Custom Off Grid Home Designed for Sustainable Rural Living

At Wilson Built SA, we are passionate about creating homes that respond thoughtfully to their environment while delivering comfort, efficiency and individuality. This custom rural home on Stephens Road in Inman Valley is a carefully considered off grid build, designed to capture expansive views while performing well above minimum energy efficiency standards.

Positioned to embrace its natural setting, the home features cathedral ceilings and highlight windows that flood the interior with natural light and frame the sweeping rural landscape. An open gable end that leads to the alfresco area further enhances the connection between indoors and outdoors, creating a relaxed and functional space for year-round living and entertaining. The express joint ceiling outdoors adds texture and architectural interest while maintaining a strong link to the surrounding environment.

The external finishes reflect a balance of durability and character, combining feature brick, rendered brick, and axon cladding to the gable ends and porch parapet. uPVC windows and doors were selected for their low maintenance durability and strong thermal performance, supporting the home’s overall energy efficiency.

Inside, a spacious country kitchen offers an efficient layout and generous storage, complemented by custom cabinetry with black vintage style handles that add character. The timber full glass double doors enhance natural light throughout the home, while a feature double barn door provides a practical and distinctive design element.

A standout design element is the fireplace wall, which incorporates stones sourced directly from the property. The vintage style Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 fireplace provides an environmentally friendly clean burn system, as well as a cooking function, making it both a useful and meaningful centrepiece for rural living. 

The home includes an expansive laundry and mud room, designed for country life, along with extensive internal storage and a large garage. The ensuite showcases the owners’ personal style, featuring blue subway tiles, a full-length shelf wall, and a layout designed with future wheelchair accessibility in mind.

Sustainability was a key driver throughout the build. The home operates as a fully standalone system, powered by a 24kW solar system with battery storage and generator backup, and is solely run on rainwater. Solitex wall and roof wraps from Pro Clima were installed to create a high-performance weather tight and airtight building envelope, supporting a draught free, low allergen indoor environment. A heat recovery and air ventilation system further enhances indoor air quality and comfort.

Additional performance features include a vented Colourbond roof for effective gable and ridge ventilation, acoustic insulation where required for noise reduction, and the use of Wattyl ID Advanced low VOC paint throughout the home, offering a more sustainable finish with mould and bacteria resistance.

This Stephens Road home in Inman Valley is a strong example of Wilson Built SA’s ability to deliver high performing, energy efficient rural homes that are tailored to lifestyle, landscape and long-term living. The result is a warm, resilient and sustainable home that truly belongs to its environment.