he concept of living “off the grid”
has seen a surge in popularity in
recent years, and if this housenear Wyong, NSW, is anything to go by,
there’ll be a few more converts soon. With
this impressive project, Karl White and
Lynette Loo at Team-B Architecture and
Design were given the brief of creating a
“permanent luxury camping” experience.
Much like a tent, the house would blend
seamlessly with its natural environment via
roller shutters and sliding doors, while
providing refuge from the elements and
withstanding the threat of bushfire. Oh, and
it would have all the modern conveniences of
a suburban home, including a fully equipped
kitchen, laundry facilities and bathrooms.
Finding the right site took some time, but
eventually they found it – a property in Cedar
Brush Creek, a 90-minute drive from Sydney,
which offered much-desired privacy and
bush views to die for. An even lengthier
search yielded the project’s builder/site
foreman, an experienced and enthusiastic
local, who was willing to live on-site for the
duration of the build. “He was a real off-grid
devotee,” says Lynette. “He shared our vision
and worked tirelessly to ensure the other
trades delivered to his high standards.”
Photovoltaic panels and rainwater tanks
were installed to provide electricity and
water, but there’s no mobile phone or TV
reception – and that’s the best part, says
Karl. “You have no choice but to switch off
and engage with the natural surrounds,
which is really grounding and refreshing.” A
T
real livingNOTED