James Waites reports on a particularly imaginative affordable housing option. Perhaps not for everyone, but the balance between aesthetics, price and community involvement is nonetheless worthy of note.

When it comes to affordable housing , it would be hard to improve on Connor + Solomon’s ‘camping shelter’ designed for the Mutawintji Land Council in the far north-west of NSW. In the last issue Kirsty McKensie wrote of Connor + Solomon’s staff house for the same organization, which has already been built.

Also planned is the establishment of camps in the park for the families who have now been identified as the traditional owners. These are yet to be built, but again Connor + Solomon have worked closely with local Aborigines on the design. It is clearly in the spirit of traditional Aboriginal design, yet draws on mostly contemporary. The construction materials enhancing permanence and ease of construction.

The large circular drum, seen on the left of the model, serves as a secure store so some supplies can be left at the site safe from animals. It and the plinth on which it sits are designed to be built of earth bricks made by Wilcannia Land Council.

This roof is made of shade-providing cane grass, harvested locally; and the structure is supported by a hollow galvanized piping, easily bent into shape with no more than a chain and ratchet.
While tehe area is low in rainfall, water can be collected on a sheet of corrugated Perspex sheeting hidden between layers of cane grass, with a run-off down a hollow steel column into the smaller (yellow) container on the right.
The area is rich in tucker, including kangaroo and wallaby, and among the purposes of the camping sites is the opportunity it gives for bush-tucker traditions to be handed down to new generations. To this end, a stainless steel slab is also included, along with a sink and. Of course, fire place.

Paul Connor says the focus was something “that is easy, inexpensive, drawing on local materials and labour. We wanted something that sat in the landscape happily. If they are to be scattered around the National Park you don’t want them to stick out.”
Is Connor proud of the project? Of course. But credit, he says should go to the locals: “It’s their idea. The architect is just a vehicle” In fact Connor has spent a lot a time in the area, drawing on the local knowledge in all aspects of the project, however development has been held over due to a shortage of funds. Connor hopes this will be resolved soon.