Approximately one hour’s drive west of Melbourne in the rural outback of Australia, a simple farm shed roof of steel and concrete shelters a rudimentary/cost-effective accommodation. The clients had already erected large machinery shed with solar panels and rainwater collection tanks uphill from the site of the simple hayshed home.
Key concepts which respond to the surrounding outback and a need for shelter, the home is conceived as a roof parasol that provides some shade and protection from the rain as well as a place to enjoy outdoor activities such as cooking, eating and engaging with the spectacular landscape on the site.
The hayshed structure employed was adapted and modified to include translucent roofing material for light as well as some industrial walkway grating to make a louvre for shade. The two translucent ‘sheds’ are positioned to the east end of a monolithic concrete plinth – one shed is for cooking and eating and the other is for sleeping.
Sean Godsell Architects explain the inspiration for the concept was found in two houses by Riken Yamamoto and Field Shop – Yamakawa Cottage (1976) and the Ishii house (1977) where conventional residential programmes were disassembled and then reassembled in a highly creative way.
