Off grid oasis – a sustainable masterpiece in Sydney’s Blue Mountains
A sustainable off grid home for living under extreme conditions while co-existing with nature.
The Off Grid House by Anderson Architecture is in Sydney’s Blue Mountains “bushland”. It has a small footprint of just 94 sq m, making it the perfect example of how to make the most of a modest living space.
The property has been rated BAL-FZ, which is the highest level of bushfire risk in Australia. As such, the home was designed to be bushfire-resistant, sustainable, and have minimal carbon emissions during construction.
The Off Grid Cabin doesn’t rely on any outside sources of power. It combines environmentally friendly materials with passive solar design techniques to make a highly efficient and self-sufficient living space.
The cabin is made up of two steeply pitched boxes with skillion roofs that are positioned in opposite directions to maximize their performance. One box is designed to take advantage of the sun’s heat during the day. The other has a perfect roof surface for solar panels to generate power.
The living area of the cabin is inspired by the local surroundings, with features that mimic the escarpments in the area. The room has large glass doors that can be opened to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Rainwater is collected from the roof, and a worm farm wastewater treatment system manages the sewage. The cabin also has large windows that provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
This home is about being environmentally responsible and creating a connection with nature and a safe space to escape unfavourable outdoor conditions.
It’s a durable and sustainable design that can withstand the test of time. Carbon credits have offset the carbon emissions produced during construction, resulting in net-zero emissions.
With its impressive eco-friendly design, the Off-Grid Oasis by Anderson Architecture proves that sustainable living doesn’t have to compromise on style.
This small yet efficient cabin in Sydney’s Blue Mountains is a safe and comfortable escape from extreme bushfire risk and outdoor conditions. Net-zero carbon emissions make it a true model for sustainable living.
Photography by Nick Bowers.