The Fowler & Ward x Base Cabin tiny house feels like what happens when serious architects decide to have some fun with small spaces. This clever little home packs an impressive amount of personality into just 20 feet of length, proving that compact living doesn’t have to mean boring living. What immediately sets this tiny house apart is its sense of adventure. Instead of a standard ladder to reach the loft, there’s an actual mini climbing wall built right into the bunk bed.
It’s the kind of detail that makes you smile and wonder why more homes don’t embrace this level of playfulness. The collaboration between Melbourne’s Fowler and Ward architecture studio and Base Cabin has created something that feels more like a sophisticated treehouse than your typical tiny home. The exterior remains sleek with painted steel cladding that can withstand whatever Australian weather throws at it. The utilitarian look works perfectly – it’s honest about what it is while still looking properly designed rather than cobbled together.
Designer: Base Cabin
At 215 square feet, every inch has been carefully considered. Those massive bifold doors aren’t just for show – they genuinely transform the space by erasing the boundary between inside and out. Open them up and suddenly your tiny house feels connected to whatever landscape surrounds it.
The sleeping situation is where things get interesting. Four people can actually stay here comfortably, thanks to that climbing wall bunk bed setup and the loft bedroom above. The loft comes with a skylight for stargazing, which feels like the perfect touch for a home designed around adventure and connection with nature
Living the Good Life, Tiny Style
The kitchen doesn’t feel like an afterthought. There’s real counter space, proper storage, and a two-burner stove that can handle actual cooking. The bathroom manages to fit in a full shower, a decent-sized vanity, and a toilet without feeling cramped. But here’s where it gets really clever – that bunk bed can become a workspace when you need it. Remote work from your tiny house? Absolutely possible.
Base Cabin clearly understands that people want options. You can go completely off-grid with solar panels, batteries, and water tanks that actually match your exterior color scheme. The optional deck extends your living space outdoors and can even include an outdoor bath if you’re feeling fancy. Material choices range from standard marine ply to upgraded birch ply and terrazzo benchtops.
The Reality Check
Starting at US$87,000, this isn’t budget tiny house living. But when you consider you’re getting architect-designed spaces, quality construction, and extensive customization options, it starts to make sense. This is for people who want tiny house living without compromising on design quality.
The Fowler & Ward x Base Cabin represents something exciting in the tiny house world – proof that small doesn’t have to mean simple or boring. It’s a home that encourages you to climb walls, stargaze from bed, and live a little more adventurously. Sometimes the best things really do come in small packages.
The post This Tiny House Has a Climbing Wall Instead of a Ladder, And It’s Genius first appeared on Yanko Design.