Set in Mudgee, Australia, Kavillo Studios by Cameron Anderson Architects is a luxury accommodation project shaped by its material palette and rural setting, where a folded roof forms a tent-like structure over each studio, creating a sense of shelter while remaining open to the landscape.
Rammed earth, timber, and steel define the architecture, anchoring the various cabins to their setting while maintaining a simple, pared-back feel, with openings positioned to capture views and seasonal light.
Built by owner-builder Michael Ferris, the studios reflect a hands-on approach, with sculptural detailing and handcrafted elements throughout, resulting in a compact yet highly resolved accommodation offering that blends construction, materiality, and performance, now extended by the addition of a small-scale events space that introduces a shared layer to the overall experience.
A Modern Take on Camping
The studio buildings reinterpret the idea of camping through architecture. A folded roof stretches over the interiors like a tent, creating a sense of shelter while still feeling open to the surrounding landscape.
This roof form appears almost suspended, anchoring itself to a rammed earth plinth at the south-west corner. A thick western wall provides both privacy and protection, while the building opens toward southern views. At the same time, the roof lifts to allow northern winter sun to enter through glazed doors, balancing openness with comfort.
The construction reflects a highly collaborative process. Structural input from Scott Smalley Partnership helped refine both the rammed earth approach and the steel portal frames, keeping the structure efficient and precise. The project was then brought to life by owner-builder Michael Ferris, whose background in sculpture is evident in the detailing and handcrafted elements throughout.
Despite its sculptural form, the project was delivered within a strict budget. A compact footprint keeps costs controlled while still achieving a high level of design quality.
Performance is also a key part of the design. Double-glazed hardwood windows, strong insulation, and shaded northern facades help regulate temperature. The buildings operate completely off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by a mechanical flywheel battery system. Rainwater storage and low-water fixtures further reduce environmental impact.
Material choices tie everything back to the rural setting. Galvanised metal references nearby shearing sheds, while rammed earth reflects the region’s long-standing building traditions.
Crafted, Efficient, and Tactile
Inside the studios, the focus shifts to material texture and handcrafted detail, where many of the interior elements have been made by owner-builder Michael Ferris. Basins and light fittings carry a sculptural quality, adding individuality to the compact spaces without increasing complexity.
The interiors are designed to work efficiently within a small footprint, and include a living area that can be open to the outdoors, while a small kitchen lines the wall. The sleeping area is located behind the living room, and a bathroom includes a stone vanity and a shower with a skylight.
Extending the Stay Outdoors
Building on the experience of the studios, the events space introduces a shared setting that feels like a natural continuation of the accommodation.
The structure is open-air and intentionally modest in scale, encouraging smaller gatherings without the feel of a traditional venue. The same palette of rammed earth, timber, and steel carries through, ensuring a seamless connection between private and shared spaces.
At its centre, the food-over-fire concept becomes the focal point. Cooking is visible and interactive, drawing guests in and shaping how people move through the space. The fire becomes a point of focus, where conversation, dining, and atmosphere naturally come together.
This approach makes the space well suited to boutique weddings, corporate groups, and long-table dining experiences. Guests can move easily between their studios, the surrounding landscape, and this communal area, creating a more fluid and engaging stay.
Kavillo Studios in Mudgee blends private accommodation with a new shared events space, creating a seamless guest experience.