From an empty bush block on the Mornington Peninsula, to an architect-designed cabin, in just 6 months. Hear the story of the first tiny cabin installation - a collaboration with Base Cabin, specialist builders of architecturally designed, pre-fabricated cabins and tiny houses.
Recently installed in the rolling green hills of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Chamberlain tiny cabin, demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design and modular construction can create an elegant, off-grid retreat in a remarkably short time.
Commissioned by Base Cabin as part of its architect-designed range of tiny cabins, The Chamberlain was selected by clients, Neil and Angela, to realise their long-held dream of building a sustainable escape on their beautiful bush block, on the Mornington Peninsula.
From a dream to reality in around 6 months.
Twelve years ago, Neil and Angela purchased a lush bush block in Red hill. They had an idea and that was to create a small retreat for themselves or their extended family members as a weekend escape. With a passion for architecture and good design, they came across the Chamberlain and decided that was exactly what what they wanted.
The Project Timeline:
Initial contact: Early 2025 (January/February)Pre-planning phase: Approximately 2 months
Site visit and works, to confirm siting and access
Customization discussions
Factory visit by clients
Factory build: 3 monthsTransportation: 1 day (arrived on site by lunchtime!)
Finishing work: Planned for 2-4 weeks, extended to 5 weeks due to wet/wintry site conditions
Total time: approx 6/7 months
The Details:
The cabin combines efficient, refined design with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and a feature stargazing skylight. Built to transportable limits, it maximises space with 3m pitched ceilings and a 28m² footprint. Off-grid and all-electric, it supports options like a deck, sauna, hot tub, and outdoor shower, with solar, rainwater, and composting systems for low-impact comfort.
Logistics, so how was it delivered?:
Constructed on steel skids, the cabin was trucked from South Gippsland to Red Hill in half a day. With detachable axles and pneumatic jacks, it was carefully lowered into position onto a pre-prepared site - slow, steady, and precise.
The Result?
Neil and Angela were ready to settle in that first night. The cabin has turned their bush block into a peaceful retreat, and they’re already considering another.The Chamberlain is an example of high-quality, architect-led modular design - where precision, sustainability, and simplicity meet to create a refined contemporary retreat. And of course, none of this would have happened without Base Cabin, or Neil and Angela!
Discover more on our website project page, or at Base Cabin: