. This is the space to be together.
The isolated location required the retreat to be self sustainable, passive designed, low maintenance and off grid and the capture of every bit of water is essential. The design incorporated materials that were hardy, honest and reflected the colours of the outback. Recycled stone from the original hut chimney was incorporated with walls containing ancient locally found fossils. The old hut pine logs were utilised as a westerly screening device. Corten steel cladding and ceiling honoured how highly valued spare materials and items that may be useful are retained and age. Splashes of yellow highlight the seasonal wild flowers found on the property.
Ancient Land
The largest mountain range in South Australia, Flinders Ranges is one of the oldest landscapes on earth. Once the height of the Himalayas, 540 million years of erosion have whittled the 430 kilometre long range down to a modest 1,170 metres at its highest point. At a secret location, the oldest evidence for animal life was found fossilised here in 1946. These finds are so important a new geological period, the Ediacaran (635-542Mya), was established in 2004 to mark the appearance of these strange and primitive forms.
The Adnyamathanha people, traditional owners of the Flinders Ranges, hold stories of how the ancient landscape was created.