On a farm near Junee, New South Wales, two disused LYSAGHT® grain silos have been reimagined as The Silos Accommodation, a boutique farmstay that celebrates rural heritage and contemporary sustainable design. Led by Cooee Architecture, the project has won the Sustainable Design Award at the 2025 Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards.
The judging panel commented:
“This project demonstrates how reusing existing structures can be both sustainable and design-driven. The Silos Accomodation takes a disused rural asset and transforms it into an inspiring model of adaptive reuse.”
A Unique Guest Experience
The Silos retains every possible element of the original structures, with additional detailing in LYSAGHT® MINI ORB® to echo the distinctive ribbed form.
Inside, the silo has been converted into a boutique retreat, balancing architectural impact with subtle design moments. Features include loft windows for stargazing, an ensuite framing private countryside views, and a carefully crafted interior of natural timbers, polished concrete and custom joinery. The result is accommodation that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to its setting.
The Role of MINI ORB®
A defining feature of The Silos Accommodation is its use of LYSAGHT MINI ORB®. The fine corrugations of MINI ORB® were the natural choice to echo the original silo’s agricultural form, while providing a contemporary finish that is durable, low-maintenance and fully recyclable.
Beyond aesthetics, MINI ORB® contributed to the project’s sustainability outcomes. Its light weight supported efficient installation, its durability reduces future maintenance, and its recyclability ensures the material’s value extends well beyond the life of the building.
The judges praised its integration, noting: “The decision to use MINI ORB® is clever and sensitive. It preserves the silo’s character while delivering the performance expected of modern accommodation.”
Sustainable Design Award Winner
Introduced for the first time in 2025, the Sustainable Design Award recognises projects that set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility. The Silos Accommodation was chosen for its strong sustainability credentials, including:
- Adaptive reuse: converting two existing silos, avoiding demolition and reducing waste.
- 7-star NatHERS rating: confirming the building’s energy efficiency.
- Off-grid operation: including solar generation and a worm farm septic system.
- Water and material management: rainwater harvesting and re-use of the original concrete slab, broken up for paving.
- Thermal performance: double-glazing and passive orientation maximise comfort and efficiency. 3
- Product performance: the use of MINI ORB® to retain the silos’ distinctive corrugated character while delivering long-term durability.
The win carries a $5,000 prize, reflecting Lysaght’s commitment to celebrating projects that prioritise sustainable outcomes.
Regional Ingenuity Recognised
By honouring the durability of the original LYSAGHT® steel while incorporating MINI ORB® for continuity, The Silos Accommodation shows how regional icons can be preserved, adapted, and future-proofed for generations to enjoy. It demonstrates how regional projects can deliver architectural excellence while contributing to sustainability and tourism.
Lysaght proudly celebrates projects like The Silos Accommodation, where sustainability, design innovation and community connection come together.
