Dynes Construction Company Pty Ltd

About the winning project

The Bittern Cabin is set on two acres of lowland forest. The brief was for a virtually off-grid small studio and garage, as a precursor to a future, more substantial dwelling to be constructed at a later date. The architect and clients wanted the cabin to be constructed out of sustainable materials that, where possible, were sourced locally and had a small ecological footprint. The were difficulties associated with the site, as it has a high bushfire rating, and there are a lack of utilities available in the area, such as town water and sewerage. To meet the BAL requirements, the Bittern Cabin is wrapped and protected by fire resistent pre-charred Red Ironbark cladding, which also covers the bi-fold opening shutters that protect the glazing when the cabin is uninhabited, and also act as privacy blinds when the cabin is occupied. The cabin was exceptionally labour intensive, with every aspect of the build being handcrafted, and therefore required a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, which was well suited to the bespoke building business.