Collage of a modern house with wooden exterior and panoramic views, featuring interior living space with large windows and minimalist decor.

A collage of three images showing a modern, compact house in a rural setting. The exterior view features a wooden-clad structure with large windows and a flat roof, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The interior images display a living area with a black feature wall, a fireplace, and large windows offering panoramic views. The ceiling is lined with timber, and there is a minimalist decor with a black chair and shelves.

A compact, modern house with a timber exterior situated on a hillside with panoramic views of the rural landscape. The house features large windows and a flat roof with extended eaves.
A modern, compact house with a timber exterior is situated on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky. The structure features large windows and an extended roof overhang.
A compact, single-story house with a flat roof and timber cladding, featuring a bright orange door and large windows, set in a rural landscape with gravel and rocks.
A modern, compact house with a timber exterior situated in a rural landscape. The house features large windows and a flat roof with extended eaves. It is set on a gravel surface with panoramic views of rolling hills in the background.
Interior of a modern home featuring a spacious living area with large windows offering panoramic views of the countryside. The room includes a comfortable seating area, a dining table, and a black feature wall with a fireplace and built-in shelves.
A modern interior space featuring a black accent wall with wooden shelves holding books and a potted plant. A fireplace is built into the wall, with firewood stored underneath a concrete ledge. A black chair is positioned on a textured rug, and large windows offer views of the outdoor landscape.
A bedroom with a large window offering a view of a tree and rural landscape. The room features a bed with pillows and a blanket, a wooden ceiling, and a ceiling fan.
Interior view of a cozy corner with large windows offering a panoramic view of the rural landscape. The space features a cushioned window bench with decorative pillows, a small plant, and a stack of books. The ceiling and window frames are made of wood.

Story

A compact, off-grid home embracing the rugged Australian landscape. Elemental House, crafted by Ben Callery Architects, is a testament to the synergy between architecture and environment. Situated an hour north of Melbourne on a ridge known as High Camp, this home is a beacon of self-sufficiency and resilience. Designed for a retired couple, the house embraces its rural setting with panoramic views and a robust form that withstands the elements. The design prioritizes independence, featuring a fully off-grid system that generates and stores electricity, collects rainwater, and treats wastewater on-site. This approach ensures year-round comfort. The structure's bold geometric form is accentuated by deep eaves, providing shade and shelter while echoing the natural landscape. Clad in durable Spotted Gum timber, the exterior meets bushfire safety standards and promises longevity, blending seamlessly into its surroundings over time. Inside, the home is a model of efficiency, with a 10m by 10m footprint housing a single bedroom, bathroom, and an open-plan living area. Large windows frame the picturesque landscape, while a black feature wall with a fireplace anchors the living space. The bedroom's picture window offers a serene connection to the outdoors, making the landscape a central feature.

## Design Highlights

Fully off-grid system for energy, water, and waste management Bold geometric form with deep eaves for climatic protection Spotted Gum timber cladding for durability and bushfire safety Compact 10m by 10m footprint with efficient open-plan layout Large windows and a black feature wall enhancing interior views

## Key Facts

Feature Description
Location High Camp, Victoria, Australia
Architect Ben Callery Architects
Builder Keenan Built
Material Spotted Gum timber
Energy System Fully off-grid
Footprint 10m x 10m

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior Cladding: Spotted Gum timber, a native Australian hardwood, used for its strength and resilience.
  • Interior Wall Finish: Timber-lined ceiling and a black feature wall in the living area.

Materials

  • Timber — Exterior cladding and interior ceiling lining.
  • Glass — Large windows for panoramic views.

Construction / Systems

  • Off-Grid System: Generates and stores its own electricity, collects rainwater, and treats wastewater on-site.
  • Structural Design: Bold geometric form with deep, extended eaves engineered to handle wind loads.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Natural wood tones, Black
  • Lighting: Natural lighting through large windows.

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