A home that feels both thoughtful and effortless
Every now and then we finish a project that captures exactly why we love what we do. Our clients Kate and Jonathan recently had their Airbnb home featured in Sanctuary Magazine, and seeing their story shared so widely has been such a proud moment for all of us at Prefabulous.
Their home sits on a gently sloping block in Tathra. The site is surrounded by lush bushland and framed by both river and ocean views. From the beginning, the goal was simple. Create a home that feels calm and welcoming, a home that celebrates the landscape, and a home that works with the climate rather than against it. Modular construction suited this vision perfectly.
Designing with intention
Kate and Jonathan came to us with a strong sense of how they wanted to live. They wanted a place that supported a slower lifestyle. A home filled with light. Spaces that feel cosy and comfortable without unnecessary excess. And a practical design that would keep running costs low for the long term.
Together with Saltbush Projects, we created a layout of two modules connected by a central link. Each zone has a purpose, and each space opens to the outdoors in a way that captures sun, breeze and views. Because the site slopes, the home lifts gently above the ground in parts, which gives it a floating effect and protects the landscape at the same time.
A mindful approach to materials
One thing we really appreciated about working with these clients was their commitment to sustainable choices. We walked through our standard modular inclusions with them and looked for ways to improve environmental performance without pushing the budget too far. That meant selecting cladding with lower impact, choosing better subfloor materials, and focusing on insulation and ventilation.
The result is a home that feels solid and warm, and one that stays naturally comfortable for most of the year. Good cross ventilation was a priority, so the windows have been positioned to move air smoothly through the home. This reduces reliance on artificial cooling and helps the interior feel fresh even on warm summer days.
Smooth construction with modular efficiency
The build itself followed our usual modular process. The two modules were constructed in our Wagga workshop over a period of a few months. Once complete, they were transported to Tathra and installed in a single day. Local trades then completed the final connections. This approach kept disruption to a minimum and allowed the owners to watch their home come together almost instantly.
Modular building often surprises people with how refined the final result can be. Kate and Jonathan had a clear vision that their home should feel personal and grounded, not like a kit or a simple shed. Their interiors and landscaping have delivered exactly that. The native garden, the gabion walls built with rocks found during site works, and the gentle colours inside all create a feeling of quiet belonging.
A home that reflects people we admire
What makes this home special is not only the design and the materials, but the people who live there. Kate and Jonathan approached the project with curiosity and trust. They asked great questions, made thoughtful decisions, and stayed focused on what really matters. Comfort, sustainability, simplicity and beauty.
Their home is around one hundred and twenty square metres on a generous block of nearly five thousand square metres. It feels modest in footprint yet spacious in experience. It is a perfect example of what can be achieved when good design meets a realistic budget and a collaborative team.
Looking ahead
The owners have plans to continue evolving the home with future solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. This layered approach is something we always encourage. You can build smart from day one, then add further improvements when the time is right.
Seeing this project featured in Sanctuary Magazine has been incredibly rewarding. It highlights the power of modular building and shows that sustainable design can feel relaxed, warm and inviting.
To Kate and Jonathan, thank you for trusting us with your vision. Your home is a beautiful reflection of who you are, and we are grateful to be part of your story.
