Location: Killarney, Queensland, Australia.

Architect: Steendijk.

Bellbird Retreat is a weekend getaway located in a beautiful rural setting. The building is designed to blend in with the natural environment and create a connection to the surrounding landscape. Sustainability was a key consideration in the design, with features such as rainwater and electricity harvesting and passive design measures to ensure year-round thermal comfort. The building’s fire-resistant roof design also protects it from bushfires. The building’s position maximizes the mountain saddle for recreational use, and sliding corner doors provide access to the stunning views. The interior is simple and restrained, with locally grown indigenous hoop pine used for joinery, doors, walls, and ceilings. The bedrooms are oriented towards morning views, while the living spaces capture evening views of the Condamine Gorge escarpment. The bathroom is located between the bedrooms and can be configured for privacy. The building’s composition creates open yet protected spaces that balance rural sensibilities and restrained tectonics.

Photo credit: Christopher Frederick Jones, Craig Hodges, Brian Steendyk.