anderson architecture designs timber clad off-grid house in australia

anderson architecture designed off-grid FZ house as a premium benchmark for sustainable living under extreme conditions while coexisting with nature in blue mountains bushland, australia. the modest, highly resilient home is bal-FZ rated and net-zero emissions, self-sufficient in power, water, and sewage. it celebrates innovative sustainable design and australia’s landscapes.

images by nick bowers

anderson architecture was strongly committed to holistic sustainable practice in this project, and humanized contemporary architecture through a connection with nature. the distinctive architectural form is a contemporary twist on the typical elongated passive-designed home. inspired by local sandstone caves, the form unifies two skillion roofs of opposing slopes to optimize solar energy generation for electricity. it also enhances passive heating and cooling for thermal comfort, bolstered by high levels of insulation and airtightness, an HRV, external shading and double glazing.

trees cleared to adhere to bushfire safety requirements are reused within the home and showcased most noticeably through joinery. this environmentally and ecologically considerate design celebrates australia’s great outdoors, providing an oasis connected to nature as well as a safe haven when protection is required. moreover, the house contributes to the public domain, it conceptually showcases sustainable design, and building in bushfire-prone areas without access to services is possible with innovative and resilient measures.

while the dwelling is private, public amenity is delivered through the beautiful scenery of extensive bushland visible from the public domain. though the bush block spans acres, the built form remains modest. minimal tree clearance is required for safety and all such trees are reused, most notably in the internal structure, kitchen benchtop, and joinery.

manufacturing and transport are minimized, while the timber is given a renewed purpose, as their varied colors, textures, and maturity are showcased. with off-grid FZ house being perched on a ridge, it boasts prospects across the valley, extending through the deck wrapping around the southern wing. the veranda roof provided a dual purpose, folding down to be used as a flame-zone bushfire screen as required.

off grid FZ house contributes to the inhabitants’ lives through the lack of operational energy bills, though there are additional benefits of the dwelling being self-sufficient in terms of power, water, and sewage, such as an increased awareness around occupants’ power and water usage. the design also enables a deep connection to nature at differing scales, positively contributing to the mental well-being of occupants, for example through native gardens with edible produce dotted around the dwelling.