CHROFI, architectural practice based in Sydney, Australia

Lune de Sang

Client:
Private

Program:
Sheds, Caretakers, Pavilion, Residence

Scale:
92 ha

Year:
2009 - Ongoing

Scope:
Site Plan, Design, DA, Documentation, Site Services

Photography:
Brett Boardman

Team:
DW Knox & Partners, Northrop, BCA Check, Kate Singleton, QS Plus

Builder:
Lyle Le Sueur

Location:
Northern NSW

Forestry, Landscape Design & Site Infrastructure:
Tony Kenway

Status:
Under Construction

Lune de Sang is an unique inter-generational venture that will see a significant former dairying property in northern NSW transformed into a sustainably harvested forest.

The vision is exceptional in that rather than planting a fast growing crop, various hardwoods of the region have been chosen to establish a rainforest landscape that will take generations to mature. The hardwoods will be tended to maturity and then selectively harvested, the long lifespan of the trees meaning a wait of between 50 and 300 years before the various species fully mature.

We were captivated by this long term vision, a vision that goes beyond one’s lifetime.

The design is a close collaboration with our client, one bound in collective understanding of the site, landscape and time. The rainforest timber’s unhurried growth has influenced our approach for inserting architecture in the site with all the buildings being designed to respond to the notion of a 300 year lifecycle.

The structures, both for working and habitation, are endowed with a sense of permanence. They have been conceived as ruins in the landscape; ancient concrete and stone structures that have been unearthed and retrofitted for comfortable habitation with crisp glass and steel details.

The site's transformation and design process is documented here.

Shed 1 can be seen here

Shed 2 can be seen here

The Stone House can be seen here

The General Manager's Residence can be seen here