008 - Mount Duval Earth House
Project Location: Armidale, NSW
Project Type: Single Dwelling
Status: Concept Phase
Sustainability & Design Features:
Rammed earth walls for thermal mass, durability, and a connection to site geology
Dramatic cantilevered “floating roof” offering passive shading and sculptural identity
Living, kitchen and dining areas oriented to frame panoramic views of Mount Duval
Brutalist-modernist aesthetic combining raw materials with minimalist spatial clarity
Clerestory glazing and deep overhangs for solar control and natural ventilation
Earth-toned, low-maintenance finishes suited to the regional climate
Long-span layout enabling future adaptability and open-plan flexibility
Conceived as a regionally responsive concept home, the Mount Duval Earth House explores how grounded, tactile materials can support elegant spatial gestures. The central floating roof appears to hover above monolithic rammed earth walls, offering both shelter and presence.
The design uses material honesty and restraint to create a contemporary rural residence that is sustainable, sculptural, and deeply site-driven. Panoramic eastern views toward Mount Duval define the home's outlook, while the internal experience is shaped by light play, earth textures, and connection to landscape.
Though designed for Armidale, NSW, this concept embodies the ethos of Dadirri Architects’ broader practice — delivering climate-conscious, place-responsive homes across both regional and metropolitan Australia.