WELLNESS RETREAT
Situated near the Kangaroo Valley river on a previously bushfire ravaged site, this wellness retreat is designed to immerse guests in nature while embracing sustainable design principles. The architecture embraces a low-impact ethos, using off-grid systems, locally sourced materials, and passive design strategies to create a restorative, environmentally conscious experience.
A series of pavilions — featuring guest suites, meditation areas, a gym, and a workspace — extend from a spacious communal living area where guests gather to share meals and relax by the fire, set within the native landscape. Natural materials including timber, stone, and brick reflect the earthy tones of the surrounding bushland, while floor-to-ceiling openings filter in dappled light and frame sweeping views of the valley.
Water harvesting, on-site treatment, and solar energy systems allow the retreat to operate with minimal reliance on external infrastructure, while deep overhangs and thermal mass regulate the internal temperature. The design integrates wellness principles with architectural sensitivity — each structure positioned to align with natural contours, prevailing breezes, and northern sun.
Open-air paths and communal fire circles encourage informal gathering and connection — to place, self, and nature. Grounded in the natural beauty of Kangaroo Valley, the retreat offers a quiet setting that supports wellbeing and environmental sensitivity.