Tent House in Australia

A tent house is a 344 square meter home designed by the architecture studio Sparks Architects on a small plot of land once carved out of a lush tropical forest in the Nusa region, Australia. This area was formerly a refugee camp — one of the first settlements in the region. Tall and dense trees protect the site from scorching sun and create a unique microclimate.

The main feature of the project is its concept that allows transforming a rectangular structure designed for use during cold months into a tent-like living space during hot weather. The sliding walls and doors of the box are manually operable, and the roof retracts automatically. A lightweight membrane is stretched over it to create a new volume and change the lighting. The tent serves as protection from sunlight, absorbing the main thermal shock. When the doors are open, the forest wall becomes an architectural element and expands the house's space onto the adjacent meadow and garden.

The dark earthy color of the interior contrasts with the white membrane and supporting structure. Nevertheless, harmony is achieved between them through the elegant shape of the box with rounded corners, refined wooden decor, and expressive steel frame.

This deceptive small and dynamic building provides its owners with all the conditions for simple and comfortable living, allowing them to get as close as possible to the unique nature of this special place.

Photos: Christopher Frederick Jones