Hidden in 220 acres of coastal bushland between Bega and Tathra and nestled on a spit jutting out into the Bega river bordered by water on 3 sides is this unique and special mud brick home. It is crafted from natural materials found on the site and a selection of recycled materials designed to blend with the site.
Located on the south coast of New South Wales in the Bega Valley Shire, about 7 kms from Bega, 8 kms from Tathra and about 5km to the Mimosa Rocks National Park. It is bordered on 3 sides by the “Humbug Reach” of the Bega river and by Zecks Lagoon.
The sand coloured house is exquisite with an organic quality that comes from the blending of natural and recycled materials. The owner created his own bricks on site mixing the mud in a deep pit and shovelling it into moulds. These oversize sun dried bricks form the house’s thick adobe walls. The second story is constructed from native gum trees harvested on site. Large timbers from an old bridge form the frame of the house. The house is designed to remain warm in winter and cool in summer.
The garden is designed as a large courtyard, a living area whose boundaries are the house, the vegetable garden, the garage and the lily pond. The garden is planned around the climatic conditions of the area. The annual rainfall coupled with the fact that tank and dam water are used necessitated the creation of a garden that doesn’t require constant watering and can tolerate dry conditions.
Drinking water is provided via a gravity fed pressure system from two 20,000 gallon tanks, water for the garden is provided for by three dams on the property.
Solar power provides electricity for the house, the current owners did not want the intrusion of poles! The system caters for a growing family including 2 teenagers with computers, etc and a full sized fridge. If there is a succession of grey days (a rare occurrence in this area), then a backup generator is available.