Penders, Heritage-listed retreat in Mimosa Rocks National Park, Australia
Penders is a multi-building estate located in Mimosa Rocks National Park along the Pacific coast spanning several hundred hectares. The property contains a nine-sided barn, a geodesic dome structure, residential buildings, and natural features including beaches and coastal lagoons.
Architect Roy Grounds and businessman Ken Myer acquired the land in 1965 and designed the structures using materials sourced from the surrounding area. The owners donated the property to New South Wales in 1973, ensuring its preservation and public access.
The structures on the property blend architectural experimentation with an appreciation for natural materials sourced from the local area. Buildings like the Myer House display Victorian timber details that reflect a connection to the region's heritage craftsmanship.
Accommodations are available on the property which offers direct access to coastal areas and outdoor activities along the shore. The remote location means planning ahead is necessary to arrange visits and explore all the structures on the extensive grounds.
The nine-sided barn uses treated spotted gum timber in its construction, an experimental building approach developed specifically for coastal conditions. This distinctive technique demonstrates how the designers tested unconventional methods to work harmoniously with the environment.
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