Balnarring Retreat By Branch Studio Architects
- Words
- Sarah Press
Balnarring Retreat is a minimal residence located in Victoria, Australia, standing at the edge of a pond surrounded by vegetation. The modern structure was designed by Melbourne-based Branch Studio Architects as a multipurpose retreat and studio, offering its inhabitants a quiet living space away from their urban home.
The concept of the retreat is the use of craftsmanship instead of technology, so that every wall of the building was designed to contain components that can manually fold, open and close to transform the space of the building. The south wall contains the fold away bed and a desk, book shelves and general storage, while the east wall has a series of flaps that unfold and work together to create a long table. Clad in rich brown wood and boasting light plywood walls and ceilings, the retreat reminds of a mountain cabin. The interior features concrete floors and minimalist furniture, creating a lofty ambience. A glazed wall fills the main room with natural light and offers a wonderful view. The idea of the retreat is to create flexibility through adaptability, so inhabitants become a part of the space.
All images © Branch Studio Architects