Patanga Estate

Project summary
Driven by the project philosophy of seeking harmony and balance between human habitation with
ecological preservation, Patanga Cabin is at one with its site. Its simple form and shadowy exterior blend
into the landscape, while framed views amplify the beauty and immediacy of the natural environment. The
cabin showcases Fabric Architecture’s approach to small-footprint design, using sustainable and healthy
materials, and creating spaces that enhance the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Project story
Driving through Patanga Estate there are glimpses of the cabin through the trees. Nestled in a clearing,
its shadowy exterior recedes into the bush, while the roof, awning and deck extend out from the building
and hillside to invite you in. Once inside, large windows frame expansive views of the landscape,
amplifying the beauty and immediacy of the natural environment.
Fabric Architecture’s design of Patanga Cabin was driven by the overall project philosophy of seeking
harmony and balance between human habitation with ecological preservation. The cabin is a guest house
on Patanga Estate, a 25-acre greenfield site that we master planned and developed for our clients who
wanted to create a sustainable, off-grid haven in the Hunter valley, NSW. Stage 1 of the masterplan has
been completed, with Patanga Cabin showcasing our approach to small-footprint design, using
sustainable and healthy materials, and creating spaces that enhance the feeling of being immersed in
nature.
We designed the building specifically for its site, oriented for solar gain and compliant with BAL29
requirements. We also carefully planned and coordinated the build to reduce disruption to soils, water
courses and the local habitat.
The cabin sits lightly on the land, built on small pad footings. The architecture is a contemporary take on
the Australian farmhouse, with a simple pitched roof extending over the rectangular volume and the
timber deck wrapping around the side and front. The cabin has a 70sqm internal footprint and a 40sqm
deck and is designed on a strict grid to minimise materials and waste.
The dark exterior cladding recedes into the surrounding environment, while inside, the dark ceilings and
timber veneer joinery bring warmth and richness into the light, open spaces. The neutral and natural
palette allows views of the bushland to come to the fore. We selected the materials for their natural
qualities, to blend with the environment and be bushfire resistant.
In the living room and kitchen, ribbon windows frame the landscape and high-level windows capture
views of the tree canopy and sky and filter northern light inside. The kitchen joinery and island provide a
dark backdrop to the living room, and built-in upholstered bench seats wrap around two walls and create
an alcove around the dining table. Marble floor tiles throughout the cabin are soft underfoot. They

continue on the walls of the bathroom, enhancing the sense of enclosure, while the skylight evokes the
feeling of an outdoor shower.
In the main bedroom, a large picture window forges a direct connection to the landscape, and a bench
seat and desk offer front row seats to the spectacular view. The rear bedroom has bespoke bunk beds,
which we designed and clad with custom-stained plywood.
Optimising thermal comfort and energy efficiency, the cabin faces due north, with windows and shading to
maximise winter sun, mitigate summer sun and promote cross-ventilation. uPVC windows and European
‘lift and slide’ systems fully seal and insulate the building. The cabin is off-grid, with a nearby shed
housing the generator, solar array and batteries for the entire site. There are also Econcycle waste tanks.
Driven by the ethos of living in harmony with nature, Patanga Cabin is at one with its site. It blends into
the landscape and allows guests to connect with the natural surroundings in a respectful, engaging way.

About Patanga Estate
Patanga Estate is an off-grid sustainable development that Fabric Architecture master planned and
developed. The densely vegetated 25-acre greenfield site was largely untouched, except for a few farm
trails and some small clearings by the previous owner. There was no established site access, electricity or
town water. The development needed to comply with bushfire and ecological zoning, including koala
habitat protection.
The clients’ vision was to create an off-grid, sustainable development where they could foster cultural
engagement and community connection in harmony with nature. It would include a main dwelling and
guest house (Patanga Cabin). Self-contained holiday cabins would be dotted around the site, and the
land planted with vineyards, orchards and edible produce.
We completed Stage 1 of the masterplan: site establishment, roads, civil work, guest house, rainwater
tank and shed, which houses the generator, solar array and batteries for the entire site. Patanga Cabin,
the first completed building, demonstrates our approach to the site and architecture. 
Patanga means ‘place of gum trees’ in the local indigenous language. Not a single gum tree, or any kind
of tree, was removed during the design or construction of the roads, infrastructure or buildings, and local
Grey-crowned Babbler nests were relocated away from proposed development areas. This deliberate
decision demonstrates the dedication to preserving the vegetation and biodiversity of the area and
underscores the project philosophy to harmonise human habitation with ecological preservation.

Pull quotes
“The way the cabin sits in the landscape is exactly how we envisaged it in one of our early site sketches
and you get glimpses of the cabin through the gum trees on the approach from the drive in.”
“We selected materials for their natural qualities, to blend with the environment and be bushfire resistant.
We also chose materials that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable built environment, prioritising
indoor air quality and sustainable supply chains.”
“It’s rare to have the opportunity to masterplan an off-grid sustainable development from scratch. This is
what we had the privilege to do for Patanga Estate in the Hunter Valley.”