Mobile architecture that lets you roam freely,
live fully, and embrace the beauty of nature.
At Retreat House, we create climate-responsive mobile architecture that elevates compact living into something extraordinary.
Our structures combine high-end craftsmanship with environmental intelligence — built for beauty, resilience, and a lighter footprint on the land.
Whether it’s a weekend escape, guest accommodation, or a space that adapts as your needs evolve, our homes are designed to move with you.
Every detail is intentional — from sculptural exteriors to refined interiors layered with local materials and natural finishes. These are spaces for people who value great design, sustainable thinking, and a new kind of freedom.
A new kind of space for a new way of living.
AS FEATURED ON
THE OCULUS
Meet our first model. The Oculus.
The Oculus is the debut model from Retreat House — a refined, architect-designed structure that redefines what small-scale living can be.
Created by builder Chris King and architect Hayley Pryor, The Oculus blends sculptural form with passive solar design, sustainable materials, and a climate-responsive sensibility. Its namesake skylight — the central “oculus” — anchors the space both visually and environmentally, drawing in light, promoting airflow, and connecting you to the sky above.
More than a home, it’s a high-functioning, road-ready space built for modern living — from boutique guest stays to creative studios, wellness spaces, or second dwellings.
Whether placed in a coastal clearing or an urban backyard, The Oculus adapts effortlessly to its surroundings — a thoughtful response to climate, lifestyle, and the need for smarter, smaller accommodation.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE HERE
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The feel of a five-star suite, in a compact architectural form
Sculptural silhouette with refined detailing
Central operable skylight — the Oculus — drawing in light and sky
Elevated queen bed with built-in robe and privacy
Interior handcrafted with natural, healthy materials
Architectural casement windows positioned for light and airflow
Central kitchenette with integrated joinery and orb-finished steel benchtop
Built-in dining banquette — beautifully appointed and space-savvy
Lounge nook designed for reading, resting, or retreating
Moody, modern bathroom with tactile finishes and timber accents
Large sliding doors to open the space to the outdoors
A gentle balance of privacy and connection to place
Designed for cross-breeze and passive climate control
Retractable screens for seamless indoor-outdoor living
Warm architectural lighting throughout
Removable wraparound awnings for seasonal sun and rain protection
THE OCULUS: MODELS
Where the Bush Meets the Coast.
Retreat House launches with two distinct expressions of The Oculus — each shaped by its surroundings, yet grounded in the same thoughtful design.
The Bush draws inspiration from the honesty and resilience of the Australian shed — robust, earthy, and quietly architectural.
The Coast offers a lighter touch, nodding to the casual charm of classic beach shacks — airy, relaxed, and coastal in spirit.
Both are built to move, designed to last, and finished with refined materials chosen for beauty, performance, and place.
Tip: Quick to build, easy to move & bypass the regulatory hurdles of fixed structures.
The Bush
The Bush channels the honest utility of a classic Australian shed, reimagined with refined, sculptural design. This mobile retreat is road-ready, wrapped in corrugated steel and timber, and built for performance and versatility.
At its heart, a central skylight — the oculus — draws in natural light, fresh air, and sky views. Climate-smart features like stack ventilation, Low-E glazing, removable awnings and breathable wall wraps make it comfortable year-round, wherever it lands.
Inside, the palette is earthy and intentional: recycled wire-brushed flooring, hardwood ply, blackbutt timber and custom lighting deliver warmth and sophistication. Whether you're a downsizer, landholder, boutique operator or design lover, The Oculus offers architecture that moves — with purpose, beauty and brains.
The Coast
The Coast – Exterior Render | Model under construction
A fresh take on the classic Aussie beach shack, The Coast blends nostalgia with sharp design. Inspired by the fibro shacks of summers past, this mobile retreat brings laid-back coastal living into the now — light, elevated, and built to move.
Wrapped in shale grey corrugated steel and painted FC, it’s made for beach blocks, breezy bushland, urban backyards or tucked-away laneways. Inside, sun-bleached tones, recycled timber floors, hardwood ply and custom lighting create a relaxed, grounded feel. Smart features like Low-E glazing, stack ventilation and removable awnings keep it cool in summer, warm in winter, and ready for the elements.
Perfect as a guest stay, creative studio, compact home or backyard escape, The Coast suits landowners, downsizers, urban dwellers and dreamers chasing freedom without compromise.
Perfect for homeowners, rural businesses,
boutique stays, and modern minimalists
— The Oculus speaks to a new generation of design-led creatives and trailblazers seeking more freedom, without compromising on style, quality, or intent.
Who is it for?
We can build multiple. Imagine a flotilla of Oculus retreats scattered across a winery, cattle station, or nature reserve — an instant village of design-forward dwellings that feel light on the land but rich in experience.
Need more than one?
OUR STORY
Led by experience.
Defined by design.
Built for the future.
Retreat House was founded by Byron Bay-based builder Chris King with a clear vision: to create well-built, energy-efficient mobile homes that respond to the climate — and the way people want to live today.
After decades in the residential building industry, Chris saw the limitations of the tiny home market: rising costs, poor regulation, and a lack of architectural intent. Retreat House was his answer — a chance to build something better. Thoughtful. Sustainable. Built to move.
To bring that vision to life, Chris teamed up with long-time collaborator and architect Hayley Pryor. Together, they designed The Oculus — a climate-responsive, steel-framed structure made for modern living. Road-ready and suitable for temperate to subtropical conditions, The Oculus balances resilience, simplicity, and beautiful design. Its name comes from the central skylight — or “oculus” — a defining feature that invites light, air, and a connection to the sky.
Chris brings over 30 years of hands-on experience to every build, known for his ethical approach, refined craftsmanship, and love of timber architecture. Hayley contributes a deep understanding of sustainable, high-end residential design, ensuring each Retreat House feels both grounded and elevated.
Retreat House is more than a housing solution — it’s a movement toward more intentional, adaptable, and connected ways of living.
OUR TEAM
At Retreat House, we’re a small and passionate team building spaces with purpose — thoughtfully crafted,
climate-responsive, and beautifully resolved.
Chris King | Founder & Builder
CHRIS KING — FOUNDER & BUILDER
With over 30 years in the building industry, Chris King is known across Northern NSW for his refined craftsmanship, ethical approach, and love of timber architecture. He founded Retreat House to challenge the limitations of traditional residential construction and bring more adaptable, sustainable design into the world. Chris leads every build with the same care and creativity that has defined his work for the past decade.
MATTY WOO — BRAND & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Raised in the Northern Rivers, Matty brings a background in artist and event management, paired with a long-standing love of architecture, design, and tiny homes. He’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences — and helping bring Retreat House to life through storytelling, strategy, and community connection.
SKYE MCCLOUD-TAYLOR — INTERIOR DESIGNER & STYLIST
Skye brings a refined, textural sensibility to the interiors of Retreat House — layering warmth, function, and quiet sophistication into compact spaces. A UNSW Design graduate, her background includes several years at the acclaimed interiors studio The Society Inc., where she developed a deep appreciation for natural materials, storytelling, and handcrafted detail.
Now based in St Peters, NSW, Skye brings that same intentionality to Retreat House — shaping interiors that feel both elevated and grounded, contemporary yet timeless.
COLLABORATORS | HAYLEY PRYOR — ARCHITECT
Hayley brings a deep understanding of high-end, sustainable design to Retreat House. With a background in boutique residential architecture and a passion for climate-responsive design, she plays a key role in shaping both the aesthetic and environmental performance of each build. Hayley and Chris have collaborated for years — The Oculus is the refined result.
ACCREDITATIONS
+ Australian Tiny Home Association
+ NSW Master Builder Member
+ Licensed Builder (NSW)
+ All Retreat House buildings come with electrical, gas and plumbing safety certificates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Where can I park my Oculus?
In NSW, you can park up to 2 tiny homes on any land with an approved Dwelling or DA — a common setup across regional and rural NSW.
You can use 1 for full time living or two for short term occupancy.A tiny home on wheels is exempt from Air B&B registration. This makes it an ideal option for modular short-stay accommodation in Australia.
Does a Tiny Home require approval?
No — a tiny home is generally treated as a caravan or moveable dwelling, meaning formal council approval isn’t always required.
Councils across Australia vary in their understanding and regulation of tiny homes on wheels, but if you have an existing dwelling and set it up correctly — for example, plugging into your septic or sewer and keeping a safe distance from the boundary — you’re unlikely to have any issues.
Retreat House models like The Oculus are designed to meet common compliance requirements for tiny homes across NSW and beyond. -
Who designed The Oculus?
The Oculus was designed by architect Hayley Pryor in collaboration with Retreat House founder and builder Chris King. The result is a climate-responsive, architect-designed tiny home that’s purpose-built for Australian conditions — balancing refined aesthetics with practical performance.Can I customise the layout or finishes?
The Oculus is offered as a carefully designed, turnkey tiny home. While the core layout is fixed to preserve functionality, you can select from a range of finishes and optional upgrades, including add ons.
Can I buy The Oculus without the internal fit-out?
At this stage, The Oculus is offered as a fully built, move-in ready tiny home on wheels — but let us know if you're after something more stripped back.
What’s included inside?
The Oculus includes all built-in joinery, a kitchenette, fully equipped bathroom, architectural lighting, and integrated storage throughout — it's ready to go.What type of site do I need?
You’ll need a level site with vehicle access. It helps to have access nearby for power, water and sewer, but they are relatively simple to plug into. We’ll talk through any site-specific requirements with you during the planning process. -
How much does The Oculus cost?
Pricing varies depending on your custom selections and location. Download our current brochure and pricing guide here.What’s required to get started?
A 20% deposit is required to secure your place in the build queue. We’ll provide a full timeline and payment schedule before you commit.Can I pay in instalments?
Yes — we offer staged payments aligned with progress milestones.Do you offer finance?
We don’t offer in-house finance, but we can refer you to partners who specialise in mobile and modular home lending.Can I visit The Oculus before I buy?
Yes — you’re welcome to book a viewing and experience the space in person. We will soon be offering stays in the Byron Bay region. -
Where is The Oculus built?
Each Oculus is built by Chris King Constructions in the Byron Bay region of Northern NSW, using local materials and techniques suited to Australian tiny home construction.How long does it take to build?
Build time is typically around 16 weeks from confirmation, depending on your custom options and the production schedule.Will I get updates during the build?
Yes — we’ll provide regular updates and photos so you can see your Oculus taking shape.How is The Oculus delivered?
It arrives complete on it’s trailer, delivered by a licensed professional. We’ll coordinate delivery and positioning with you in advance.Is it road-registered and towable?
A tiny home on wheels (THOW) is generally not registered as they are not typically on the road. However they must be registrable. The Oculus is built on a road-registerable trailer and designed to be moved when needed. A day pass is required to shift a tiny home on wheels, and due to the size and weight it is important to have a professional undertake the move. It is important to note that a THOW is not a caravan - it is more like a house, so whilst it can be shifted to a new location, or sold on, you would not take it camping!Why is it on wheels?
The trailer allows for flexibility and mobility. But most importantly it means that a DA is not required. The THOW is treated like a caravan in most states. It also provides an efficient solution for installation without permanent foundations.How much does it weigh?
The Oculus weighs approximately 4-4.5t and complies with standard towing regulations for tiny homes on wheels in Australia. -
How is electricity connected?
The Oculus is connected to mains power, simply plug in a 15amp lead as you would a caravan!What about water and gas?
Water can be connected via a normal hose fitting, from your mains or tank. Gas is installed for cooking and hot water, with fittings ready for a standard 9kg bottle swap.Is The Oculus insulated?
Yes — it’s fully insulated with R1.5 insulation for comfort in all seasons.Can I connect it to the sewer or a septic system?
Yes — it’s designed to connect to standard waste systems - your existing septic or sewer - or you can choose an off-grid composting toilet. Note that your grey water will still need to be connected to a septic or grey water system — a common setup for off-grid tiny homes. -
What makes The Oculus a sustainable choice?
It’s compact by design, reducing footprint and material use. It includes passive design features, low-energy fittings, and is built with durable, natural, locally sourced materials.Do you offer off-grid upgrades?
We do not currently offer an off grid solar solution. Tiny home roofs are generally too small and often not in the best spot for solar functionality.The best way to manage solar on a tiny home is via a solar trailer with a battery, which can be parked in the sunniest spot and your Oculus can be plugged straight in! Solar trailers are available to purchase from a variety of suppliers.
What are the toilet system options?
We offer either a standard flushing toilet (for sewer/septic connection) or an off-grid Green Loo composting toilet solution.Can greywater be reused or managed onsite?
Greywater needs to be managed onsite - typically it will be run into your septic or sewer connection, or into an approved grey water system with a grease trap, such as those available from Green Loo. Most people run it into their garden. -
What are the regulations for placing a Retreat House in Australia?
Planning regulations for tiny homes and mobile dwellings vary across Australia. While some councils are supportive and clear in their guidelines, others interpret the rules differently — especially when it comes to long-term placement or residential use.In general, Retreat House models — like The Oculus — are considered moveable dwellings (similar to caravans), which can make them exempt from standard building approvals in certain situations, especially when placed on land with an existing dwelling.
However, rules can differ based on location, zoning, and intended use. We always recommend speaking with your local council before placing a unit.
For more detailed and up-to-date information on tiny house regulations across Australia, visit tinyhouse.org.au.
Experience Retreat House first-hand with a night in one of our architecturally crafted, climate-responsive mobile dwellings. Immerse yourself in intentional design and the freedom to live lightly—then imagine making it your own.
Stay. Dream. Own.
THANKS FOR SPENDING TIME WITH THE RETREAT HOUSE.
We’re a small team with big ideas — passionate about building spaces that move with you, respond to the environment, and bring beauty to the everyday. Whether you’re downsizing, hosting, creating, or retreating, we believe great design should feel effortless, intentional, and connected to the world around it.
The Oculus is just the beginning.
We’re proud to craft climate-responsive architecture from our base in Byron Bay, and we’re excited to see where these small homes go next — from coast to bush, paddock to laneway.
If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete our contact form or email Hello@retreathouse.com.au.