NEVER TOO SMALL: Architect’s Blue Mountains Cabin, Sydney 28sqm/310sqft

[@Fjord_]

As I began watching I wondered if it was hard to find people to renovate the cabin there in the mountains -, but then it was revealed that the owner himself was also the architect & builder. Possibly the best combination for this beautiful result.

[@weerahk]

know its going to be good when u hear that!!!

[@tanvi7532]

the blue mountains is not that remote, it is not far from sydney and has a decent population

[@lesgriffiths8523]

And also the client !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Les Griffiths

[@ARother8822]

This space is simply gorgeous. It is fascinating that they decided to downsize despite the option to keep the bigger size. I wouldn’t change a thing in this place. It is so calming, balanced and the view is just mind-blowing. The colors are lovely as well

[@hieunguyennamchi9992]

I'd have loved the idea of a hanging porch on the side looking out. Could be fun just dangling your feet to the wind blowing

[@paddobs]

I remember when this channel showed tiny houses that people lived in. Lately it all seems to be holiday rental spaces that are fine for a couple of days, but lack essentials for full time living. This seems to me to be counter to the ethos of living tiny to reduce impact, and instead these are additional spaces where the land could have been used for a larger permanent residence.

[@trooperfilms]

exactly to what I was thinking

[@plannerheaux]

Just because you don't find it livable full-time, doesn't mean everyone else feels the same???? People have different needs/lifestyles.

[@trooperfilms]

@@plannerheaux I do find it liveable - but this was their holiday home/ retreat. Tony's comment was about having a small home as your main home. Other videos in the NFT (and what they orginally started as) were small homes as people's main homes, not second homes

[@plannerheaux]

@@trooperfilms this is one video they showcased - and so what if it is their second home? it provides inspiration for others in use of space. the couple could retire there down the track. tony's original comment of 'additional space .. for a larger permanent residence' ?? which increased footprint even moreso, does it not? blue mountains are a landmark here in australia, so why would you build a bigger residence for the sake of one person's opinion of 'full-time' livability. the construction workers, materials, taking down trees would take space when building ... going against 'reducing impact'.

[@trooperfilms]

@@plannerheaux you do you boo

[@smplylife]

How is everyone in this series so eloquent and well spoken? These scripts in combination with the ambiance sound are so soothing. Really a gem on KZbin.

[@yvonnerolley9676]

Classical education

[@VuNguyen-pe4ut]

I just came across your comment and I can answer that, hope you don't mind me popping out of the blue. So a lot of these features are made by (architect/interior) designers. The channel is also a creative practice. So the way they structure the spoken script is constructed and presented in a very "design process oriented": - They will first explain the context (through location and reason for living) to help viewers understand why they live the way they live. - For each room they will generally describe an overview; and what they are looking for (a certain aesthetic or functionality), and then explain their choices that lead up to the result (either through material choice, decoration, layout etc.). Most likely they have a script that the speakers provide, and they will speak on-screen accordingly. And naturally, good designers strive to explain their design decisions in concise, eloquent manners, which is a very important part of their job. It's also part of the storytelling direction of NTS, combined with their simple but thoughtful camera work all leads to the desired experience just like you expressed in your comment :) Hope this helps!

[@mcuz2164]

Love that they took the time to preserve and reuse as much material as possible. That is my favorite part of the redesign.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@M Cuz Yes, molto labour hours. Cleaning 2,500 old bricks. They came up beautifully in the repair and redesign of this old mountain cottage.

[@natashafigueroa9198]

What a jewel box of a home. The cabinetry is exquisite, and I love the palate of the whole house. I am curious where they eat though, as I did not see a dining table.

[@bubblegumnoir8862]

I don't have a dining table. You just eat on the lounge when its one or two people lol

[@conniebruckner8190]

I thought the same thing re where do they sit to eat their meals. Also where is the chair to sit at littkle desk? ? The work they have done is just astounding and the result is beautiful. I would have wanted a window- door going out of living space out on to a balcony or veranda, with those views. From plans, there was one before, but they opted to take it off.

[@MACMIKY83]

I would eat where they sit at that AMAZING GORGEOUS VIEW😍 (sitting on the floor) and watching all that MARVELOUS NATURE 💚 u r blessed guys 🥰🥰🙏 me and my husby attend another decade or something to quit work in the city sell all and go to his roots in Sardinia and to a B&B there and I would save this video to get some inspiration from this wonderful place ☺️🙏😘 hugs from Tuscany🤗🌈

[@skyethebard]

I noticed that, too. I'd buy a 30" round pedestal table that would sit in front of the window seat. It could be moved to the sofa area or even the porch, depending on need.

[@WiseOnion]

"Dining room" is a waste of space.

[@bixaorellana]

For me, this is easily the most beautiful of any small-space living units that I've seen. It is a piece of art while still being entirely functional.

[@neuzethmusic131]

Absolutely!

[@lvan_studio]

What a dream. Off black, off white, wood, warm green, warm grey, perfection.

[@Roatanlova68fmp71lliiiak]

Stunning design, everything is perfect. The attention to detail is everything, from the matt tile to the carpentry and the beautiful curtain in the living area. Incredible space, love it!

[@SF-ru3lp]

Lovely design. I like that you reduced the size of the house rather than take for granted that you should 'rebuild' the large format. I love the clever design of smaller spaces. The original bricks look beautiful. G Ire

[@KCGiD]

Gorgeous. I love the way the cabin remained rugged in the upper half of the walls and ceiling, while the lower half is finished with surfaces smoother to the touch. Very cozy looking.

[@QueenElizabethThe1st]

I love how thoughtfully they have created the space for their specific purposes and the environment. Also wonderful creative use of a delipidated cottage many would just bulldoze.

[@zlatan_2197]

One of the best projects showcased on the channel, it's absolutely beautiful and functional, best part being warmth of the space and the fact that a lot of existing materials were reused.

[@jubanchyne9250]

Home is where the heart is. And this surely is that kinda home where I’d like to live in. Hopefully someday I’ll get to make this type of a cabin and just rest and read and hear the sounds of nature 🥺

[@hx0ad5]

as always, i'm deeply appreciative of & amazed by small space designers who aren't afraid to use darker colours over wider areas in homes like these. i personally find a darker and warmer home environment much more comforting than very bright/pale, and it's always great to see people designing small-space homes in a way that allows for these richer colour palettes without sacrificing too much light or making the space feel cramped. also find it very impressive how this home manages to look comfy & cosy despite the design & furniture being very square/blocky, a lot of harsh lines, but it doesn't make anything look clinical or hostile as i feel it often can do in other spaces

[@ad.anatomy_2022]

This is by far one of the most beautiful small spaces I've ever seen. Thanks for share it.

[@lunatickgeo]

Goldilocks Cabin cos everything is just right. Small enough to be compact and efficient but not too small to feel cramped or tight. The design flows well and doesn't feel like things were designed to fit into existing "challenges" that must be overcome. It has all the comforts of home but isn't stuffed or feel expensive (like they had to buy high-end products to fit the space). And on top of it all, I like the overall esthetic. I would snap that place up in a heartbeat. If I could afford it, I would hire Stewart Smith to design my place based on this alone.

[@sarxotey4680]

The overall design style and color collocation are unified and harmonious！ looks so cozy，fantastic job！

[@Sonia_P7]

The use of this space is amazing, from the storage to the ventilation to the comfort aspects of the sofa and bed. Everything is so thought out and functional that it feels like nothing in the home has been compromised or sacrificed. Definitely a favourite for me!

[@sam_evy]

this is my favourite cabin design -- practical, minimal, and so well designed and cohesive!!

[@michellenorris211]

This is an example of why long term locals can’t afford to live in area anymore. People from Sydney having weekend homes there. A house used for a weekend when you ‘need to get away’ displace people who live and contribute to the community. This has become a major issue in the Blue Mountains.

[@douglasthompson296]

Correct Michelle, its the same here in the UK. Cornwall/Devon have major problems over affordable housing for local workers and residents due to second home ownership. Planning consent in AOB(areas of outstanding beauty) and National Parks inhibit new construction or farming/fishing workers building on family land. The Lake District has this problem too and recruitment in the tourist sector is hard as accommodation costs are so high. Several AOB areas are now considering banning second home ownership, good or bad? Cheers

[@secondact7151]

Same in Idaho. I just received a 23 percent rent increase. Next year I might be homeless.

[@ihatehandles111]

The same goes for everywhere, really :( As much as I like to shun people who own more homes than they actually need, I would love to one day have a "weekend" cabin. I do think people shouldn't be able to own more than 2 homes though. And I know people won't like that opinion

[@m53goldsmith]

@@ihatehandles111 And then, of course, there are the people who have a "home" with 100+ bedrooms when others have been waiting on council lists for years just to find a 2-bed semi. (*sigh*)

[@luga718]

Same in Florida!😟

[@wallflowernook]

This is so beautiful 🥺 I especially love the sustainable practices used and how the cabin feels so at home in the mountains. Great work! Also, that projector is really cool 😯

[@elizabethcuffe2430]

My favourite small space so far!

[@dannyv2230]

This HAS to be one of your greatest videos by far. This space is absolutely gorgeous all the fit and finish and design. Maximizing the space the best way possible while making it look warm and comforting. So beautiful.

[@eyathine]

I love that the ventilation window on the bedroom also serves as emergency exit 😍 Wish I can stay in a home like this too. Near nature 😍 Great design!

[@sara_387]

LOL, except at 3:50 he states all the movable panels have to have security screens (metal gauze) for the bushfire building requirements, to stop burning debris and embers.

[@daisyquan1]

Love this channel and small footprint living! Would love to see videos about affordable/accessible design, kid-friendly homes, and housing for working class people. Noticing that this is a second home (sustainable?) and many videos show wealthier young professionals without kids, sometimes in former workforce housing. Any creative stories out there?

[@cl114c0777498d]

OK, this is my favourite so far. I love how the walls aren't rendered the whole way up -- makes the spaces feel clean and well calm, while keeping an unobtrusive connection to the more rustic aspects.

[@mynestintheforest]

One of my favourite tiny homes on this channel. The only thing I would change is to add a table to the kitchen, a must have in my home as we usually sit around a round table even with my guests.

[@libbypetersen3523]

Gorgeous, warm, peaceful, thoughtful design. Thank you for sharing.

[@sashastarshanti3599]

So very beautifully done. I love the black exterior against the pops of natural wood. The green tile in the bathroom is unexpected and I love it! The whole design is simply gorgeous in it's simplicity.

[@cindyboughen9933]

I think this cabin is my most favourite of all the Never Too Small spaces. Stunning!!

[@MikoSan]

He really knows how to make a comfy CHIC Beautiful home. keeping laundry outside is neat. Love the 3 types of windows high, small narrow window and a huge window.

[@tarikgungor]

This is the best NTS video in a while. The building is so functional, simple and well designed that you can't do anything but admire.

[@darktrain1971]

fallen for the bathroom...the colour and size of the tiles..the aesthetics...amazing

[@cleome__]

Amazing transformation and so cozy. Perfect for the setting

[@jimhim585]

So beautiful. Simple in the best sense of the word - there is a calmness to the architect and the house.

[@landescape]

Probably one of the best Episode, Just Amazing Design, i'd like to stay here for a while, you can feel by his voice the powerfull and peacefull it is

[@Hollowsmith]

I like how the guy starts lecturing us about how his small cabin is a virtuous ode to sustainability, but also casually mentions it's a weekend cabin his wife and him use to getaway from their presumably much larger main home lol.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

This is so beautiful and while generally speaking I have my concerns with holiday homes I do really appreciate all the effort to repair this (so thoughtfully too) and make it inhabitable again

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

This is an extremely well designed home.I could live there full time.

[@Denisecurlz]

I adore the cabin, their vision, his eloquence, and specially how they value the foundation of the house AND still be economically and ecologically sound on their decision to build with it. This is the most satisfying episode in this channel so far 👏

[@unicornhair]

I am blown away by this space. It's a beautiful marriage of form and function. I love the use of windows, and I especially love the puzzle like nature of the cabinetry. Very smart design.

[@jacquelinesinek8231]

Really beautiful. Minimalistic but warm and cozy.

[@Sarah-oy2lr]

This is my dream place to live, so peaceful and compact but has everything you could need

[@fphome7229]

Love this cabin. Only thing I would change would be the window seat. I would prefer two comfortable chairs. My old bones wouldn’t like sitting in the window seat.

[@AdamHazelton33]

I love the exposed inner old walls. Beautiful.

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

It’s so good how thoughtful all aspects of your home is. Still charming and elegant and peaceful. Wow what a view

[@JazzaTV]

What an incredible space to escape to and enjoy the country

[@bubblegumnoir8862]

This is so stunning. The simplicity is perfect and calming. Who needs artwork around with a window view like that.

[@liv97497]

This is beautiful! It's tiny yet feels luxurious. I think the high ceilings are such a great choice, it doesn't feel cramped because there's so much natural light. I love that they tried to reuse/recycle as much as they could from the old building.

[@TheFatDuck1234]

Even the sponsored product is very on-brand! Love this channel.

[@arlenesolis024]

Amazing place and using sustainability made it even more beautiful. I love the idea of using sustainability in older homes, especially when you can use the materials on hand. Putting hard work into the home makes it shine and show the beauty within

[@frankdeleon8836]

You can tell you are in for a treat when you are facing that front door!! Even through my screen I was able to sense the love that went into making it. And as for the rest of the apartment, I'll repeat what everyone else has already stated: fantastic color and material palette, superb carpentry work and exemplary use of space. And a special nod to that opulent bathroom indeed.

[@baguette9692]

I've watched almost every video of NVT never fell deeply on one design until this one. Every detail is very satisfying especially knowing most of the materials are restored from the old house. And the design wow. This is the type of home that could be sustain at least 20years without any renovation My only drawback is I need a fridge in my kitchen tho😂

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@baguette He said a "Fisher & Paykel Drawer Fridge", often used in small apartment design. Didn't know this style existed. F&P is a New Zealand originated whitegoods brand, very design focused.

[@rebours]

What a dream house ! The attention to details, functionality and the way it frames the beautiful suroundings in a variety of ways are outstanding.

[@claudiastockman8438]

So glad one in the Blue Mountain's was built. I love the Blue Mountain's. So many hidden gem's. This was an original worker's cottages that was rebuilt and the finished product is one of the best I've seen. If only I could afford to buy.....

[@jacquiwmch]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I love the Blue mountains, my parents had a cabin there when we were young. I love what you've done Stewart, a really inspiring and sustainable build.

[@steadmanhall7184]

I love everything on this channel. For my personal tastes this “home” / “retreat cabin” totally rocked my socks! I loved every bit of it! Thank you for sharing!

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Great transformation! Love the black floor & wooden combination in the house. The warm feeling and the view is stunning.

[@jamesc5801]

Beautiful, practical and thoughtful design. I guess I know who to look up if I'm lucky enough to build up here!

[@kbelle4138]

seen so many videos but this one is particularly memorable - love the sustainability and beauty of this cottage, wonderful job!

[@andrewmaynard3030]

Nice looking Reno. I am surprised that the walls remained uninsulated. Blackheath gets very cold.

[@ikenmijnman]

Great in design, color, and material. Lovely they used the original building. Love this one!

[@934andrea]

Beautiful and peaceful

[@philiq18]

How did I miss this episode? It's a perfectly executed project. Ranks amongst my favourites on this channel.

[@saraheaster8414]

This place is just gorgeous! One of my favourites featured on the channel so far 🤩

[@ellesab4873]

What an amazing result. And such a magnificent location from the craziness of the city.

[@neglectedloves]

One simple word for this project: perfection 👏🏻 Or in other words: reduced to the absolute maximum

[@nicholeayt509]

Even though this is a retreat it feels really livable. Good job. Beautiful home is an incredible location.

[@ipkko-Japan]

The design, interior and interior of the house are excellent. I feel like I got a glimpse of the pioneering spirit of America. It's a very beautiful house with a washing machine stored outside and a stove installed.

[@rosm9601]

The design is amazing - so much storage space and it doesn't feel cramped at all. Love the colours and use of the natural materials.

[@WVWArchterior]

For me, i love your design. It's tiny but feels luxurious.

[@cocoandtheworld33]

I adore this cabin. Love the color palette, the recycled bricks and use of space. Especially the window-seating area. I do have one question though, as it's been brought up so many times: is a getaway home or secondary home something you can call "sustainable"? 🤔

[@ravent3016]

I think it is if the second home isn't a McMansion.

[@gus473]

Yes! So much recycled/reused material, durable and low-impact interior finishes, and a final product that is good for a few more generations! That's almost the definition of sustainable! 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@il-ganna]

Definitely on the sustainable side given that it is not a new build, use of recycled material and small land use. PV panels and maybe water harvesting could be a nice addition to boost the sustainability factor. If you're comfortable with living in a smaller space (which I would think most followers here would at least like to be) I could even see this as a long-stay home for a couple tbh, it doesn't seem overtly isolated, so even supplies shouldn't be a headache.

[@SuperNicbee]

@@George-bh5pe maybe if they rented it to other people when they weren’t using it, that would increase the sustainability of owning two homes

[@il-ganna]

@@George-bh5pe I never said they should, I was speaking about how this house specifically can be used for long-term invariably of its size...and as other's said there's always the option of renting the 'primary' household.

[@studiogirabaldi]

That hidde frame windows are absolutely amazing. love it❤

[@alexbaer4572]

That is the most beautiful cabin I have ever seen. I just love everything about it. Wow. Thank you for sharing your home.

[@KurtSimmonsRockstar]

This one was very comfy feeling!! Probably one of my favorite in recent NTS episodes. Also this projector is sick!

[@jonnyhaw]

There is literally nothing I would change about this. It's perfect.

[@camillaholst7321]

NTS...you just nailed it. Again. The clever, beautiful and sustainable solutions and designs we're introduced to on this channel, are stunning! 🏆

[@SimpleDwelling]

This may be one of my favourites!

[@cantikno]

i fall in love with this cabin especially the living room

[@WanderThisWay]

what beautiful scenery. I would love a little mountain cabin to escape too. I love how this place is minimal but luxurious and I can tell the owner has put a lot of work and pride into taking care of this place.

[@ViktorHristovvv]

Incredible! The view is just breathtaking, and I love the colors and materials used for this project!

[@akachovich]

Finally a small space that makes sense... none of this double use spaces that take time and get annoying to convert....beautiful

[@dilekzararsiz4931]

What a perfect getaway from the rush of the city

[@shannonmurphy9790]

I love it! There is nothing better than a home that makes perfect use of space and materials, is small but feels spacious, and is luxurious. It's like receiving one scrumptious chocolate rather than a box of cheap stuff. Your home is stunning - very well done! Wish it was mine :)

[@milerkos]

WHAT A PLACE !

[@zainabsheikh9402]

This is the most gorgeous place I have ever laid my eyes on! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL THING

[@im.ralphn8]

Dreamy, cozy and romantic. Love the wood along with the black & terra tiles. The color palette is just amazing.

[@glorial2825]

Such a cute and cozy cabin, love it! 😍 The view is everything! 💚

[@Harukanasoo]

Watching this video brings me peace

[@OmnivorousReader]

Love the sustainability attitude. Cleaning and reusing all the bricks! What a massive task, but how rewarding to know that all those old bricks are still in use, rather than in a tip somewhere.

[@dinadeif]

I am in love with every detail in this beautiful space! The colour palate, the space planning, the tiling work and the simplicity of the furniture all work together to make the space very stylish but calming and cosy as well.

[@hohitdesignlab7900]

wow, magnificenet cabine to live in. i like it so much, the functionality, the material selection and the over all harmony! Good job guys

[@Jiggleton]

one of the best on the channel

[@EdricHsu]

Great redesign and overhaul of the existing building, and the carpentry is beautifully and neatly done. Also, love the Colin cameo!

[@cameliap1146]

Everything is beautiful ! Inside and out !

[@vegetarianlegend]

Definitely my favourite project I've seen here so far, would love to live there

[@valerieann2751]

Wow! This is fantastic. Love this cabin, and the window seat especially

[@tinekejoldersma]

That view is to die for. I love the wood, the reclaimed stones, and the original features. The placement of the windows must have a reason but looks strange to me. It is not meant to live full-time I guess, as I would put the bathroom in the middle instead of through the bedroom. In all it is beautiful.

[@Sifinland]

I'm in love with this house. Maybe my favorite on this channel now.