A Wren House is one of the most commonly found birdhouses in a backyard garden.
Standard sizing in some parts of the world has it measuring just 0.014m2.
Tiny.
“You feel like you’re out in nature with the view and everything, but you’re still protected and sheltered by the house,” she says.
She is, in fact, not a bird.
This would be a groundbreaking story if she were.
In this story, she is Irina.
The co-owner and architectural mind behind Wren House – the luxurious eco retreat on South Australia’s fleurieu peninsula.
While there may be no talking bird with an extensive vocabulary, the story of this Wren House does break ground in its own way.
Just not literally.
“It’s sitting almost entirely above ground,” a proud Irina tells Place Journal of the 45m2 Airbnb they built at popular coastal town Victor Harbor.
“We used a raised waffle pod slab, meaning there was very minimal digging and footing required.
“We didn’t want to move the earth around. We didn’t want to disrupt the ecosystem.
“We basically just wanted to touch the earth lightly, as much as possible.
“That’s where the idea came from to call it Wren House, and have a tiny little house there.”
Not Wren House tiny, but Wren House tiny.
With me?
Not only tiny in its footprint on the earth, but tiny in living space.
But the stunning outcome forces you to ask a big question – do we really need all of these huge things in our lives?
“We’ve really pushed hard to showcase that tiny houses and small living can actually be fully functional and you don’t need to compromise and feel like you’re living in a cramped space,” Irina says.
“Especially at the moment with the housing crisis and things that are happening with people not being able to afford their first homes.
“I wanted to give people the opportunity to stay in one of these houses so that they could experience it and potentially consider doing that for themselves.
“Maybe shift their thinking a little bit in that you don’t need these huge spaces to live in.
“And that sometimes a small footprint can actually be more because you’re forced to be outside and actually engage with your environment, rather than staying inside your house all the time.”
Confirmation came early through guest feedback, with most of it regarding how spacious it seems and the special feeling you get when you step foot into Wren House.
It’s compact, sure, and Irina, husband Jack and brother-in-law Jesse have put the earth first.
But there’s been no compromise on modern luxury or comfort here.
And here, in this story, is a one-of-a-kind site perched above the Hindmarsh River, overlooking McCracken Hill in the state’s south.
One that, surprisingly, sat vacant for seven years.
“There were a few factors there that were a bit off putting for people,” Irina recalls.
“It was quite steep and it had to be on its own septic system.
“But what drew us to the site is the view - it’s an amazing perched location.
“It’s a beautiful site. There are so many birds, insects and native wildlife there.”
“I looked at it and thought ‘no this is fine, we can make it happen’."
And over the next two years, make it happen, they did.
It started inside the mind of Irina, architect and director at Deslandes Design, before the trio – along with Dellatorre Construction – then brought the idea to life.
“I had a vision of this house before it was designed,” Irina recalls.
“Essentially, I was sitting at my desk one day and I closed my eyes and I did a walkthrough of this entire house in my head…what happens when you come out of your car, what do you see? When you open the door, how does it open up to the view?
“I put it to paper and it all kicked off from there.”
With SIPS panels used throughout Wren House, there’s very little structure.
“It’s pretty much self-supporting,” Irina adds.
And with double-glazed windows, high-spec glass and the orientation of the building meaning the polished concrete floor is heated by the winter sun, it’s fair to say this is one thermally efficient place.
But, importantly, it breathes.
“We designed the house so it was completely breathable,” Irina says.
“We’ve got louvered timber shadings and skylights - the whole house can be opened up so you can feel like it’s completely breathing.
“It's a really nice feeling when you’re in there, the birds and wildlife are just there.”
Again, no birds are talking here.
The bi-folding doors, which open up onto the small deck, are key to this connection.
Those breathtaking views immediately take you in – I mean, if you can look past the outdoor bath.
Staying here could be worth it just to get that photo.
And you think I’m kidding.
With no huge budget, everything was considered – and the trio did a lot of work themselves.
Jesse – Jack’s brother – did all the landscaping.
And, underlining the passion and commitment this team has to its ideals, this part of the project involved many nights sleeping on site to understand the wildlife and what sort of plants were needed to make sure those same birds and native animals returned once it was all completed.
The word immersive sums up this project in so many ways – before and after.
“You don’t get an opportunity very often to stay in a house like this,” Irina responds when I ask why you should choose their place when booking your next getaway.
And it's the truth.
Not only is it built with precision and care – for the environment and its guests – but it has all the modern amenities you could ask for.
Raining where you are right now, too? Don’t worry, there’s even a wood fireplace.
“Our target market has been couples seeking a weekend away - to get out of the city and have a bit of a relaxing break from reality,” Irina explains, as she mentions the additional services, including private yoga sessions and massage treatments, that can be organised.
It’s been said the spiritual meaning of the wren is one of determination, enthusiasm, change and happiness.
Yes, now we are talking about the bird.
But those four words just about sum up this place – and the people behind it - too.
Book your next getaway at Victor Harbor eco retreat Wren House here.
Words: Jordan Pinto
Photography: Rhiley Murphy
IRINA AND JACK'S PLACE - WREN HOUSE
Built: 2023
Bed: 1
Bath: 1
Builder: Dellatorre Construction
WHAT THEIR PLACE TAUGHT THEM
Trust the process.
It is a big deal renovating or building a house. It can sometimes get overwhelming but stick with it and trust the process if you’ve used an architect or a designer. It’s hard to see it sometimes - it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But it is all worth it in the end.
Small budgets work.
We had a small budget but we managed to use nice materials and finishes and fixtures. They probably weren’t top of the spec, but they were just considered and quite inexpensive.
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