How to Build an Off Grid Cabin at the Top of a Mountain (Cabin Tour)

Designer Robbie Walker builds an off grid cabin in the form of Mansfield House. Robbie Walker has designed a home for his family that is both considered and sustainable. The house is situated on a rocky terrain, perched atop a natural flat plane. It was important that the long rectangular structure – which was crafted using raw steel, concrete, plywood and glass – blended in with its surrounding natural environment.

Inspired to connect with the views of the landscape beyond, Mansfield House is half bunker, half glass box. As a designer building an off grid cabin, Robbie had to ensure that the home was durable, with the ability to utilise solar energy and withstand the surrounding climatic conditions. The entrance courtyard and garage both face west where the weather hits the home the hardest, whilst the home itself is encased with a modern interpretation of a traditional Australian verandah. Screens along the home can be adjusted to suit different needs – heating or cooling – simultaneously blending into the environment, providing shelter from the wind and consuming as much solar heat gain as possible.

To champion sustainability and deepen relationships with the environment, and as a designer building an off grid cabin, Robbie has produced a home of lasting resonance – strong yet delicate, poised yet prepared. The architecture was designed around minimal wastage of materials, seen in the concrete blocks and plywood used sustainably throughout the interior. The materiality of the house is rugged, tough and long lasting, feeding into its natural landscape.

As a designer building an off grid cabin, Robbie understood that the isolated conditions of the site meant that the thermal mass needed to play a large role within the home’s design, needing the ability to store heat or cool the interior with ease. The home is simple in its execution, with every element on show – from the structure all the way down to the pipe work. Inspired by a need to build things that last, designer Robbie Walker builds an off grid cabin, strong enough and powerful enough to endure.

For more from The Local Project:

Design and Build by Robbie Walker.
Photography by Dave Kulesza.
Styling by Jess Kneebone.
Furniture by Great Dane.
Objects by Pan After.
Filmed and Edited by Dan Preston.
Production by The Local Project.

#Architect #OffGrid #Cabin #HowToBuildAnOffGridCabin #Architecture #Home #Interior #Sustainable #House #Mountain #HouseTour #RobbieWalker #TheLocalProject

[sherrymeurer]

I love everything about this. The design. The isolation. The simple ness. The man hosting. Well done!

[kt]

It’s an interesting study when he noted today’s things aren’t built to last. Yet, we call it progress. Gentleman like this hold the balance, and perhaps will one day tip the scale. Well done.

[tellyourstorymusicbyikson]

This is what happens when a production is audiovisually in tune; music, visuals and emotions in a collaborative dance. Inspiring.

[diego]

The people that conceive, create on paper then manage the actual construction of a home like this, are heroes to me.

[jamessmith]

Tell me you're the best architecture channel on YouTube without telling me you're the best architecture channel on YouTube 🙌

[paranoidhumanoid]

The build quality appears to be very strong, but also has that delicateness to it that makes it approachable. Thoughtful plumbing and use of water. Love everything about this home!

[stevestruthers]

This house has to be the ultimate in minimalism.

[Anastasia-gwhf]

This not just a house this is a dream. I absolutely love that calmness, air and the clarity of all lines. Nothing occasional, everything thought through.

[kostinino]

Well designed project, congratulations! and for once an architect that talks to the point, without using every 5 seconds architectural buzz words. Love your style mister Walker

[keithronson]

Jaw dropping. Incredible. To live there, to be there. Makes perfect sense. Everything is so thought through and considered. A house for generations to savour and appreciate. Thank you.

[darkskyimages]

Mr Walker's voice is calming, much like the environment he and his home are surrounded by. I am sure, given the chance to have a home like this someday, I'd be able to get in touch with my creative side more and capture more dark sky images without the risk of light pollution. What a perfect place to unwind and focus, and practice sustainability as well.

[Peregrine]

After so many luxe designs it’s lovely to see something thoughtful. I often think we’ll start to look at environmentally friendly homes in a different way where we will use traditional materials but more thoughtfully to produce less waste and to create buildings that last!

[bennybnb]

The shipping container is on Airbnb. Can highly recommend. Robbie even invited me in to see his house but I ran out of time. Glad I got to see it here!

[barrybr]

I'm in awe of this house. All the design features are thoughtful and efficiently engineered. My stunning. The friggin' towel rack....how simple and clever is that! The sheet metal work, especially round the fireplace, is the angles in the west-facing metal screens allowing the view but blocking the harsh western sun. Congratulations and thank you Robbie. The Local Project are the best home design presenters out there.

[anamariaorduz]

At first I thought “what a simple house. it feels very cold.” But, as he explained every aspect of building it and the thought that went into the design, my perspective started to change. At the end when he said “it’s only going to get better” I thought, “Wow. Now, that’s a home.” Well done!

[beatricebrown]

I lived in a desert for 15 years and his approach to this amazing project resonated with me. I love the simplicity and elegance. Well done.

[nagolhayze]

This is sensible, simple, and beautiful.
A rare combination. Excellent. Thank you.

[gianni.santi.]

This is probably my favorite one from this channel

[PrefabTinyModularHomes]

It’s really special when architects think about how a home will age and fit into the natural landscape. It takes great consideration to think about building a home that will only fit more and more into the earth on which it will be placed. The rest shown to the natural landscape is inspiring.

[_MSD_]

what a superb spot for a house. I'm not jealous at all. Not in the slightest.