Set deep within the rolling landscape of Kimo Estate in New South Wales, JR’s Hut is a compact, thoughtfully designed retreat that combines the comfort of contemporary architecture with the timeless geometry of a classic A-frame. Conceived by Anthony Hunt Design in collaboration with Luke Stanley Architects, the hut sits quietly in the Australian bush, framing wide, panoramic views while offering a warm, wood-clad interior that prioritizes calm, simplicity and connection with nature.
The design is intentionally restrained. The A-frame silhouette gives the hut a nostalgic, almost tent-like presence, while contemporary detailing and careful material selection make it a modern, durable shelter. Locally sourced Australian hardwoods are used throughout the structure and finishings, reducing the building’s environmental footprint and helping to shorten construction time and control costs. The result is a cabin that reads as both familiar and refined, fully integrated into its natural setting.
Inside, the approach is deliberately minimal. Interiors are warm and wood-forward, with clean lines and an uncluttered layout that encourage visitors to look outward rather than be distracted by technology or ornament. A compact bedroom doubles as a restful sleeping space and a small workspace, complete with a modest balcony that opens to the estate’s wide views. The layout prioritizes comfort and repose, making it easy to leave everyday concerns behind and settle into the slower rhythms of the landscape.
Functional features are integrated with aesthetic care. The fireplace and its surrounding storage demonstrate a practical, considered approach to detailing: firewood storage is incorporated in a way that complements the form and texture of the interior rather than competing with it. Large windows and carefully positioned openings capture changing light and provide uninterrupted sightlines across the property, allowing guests to fully appreciate the shelter’s remote context.
The hut’s placement on the estate emphasizes privacy and immersion. From its deck and windows, guests look out across a vast, sparsely developed landscape that reinforces the feeling of solitude and escape. The surrounding pasture and bush create a calm backdrop that changes with the seasons and the light, making each visit distinct.
Material honesty is a strong theme here. The woodsy interior, crafted from locally sourced timber, provides tactile warmth and visual continuity from exterior to interior. Details are kept simple but thoughtful, emphasizing durability and low maintenance. That considered restraint contributes to an atmosphere of calm and longevity—qualities the owners anticipated and appreciated from the outset.
The exterior expression—an elegant A-frame set against the Australian bush—signals both shelter and escape. It’s a design that reads clearly from a distance yet reveals its careful detailing up close. The hut stands as a modest but distinct gesture on the estate: an accessible retreat that honors place, materials and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.
Anthony & Luke have created an amazing project that leaves our customers with a sense of place in the environment. We expect the hut to stand the test of time and have been overwhelmed with the response. – David & Emelia Ferguson, Kimo Estate
Credits: Design by Anthony Hunt Design and Luke Stanley Architects. Photography by Hilary Bradford.
