Permanent Camping 3 by Casey Brown Architecture is a testament to the enduring appeal of rural modernism, a design philosophy that seamlessly blends functionality with a deep connection to the natural environment. This latest addition to the PC series, nestled on a cattle property near Orange in Wiradjuri Country, Australia, showcases a unique approach to architecture that prioritizes both form and context.
The PC series, spanning nearly two decades and three distinct sites, embodies a consistent vision: to create spaces that harmonize with the Australian landscape. Each iteration builds upon the previous, refining and evolving while maintaining an understated and climate-responsive design language. The first two installments, PC1 and PC2, were vertical towers clad in copper, standing boldly in Mudgee and Berry. PC3, however, takes a different approach, drawing inspiration from the ancient and efficient A-frame structure.
Co-founder Rob Brown's idea of emulating a tent as the most efficient form of shelter led to the creation of a gravel-ringed platform elevated above the surrounding long grass. This platform supports a double-skin structure, with the inner volume designed for intimacy and the outer Corten steel envelope resembling a blanket draped over the cabin. The result is a structure that appears as a natural extension of the landscape, rather than an imposed object.
The interior of PC3 is a study in cultivated sufficiency. A bed faces the valley, a pot-belly stove provides warmth, and a bar with a sink and coffee machine caters to the needs of the inhabitants. The louvred bathroom adds a touch of privacy. The scale and simplicity of the structure, coupled with the clients' trust, allowed Casey Brown Architecture to invest heavily in the interior, specifying and custom-designing every fitting, fixture, light, and piece of furniture. This attention to detail reflects the philosophy of 'everything you need, nothing you don't'.
Scale is a central theme in PC3. Located on the outskirts of Orange, where the sky meets the earth and the landscape is vast, the cabin is designed to intrigue without becoming sculptural. Rob Brown's intention was to create a building that asserts its place in the landscape through material exactitude, formal restraint, and a thoughtful calibration to its surroundings. PC3 is a small building with a distinct character, a considered architectural proposition that embodies the ongoing pursuit of living well in harmony with nature.
In my opinion, Permanent Camping 3 is a masterpiece of rural architecture, a testament to the power of design to enhance our connection with the natural world. It challenges the notion of a house, instead presenting a carefully crafted architectural proposition that invites contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of simplicity and the richness of the Australian landscape.
