A bucket list experience.
A fifth-generation farmer approached me with a crazy idea.
Nick and Amber wanted to diversify their farming business, share their lifestyle and region with the public, and create a legacy for their children. They wanted to use a 60-year-old grain silo to do it.
Photo credit: Sarah Lebner
The couple approached me very coyly… they had an unusual building to renovate, some ideas of how they wanted to do it, and were understandably nervous about their beautiful vision being overtaken or pinched.
After an initial meeting on site we soon realised we were all on the same page. I clearly remember standing in that dusty old grain silo with Amber and Nick, and them sounding nervous about how everything would fit in and what the experience would be like. I needed no convincing, I was immediately confident about how special the outcome could be.
After the initial concept presentation, Nick and Amber were visibly thrilled and relieved. They confessed that what Cooee presented was quite different to their own ideas, but so much better.
Photo credit: Sarah Lebner
The whole design is about the experience. The entry sequence, stair circulation and window placements are all about discovering the setting and appreciating different aspects; from lapping up a vast private view in the bath-for-two to falling asleep staring at the stars.
This is a farmstay with a difference. It’s connected to local culture and primary production in a luxurious and inviting way. It’s off-grid without compromising on comfort. It’s both obviously and unassumingly sustainable; from the large array of solar panels on arrival, to the hidden draft-proofing, insulation, solar-passive design, …even the worm-farm septic ensures that what guests leave behind has a vastly reduced impact on greenhouse gasses.
“It’s just about people being able to experience something they don’t always get to.”
- Nick
Photo credit: Sarah Lebner
As the architect, the process was just as wonderful as the idea. Almost everything I suggested was enthusiastically accepted, or took only a quick collaborative brainstorm to resolve, which lead to a really easily cohesive result. Where the clients took charge of their own elements, I remained included to keep an overlooking eye on cohesiveness and function. And the team that Cooee brought together collaborated like we’d been doing it for years.
I really can’t commend Jarrad Higginson, the builder, enough. His calm ‘can-do’ attitude made this really challenging project one of the most enjoyable builds I’ve ever worked on. I also need to thank the Cerclos engineering team for their enthusiastic expertise, Sustainably Certified for their energy-efficiency modelling, and Michelle Elvins Landscape Design for bringing the setting appropriately to life.
“Sarah not only possesses exceptional creativity, industry knowledge, and environmental focus but also possesses the unique ability to transform dreams into tangible realities, making her work truly visionary and impactful. We thank you, Sarah, for putting so much into what you do in a positive and inspiring way.”
- Amber
The Silos Accommodation
(Junee | Wiradjuri Country)
Summary:
EER: 7 Stars
Area: 46.5m² House + 30m² Carport + Storage
Service type: ‘Plus’
BAL: Voluntary 12.5
Services: 100% Off-grid solar power and battery, worm farm septic (lower emissions)
Air-leakage: Designed to meet a range of 4-6ACH @50Pa (not yet tested)
Recycling: 100% re-installation of original silo, existing slab reused as outdoor area paving, some internal timber recycled
Healthy interiors: Low-VOC paints and finishes, crystaline-silica free benchtops, external air-intake on fireplace, humidity sensing bathroom fans and heat recovery ventilation
Status: Complete
Builder: Jarrad Higginson J&J Building Construction
EER consultants: Sustainably Certified
Structural engineers: Cerclos
Landscape design: Michelle Elvins MELD