NEVER TOO SMALL: Sustainable Passive Eco Tree House, Australia - 54sqm/581sqft

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Constructed around its 60 year old pepper tree namesake, Pepper Tree Passive House has been built to International Passivhaus standards by architect Alexander Symes and owner/builder Adam Souter. The home is designed to be in use 24 hours a day, as an office for Souter’s building company during the day and at night converted back into a comfortable home. Featuring salvaged & waste materials throughout, the home also makes use of Paperock, a fully recyclable paper-based cellulose material, for joinery in the living space that houses the TV and contains a cleverly concealed office space behind two sets of pocket doors. A custom daybed made from leftover flooring from the build can be turned into a second bed when needed. The main bedroom, which is accessed through a custom OSB sliding pocket door in the living room wall contains two more work spaces, one concealed behind bi-fold pocket doors in the joinery and the other a secret hidden floating shelf underneath the Murphy bed.
We would love to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which this Never Too Small episode was filmed.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Pepper Tree Passive House
Architect: alexandersymes.com.au/
Builder: www.souterbuilt.com.au/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Camera Operator: Jack Mounsy
Drone Footage:
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Gilda Jones
Music: Light Bending by We Dream of Eden & Outside by We Dream of Eden

[@nevertoosmall]

If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions Architect: alexandersymes.com.au/ Builder: www.souterbuilt.com.au/ Cinematography: www.jrmounsey.com/ Drone Photography: www.souterbuilt.com.au/ Check out our book - www.nts.store Join our community- www.patreon.com/nevertoosmall Workspace by Never Too Small - www.nts.space Website - www.nevertoosmall.com Instagram- instagram.com/nvtsmall Facebook - facebook.com/nvtsmall

[@lawngaiyi]

What to broadcast?

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

Architect: how many offices do you want? Owner: yes

[@jenkenj]

Came here looking for this comment lol thank you. I was like "Why does this one dude need 4 office spaces??"

[@moshimoshiumeboshi]

As someone who works from home and has for many years, sometimes it’s nice to have options 😂

[@furankii]

If you read the description of the video, this house is used as an office during the day for the owner's building company, hence the numerous work stations

[@iancreighton1]

@@furankii so not a house then? a quasi office/airbnb.

[@emziegirl1977]

I was looking for this comment 😂

[@carolyndetroittigerfan191]

This book is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to create various types of garden buildings. The book provides clear and detailed instructions with numerous photos. kzbin.infoUgkxBE-xSmFU7PIaMFUmmhnFxE035s5svtxeAs a novice, I appreciated the book's step-by-step approach to the basics of building. The book also appeals to the more advanced DIY enthusiast with projects ranging from simple to complex. The book is up to date with the latest trends, such as solar panels, green roofs, and sweet chestnut shakes. The book has inspired me to pursue more projects in the future.

[@ashleeadams2033]

Absolutely brilliant - there's nothing better than building around gorgeous, established trees and really honouring the natural environment. Bravo!

[@AP-iy9ho]

trees attract lightning

[@nuchzara97]

Totally agree, very nice

[@BibsyP]

I think it is great that trees are preserved. My concern is that trees grow and there was no growing room for that tree trunk. Am I wrong?

[@tribecupid5746]

The dog is the true star of the show. Diligently supervising proceedings, whilst using his sandy colour as camouflage.

[@brittneyihrig4270]

I've watched nearly EVERY video on this channel, and this one has to probably be my favourite and the most well-considered. This is one of the few designs that doesn't feel like a DIY Lego set, with pokey uncomfortable finishings, and a cold-interior. This feels warm, comfortable, practical, easy-enough, and spacious! The tree was a genius touch, the textured used are amazing, clever use of the solar panels, and the emphasis on performance is something I've heard no other architect on this channel mention! Great job guys, and happy to see this is an Aussie job!

[@mraadivasi]

😌😷😷🤣

[@ironboobs]

I completely agree

[@jessicachang9656]

Agreed

[@brittneyihrig4270]

@@wilmaknickersfit yes! I would as well. That is probably my main critique. But I didn't mention this, because unlike other designs on this channel, changing the couch seemed very possible and not too integral to the design.

[@quentin6893]

Yeah ! I agree even if other designs (especially the industrial style ones) can be warm and beautiful.

[@camilascatonebedin3002]

The tree with lights wrapped around it is just magical

[@axcvilla]

I just had to PAUSE when I first saw that BACKSPLASH at 0:09. It made me GASP in awe of it's beauty! I dunno why it's making it so emotional. I have seen HUNDREDS of house videos and I don't think I have ever had this kind of reaction to a BACKSPLASH.

[@melindadouglas1673]

Brilliant design and use of space. I’m not a fan of the particle board walls and ceiling but would have a more traditional finish with drywall and paint. I love the way it’s incorporated into the natural setting.

[@eternalspace668]

Same I feel like its incomplete or bare with the particle board walls but the house overall is definitely a cozy design.

[@jackiegarbarino6243]

It definitely looks unfinished.

[@26realmc]

marine ply would have given it a warmer, higher end finish for me.

[@barbarar5869]

Yes, that was my only issue with this house. The particle board made it look unfinished and cheap, and this place is most certainly not cheap.

[@willbraden8354]

Awesome! I wish more architects would branch out and do projects like this. Really go out on a limb creatively.

[@agromchung]

I sense some new ideas sprouting already

[@gus473]

🤦🏻‍♂️ D'oh! 😅✌🏼

[@chrissieradzki8874]

Really feels like architects are turning over a new leaf when it comes to design these days…

[@isaaclow7334]

I am rooting for them

[@Moontess]

Budding architects should give this a go

[@anjudevasia6860]

True definition of Warm and Cosy. Amazing one. ❤️

[@sehrerwachsen8955]

More like construction vibes^^ Would have preferred white walls instead of rough OSB^^

[@mive9503]

I liked the clever use of solar panels as window awnings.

[@raerae734]

Gorgeous! I love that they thought about end of life for the structure, and about the surrounding landscape (both the pepper tree AND showcasing the view). It seems like it's primarily an office space at the moment with the intention to later house someone (maybe a grown child or elderly relative?) and with all the thoughtful functionality to later convert it to that use. It could accommodate quite a few employees comfortably the way it is now too, which makes it even more impressive the architect still found the 'home' in the project and provided it so beautifully. This channel has also introduced me to the concept of these marvellous pocket folding doors for wardrobes and I am OBSESSED, I want them everywhere in my place. 😂😂

[@mingzhong5271]

Personal favourite since I watching Never too small!

[@littlenest]

This building is so brilliantly put together with such well thought-out spaces which this video graciously takes time to actually show, thanks for this NTS team! ❤

[@fatimaayesh7]

I've been introduced to this house first via The Local Project, which takes a different approach and doesn't necessarily focus on small scale living, I really loved the design back then but wished to see a plan that would clarify my perception. Glad it's featured again on here. Both channels are brilliant. Australia is a gem for architects to explore.

[@kismetau]

Exactly my thoughts! NTS has shared another side to this amazing project that wasn't shown by TLP.

[@kellee1609]

Certainly the best! Love the U-layout, and the privacy of the deck/yard area. One conceptual thing I love is the flow of bedroom through to laundry through to bathroom... very natural and practical from a process point of view :D

[@MissIncorrigibleOfOz]

I really like that there is some separation between the bedroom and bathroom - much nicer when there are multiple people staying the night.

[@n-on]

congratulations on the furniture collaboration 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@gonsalomon]

Completely loved the build. What an astounding adaptation to the available space!

[@tuppence937]

Would be interesting to hear from the architect what aspects of the five key criteria for passive haus standards was the most difficult to meet? Also, the costings for this type of building would be nice to know - as intuitively this looks like an expensive build.

[@violetcassandraperseo8773]

I was wondering the same thing. Even though I'm sure the house will repay itself in the long run, I think the upfront cost to build it will be really high...

[@JonoConstantini]

It all comes down to using sustainable and efficient materials, which would have been expensive regardless of the passive house standard. Triple glazing should be standard nowadays if you’ve got something as a winter. But the reoccurring costs of the heatexchange-ventilation should not be underestimated (filters, maintenance,…).

[@carlm6766]

@@violetcassandraperseo8773 no doubt but much less so for an owner builder paying no builder’s margin and who would know prices for his subcontractors. Seems plain enough its also an investment in his business - smart to bring prospective clients to something he has built himself and which is very well designed. One of the best videos on this channel.

[@26realmc]

Its in Australia, near Sydney, built to high standards so this would have cost a bomb!

[@jay-uo2bi]

​@@JonoConstantini HRV isn't that big of a deal. It's just fans and filters lol. Most Australian homes are built with air conditioning which also requires filter/maintenance etc anyways.

[@TeriHargraveartist]

I say, WOW...too many office options for me personally, but what a fabulous building and outside space!

[@greypairofsocks]

Well... you have to work a lot to pay for it ;)

[@TeriHargraveartist]

@@greypairofsocks ha, good point 😁

[@matsirois]

Agreed. Beautiful, but why 4 working spaces? Wouldn't one owning a small house like this want to enjoy life more?

[@kharismamaulia4057]

@@matsirois it's combine office and home

[@seth2901]

A very beautiful space! really lovely and the doggie made it better for me ❤

[@douglasthompson296]

Yuppers now that's a man's dog! Even better if he came from a rescue refuge too, be hard to replace him as he looks to be getting senior too?

[@gus473]

🐾 Most situations are improved by canine presence! 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@domingasmith3877]

warm and cozy.. and a dog.... sold !!!, really love this

[@angeyoung6410]

J'aime beaucoup cette maison, très pratique, bien arrangée à l'intérieur et en même temps cosy malgré sa sobriété !! Et la terrasse, cerise sur le gâteau ! 😊

[@sapjiao]

Brilliant storytelling and cinematography from the NTS team. Very succint and thorough 👌

[@mraadivasi]

🤯🤒🥳

[@noreme723]

This is probably one of my fave. It feels like living inside a wooden cabinet enlarge in real life 😅😍 everything seems so seamless and space efficient.. I would want to have a morning coffee sitting right beside that beautiful tree..

[@wesoz1950]

Very clever design. Love it except for the OSB board. Used way too much for my liking.

[@psykloz]

This house by night has a magic feel.

[@OngoGablogian185]

The place is massive - it's just brutal looking with those interior walls.

[@im.ralphn8]

the pup is the perfect finishing touch to the house! 😍😍😍

[@joyfulmindstudio]

This was so inspiring. The closing statement of hope for the future did not sound like a platitude here, but rather a summary argument for which this video is the proof. We can turn climate adaptation into an opportunity to elevate our lives, by using science and creativity to re-inhabit nature and renew our personal relationship with it.

[@Halliwell66]

Literally live in the next suburb and somehow missed its existence, I'll have to keep an eye out for it, looks beautiful. I love the idea of a passive house, I have friends who live in Europe where a lot of features focused on thermal maintenance (? not sure what right word would be), while I've yet to live in a house that wasn't basically a waste of money/energy and impossible to heat or cool efficiently.

[@barbarar5869]

I think it depends on lot on the country and the type of government assistance. I think that with the energy crisis people are finally paying more attention to this type of issue.

[@jay-uo2bi]

Australians are cheap and short sighted when it comes to building.

[@tarikgungor]

One of the best and inventious episodes so far. The use of space and the harmony with the nature are just amazing.

[@martinconte3101]

Love that decadent, wealthy, over-the-top plywood finish in here...

[@tkcldk]

the structure of the house gives off a cozy and privacy feeling, love it!

[@dynalardizabal4119]

"Having less and enjoying more" Nice design and built :)

[@maritsaappollis7966]

It’s rare to see a space that can be an inspiring, professional work environment as well as a private and cosy living environment all at the same time! Well done 👏🏻

[@liv97497]

Wow, this one is incredible - 54m² is unbelievable, every room looks spacious. I love how they were mindful of the materials used and worried about reducing waste from the construction process itself, that's a huge deal we should always be thinking of.

[@bakeraus]

Nice one! Lovely place, love that outdoor zone.

[@annsmith7207]

Absolute perfection! With you 1000 percent on how this building was designed and constructed. I have built with Habitat for Humanity on every habitable continent (Africa twice because it was the most severe poverty I had witnessed). An as I will be downsizing and living sustainably going forward --- very much appreciate your insights! Many thanks and wishing you the very best! ✨✨🌞🌞✨✨👍👍

[@sashastarshanti3599]

Simply, elegantly, beautiful in all ways, on all levels, in every detail. Including the precious fur baby that was our sweet tour guide.

[@sweetiepie1372]

Gosh this one is stunning, and such a calm space. Love the magical decking area as well. A beautiful place to be.

[@mraadivasi]

🥳🤒🥳😌

[@zlatan_2197]

Multi-functional, spacious, cosy, calm and self-sustaining, it's absolutely amazing.

[@amougouclarke8557]

Absolutely pure and elegant

[@VaniaAjah]

The dog follows whenever he goes is just too cute! Amazing house btw!

[@oygenn]

Outstanding design and execution! Love to see such perfect (and generous!) implementation of LED strips all over the apartment. They're all really well integrated and enhance the minimalist and modern feel of the space.

[@TheGreatWerebear]

The central deck really makes this feel so much more spacious. I would love to see central outdoor spaces integrated into more modern Western architecture.

[@taekin9781]

Love this gorgeous home as many others have said. Practical, smart use of space and materials it feels warm and welcoming. Two of my favourite things small buildings built to passive standards. No matter the climate hot or cold you can reap the benefits of a passive house. It's not just about keeping the cold out it's also about keeping the cold in during summer.

[@pililiu7310]

Love this deck，it resembles the kind of space in traditional Chinese residential houses.

[@gaylebaker8419]

I always find the minimal clothes storage hilarious.

[@Tonderkowa]

This is just purely AMAZING. Doesn’t feel intimidating, the design is just pleasing, everything seems full size, it is do well designed. And that patio - oh my! It looks stunning! And I also like the shape of the house, for some reason it makes me feel so calm, like you have that beautiful view, nature around, but also a lot of privacy. I would definitely see it as my own house!

[@alanherrera5421]

Love that center tree and how it flows with the building, also the interior really smooth

[@luwang6470]

a warm hello from Wollongong!!! finally something exciting from outside of Sydney!!!

[@taralown7023]

What a good doggy!

[@holrobinson]

absolutely in love with this design; the materials, the surroundings, the beautiful tree, its spectacular

[@gbenselum]

looks 10 times bigger than it really is. Stunning.

[@keenalou595]

What an unusual space!!! Such a practical unit. I love that it's built around the tree 💚 and the earthy colours. . I think we need to have more cute dogs like this one in future videos 🤭👌🏽

[@shiftyourperception]

i was watching your clip and i just forgot to breathe. that balcony..you have built a piece of heaven.

[@ebl36]

That’s a lovely house, and I love the sustainability aspect, as well as the sensitive incorporation of the tree.

[@jessisoffline]

Far out. This is so unique but absolutely beautiful 😍

[@jennykiely4598]

Here for the dog! What a sweetheart ❤

[@forsythiahoareau6456]

I love the cozy open deck in the middle of the living space. ❤

[@brentdobson5264]

You've nailed tranquility with the choice of Jade green ....and though dead simple obvious to do ... have never before noticed a sloped interior ceiling decending down to glass window wall on one side and storage opposite . Gives coziness .

[@susanmontgomery3968]

Hands down, this has to be my favorite place out of years of watching these videos!

[@Buddhababe2]

OMG! Amazing! I love the grays and beiges together, the textures are gorgeous, and the design details are stunning. I'm in awe!

[@mz2433]

the cute lil dog has drawn all my attention haha.. i like the tree with lighting decoration

[@gamedisciple]

I came for the architecture and stayed for the DOG! He matches the vibe of the space PERFECTLY! 🐕

[@eyeswideopen8629]

I just don't get the bare OSB walls - I know some people are really into that esthetic - but it hasn't grown on me.

[@Lolle1992]

What an incredible beautiful work of art this home is! Pure Beauty.

[@glitzerfisch8565]

love this `Tree-House´. Specially the Tree with those thousands of lights! Love from Düsseldorf, Corinna

[@SonoraD.]

This is the best architecture channel! I had seen the same building in another video from another channel and only now I understood and appreciated the structure completely.

[@andrewmaynard3030]

Fantastic build. Great use of space and a clever design. I wish more buildings were this interesting and visually pleasing.

[@syedasultana4451]

This is undoubtedly one of the best house featured on your channel! What a brilliant construction, n @ night that deck looked like heaven!!

[@antonywave4363]

I've watched ALL the channel episodes, and this house is my favorite!

[@Nath_CM]

The facade of the house blends in perfectly with the outside, very beautiful

[@massabranca]

Gorgeous and oh so clever design!

[@Architectureofkb]

Love the colors panel and the layout of the space, there are a lot of office space, kinda cool if you want to work with friend i like that

[@katkag.1799]

Absolutely love this build. It's incredible, well done.

[@posyb71]

I adore this, especially the outdoor space and dining area

[@Moontess]

I am so in love with this house!!

[@mastersmurfify]

I love it and had the desire to do something similar if I built in a similar area but even though I understand the choice I detest the cardboard look of the interior walls, just not my style.

[@romulo_gomes]

This gotta be one my of top 3 favorite houses from NTS so far. Just brilliant!

[@lyndaster46]

This is one of the nicest ones I have seen. Amazing!!!

[@paulpiolagaso1615]

It's beautiful... I just want to relax there and drink my coffee 😍

[@obidean3964]

Quite spacious for a treehouse and a magnificent architecture

[@racamiii]

it feels so much more spacious than 54qm excellent job and the views are incredible!

[@juliamckechnie256]

Great space. Love the materials used. It looks calm.

[@vintagejanejane]

Finally a really original concept for a house, this is amazing!

[@sara.1492]

It feels magical!

[@rgs6236]

At first I wasn’t sure about this home but by the end of the video the home grow on me. I like it!

[@ulisezg4419]

Great!!! 😉👍🏼 Saludos desde México!!!

[@1superherobryce1]

Stunning!

[@michelebelfiore921]

That is stunning, I've never seen such a brilliant home.

[@SCANNO21]

Simply wonderful. I'd love to live in there !!! Probably the most convincing and appealing new building of all the ones i've seen on this wonderful channel. Thanks NTS for those dream trip i live everytime I watch an episode.

[@minimalist_romantic]

Love it, probably my favourite design featured on This channel so far

[@SF-ru3lp]

I LOVE the new furniture range! Fabulous office/house! G Ireland

[@hannetjiebotha4483]

So beautiful!

[@shrimpwd]

Amazing house! I'd want to swap the laundry and bathroom with the main bedroom, in the event of guests (so they don't trudge through my bedroom while I slept), but aside from that, I love it!

[@B__C__]

Nice. I understand why the bathroom is where it is given that the structure is (at it's essence) one, long corridor bent around a tree, but it does seem a bit odd considering the lovely views on that side of the house. And while visitors could just walk through the deck area when weather allows, I think I would feel compelled to put the Murphy bed away every time guests came over. Overall, I like the creative use of the multi-role spaces, the energy efficiency, all of the storage (I'm guessing there might be even more space underneath), and the central deck, although like others have mentioned I might be a bit concerned about a windstorm knocking some or all of the tree over. By the way the Christmas tree lights are a nice touch.

[@mraadivasi]

🤭🤣🥳🥳🤣

[@craziewill]

I am IN LOVE with this beautiful home...