Built for the Bush

For Australia’s rural settlers the creation of simple, energy efficient homes was a matter of situational necessity with their limited access to materials, skills and resources.

Today, architects recognize the conservation of energy as a global imperative and are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the creation and maintenance of modern housing.

In this new light the low-energy solutions of the 19th century rural house are being reappraised: the environmental suitability of traditional building materials has been recognised; water is again being treated like a precious commodity and passive shade, ventilation and heating strategies are once more being utilized to condition the air.

An exhibition from the NSW State Cultural Institutions.