Award of Merit:

Das Studio for Esca Blewitt Springs

Das Studio are an emerging Architecture and Design studio founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo, Interior Designer Sara Horstmann and Architect Dino Vrynios. 

Despite our relatively short history, we already hold a reputation for ‘making better’ —offering different ways of thinking and doing to create new solutions to old problems and unlocking value for all. This reputation has seen our team grow from two, to 17 Architects, Designers, Landscape Architects and Professionals over the last three years. We have been able to quickly demonstrate our ability to work collaboratively with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities to deliver strategically considered projects that respond to the requirements of the brief as well as those of the broader community. 

Das Studio have established nation-leading expertise in modular construction methodologies - this unrivalled knowledge has helped realise the SA Department for Education’s $200m Modular Program, prototype game-changing Health Infrastructure for remote Australia with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Line Zero – Factory of the Future together with Flinders University and BAE Systems. 

Das Studio are a registered architectural practice in both South Australia and Victoria, and currently nurture a significant live-project list. This includes a variety of new build, heritage & adaptive re-use, masterplans and interior fitouts across the Education, Health, Residential (single dwelling and medium density), Retail, Tourism and Hospitality sectors. 

At the heart of Das Studio is the philosophy – ‘make better’. Developed collectively, the idea to challenge convention and refuse to accept the way it is, as the way it should be, is at the foundation of all that we do. From the construction methodologies we propose, to wellbeing in the workplace, to advocacy and agency, making better, flows through every facet of our studio. 

Our multifaceted team bring together a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds and industries; This collective wisdom permeates through all that we do and supports the shared vision that has brought our people together: 

To strive for better, always.
Better processes, better relationships, better outcomes.
To respect and acknowledge history.
But always ask whether the way it is, is the way it should be.
To be generous with our time and with each other.
Because giving is better than taking.

About the Project

In 2015 Das Studio director Dino was awarded a travelling fellowship to research the world’s best practice in modular construction. Following this time abroad, Dino with his background in Architecture, along with Das Studio co-director Sara, whose background is in Industrial and Interior Design, began working together on the prototype designs for their prefabricated accommodation venture, Esca. Premium quality, off-grid capable, low environmental impact buildings that achieve positive commercial outcomes within a regional tourism context. 

The aim for this new business was to demonstrate that prefabricated construction can be a genuine alternative to traditional construction methodologies by debunking the myth held in SA at the time, that modular buildings are only suitable for low quality transportable classrooms and portable camps. 

Esca’s pilot project is located on land owned by existing accommodation provider The Vineyard Retreat in Blewitt Springs, SA. Comprised of two prototype 55m2 suites delivered two years apart, each adopting varying construction methodologies and structural make-up, finishes and fixtures, transportation methodologies and funding models to test the better approach for a more significant roll out of Esca suites across other regional sites in the future. 

Orientation was a key consideration with the bed positioned to enable guests to wake in the morning and watch the sunrise, whilst floor to ceiling expanses of double glazing provide 270-degree views to the vineyard and adjacent farmland. The limited on-site construction time of approximately 1 month (for earthworks, wastewater systems, above ground footings, delivery and commissioning) enabled a reduced impact on the natural environment limiting prolonged pollution exposure to the abundance of native fauna and flora. Limited on-site works also provided a reduced impact from a commercial standpoint to the working vineyard as site operations continued uninterrupted. 

The suites are off-grid with harvested water used from across the site and a shared aerobic wastewater system between the two suites. Power is provided from the grid as a backup only, with solar panels located throughout the winery infrastructure being the primary supply. 

High performance materials and systems allow energy input to be reduced via minimised diurnal variances and climatic controllability. Shading elements, double glazing, high density insulation to the entire envelope, air tightness combined with operability ensured ultimate flexibility for a short stay occupation user - low tech and intuitive. 

Since opening, the suites have achieved 85-90% occupancy at $500-$600 per night, providing new optimised revenue streams to the landholder and much needed premium accommodation offerings within the McLaren Vale region. Pay back on investment is approximately 2.5 years, with this pilot project securing Esca a current pipeline of 25 new suites across SA to be delivered within the next 18 months.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Sara Horstmann - Interior Design (Lead)
Dino Vrynios - Architecture (Lead)
Ashleigh Pinto - Interior Designer