The Pump House – A Compact Off-Grid Home in Australia

Called the Pump House and designed by Branch Studio Architects, this compact dwelling is both eco-friendly and off-grid. Branch Studio Architects created the design on the behalf of their client, a carpenter who decided to undertake the construction of the house by himself.

 

Pump House by Branch Studio Architects - Off-Grid House - Exterior 2 - Humble Homes

The Pump House is located in rural Victoria, Australia, and is set amongst the rushes of a small lake. The house inherited its name from its previous purpose – it was originally built as a storage space to hold a water pump and farming equipment.

 

Pump House by Branch Studio Architects - Off-Grid House - Living Room - Humble Homes

Branch Studio Architects decided to work with the existing structure while also adopted it to serve as a fully functioning home. According to the architects, the shed-like structure evolved into a more extravagant building due to the craftsmanship and skill of the owner-builder.

 

Pump House by Branch Studio Architects - Off-Grid House - Kitchen - Humble Homes

The exterior of the Pump House is clad with corrugated iron and is finished with some wood-detailing in the recessed porch area. The interior has been finished simply with low-grade plywood and rough-sawn timber. The chosen materials were selected due to their affordability, helping to minimise the overall cost of the quaint retreat.

Pump House by Branch Studio Architects - Off-Grid House - Dining Room - Humble Homes

The house is completely off-grid and self-sufficient. It has a variety renewable and green features including rainwater capture and storage, solar panels for any electrical needs, and a wood burning stove that provides more than enough heat for the small space.

Pump House by Branch Studio Architects - Off-Grid House - Bedroom - Humble Homes

There are floor-to-ceiling windows on both ends that can be opened up to the surrounding environment, providing panoramic views, natural daylighting, and ventilation. The interior is a simple affair and contains a living and dining area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

For more off-grid houses check out this prefabricated tiny house called the MiniMOD by MAPA Architects. Or this small island house that opens up to the surrounding forest. See all off-grid houses.

Via Inhabitat
Photos: Branch Studio Architects

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

3 Comments
  1. Brilliant… are the plans available for this? Would love to see some more detail and a floorplan.

  2. Beautiful! Simple, compact and off the grid!
    I would love to rent this for a few days to see how it functions, and relax.