The concept of Minka is to weave elements of nature into the fabric of living. This is achieved by connecting pockets of the surrounding landscape to the interior, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior, through the introduction of the ‘engawa’.

Minka’s architectural form depicts a series of intersecting roof planes resembling origami, overlapping and folding. It is an amalgamation of the skillion roof and the pitched roof, where the main roof structure is integrated with the engawa structure. The west and east wings both delineate from a central ‘tower’.

Environmental sustainability is addressed through a number of strategies to increase heating and cooling efficiency. North-facing doors and highlight windows provide plenty of light throughout the day and changing seasons. Large eaves prevent the summer sun penetrating the building at peak hours. The bi-folding screen provides flexibility and the ability to control sun exposure and the highlight louvre windows flush hot air out.

A western buffer zone is created on the ground floor, housing the brewery, store, ensuite and study. This will eliminate any western heat transfer to the master bedroom and living area. Smaller rooms with western walls on the first floor can be isolated for heating and cooling efficiency. They also have an external timber screen that will help shade the walls and windows from direct radiation heat. The first-floor roof faces north to effectively host solar panels, adding to Minka’s environmental efficiency.