The Livable Original Carbon-Neutral Cabin Is What Luxury Off-Grid Living Looks Like

"Taking quality time in nature with friends and family is one of life's greatest luxuries" – this is the motto of a young and enthusiastic tiny house company based in Byron Bay, Australia. Dave Wilkinson, the founder of Salty Builds, has a deep interest in sustainable, carbon-neutral housing alternatives that don't sacrifice modern comfort. He believes that energy-neutral tiny homes that are built to the highest standards are the ultimate embodiment of what modern houses should be.

The Livable Original is one of the most interesting models in the Salty Builds range. It's also one of the most generous in terms of accommodation and extra-comfortable for two people. It's one of the brand's pre-fabricated mobile cabins, sitting on a high-quality and heavy-duty galvanized steel chassis. This cabin is fully mobile and easily transportable via truck, which makes it an ideal option for those who want to explore various destinations and have a more adventurous life on the road.

At the same time, as its name suggests, The Livable Original is just as comfy and cozy as a traditional home. The single-level configuration is a classic one, with a spacious bathroom at one end, an informal lounge, a modern kitchen at the center, and a compact but fully equipped bathroom. This cabin showcases what is perhaps the most popular tiny house configuration in Australia and New Zealand, where single-level cabins with an extended length are preferred to more compact homes with one or two lofts.

Another signature trait of most Australian and Kiwi designs is the accentuated indoor/outdoor flow through extensive, oversized glazing. These mobile cabins aren't transparent, but they create this illusion by incorporating extra-large windows and multiple glass doors. This results in added natural light and brightness, a feeling of spaciousness, and a constant, unrestricted connection to the home's natural surroundings.

What makes the Livable Original cabin so great is that it's a peaceful nature retreat and an ultra-modern abode at the same time. The main focus was sustainability and carbon neutrality. The simple, beautiful exterior is made of termite-resistant timber frames, and this is a special Abodo Vulcan range timber. All the windows are aluminum with SP10 SmartGlass, which makes them extra durable, and they're fitted with insect screens.

Inside, the cabin reveals solid hardwood flooring, which is also preferred for its durability and premium appearance. All the cabinets in the kitchen and the bathroom are solid plywood. The plastered walls are also part of the home's clean and contemporary aesthetics. All the walls, ceilings, and floors are insulated with eco-friendly fiberglass earth wool.

This minimalistic cabin embodies sustainability on all levels. It was constructed using carbon-neutral materials and techniques and was then equipped for off-grid living, which reduces its overall environmental footprint to a minimum. The off-grid features include a solar package with batteries and a high-quality composting toilet. It can also be fitted with air conditioning, a rustic-style fireplace, and outdoor lights.

This Salty Builds cabin boasts 22.75 square meters (245 square feet) of luxurious living. The beautiful bedroom, separated from the rest of the house by a discrete cavity sliding door, offers enough space for a comfy queen-sized bed. An entire wall provides floor-to-ceiling storage. A large awning window brings natural light and ensures proper ventilation, while the huge picture window blurs the line between the inside and the outside, transforming the bedroom into a sanctuary with stunning views.

The bathroom is also surprisingly elegant. The stone-tiled floors and the custom-made concrete vanity are in line with today's design trend that favors organic shapes and a raw, unfinished look. In addition to the composting toilet, the bathroom comes equipped with a full-size shower cabin.

When it's time to prepare meals and enjoy them, the Livable Original reveals a truly contemporary cooking and dining area. It's ultra-clean and minimalistic, unlike some tiny house kitchens that seem to focus too heavily on storage, which creates a cluttered, cramped look. This kitchen is wonderfully airy and spacious. The two-meter (6.5 feet) floating island is a modern touch and a versatile addition because it easily doubles as a comfortable dining table by the window.

Appliances include a gas stove, a slide-out range hood, and a large, farmhouse-style sink with a smart in-sink drainer. A couple of discrete overhead cabinets provide easy-to-reach storage, and there's room for a large fridge and a drawer dishwasher. Extra-wide bi-fold doors turn the lounge into an indoor/outdoor space that's perfect for relaxation and entertainment. There's ample room for a comfortable, huge sofa and additional storage.

The Aussie-designed Livable Original proves that carbon-neutral, sustainable construction is perfectly comfortable with contemporary, luxurious comfort. While equipped for year-round living, this cabin would also make a wonderful off-grid nature retreat that can be moved to different locations. Plus, it's reasonably priced at AUD 153,668 ($103,000).