Prefabricated Cabin Retreat in South Australia: Das Studio’s Esca Inman Valley
Perched on a hillside deep within South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Esca Inman Valley is a luxury eco-tourism retreat that blends honest materiality with immersive design. Created by Das Studio, the project features two identical suites prefabricated off-site and installed on a remote, private property—demonstrating how modular construction can be aligned with high-end, locally grounded experiences. We spoke with Das Studio about the design approach, material decisions, and what it means to deliver modular buildings that reflect a distinctly Australian version of luxury.
photography by Anthony Basheer, published with bowerbird
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How did the site’s natural qualities shape the architecture of Esca Inman Valley?
The location was fundamental. Set within the treetops overlooking the Southern Ocean, the design sought to be both observant and immersive. The suites were carefully sited to maximise privacy and orientation, with views framed to connect guests to the landscape. The surrounding gum trees, rocky outcrops and changing coastal weather were all considered when configuring the structure and material palette.
Why was prefabrication the right choice for this project?
Prefabrication allowed us to deliver a high-quality product to a remote location with minimal on-site disruption. The controlled off-site construction process ensured efficiency, precision, and reduced environmental impact to the sensitive natural setting. Once delivered, installation was swift—an essential benefit given the site’s access limitations and ecological constraints. It’s a compelling case for modular building in tourism, where both guest experience and environmental stewardship are priorities.
What drove the decision to use black steel cladding on the exterior?
Black steel was a deliberate response to both function and context. From a practical perspective, the site has an extreme bushfire rating, which informed the choice of non-combustible external materials. Aesthetically, the cladding references the dark, textured bark of surrounding native trees. It provides a strong outer shell that contrasts with the soft, tactile timber-lined interiors—mirroring the duality of the harsh Australian landscape and the shelter within.
The interiors clearly draw from local materials—what were some of the key selections?
We were committed to sourcing materials that reflect the region’s character. The hand-chipped, leathered granite benchtops and tumbled limestone tiles speak to the rawness of the surrounding terrain. A bluestone step, quarried locally, marks the transition into the suite. Even the custom kitchen stools, designed in collaboration with the Jam Factory, offer a crafted, regional touch. These details ground the experience in place while offering comfort and quality.
How does the design balance luxury with practicality for short-term stays?
Every detail was considered with guest experience in mind. The fire plinth was designed to obscure direct views of the bed from the living space—shifting focus toward rest and views rather than housekeeping. A concealed storage room hides luggage and travel clutter, and the cantilevered entry portal acts as a threshold, offering space to leave shoes or umbrellas without bringing the outside in. These small moves enhance usability while supporting the overall sense of retreat.
How does Esca Inman Valley reflect Das Studio’s broader design philosophy?
We believe architecture should respond to its environment with honesty and precision. Esca is a strong expression of that ethos—crafted to complement the site, reduce impact, and offer guests a meaningful connection to nature. Through the use of modular construction, local materials, and carefully layered design decisions, the project contributes to a growing conversation about how luxury, sustainability and prefabrication can coexist.
