Valley of the Rainbow Newslog

The Nature Studios are designed to have a complementary, rather than conflicting  impact on the existing landscape. Natural rock formations and vegetation are to be left as undisturbed as far as possible. The Footprints of the units are to be minimal, with their structures consisting of a steel frame, with infill. Cut and Fill and foundation excavations will be kept to a minimum.  Sue Clark, Architect on the project, attended a master class in Australia by Glenn Murcutt, an internationally respected Australia architect, leader in his field,  to expand her knowledge regarding the philosophy of environmentally compatible design and response to site  Murcutt has learnt much from the aboriginal people of Australia, and their understanding and respect for their land. He practises their belief of “touching the earth lightly” by ensuring that his structures have as little impact on their surroundings as possible. He has become well known for his “lightweight” buildings. This philosophy has a lot of relevance to our country and specifically to this beautiful, environmentally rich site. The first phase units are designed on two levels. The site is steep, with a view over a trout dam and down the valley.  The living spaces are designed to open up completely, with an effect of being suspended on platforms between the trees and overlooking the water. Surplus stone from neighbouring quarries will be used in dry packed walls and gabions, to define parking areas, privacy screens, entrances and similar structures Visitors will arrive at their stone walled parking area and entrance on a higher level, overlooking the valley. Very little of the development will be visible from their arrival point . As they enter through the screen walls, they will discover how the site falls away to the water, and the view, and they will experience the transition of building materials to glass, steel and timber.

The Nature Studios are designed to have a complementary, rather than conflicting  impact on the existing landscape. Natural rock formations and vegetation are to be left as undisturbed as far as possible. The Footprints of the units are to be minimal, with their structures consisting of a steel frame, with infill. Cut and Fill and foundation excavations will be kept to a minimum.  Sue Clark, Architect on the project, attended a master class in Australia by Glenn Murcutt, an internationally respected Australia architect, leader in his field,  to expand her knowledge regarding the philosophy of environmentally compatible design and response to site  Murcutt has learnt much from the aboriginal people of Australia, and their understanding and respect for their land. He practises their belief of “touching the earth lightly” by ensuring that his structures have as little impact on their surroundings as possible. He has become well known for his “lightweight” buildings. This philosophy has a lot of relevance to our country and specifically to this beautiful, environmentally rich site. The first phase units are designed on two levels. The site is steep, with a view over a trout dam and down the valley.  The living spaces are designed to open up completely, with an effect of being suspended on platforms between the trees and overlooking the water. Surplus stone from neighbouring quarries will be used in dry packed walls and gabions, to define parking areas, privacy screens, entrances and similar structures Visitors will arrive at their stone walled parking area and entrance on a higher level, overlooking the valley. Very little of the development will be visible from their arrival point . As they enter through the screen walls, they will discover how the site falls away to the water, and the view, and they will experience the transition of building materials to glass, steel and timber.