There are only 63 people who live in Wye River, Australia, and three of them live here. That is, when they're looking to get away.

Given the town's remoteness, the owners had no doubt this was the ideal setting for their vacation home. So when they reached out to architect Ben Edwards for help with development, they emphasized creating a place in which they could truly disconnect. Once they selected a plot overlooking the ocean, Edwards worked with the couple to choose three shipping containers that would blend in with the landscape.

Two of the 20-foot containers were combined to form the common areas—an entryway, living space, kitchen, laundry, and bathroom—and the third was outfitted for two bedrooms and a second bath. Because steel stilts support the modern treehouse, the amount of trees that would have to be removed for the project were minimized.

"The house sits lightly, floating above the sloping terrain below," explains Edwards. On the outside, his "humble and modest creation" is galvanized with steel sheeting that disappears in the natural shadows. "It's designed to be almost invisible," he says.

The north side of the dwelling is complete with wires that will soon allow vines to stretch across it, while the south side forms a clear wall of double-paned doors and windows that lead to an open-air deck. The roof has rainwater filtration and a layer of dichondra for added insulation.

Inside, the design's minimalistic streak continues. With no art, loud embellishments, or distractions, plywood wraps around the common spaces to give the bulk of attention to the outdoors. A few clever details can be found, such as the unexpected look of the kitchen and the cutout on the island, but that's it. "The environment is the luxury," Edwards says.

The minimalist mentality is the home's greatest accomplishment. Since three of Wye River's weekend inhabitants come to bask in this setting, their hideaway does well to keep their eyes on the prize—nature.

Project Credits:

Architect: Studio Edwards

Builder: Dimpat Construction

Structural Engineer: Argal

Cabinetry Design: Z Constructions