Kampung Batu Bigga (Rocky Knoll Shelter) | Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect

Kampung Batu Bigga (Rocky Knoll Shelter) | Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect | Photographer: Anthony Basheer

2024 National Architecture Awards Program

Kampung Batu Bigga (Rocky Knoll Shelter) | Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect

Traditional Land Owners

Ngarigo people

Year
2024
Chapter

Australian Capital Territory

Category
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Builder
Braithwaite Building
Photographer
Anthony Basheer
Project summary

Located in a rural setting south of Canberra, Kampung Batu Bigga is a meticulously crafted rammed earth sanctuary, a joint vision between architect and outdoors enthusiast owner. Grounded in a profound love for the bush, this residence seamlessly integrates with its scenic surroundings, reminiscent of a bushwalking hut. The intentional modesty of the home’s footprint encompasses compact private spaces, with a shared living space under the distinctive roof form.

The design pays homage to Australia’s bush construction history with rammed earth and Zincalume cladding, and it carefully wraps the contours, with a wing like roof extending to shelter outdoor spaces. Sandstone ‘wind’ walls protect against prevailing winds; and sustainability is embodied throughout with onsite harvesting of rainwater, energy and waste processing. From the outdoor kitchen to serene internal spaces, Kampung Batu Bigga harmonises architecture and occupants with nature, exemplifying a thoughtful blend of design, sustainability, and connection to the Australian bush.

2024
ACT Architecture Awards Accolades
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
The Malcolm Moir and Heather Sutherland Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) (ACT)
ACT Jury Presentation

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Ascent Engineering, Structural Engineer
Capital Surveys, Land surveyor
Footprint (NSW) Pty Ltd, Civil Consultant
Michelle Elvins Landscape Designer, Landscape Consultant
PG Overton Energy Assessment, ESD Consultant
Soil and Water, Geotechnical engineer

Connect with Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect
Kampung Batu Bigga (Rocky Knoll Shelter) | Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect | Photographer: Anthony Basheer

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