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Having worked in the construction industry for three decades, Northern Rivers builder Chris King knows better than most that bigger isn’t always better.
‘I’ve always been passionate about quality architecture, but I also saw how often it was out of reach. Too frequently, compromises are made purely because everything is too big,’ Chris says.
This first-hand experience got him thinking about how he could elevate the idea of what a tiny home could be, and how it was experienced.
He enlisted architects Hayley Pryor and Anastasia Pitt and his team from Chris King Constructions for what started as a personal project to build a small format ‘retreat’ on his own rural property, about 20 minutes north of Byron Bay.
What they came up with was The Oculus: an impressive tiny home that has all the essentials and the same serene atmosphere you’d expect from a traditional holiday home. But more importantly, it was designed through the lens of climate-responsive architecture.
‘Every element, from the sculptural roofline and removable eaves, to the operable skylight, tall louvres, and strategically placed windows was chosen to enhance natural airflow, reduce heat gain and minimise moisture risk,’ Chris says.
These clever additions ensure the high-performing home is built especially for comfort in warmer climates, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling, which was especially important for the Northern Rivers’ subtropical weather.
The interiors reveal recycled floorboards, hardwood ply and timber-framed windows with awnings that protect the building from overheating.
‘It feels solid and lived-in from the moment you step inside,’ Chris adds.
Inside, there’s a small kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, a built-in seating area, and its most ‘special’ feature, an oculus skylight in the steel-framed roof.
‘It brings in natural light, lets the space breathe and gives you that connection to the sky above — it’s not just for show. It actually works to help cool the home by drawing hot air up and out, a simple idea that makes a big difference,’ Chris explains.
The unique road-towable building has now become the first offering from Chris’ new tiny home venture, Retreat House, allowing others to order The Oculus for their own properties. Each one will take about four months to build before being delivered.
His team is already exploring other models that can be tailored for other climates, including an alpine version for Tasmania, the Snowy Mountains and other colder regions.
‘Retreat House was born from a desire to make architecture more accessible, and to contribute to the future of sustainable housing and tourism,’ Chris adds.
‘I genuinely believe the future of residential building in Australia lies in smaller-footprint homes. As urban density increases, especially in our cities, we need to rethink how we live, finding ways to maintain amenity while using space more intelligently.’
