The Oculus

May 13

Written By Omar Dahabra

Location: Byron Bay, Australia
Year: 2025
Architects: Hayley Pryor Architect
Photography by: Tim Clark

Oculus is a thoughtfully designed Tiny House for minimal living. A hinterland retreat, compact home, or a room for a backyard, Oculus is designed to adapt to a variety of settings.

Planning
At its core, the building is a modest space that is shaped by the tight footprint of tiny house constraints. Volume is created by the central oculus, which tracks the sun throughout the day while enabling stack ventilation to expel warm air.

The design is defined by the joinery that subtly carves out distinct spaces within the larger volume of the building. Planning is driven by the function of daily rituals; a space for sleep, to eat, bath and sit. The kitchenette joinery defines the space separating sleeping from living and is refined in its offering. Elevated on a platform, the bed is seamlessly integrated into the joinery, folding from window ledge to daybed. Shelves and hidden drawers are tucked into joinery at every opportunity, providing a multitude of storage options while being artfully integrated. A built-in nook for sharing meals sits opposite an externally stacked sliding door, seamlessly extending the space to the outdoors. With the wet area discreetly positioned behind.

Sustainability
The design brief called for a tiny home that responded to the sub-tropical climate of the Northern Rivers (characterised by high annual rainfall, humidity, and warm temperatures). Climatic considerations informed the design, from the strategic placement of operable windows to enable cross and stack ventilation, to the inclusion of removable eaves to minimise extensive heat gain through glazing while providing protection from heavy rain.

Particular focus was given to the building envelope, incorporating a vapor-permeable wall wrap and ventilated cavity system. This assembly helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped within the structure - mitigating the risk of mould and ensuring a healthier, durable structure.

Materials
Drawing inspiration from the Australian shed, the material palette uses local hardwood timber and mini orb sheeting. Refined plywood sheeting folds the interiors, seamlessly integrating joinery with walls for a cohesive finish. Text description by the architects.

Source: www.archdaily.com + www.studioii.org
Area: 325 m²

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