A Natural Response – Bush Studio by Dane Taylor Design

Immersed within native and established surrounds, Bush Studio is envisioned as an idyllic retreat that embraces locality through materiality and composition. Dane Taylor Design takes inspiration from the mining history in the area, integrating a charred outer skin to encase the space, while also celebrating the unique sparseness that the form enviably sits within.

Located in Bulli, NSW, the independent dwelling acts as a disconnected destination for its owners. With its main purpose as a retreat, the form and materiality needed to respond to the surrounding natural elements. This was achieved by allowing ventilation to pass through the internal spaces and visual connections to the outdoors. Comprised of Australian hardwoods, the structure’s various iterations of timber construction and cladding come together to form a rudimentary form that subtly inserts itself within place. Dane Taylor Design combines robustness and textural diversity to highlight detailing and junctions throughout.

Set within a bushfire zone, the charred timber cladding was employed as subtle commentary to place.

Bush Studio uses its compactness to express an ingrained minimalism. Set within a bushfire zone, the charred timber cladding was employed as subtle commentary to place. By carefully charring the surface within a controlled environment, a natural sap is released that protects the surface from further fire damage. Referencing the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty of imperfections, natural elements were used in their raw states and guided the final finish.

At a mere 25 square metres, the floor plan is efficiently allocated to only the basic needs of the space, with the focus lying beyond the outer walls. With an accompanying deck space, the form sits elevated, with an outdoor terrace area allowing for movement between the two. Needing both indoor and outdoor functionality, mechanisms were integrated to allow an embracing of nature. Taking further inspiration from Japanese philosophies, timber sliding screens, similar to the traditional Shoji styles, allow varied transparency and privacy once inside. Maintaining a connection to natural light was key, and with an opposing white interior, the volumes are made to feel perceptively more generous as a result.

Referencing the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty of imperfections, natural elements were used in their raw states and guided the final finish.

Despite its size, Bush Studio combines a refinement and warmth to allow true disconnection and opportunity for recharging. By homing in on the essentials, Dane Taylor Design has ensured the skillion-roofed form sits both appropriately and subtly, allowing a harmonious co-existence with the natural landscape.