Yuin
NSW
A tale of Architecture as a transformational catalyst.
Clients Simon and Sarah, living busy city lives, found solace in a patch of paddocks nestled at the end of a valley near Milton. The question they faced was how to create a dwelling that would harmonise with the land, preserving its essence rather than overshadowing it. How much is ‘enough’?
Initially, the plan was to design and build a house in a key location on the site, aiming to capture the clients’ desire for a camping or caravan-style living experience. An existing rural shed was to serve as the working hub for the project, though it required essential amenities.
Architecture’s true role is to deliver meaningful spaces. Enter the Bath Haus—a modest yet playful test case that would eventually set the tone for the larger development. Designed to explore what could be achieved in the site’s picturesque rural setting, theÌýBath HausÌýincluded separate bath, shower, and toilet spaces. It was an experimental concept, a proof of possibility in its serene environment.
During the project’s development, a ‘lean-to’ structure was added to the shed—offering a practical solution for housing essential family functions. This space evolved into cozy sleeping burrows that opened to an outdoor walkway, allowing the clients to fully engage with the project. By staying on-site, they actively contributed to the playful evolution of theÌýBath Haus.
With subtle references to caravan park amenities, swimming pool ladders, and the natural phenomenon of escaping steam, the three-part structure became a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces, the open and the closed, the grounded and suspended, the clear and the diffused,Ìýthe crude and the crafted.
Ultimately, theÌýBath HausÌýproved to be more than just a functional prototype—it became the defining element of the entire project. It catalysed a simpler, more humbled extension to the shed, negating the need for another dwelling, proving thatÌýlessÌýcould indeed beÌýmore. In the end, theÌýBath HausÌýdelivered everything that was needed.
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The Bath Haus exemplifies architecture’s ability to deliver meaningful, site-responsive design through modesty and experimentation. Originally conceived as a small amenity block beside a rural shed, it evolved into a defining project element—balancing playful spirit with purposeful utility. Referencing caravan parks and the elemental qualities of bathing, its distinct bath, shower, and toilet pavilion engages in a dialogue between inside and out, crafted and raw. The Bath Haus embodies the principle that less can be more. It stands as a powerful prototype for simple, site-connected living.
I rang drew and said could you do me a shed conversion and then a big house later
He said yes but only if I can go mad on the dunny
I said yes
So here it is …. The mad haus
🙂
Drew Heath, Design Architect
The ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
