Basalt Boutique Tourist Accommodation, NSW, Australia architecture photos, New South Wales images

Basalt Boutique Tourist Accommodation in NSW

14 October 2024

Architects: Cameron Anderson Architects

Location: New South Wales, Australia

Photos © Monique Lovick

Basalt Boutique Tourist Accommodation, Australia

Basalt is a boutique, luxury accommodation development set within a working cherry orchard overlooking the town of Orange in regional New South Wales. The design features a suite of rammed earth buildings, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. The buildings’ angled walls fan out across the site, not only ensuring privacy for each unit but also framing sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the distant town of Orange. The heavy, slanted walls serve to anchor the structures firmly into the earth while simultaneously rising to capture the breathtaking vistas.

The concept of grafting, inspired by the working cherry orchard, has been woven into the architectural design. The buildings appear to be sliced into the landscape, their materiality reflecting the agricultural character of the site. The combination of rammed earth and sheet metal cladding is a direct nod to the agricultural processes on the orchard, with these materials “grafted” together, much like the cherry trees themselves. This use of natural and industrial elements creates a harmony between the built environment and the land.

Sustainability is at the core of the Basalt development. The buildings utilize a high level of thermal mass, achieved through the use of concrete slabs and thick rammed earth walls, which help regulate internal temperatures naturally. All windows and doors feature double timber glazing, further enhancing energy efficiency, while sustainably harvested timber is used throughout the interiors. In addition, the development includes a significant rainwater storage system for reuse, and the landscaping employs a low-water-use, native-focused strategy that complements the natural surroundings and supports the ecosystem.

This thoughtful approach to both architecture and sustainability is the result of a collaborative effort involving several experts. BLD Constructions led the build, with Penney Constructions handling the rammed earth work. Cook and Roe served as the structural engineers, while interior decoration was managed by Lisa Johnson Design Studio. Peter Basha acted as the planning consultant, and Partners Energy contributed energy consultation services.

Basalt stands as a testament to luxury accommodation that respects and enhances its natural and agricultural setting, offering guests both comfort and connection to the land.

Basalt Boutique Tourist Accommodation, New South Wales – Building Information

Office Name: Cameron Anderson Architects – https://www.caarch.com.au/
Location: Orange, NSW, Australia
Completed: 2023

Photographer © Monique Lovick

Basalt Boutique Tourist Accommodation, NSW, Australia images / information received 141024

Location: Orange, NSW, Australia

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