Mansfield House

Australia is home to some of our favourite modern architecture here at Coolector HQ and there is another design to be added to that ever-growing list in the shape of Mansfield House. Designed by Robbie Walker, Mansfield House has an impressive 400m² of living space and it has been cleverly designed both inside and out to deliver a relaxing, wilderness retreat that will serve the purposes of the owners perfectly.

Brilliantly conceived and executed, Mansfield House from the architect, Robbie Walker, is designed as an off grid house and it has been built on top of a hill that needed to battle the wild weather. The home has been put together using robust and rugged materials, and designed to minimise waste and last a long time. It is the sort of environmentally conscious house that should become the mainstream for anyone building a home from scratch in 2022 and beyond.

AUSSIE AWESOMENESS

Located in a mighty remote spot, Mansfield House obviously presented a number of challenges and obstacles during the build process. The only access to the plot on which it was built was up an old track in a good 4×4 vehicle. A local earthworks team spent three months preparing the road so concrete trucks could make it up to lay the foundations. Even when the road was finished the trucks could only make it if they were only carrying half loads – which goes to show just what a remote spot it is.

Boasting a highly striking and unique exterior aesthetic, it’s hard not to be wowed by Mansfield House in Australia. The property was designed with steel, concrete, glass and plywood as the main materials and this gives it an understated look that we’re big fans of.  These are all hardy materials that would last and be safe in an area that is prone to bushfires. During the build, materials were quite easy to get but it was in the middle of the build that Covid struck, which meant materials were a lot harder to source and steel almost doubled in price. 

With a glass box style design, Mansfield House has been orientated to take advantage of the views and solar gain that it is afforded from the long, sunny days in Australia. The bedrooms are at the back of the house which effectively serves as a bunker style retreat for the owners as these spaces are protected from the weather uncompromising weather in the area. A wonderfully realised piece of modern architecture that has some truly amazing views. What’s not to like?

Leo Davie