Set amongst a lush, subtropical green garden, an old backyard shed quietly called out for maintenance, repairs and love. We visited and found a sound structure made from quality hardwood hidden behind a crumbling facade of fibro cladding and rotten fascia. Our clients dreamed of creating a backyard studio to enable creative practice, so rather than knocking it down, the old shed has been lovingly restored.  

The project carefully balances the old shed’s character with a new, fresh and modern aesthetic.  The building exterior has been upgraded with vertical cladding panels and contemporary sheet metal roofing.  Insulation and double-glazed windows and doors were installed to improve thermal efficiency.  Large sliding doors open and connect to a roofed terrace along the northern façade, connecting to the garden and providing a covered outdoor workspace. Made from hardwood and polycarbonate roof sheeting, the pergola glows with warm winter sun, seeping into the studio during winter while providing shelter from storms and the harsh summer sun.  

What was a crumbling old shed sighted for demolition is now the perfect place to hang out and get creative. It was by no means an easy project (approvals for this little one were tricky!), but it was well worth the effort. A beautiful collaboration between architect, owner, and builder exemplifies what can be achieved with a careful approach to restoration and exceptional craftsmanship. 

Melanie Russell