Patanga Estate

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region on Wonnarua Country, Patanga Estate by Fabric Architecture Studio is a masterclass in sustainable, off-grid design. Set among 25 acres of vine-clad hills in Pokolbin, NSW, the project transforms a pristine greenfield site into an architecturally integrated retreat that honours the land it sits on. Fabric Architecture Studio, working alongside Lou Projects, have delivered a thoughtful response to both ecological constraints and modern lifestyle needs, resulting in an award-winning architectural solution deeply embedded in its surroundings.

“It’s rare to have the opportunity to masterplan an off-grid sustainable development from scratch. This is what we had the privilege to do for Patanga Estate in the Hunter Valley.” – Fabric Architecture Studio

Designed for a site with no pre-existing access, water, or electricity infrastructure, Patanga Estate is far more than a house in the bush — it is a blueprint for environmentally respectful development. The masterplan had to respond to bushfire risk, ecological zoning, and wildlife habitat preservation, all while meeting the clients’ vision of an off-grid, culturally connected haven.

The architecture is purposefully unobtrusive: a shadowy, timber-clad guesthouse nestles within the landscape, built on small footpads to minimize disruption. The form draws from the vernacular of the Australian farmhouse, with a pitched roof and timber deck extending out toward the hillside. Every design move speaks to restraint, intentionality, and a commitment to treading lightly on the land. Internally, the cabin employs a palette of natural materials selected for their environmental and health qualities. Stone flooring, low VOC finishes, and uPVC double-glazed windows all contribute to thermal performance and indoor air quality. Ribbon and high-level windows invite both light and landscape into the interiors, while custom-designed bunk beds, German joinery, and Brodware fittings elevate the living experience.

“We selected materials for their natural qualities, to blend with the environment and be bushfire resistant. We also chose materials that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable built environment, prioritizing indoor air quality and sustainable supply chains.” – Fabric Architecture Studio

The completed Stage 1 of the project includes the guesthouse cabin, solar array, battery shed, roads, and site infrastructure — all designed with long-term sustainability in mind. A 21kW solar system with 68kW of battery storage and a diesel generator powers the entire site. The cabin itself is oriented to maximise solar gain and cross-ventilation, providing natural thermal comfort across seasons. The larger vision includes additional guest cabins, a main residence, vineyards, orchards and edible planting — all contributing to a regenerative and self-sufficient estate.

Every element, from material use to site management, reveals the care taken to protect the site’s ecological integrity. Not a single tree was removed during construction, and Grey-crowned Babbler nests were carefully relocated to preserve native biodiversity. This level of stewardship is rare in residential projects and speaks volumes about the team’s commitment to ecological harmony.

“The way the cabin sits in the landscape is exactly how we envisaged it in one of our early site sketches and you get glimpses of the cabin through the gum trees on the approach from the drive in.” – Fabric Architecture Studio

The Patanga Estate embodies a future-forward model of residential design — one that doesn’t simply sit on the land, but lives with it. Through careful planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep respect for the site’s natural and cultural context, Fabric Architecture Studio and Lou Projects have created a project that is as resilient as it is refined. The considered use of the Fanco Eco Style DC fan complements this narrative, underscoring shared values of sustainability, efficiency, and harmonious living. This collaboration exemplifies how design and product integration can elevate both architecture and everyday experience — providing not only beauty and performance, but a model for responsible living in the Australian landscape.