Embracing Simplicity: The Concept of Permanent Camping 2
A Tranquil Retreat
Nestled amidst the lush green paddocks of Berry, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, stand two diminutive copper towers atop a gentle hill. These structures, known as Permanent Camping 2, epitomize the essence of shelter, offering essential amenities such as a bed, a deck, a fireplace, and a bathroom. Designed as a retreat where the demands of living are distilled to the bare essentials, Permanent Camping 2 provides everything needed for a simple yet fulfilling existence.
Thoughtful Design
With a compact floor plan measuring 3m x 3m, Permanent Camping 2 allows two people to coexist comfortably within the same space without encroaching on each other’s privacy. The ground level encompasses living facilities for cooking, storage, and heating, while a ladder leads to the bed located on the second mezzanine level. The bathroom, housed in a separate tower, is connected to the main structure by a deck and features its own water tank for rainwater collection and a composting toilet.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Permanent Camping 2 serves as both a getaway and a permanent tent, offering residents the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and live simply. Encased in a fully enclosing copper skin, the structure remains protected from the elements when not in use, preserving its finely crafted ironbark interior from the harsh Australian sun.
Sustainable Features
Constructed from recycled ironbark sourced from an unused wharf float, Permanent Camping 2 incorporates several sustainable features. Manual winches lift and lower the sides of the building to create an overhang, providing shade from the summer sun. Rainwater collected on the roofs is stored in a tank above the bathroom, supplying water for the shower and kitchen. A potbelly wood-fired stove heats the cabin, while solar panels on the roof provide power for lighting.
Masterful Craftsmanship
Pre-fabricated by master craftsman Jeffery Broadfield and the building team from Smith and Primmer, Permanent Camping 2 is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. This project represents a refined continuation of the tradition established by PC1 in Mudgee, conceived by architect Casey Brown and brought to life by Jeffery Broadfield 12 years prior.
A Sculptural Presence
Accessible only by foot, Permanent Camping 2 presents itself as a small sculpture in the landscape, its true function revealed only upon closer inspection as the side panels open up and the service tower becomes apparent. It embodies the realization of dreams for the client, the architect, and the craftsmen involved, representing a collaborative effort that celebrates the art of creation.
