sydney-based architecture firm fresh prince has designed a compact off-grid cabin in australia that offers a sustainable dwelling for summer getaways. located in new south wales, the 150-square-foot ‘barrington tops’ cabin is perched on the banks of a highland river, surrounded by dense woodland.

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

images courtesy of fresh prince
photos by rachel jayne mackay

 

 

the lightweight timber structure is built on a wheeled chassis and clad in matte black weathertex, a locally sourced material made from forest thinnings and other industry by-products in the production process. the off-grid cabin features built-in joinery that blends seamlessly with the interior lining and cathedral ceiling so that this sense of openness is preserved.

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

 

 

inside, an uncomplicated layout features a light-filled interior thanks to several large low-E glass windows with operable louvres that provide a natural system of air ventilation. the minimal interior includes a bed built atop smart storage options at one end of the cabin. a bathroom is situated at the other end, separated by a compact kitchen that includes a small refrigerator and a two-burner gas stove.

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

 

 

the cabin, which is available to rent on airbnb, is designed to have as little physical and environmental impact. it incorporates solar power that generates all the necessary energy. it also features a composting toilet, reconstituted sawdust and wax cladding and exposed copper and brass plumbing.

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

 

 

‘we believe less is more and aim to promote this philosophy through the creation of tiny cabins that feel generous and spacious inside,’ said alice nivison, design director of fresh prince. ‘being prefabricated and portable meant we had to carefully consider the weight of all materials, and fit all the elements within a strict size limit. rather than creating a down-sized house, we started from the ground-up, including only what was essential to create a simple, beautiful space that embodies a sustainable way of life.’

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

 

 

‘working within a small footprint, everything must earn its place; there is no room for waste or inefficiency,’ said richie northcott, founder of fresh prince. ‘the cabin was conceived as one continuous piece of joinery, interlocking and aligning to provide space for storage, cooking, sleeping and sitting, without disrupting the overall space.’

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

fresh prince designs tiny off-grid cabin for sustainable summer getaways

 

project info

 

studio: fresh prince

project: barrington tops

location: new south wales

area: 150-square-foot