Four core types of cladding underpin robust site materiality, drawing on a mix of oxidised mild steel, sandstone, bushfire-charred timber, weathered timber, and branches of organic cladding that seamlessly embed structures within topography. To respond to the remote nature of the trail and the variety of campsite conditions, a challenge of the design innovation was to allow remote construction and reduce ongoing maintenance. This was addressed through adaptable cladding designs and a unitized structural module, where the design adopts a unitised structural module allowing prefabrication both for economy and ease of construction in areas with limited helicopter access.

Designed to bring campers together while offering privacy and refuge, the Communal Hiker Shelter provides a central breezeway link with an enclosed gathering space and separate food preparation area. A solid base protectively encloses the space whilst being punctuated by feature windows framing key views of the Gariwerd landscape as hero. The Gariwerd Camp Huts offer extended accommodation experience which are wrapped in timber battens with a lightweight translucent skin. The timber battens provide shadow and camouflage while opaque walls offer an abundance of natural light during the day and a soft glow that mimics the canvas tents scattered amongst the landscape at night.

Minimalistic amenities, restricted to essentials of tent platforms, communal areas, and toilets, amplify the hiker experience with an appropriate level of comfort and refuge. The architecture offers protection from the elements whilst enhancing the experience of and connection with Gariwerd. A major drawcard takes the form of 11 new minimalistic campsites, featuring amenities restricted to essentials of tent platforms, communal areas, shelters, and toilets to amplify the hiker experience with an appropriate level of comfort.

Off-grid campsites are designed with mindfulness to guidelines and tracks – intuitive circulation allows for more sustainable campsites that minimise public access to dense vegetation. The robust structures and natural material palette promote durability and functionality in the tough remote environments. Responding to the vegetation and landscape, the designs offer shelter and elementary facilities, celebrating and connecting campers with the unique context of Gariwerd. Accommodating to a variety of users, abilities and intensities, the walk will conserve and protect Gariwerd’s beauty, achieving the highest possible grade of environmental sensitivity through the protection of site-specific conditions such as biotope preservation, overland flow management and microclimate.