Blue Mountains Cox's River Rest

The Chalet has been given the Blacket award for a building of outstanding merit and the most outstanding architecture outside of Metropolitan Sydney by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. This building and some associated infrastructural works were achieved through the employment of local labour and locally sourced materials thus in itself demonstrating development that benefits the local community.

"The Blacket Award is traditionally given to the most outstanding work of architecture completed in a country area, that is, outside the Sydney Greater Metropolitan area. This year, some 20 projects, submitted for assorted categories of the NSW Chapter Awards, automatically became eligible for the Blacket. The Blacket Award 2000 was awarded to Blue Mountains Cox's River Rest by John Mason of Mason Architects. The prototype for a series of cabins for an eco-tourist development, this delightful building sits upon the side of the mountain in the midst of a majestic landscape. The challenge and opportunity presented by the site has been well accepted, with a building that runs with the contours, complements surrounding landforms and is energy efficient, despite its west-facing slope. With priorities of ESD principles and acknowledgement of the site, this simple timber and metal building reflects both a past and a future, echoing the traditional Australian tin shed and a model for sustainable community living. "
Mahalath Halperin Chair, NSW Country Division
Excerpt from "architecture bulletin" July 2000


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