Broken Camp

Byron Shire, Australia

Broken Camp is conceived in response to the landscape qualities of its rural site in the Broken Head hinterland. Uniquely placed at the nexus of low rolling hills, rural ridge lines and littoral rainforest, this minimal intervention intends to augment and harmonise, rather than redefine, existing usage patterns for the site. It is simultaneously a machine for occupying, a frame from which to view and an object within this special landscape.

With this emphasis on landscape, rather than building, the small structure is sensitively sited to integrate into the existing setting. Location and scale were determined following observation of client usage patterns when picnicking or camping on the site. Through this process, natural preferences for ideal shady spots on the gentle slopes between the trees and key viewpoints with prospect of the surrounds became evident.

To further protect the existing rural landscape values, a modest design approach has been adopted. Much of the brief is achieved simply by placement of a deck to take advantage of shading and shelter from existing trees, minimising the bulk and scale of the intervention whilst suggesting use and allowing for discovery.

Predominated by this linear hardwood deck, the structure floats just above the natural terrain. Touching the surface only lightly and working within the current contours, the deck is placed at ideal seating height. As supersized furniture, the deck provides flexibility as varying shade from trees dapple the topography throughout the day and across the seasons.

Around its midpoint, the deck passes uninterrupted through a tent-like pavilion, providing additional shelter between the established trees. A rhythm of expressed native hardwood portal frames minimises the bulk of the structure with simplicity and precision. Only 3mm of weathering steel provides enclosure around the frame, like the thin skin of a tent canvas stretched over poles. Occupants of the pavilion are encouraged to appreciate captured landscape views — a rural ridge line, native forests and a picturesque dam — carefully framed by openings in the structure.

Extending perpendicular from the interior of the pavilion into the exterior landscape, a deck-like bench negotiates changes in levels to serve as both a fixed dining table and standing bar. The pavilion also accommodates two bespoke furniture pieces — with storage, bench tops and a camping sink. Weathering steel shades protect candle holders to provide gentle lighting in the evening.

At opposite ends of the deck axis are placed a camp-like open fire pit and wood fired oven with wood store. Both objects provide a sense of destination and unique opportunities to gather; prepare and share meals; and relish the timelessly elemental pleasure of fire.

The entire scheme utilises only 3 key materials — weathering steel, spotted gum and grey concrete. All three are sustainably durable, require little maintenance and complement the Australian rural landscape as they age; becoming earthy red and silvered grey. As a truly off-grid, service-free and ultimately simple structure, Broken Camp should provide decades of use with almost zero ongoing costs or consumption of resources.

Project
Broken Camp

Location
Byron Shire, Australia

Status
Completed

Awards
Award for Small Project Architecture
2021 NSW Architecture Awards

Project team
Luke Hayward

Builder
Twil Constructions

Site foreman
Troy Wilkinson

Carpenters
Troy Wilkinson
Caiden Fowler
Luke Streader
Jared Foster

Steelwork
Mullumbimby Engineering

Precast concrete
Benzini

In situ concrete
AKZ Concreting

Structural Engineer
Westera Partners

Certifier
East Coast Building Consultants