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| Clare Cabin |
| The hinterland high-life. |
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Appreciating the changeable weather patterns of hinterland living, is a Brisbane family, the Beechams, who enjoy life on their one-third acre property near Maleny, the “highest” town on the Sunshine Coast. Here they have built a two-bedroom timber cabin.
Curious about the lost traditions of Australian country life, the Beechams have filled the cabin with rural memorabilia. Their only concessions are a new refrigerator and sound system.
In their discussions with the architects, the Beechams indicated that they wanted to develop the property in two stages - building a small (7 x 11 m) cottage first, and later constructing a larger house at the south end. The second building will become the family’s main residence, leaving this one as a self-contained guest cabin. The two wings will be arranged at 90 degrees to define the west and south sides of a common court.
The cottage is sited in one of the coldest parts of the Sunshine Coast and is often exposed to winds as well as extreme humidity and sun. It has been designed by Clare Designs, engineered by Rod Bligh and built by Terry McLardy. The main columns, sunk 3 metres into the ground, are 30cm wide, 80-year-old ironbark beams recycled from Brett’s Wharves in Brisbane. Preserved by a thick coat of tar and grease when found, they have since been sandblasted clean.
Flooring is 15cm wide recycled ironbark boards, laid above plywood topped with insulation batts. Walls and ceilings are recycled and new hardwood boards were laid, interrupted by rows of weather-proof Breezway glass louvres. The pitched roof is sheathed with galvanised tin, chosen because it goes grey more authentically than steel treated with modern Zincalume. Galvanised corrugated steel, either plain or finely corrugated Mini Orb, is also used extensively to clad walls inside the house. The shower alcove of the bathroom has been constructed from half a galvanised water tank, projecting from the west side of the house.
Unique Features
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The cabin has been filled with rural memorabilia, including soft drink boxes as kitchen storage, meat safes, an old washing machine (used as a party ice bucket), bakelite power points and a 1930s Metters stove.
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The bedrooms are built without doors. This is a deliberate decision by the Beechams to generate a spirit of openness and to encourage fresh ventilation.
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The main living area is lit by old tennis court lights, while a ladder leads from the main room to a loft where the children can play and sleep.
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Guests can sleep on the generously-sized window seats in the living room.
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The sundeck and enclosed courtyard on the north-east corner of the cabin offers extensive views across the Sunshine Coast.
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The cabin has been designed, engineered and built to withstand the cold, the exposure to winds, the sun and the extreme humidity.
The Beechams genuinely appreciate their grandstand exposure to the variable climate, including picturesque storms and the contrasting views that are available, right across to the distant coastline beyond.
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More Info
Architect:
Clare Designs,
Maroochydore, South Qld.
Ph: (02) 9372 8357.
Builder:
Terry McLardy,
Alexandra Headlands, Qld.
Ph: (07) 5444 4871.
Engineer:
Bligh Tanner Pty Ltd.,
Fortitude Valley, Qld.
Ph: (07) 3854 1555.
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Disclaimer
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