Designed by MRTN Architects, the Nulla Vale House and Shed is a pair of off-grid rural structures located on a granite-flecked, 300-acre property in Nulla Vale, Australia. Conceived as a back-to-basics retreat for a city-based couple, the project evokes the aesthetic of weathered agricultural outbuildings while providing a comfortable and sustainable refuge. The house and the custom-designed shed share identical dimensions and a classic gable-ended form, subtly referencing the familiar rural sheds found throughout the area. Upon closer inspection, however, their unique identities emerge through their distinct materials. The shed is entirely clad in heritage-grade corrugated galvanized iron and houses equipment, batteries, and the off-grid solar system. The house is constructed with salvaged bricks, corrugated iron, and rough-sawn timber. This earthy material palette was chosen to make the building appear as though it has long been part of the landscape. The positioning of the structures was determined by a desire line—a natural path worn by animals—on a land saddle with vast views but exposed to strong winds. Inside the 50-square-meter house, the design continues the theme of honest, utilitarian simplicity. The interior is free of plasterboard and paint, with exposed timber trusses and reflective insulation serving as the ceiling finish. This creates a warm, textured atmosphere reminiscent of "sleeping out in a shed," a direct contrast to the clients' clean, modern city home. The house provides the essentials for eating, sleeping, and washing, connecting the inhabitants more directly with their environment. Sustainable features were integrated from the outset. The compact, north-facing footprint is optimized for solar gain, and deep roof overhangs are calculated to block harsh summer sun while allowing low winter sun to warm the burnished concrete slab floors. Additional thermal mass is provided by insulated double-brick walls. The house features cross-ventilation and a 5.2 kWp PV system, and it relies on rainwater tanks for water supply. Designed for a minimal lifecycle cost, the house can also be extended in the future when the owners plan to transition to permanent rural living. Project credits Architect: MRTN Architects Photography: Peter Bennetts