Sawmill Treehouse showcases sustainable architecture in the natural Australian landscape
Perched lightly among towering trees at the base of a gully, Sawmill Treehouse by Robbie Walker exemplifies a design shaped by respect for both site and intention. Conceived from a simple yet profound client brief—a desire for a small place to share with loved ones—the resulting structure is as much a reflection of restraint as it is of architectural creativity.
From the very beginning, the focus was not on materials or interior finishes but on the site’s natural character. The client, deeply attuned to the landscape, shared images of trees rather than requests for tiles or benchtops, underscoring a sensitivity that would come to define the project’s direction and values.
The site itself, prone to water flow and defined by its dense canopy, inspired a design that lifts the building into the treetops. Four structural columns echo the surrounding trunks, while layered steel slats mimic foliage in their dappled treatment of light and heat. This natural inspiration became the framework for both structure and aesthetics.
Strategically elevated, the Sawmill Treehouse clears the flood-prone ground and offers a protected garage and utility area beneath. The compact footprint includes just the essentials—one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living space—crafted with a conscious decision to build only what is needed, nothing more.
In a bushfire-prone BAL 40 zone, material choices were both practical and principled. Steel provides resilience and fire resistance for all external elements, while sustainably grown timber is used inside for its warmth and eco-friendliness. The materials support both durability and sustainability goals.
Yet perhaps the most environmentally impactful choice for Sawmill Treehouse was the decision to build small. In a climate where property value often hinges on size and room count, choosing to design a compact home challenges market norms and pushes back against expectations that reward excess.
Despite facing the same administrative and financial hurdles as larger projects, the team stayed true to the vision. Sawmill Treehouse was not built out of necessity, but from principle. It represents the courage to prioritize what matters—connection to nature, environmental integrity, and quality over scale.
The cooling strategy also aligns with this low-impact approach. To avoid air conditioning, steel slats shade the building’s roof and walls. These slats allow airflow between themselves and the structure, reducing heat buildup and passively regulating the interior temperature in the harsh Australian summer.
Photography by Tasha Tylee, with courtesy of Robbie Walker
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