Kavillo Studios, Mudgee, New South Wales residence, NSW home, Australian property photos

Kavillo Studios in Mudgee, NSW

23 October 2024

Architects: Cameron Anderson Architects

Location: Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia

Photos © Amber Hooper

Kavillo Studios, Mudgee, Australia

Kavillo Studios is a luxury tourism accommodation project located in Mudgee, NSW, designed and built by its owner, Michael Ferris, an emerging sculptor. The architectural design of the studios draws inspiration from the essence of camping, with a roof that mimics the form of a tent, draping over the interior spaces below. This folded roof form appears as though it is held in tension, grounding itself firmly onto a rammed earth plinth at the southwest corner. The western side features a substantial rammed earth wall, shaded by the overhanging roof, which not only anchors the building but also provides privacy from the adjacent buildings to the west.

While the southern side of the studios opens up to capture expansive views, the folded roof form maintains privacy and controls light. The roof is designed to welcome northern winter sunlight through a glazed door, strategically balancing natural light while shielding the interiors from excessive heat.

The material palette for Kavillo Studios is deeply rooted in its rural surroundings. Galvanized sheet metal cladding and roofing reflect the aesthetic of nearby shearing sheds, while the rammed earth construction references the Pisé (rammed earth) buildings commonly found in the region. This combination of materials seamlessly ties the studios to the local landscape, creating a rustic yet modern structure that harmonizes with its environment.

Collaboration with structural engineers Scott Smalley Partnership played a critical role in the success of the project. Their innovative work with rammed earth and their minimalist approach to the steel portal frames provided the structural backbone of the building. The studios were meticulously crafted by Ferris himself, using his skills as a sculptor to realize the complex architectural forms.

Despite being built on a strict budget, the small footprint of the building delivers a high-value outcome. Double-glazed hardwood timber windows and doors are incorporated, along with extensive insulation to ensure energy efficiency. A steel pergola and roof overhangs provide shade from the summer sun, particularly from the harsh western exposure. Inside, low water-use fixtures are installed, and many interior elements, such as basins and light fittings, have been handcrafted by Ferris, adding a personal, artisanal touch to the space.

Kavillo Studios is also entirely off-grid, powered by 26kW of solar panels. The innovative energy storage system includes a mechanical flywheel battery, a departure from traditional battery storage solutions. In addition, the studios feature 210,000 liters of rainwater storage, ensuring sustainable water use throughout the property. These sustainable features, combined with the building’s careful craftsmanship and thoughtful design, make Kavillo Studios a standout in both luxury tourism and eco-friendly architecture.

Kavillo Studios in Mudgee, New South Wales – Building Information

Office Name: Cameron Anderson Architects – https://www.caarch.com.au/
Project size: 40 sq. m.
Completion date: 2024
Building levels: 1

Photographer © Amber Hooper

Kavillo Studios, Mudgee, New South Wales images / information received 231024

Location: Mudgee, NSW, Australia

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