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Nadia’s Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia


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This is Nadia’s Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia.

It was designed by the owners (and Nadia said they collected lots of ideas from Tiny House Talk over the years) and built by their friend and local tiny house builder, Sam Commerford.

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Nadia’s Zen Tiny House with Deck in Byron Bay, Australia

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

Images via Nadia

The owners have two boisterous Australian Shepherds so knew they’d need some extra space to stay sane…

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

So they made their tiny extra wide – 3m (9.8ft) wide with an extra 0.5m (1.6ft) roof eve and it is 7.5m (24.6ft) long (plus an extra 0.5m (1.6ft) for the window box over the trailer tongue).

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

They were going for a modern apartment feel with both Japanese and Scandinavian influences.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

One side of the house nearly completely opens up with a 2.5m wide sliding door that slides both ways and a 1.8m gas lift window in the kitchen.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

There is a lovely reading window box above the huge couch with ample extra storage underneath for suitcases.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

They wanted a little door opening up to their bathroom so they could enjoy an outdoor shower after the beach and then head straight into the bathroom.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

The external cladding is Weathertex made from 98% recycled Australian hardwood mixed with paraffin wax and painted with an ageing stain.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

The extruded window and window box are clad in burnt cedar cladding (shou sugi-ban style).

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

The cabinetry inside is all super light-weight plywood coated in Rubio monocoat oil; the ceiling is whitewash v-join pine, the walls are gyprock (dry wall) and the floors are vinyl wood-look planks.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

The deck is completely modular and can be packed down in a day.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

They built the house at a friend’s house nearby and then moved it to it’s current position…. it was moved with a 10m tow truck and cruised along no problems!

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

The house cost AU $75,000 to build all up (US $55,000), not including the deck.

Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia Nadia's Zen Tiny House in Byron Bay, Australia

Images via Nadia

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 60 comments… add one }
  • Patricia
    November 20, 2016, 7:00 pm

    What a lovely tiny house. I really like the window over the couch and the outside deck. Two changes I would make—I would put in different, more senior-friendly stairs and put a handrail on them, and I would take out the shower and put in a walk-in tub or Japanese soaking tub. Other than that, I like everything about this tiny home.

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:38 am

      Both great ideas, Patricia! — Tiny House Talk Team

    • Kaylin
      February 22, 2020, 7:50 pm

      Exactly what I was thinking, with Japanese inspiration= Japanese soaking tub☺

      • Nobu
        May 10, 2020, 2:48 am

        Yes! We Japanese love so much soaking tub. But this tiny home has black frame windows , I think that’s really Japanese like design.

  • Scott
    November 20, 2016, 7:27 pm

    Absolutely love this tiny house. Great kitchen layout really shows that a person who loves to cook designed it.
    Looks very comfortable.
    Only thing I would change is the cluttered looking bathroom wall with storage, other wise this ones a winner.

    • Nadia
      November 21, 2016, 4:38 am

      Thanks Scott! Yep, I totally agree. Still looking for cute baskets to make the bathroom shelves a little sexier 🙂 we decided against cabinets only for ease of accessibility.

      • Nerida
        January 3, 2018, 8:26 am

        ha ha I thought the bathroom looked realy well organised. I love the way it looks.

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:38 am

      And cooking is great! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Brandi
    November 20, 2016, 9:43 pm

    Beautiful little home. You’re gonna want to move your spices somewhere out of the sunlight. Otherwise you will have colorless spices with very little flavor. Best out of direct sunlight, like a spice drawer, or in your food storage, cool and dark.

    • Nadia Marshall
      November 21, 2016, 4:34 am

      You’re so right Brandi. We had them there in the winter but as soon as more sun began pouring in we’ve had to move them x

  • Kathy
    November 20, 2016, 9:45 pm

    Nicely done! There’s not a single thing I would do differently except for little color on the cabinetry finishes……but that’s a super personal issue. I love everything about this, but especially applaud your decision to go those extra inches in width. Even though an extra wide takes a heavier truck and perhaps some road variances, unless you plan on moving frequently, that extra 18″ of width is worth every penny you might have to spend when it is time to move. Love the storage volume you allowed – there are few issues that will spoil a tiny home experience more than not having room for your clothing, books, and a couple of special pots and pans! Again, nicely done!!

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:39 am

      Isn’t that the truth! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Anne
    November 20, 2016, 11:58 pm

    Normally I don’t go for the ones with lofts but this one looks very livable.

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:39 am

      I agree 🙂 — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Lila
    November 21, 2016, 12:34 am

    Really like it, not so much, on sleeping lofts, use for storage maybe. But the extra inches help. Love, love the reading box window.
    Did anyone notice the tiny sink in the shower?

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:40 am

      The reading box window is great — and I didn’t notice that! — Tiny House Talk Team

    • Nerida
      January 3, 2018, 8:34 am

      Yeah I did notice the sink, possibly because I had been toying with a similar idea and wondering if it would work as far as added space for drying yourself as opposed to possibly banging in to it everytime you take shower. I guess a matter of measuring carefully.

  • ROSEE
    November 21, 2016, 8:56 am

    BEAUTIFUL! A well organized plan for a TH! Well done!

    • Natalie
      November 21, 2016, 9:40 am

      Totally agree 🙂 — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Jody
    November 21, 2016, 12:37 pm

    LOVE this! I see so many that have basically the same floor plan. I really love the window seat in the LR. Very well done!

    • Natalie
      November 22, 2016, 8:29 am

      The window seat is the best! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • ZACHARY E. MOHRMANN
    November 21, 2016, 11:06 pm

    Not bad …! Who couldn’t do with a little Zen in their life..? And with some modest cuts in costs we could probably make the price a little more Zen like to….!

    • David
      January 4, 2018, 7:50 am

      Hello Zachary,
      I have never been to America but have worked with American back packers here in Australia. They seamed to be super impressed with there wages they were being payed as they were saying that our basic wage was about 3 times the American basic wage. The cost of living is about two to three times more than America.
      So basically $75k AUD is possibly about 25-30k American dollars.
      This is what they were telling me so this is what I believe to be true. ( also take into account the exchange rate )
      Regards David

  • Jo Reckling
    November 22, 2016, 2:46 pm

    One of the best tiny houses I’ve ever seen. I have been wanting to build one. Did you use plans? Are plans available for it?

  • Michael L
    November 23, 2016, 8:28 am

    I really like this one… could actually see myself in it as is. Plenty of storage, great design in and out!

  • Wendy
    November 25, 2016, 4:55 pm

    Beautiful, reminds me of this designer http://www.vinastinyhouse.com/plans/

  • Dominick Bundy
    December 2, 2016, 8:04 pm

    Nice, different , I like it a lot. well appointed and curb appeal. the two entrances is a plus as well..

    • Dominick Bundy
      August 17, 2017, 3:43 pm

      I just noticed, It’s has a nice big ample closet space to HANG clothes and store other items… YEAH!!

  • Melissa
    December 4, 2016, 9:41 am

    So much to love, the outdoor deck, loving the kitchen and the nook is great. It’s important to decide what are your priorities. I have 4 must haves. For me this home has 2. A great kitchen and outdoor living space. I look at these home for ideas and solutions. Nice home.

    • Natalie
      December 5, 2016, 9:45 am

      Such a good idea to decide on non-negotiables! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Shanna
    December 4, 2016, 12:10 pm

    LOVE this house! The kitchen makes me so happy. As someone who loves to cook and has medical issues that make cooking all my own food necessary, the microscopic oven-less, mini-fridge kitchens that so many THOWs come with are absolute deal breakers. The kitchen in this is beautiful and has everything necessary and nothing extra, it’s perfect! The rest of the house is beautiful as well. This is hands-down the most liveable tiny house I have seen yet, bravo. If plans are available I would be very interested in obtaining a set!

    • Natalie
      December 5, 2016, 9:46 am

      Yes a great kitchen is a total must-have for me too! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • ROSEE
    December 4, 2016, 4:58 pm

    BEAUTIFUL! A well thought out plan both outside and inside. Two thumbs up!

    • Natalie
      December 5, 2016, 9:46 am

      That it is 🙂 — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Patty
    December 5, 2016, 2:44 am

    I like this one. I like the extra space, even the loft looks taller. Especially like the window box. Very well done!

    • Natalie
      December 5, 2016, 9:46 am

      So glad you do! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Alex
    January 23, 2017, 11:13 am

    I love it!!!

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    January 23, 2017, 4:58 pm

    Truly beautiful, and well thought out…!

  • keepyourpower
    January 23, 2017, 8:54 pm

    Oh! If I could find a place like that for $55k!! Really nice! Still need the downstairs bed though!

    Really nice!

    • Natalie
      January 24, 2017, 5:22 am

      It’s stellar 🙂

  • keepyourpower
    January 23, 2017, 8:59 pm

    I wonder how much the decking, staining was. The deck makes the house, IMHO!

    • Natalie
      January 24, 2017, 5:22 am

      Yes that deck is great!

  • Patricia Chang
    January 24, 2017, 3:08 am

    My goodness, this has everything in it I would want in a Tiny House! I love the use of plants. I love the built in sectional in the living space. It is a truly pretty house. Sadly, for me, I can no longer go up stairs. Nevertheless, these are quite nice and functional. I would have to make the house longer for a downstairs bedroom, but for Nadia, it is just right. I do hope she puts a railing on the stairs on the outside, though. Just for her own safety. She has such a lovely house.

    • Natalie
      January 24, 2017, 5:18 am

      This home is truly remarkable 🙂

  • Julie
    July 2, 2017, 7:32 am

    I would love to know the email contact of this builder if possible?

  • Ellen
    July 29, 2017, 11:08 pm

    Lovely well designed home. I see a clothes closet! Living room looks comfortable AND there is a space to eat in the kitchen! This looks like a home one or two people could actually live in!

  • april hunter
    August 17, 2017, 3:33 pm

    This is perfect.
    For me, I’d love this. Yes, maybe a handrail on the stairs. I’m clumsy in the middle of the night. 😉
    And perhaps an overhang for the deck to avoid sun and rain, but still get outside. Beautifully done. I love the storage wall in the bathroom and the extra window seat in the living area. The plant/bookshelf privacy wall for the loft is fantastic. Well done.

  • Betty
    August 17, 2017, 7:35 pm

    Love the kitchen and reading area.(I am a readaholic). Would need a downstairs bedroom though.😉

  • Nerida
    January 3, 2018, 8:44 am

    I really like this house. It seems it has been really well thought out.

    I would have 2 questions for the owners. i live in NSW Australia also so was wondering

    1. whether the sleeping loft becomes too hot in summer or what have you used to insulate the roof if it is comfortable, and

    2. How easy was it to get it moved being essentially 3.5 m wide overall. I had come to the conclusion that this was the width I would want and how far did you move it.

    Being where you are the outdoor shower was a brilliant necessity!

    Well done. I hope you have many happy days in your THOW.

    • David
      January 4, 2018, 8:10 am

      Hello Nerida
      May I try to shed some light on your second question.
      I had worked in the agriculture industry a couple of years ago and our product that we built was able to be transported during day light hours with over width signs and a flashing orange beacon on the tow vehicle if it was under 3.5m. I don’t know if it only applies to Ag. equipment, hope this has helped.
      Regards David

      • Nerida
        January 4, 2018, 9:09 am

        Thank you David.

        I suspect it would apply to just about anything. What difference would it make what the item was, if it was 3.5 or less. Just thinking of things I have seen moved along the roads in the manner you described.

        There was someone on one of the Australian tiny living sites a while back who was quite emphatic that you could not move anything wider than 2.5m and I was pretty sure that was not the case.

        And if you are not planning on moving your THOW around like a caravan then a fee paid here or there for a once off would not be (hopefully) too much of a $$ burden given the extra comfort of a slightly wider home.

        Thanks again.

  • Angela
    March 2, 2019, 5:39 pm

    Lovely tiny house! As a senior citizen, I would need a ground floor bed, but I see that reworking the seating in the living area a bit would allow for that. I also agree with Patricia about the walk-in tub. I’ve never actually seen one in real life, but from pictures I’ve seen, it seems you could easily fit one in to a tiny house, at least a tiny on a foundation . I’m surprised no one has done that, with all the other high-end accoutrements you so often see in them. That would be a real draw for seniors! Another reason I’d be on a foundation is I’d have to be hooked up to a sewer system or septic tank. Couldn’t do the composting toilet. Lovely little home, though, and not over-priced!

  • rachel
    July 16, 2019, 6:51 pm

    Love the deck, composting toilet, kitchen..I would absolutely ADD a railing to the stairs. I had doggies who would
    slip and slide on them otherwise and I would need something to hold onto. namaste’, rachel

  • Marion
    July 17, 2019, 10:48 pm

    Hi Nadia! What a beautiful little tiny 🙂 Looks cozy! My partner and I along with our 3yr old were thinking of getting a tiny house some time in the future. I was wondering if you ever have people come in to have a look at your place? We live in Toowoomba and are heading to Byron Bay this coming August and we would love to check your place -Marion x

  • Nicole
    September 9, 2019, 10:50 am

    One of my top 3 tiny houses, beautifully done and well thought out. 🙂

  • Sheila
    September 10, 2020, 1:54 pm

    Looks like you can stand up in the bedroom and make, change the bed. This is real nice. Love the napping place. Real nice tiny home.

  • Marsha Cowan
    November 19, 2020, 10:15 pm

    Absolutely wonderful home! This is definitely a forever home. . .so spacious and warm and inviting. The storage areas are well done which makes all the difference in enjoying a home. Love the loft bedroom. Love the reading window. Love it all!

  • vee
    July 8, 2021, 3:43 pm

    Just another fabulous tiny house! I love this home — esp. the beautiful wood, the plant box, the kitchen, the tiny sink in shower and the deck. I would need to add a railing for the steps as well. Read that the flooring is vinyl wood like planks — these are great — good looking and a breeze to clean. I wonder if the two active canines are ever allowed in the house??? HA!

  • Travis
    January 13, 2024, 10:54 am

    We love the stairs and was wondering if you have build plans for them or at least a walk-thru of when you did them. We really like that they are not just straight, but have a bit of creative character and would like to see if we can implement something similar in our 12×32 we are working on.

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