In the name of sustainability

The construction of a new house in a place that was devastated by a relentless fire took place in an effort to maximize the use of recycled and sustainable materials. The mutual collaboration between the owners, the architect, the interior designer, and honest craftsmen resulted in a unique building acclaimed for its sustainable and timeless solution. Australian Robinson's run tells the story that nature's calamities do not necessarily mean the end, but rather a new impulse for a better beginning with a more responsible approach to nature.

When devastating fires struck Kangaroo Valley near the town of Budgong in New South Wales at the turn of 2019 and 2020, the fire engulfed not only a vast area of the Australian bush but also a brick house from the 1970s. What was a frequently used weekend residence suddenly turned into an uninhabitable pile of rubble. Although the aftermath of the fire was devastating and the remains of the building had to be demolished, this natural disaster became an unexpected impulse for the owners—they embraced the challenge and decided to build a completely new house on the site of the original structure, tailored to their vision. On the expansive lot with rolling terrain, bordered by Mount Scanzi and Morton National Park, approximately 125 kilometers from Sydney, plans for a future architectural masterpiece were soon launched.

From vision to reality with respect for nature

The owners' vision was for a beautiful, unique Australian house built with a responsible approach to nature, where they could gather with family and a circle of close friends. To turn their vision into reality, they collaborated with architect Dominic Bennett and his team from the architectural studio Bennett Murada Architects. The common goal for all parties involved was to create a residence that resonated with the surrounding nature and blended into the landscape as if it had belonged there from the beginning.

During the construction of the new three-story house, emphasis was placed primarily on maximizing the use of recycled and sustainable materials. Part of the newly written story of this place became the recent destruction—old metal elements and broken bricks from the original house were used in the walls of the building, and charred trees from the surroundings were processed and used as wooden beams for the terrace or for the construction of the entrance gate. The commitment to sustainability in this project is also reflected in the selection of other building materials. These include rammed earth used for the construction of one-meter-thick walls anchoring the house to the site, stone, glass, and concrete. The palette of materials used is intentionally chosen to be pleasant to the touch and to enhance the experiences of the Australian bush. For the regular functioning of the house, solar energy and rainwater are utilized to the maximum extent.

Sustainability to the last detail

In the same spirit, the team of architects also selected the interior furnishings. In addition to high-quality wooden furniture made locally to order, the door fittings also had to meet sustainability requirements. For this unique building, the architects chose SOGUT handles made of solid brass from the Czech manufacturer M&T. “In a project like this, which aims at a sensory experience, the interaction with the door hardware is important. Not only should the handles visually match the material palette of the entire building, but their quality construction is also essential for effortless operation. The SOGUT handle with a natural brass patina meets both criteria,” says architect Dominic Bennett from the architectural studio Bennett Murada Architects, and Kevin Tuersley, the authorized distributor for M&T in Australia and New Zealand, describes the collaboration with the architects: “Dom Bennett, Paul Barton, and Sarah Canavan from the Bennett Murada Architects studio visited our Two Tease Architectural Hardware showroom about a year before the construction of Robinson’s run began. They were drawn to the displayed M&T handles. They consulted the entire project and their ideas about door hardware with our colleague Lisa Tuersley. The story of M&T, the design of their products, and moreover the structure and properties of solid brass, which is not only a sustainable and high-quality material for handle production but has also proven its practical antimicrobial capabilities, impressed the architects. The choice of the specific model was also clear—the SOGUT handle thrilled the architects with its perfect ergonomic shape and the chamfer for thumb placement when gripping the handle.” Throughout the construction, Lisa Tuersley collaborated with the construction company Buildline to ensure the proper installation of the handles.

For maximum connection

The house spans three levels in harmony with the slope of the land. The lower level, which is partially embedded in the slope, contains a lounge with a television and a separate playroom for entertaining both children and adults. At the center of the house, the architects placed a spacious kitchen with a dining area and living space complemented by an open fireplace and large pivoting glass windows that frame the view outside. Given that the character of the environment in which the house is situated directly invites maximizing the connection between the interior and exterior, the architects also equipped all the bedrooms with large format glazing. These provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the bushland that has been restored after the recent fires. A unique panorama stretches out behind the windows of the master bedroom, which is situated at an elevated level over the rest of the house. Two large covered areas with built-in grills, a pool, a hot tub, and an outdoor fire pit provide opportunities for outdoor dining under the open sky.

Robinson’s run is proof that the mutual cooperation of an investor, architect, interior designer, and honest craftsmen can create a perfect refuge, all while maintaining maximum humility toward nature. For its sustainability and timeless design, it has received the Australian Interior Design Awards 2022 and recognition at the Houses Awards 2022.

Title: Robinson’s Run
Location: Australia, New South Wales, Budgong
Year of realization: 2022

Suppliers:
Construction company: Buildline
Door fittings: M&T, SOGUT handles

Architectural studio: Bennett Murada Architects, www.bennettmurada.com.au
Team: Dominic Bennett, John Wilkin, Paul Barton, Sarah Canavan

Photo: Brett Boardman for M&T