Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
Nestled on a gentle hill overlooking the shimmering Pacific Ocean, two tiny copper towers stand amid the lush green paddocks of Berry. These towers, designed by the acclaimed architect Caseybrown and built by master craftsman Jeffery Broadfield, represent a minimalist retreat where the demands of modern living are distilled to their bare essentials.
With a floor plan of just 3m x 3m, these towers are the epitome of compact living, yet they offer everything needed for a comfortable and peaceful existence.
Build Your Own Tiny Home
Photo Courtesy of CaseybrownDesign and Features of the Copper Towers
The first thing that strikes you about these copper towers is their simplicity. They are essentially two small boxes made entirely of recycled iron bark from a disused wharf, sitting atop a wooden deck that doubles as a protected outdoor living space.
1.4MQuick Tip: How to Cool Your House with Box Fans
Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
The sides of the boxes open up completely, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior, and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Photo Courtesy of CaseybrownSelf-Sufficient Living in the Heart of Nature
The living space on the ground floor includes a small kitchen, a storage area, and a potbelly wood-fired stove for heating. The bed is located on a mezzanine level accessed via a ladder, while the bathroom is housed in a separate tower connected to the main living space by a deck.
Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
The bathroom has its own water tank, which stores rainwater collected from the roofs of both towers and a composting toilet.
Photo Courtesy of CaseybrownThe Beauty of Minimalism in Architecture
Despite its minimalism, the design of these towers is exquisite. The use of recycled iron bark gives the interior a warm and rustic feel, while the copper skin on the exterior provides a striking contrast against the natural surroundings. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the custom-made windows and doors to the handcrafted light fixtures.
Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
The towers are fully self-sufficient, with solar panels on the roof providing power for lighting, and water collected from the roofs and stored in the tanks providing all the necessary water for the cabin. Three manual winches are used to lift and lower the sides of the towers, creating a protected deck and shelter from the summer sun.
Photo Courtesy of CaseybrownA Collaboration of Dreams: The Making of the Copper Towers
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about these towers is their location. Set some 500m from the main house, they are accessed only by foot through the paddocks, making them the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. From a distance, they look like small sculptures, only revealing their true purpose upon closer inspection.
Photo Courtesy of CaseybrownGetting Away from it All: The Ultimate Escape in Berry
In many ways, these copper towers represent a dream come true for the client, the architect, and the craftsmen who built them. They are a true collaboration, a celebration of the process of making, and a testament to the beauty and simplicity of minimalist living. They offer a perfect escape from the noise and distractions of the world, a place to reconnect with nature, and a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.
Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
Photo Courtesy of Caseybrown
