Architecture studio Common has designed two types of off-grid accommodation on Victoria’s Cape Otway coastline. Dubbed the Sky Pods and Sky Ships; these pods are created for former semi-professional musicians Maxwell and Lisa Vella.
Located near Station Beach, one of Victoria’s most scenic stretches, the project sits on a 200-acre coastal refuge once home to the Gadabanud people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Both types of dwellings are powered by solar energy and designed for complete self-sufficiency.
The Sky Pods and Sky Ships are positioned on steel supports that raise them slightly above ground level, allowing airflow beneath the structure to prevent soil erosion and moisture damage. Built using prefabricated modules in Melbourne, the Sky Pods were the first to be installed when the retreat opened in 2019, followed by the conversion of 40-foot shipping containers into Sky Ships.
Each unit is insulated and coated to withstand coastal conditions, with materials selected for both longevity and low environmental impact. The cladding uses thermo-treated bayous wood, and double-glazed aluminium windows maximise natural light while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames panoramic views of the Cape Otway landscape, with the bedroom facing the sea. Each Pod includes a modern ensuite featuring a full-height glass window to bring in daylight, and an outdoor deck extends the living area for dining and relaxation against the coastal backdrop.
Inside, the Sky Pods include a lounge with a fireplace, sofa and workspace, while the Sky Ships feature a compact, self-contained kitchen. Both offer climate-controlled heating, induction cooktops, Smeg appliances, and Nespresso machines.
Guests can unwind by streaming films onto a 100-inch projector or connect a Bose Bluetooth speaker to blend music with the sound of nearby waves.
All energy needs are met by photovoltaic solar panels, while rainwater is collected, stored and treated on-site through a custom waste management system. This allows guests to enjoy modern comforts such as heating, cooling and running water, while remaining entirely off-grid.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, supported by the solar infrastructure.
The project’s environmental mission was led by Common co-founders John Doyle and Professor Ben Milbourne, who are also educators at RMIT University. According to Milbourne, the site had long operated as a cattle farm and suffered from erosion and biodiversity loss.
“In parallel with construction, our client replanted thousands of native trees — principally Manna Gum and Messmate eucalyptus species — creating wildlife corridors that now connect with surrounding forests,” says Milbourne. “This has provided local koala populations with a greater range and reduced pressure on the adjacent Great Otway National Park.”
Guests are invited to participate in the regeneration effort by planting a native tree during their stay. Over 65,000 trees have been planted to date.
Currently, two Sky Pods and one Sky Ship are available for guests. The Sky Pods are priced at A$455 per night, while the Sky Ships start at A$355 per night. Located just 800 metres from Station Beach, the retreat provides access to local walking trails and frequent encounters with native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos and diverse bird species.
