Emerging from the ethos of the IMBY Kit (“In My Back Yard”), the project is a model of occupant led, incremental development, embedding architectural intelligence within a modular framework. In this way, the knowledge and rigour of architectural practice are made more accessible, empowering individuals to shape their own built environments with confidence and design integrity.

Building upon this foundation, Casa Manyana responds directly to the challenges of rebuilding in bushfire-prone landscapes and is designed for the architect’s own family. Their home narrowly survived the devastating 2019–20 NSW South Coast bushfires; however, a damaged cabin on site required rebuilding to accommodate the needs of a growing family. The project asks how rebuilding might occur in a manner that is both resilient and affordable, yet inspire and delight, whilst being adaptable, and replicable by others facing similar circumstances.

Located within the front yard of an existing two-bedroom cottage, the curved form complements the landscape, and flexibly extends the family home for work, play and guest accommodation. Articulated openings provide cross-ventilation, shadow-play and framed views while screens protect from embers. An entry deck to the east captures canopy views and cooling sea-breezes. Internally, the space is both generous and lofty, honest and intimate. Containing a living space, kitchenette, sleeping-loft and bathroom, timber linings trace the curving forms of expressed portal frames, the logic of assembly is part of daily life.