Driving through the hilly vineyards of Mudgee in central west NSW over summer, I was struck by the appearance of small, angular structures that seemed to have settled on properties throughout the acclaimed food and wine region.

To the north, near the Goulburn River National Park, the corrugated galvanised roofs of the Kavillo guest cottages jut jauntily in the sun. Lying low in a field of wildflowers by Lawsons Creek, the slanted roofline of a single holiday hut creates a graphic shape in space. Likewise, the faceted cellar door of nearby Lowe Family Wine Co shimmers like a precious jewel, effectively deflecting afternoon heat.