This Tasmanian Island Hideaway Is a Minimalist Off-Grid Dream

Is there any end to the daydreams of a secluded cabin to escape to? Somewhere outside the reach of internet and email, where the number of “things to do” can be counted on one hand, and can be put off till tomorrow. Well, this little 301-square-foot off-grid coastal cabin is a shining example of what we'd go for given the chance.

Situated on 99 acres of land on Bruny Island, off the south coast of Tasmania, which is itself off the south coast of Australia, this tiny retreat designed by Maguire + Devine Architects couldn’t get much more secluded. Though that doesn’t mean it’s entirely rustic.

Inside the corrosive-resistant sheet metal and fire-resistant wood exterior, the bright interior offers all anyone could ask for in a home away from home—the architect’s brief was to design a space like a piece of furniture, with everything built in. A soaking tub set into one of the two exterior decks proves the point—there’s no roughing it here.

Light-colored wood covers every interior surface, connecting the space with the natural world surrounding it, with two massive east and west-facing decks accessed by equally large sliding glass doors further inviting the outside in—and nearly doubling the cabin’s square footage in the process too.

The translucent finish on the main doors references Japanese rice-paper screens, providing a sense of enclosure and privacy at night (not like you’d really need to worry about snooping neighbors, being way the hell out there and all), while also preventing local birds, including the endangered swift parrot, from accidentally flying into the glass.

Rain collection equipment and solar panels allow the off-grid structure to remain self sustaining, while a wood fired oven offers a place to bake—a touch of that rustic sensibility—and heats the house during colder months. A further Japanese-inspired seating area is set beside the main space’s massive south-facing window, while a sleeping loft above it completes the whole package.

And did we mention the deck tub? This is one cabin we won't stop dreaming about anytime soon.