9 Of Our All-Time Favourite Backyard Builds
Architecture
A Japanese-inspired backyard pavilion in Bondi. Architecture – Second Edition. Photo – Hamish McIntosh.
The 30-square-metre studio was designed to make as little impact on the backyard as possible. Architecture – Second Edition. Photo – Hamish McIntosh.
A Japanese-Inspired Backyard Pavilion Made From Recycled Materials
Love Shack by Second Edition stands as an example of what can be achieved with salvaged materials.
The only virgin materials in the project are the tiles, plasterboard and outdoor spa — even the custom-made lights have been made using recycled timber.
At 30 square metres, the project was designed as both an extension of the home and garden; operating as a multi-functional studio, living and guest bedroom space thanks to the clever inclusion of adaptable furniture.
A modest Brunswick backyard studio with major impact. Architecture – James Oberin and Veea Built. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
This new backyard studio has given an established Brunswick family room to grow. Architecture – James Oberin and Veea Built. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
A subtle roofline and calming material palette ensures the studio enhances, rather than overpowers, the original home. Architecture – James Oberin and Veea Built. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
A kitchenette supports self-contained accommodation. Architecture – James Oberin and Veea Built. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
A Modest Brunswick Backyard Studio With Major Impact
After nearly a decade in their beloved Brunswick home, a family found their needs outpacing their space. With teenage children and ageing parents to consider, they were at a crossroads: relocate, or reimagine.
Instead of moving from their beloved neighbourhood, the owners engaged architect James Oberin and Veea Built to design a more strategic solution: a modest 24.3-square-metre backyard studio adapted to their evolving lifestyle.
Thoughtfully positioned and sensitively designed, the studio sits quietly within the rear garden.
How a humble backyard pavilion transformed this Brisbane house. Architecture – CARD. Photo – Andy Macpherson.
The garden pavilion serves as an extension to the existing post-war home. Architecture – CARD Practice. Photo – Andy Macpherson.
The client created the mosaic floor using salvaged tiles from Marketplace. Photo – Andy Macpherson.
The renovated kitchen opens to the outdoor space. Photo – Andy Macpherson.
How A Humble Backyard Pavilion Transformed This Brisbane House
When architect Jimi Connor’s dad purchased a 1960s cottage in suburban Brisbane, the house had ‘solid bones’ but very little connection to the outdoors.
In a bid to preserve as much of the old home as possible, the CARD practice co-founder designed an open-plan kitchen and living space within the original footprint, and a transformative garden pavilion.
A life-changing backyard unit for a full-time carer. Architecture – Mihaly Slocombe Architects. Photo – Tatjana Plitt. Styling – Bea + Co.
The Studio Uno project was designed for a mother to an adult child with high support needs. Architecture – Mihaly Slocombe Architects. Photo – Tatjana Plitt. Styling – Bea + Co.
Double-height ceilings maximise space inside. Architecture – Mihaly Slocombe Architects. Photo – Tatjana Plitt. Styling – Bea + Co.
The loft bedroom upstairs. Architecture – Mihaly Slocombe Architects. Photo – Tatjana Plitt. Styling – Bea + Co.
A Life-Changing Backyard Unit For A Full-Time Carer
Studio Uno, as it’s known, is a new standalone backyard unit for Naomi: a full-time carer and mother to an adult child with high support needs.
Naomi required a space of her own, but town planning restrictions meant adding a second standard dwelling to her compact Brunswick site wasn’t possible, so the building was designed as a certified dependent person’s unit that can be dismantled, transported, and reassembled if required in future.
Mihaly Slocombe Architects went beyond functionality to design a site responsive, flexible, and nourishing self-contained residence on a 31-square-metre footprint.
A shed-turned-backyard studio by Trouthouse. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files
A run-down shed was converted into a functional workspace. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files
The compact studio is tucked at the back of their Melbourne home’s backyard. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Inside A Furniture Maker’s Shed Turned Studio
Almo Troup and Tild Simpson are the dream team behind Melbourne-based design practice, Trouthouse.
After a savvy renovation, what was once a ‘very decrepit old shed’ in the couple’s Preston backyard has become a functional workshop where they handcraft their timber objects. Better yet, it’s built from mostly salvaged materials!
How this $200k backyard pavilion transformed a family home. Architecture – Curious Practice Photo – Alex McIntyre.
How This $200k Backyard Pavilion Transformed A Family Home
Instead of creating a traditional extension for this Newcastle family home, Curious Practice proposed a budget-friendly alternative: a new studio built in the backyard.
Taking inspiration from the simplicity of Japanese architecture, the plywood pavilion finds enough space for an additional living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry — all tucked neatly into a 35-square-metre addition.
A family’s sophisticated backyard studio. Architecture – Brave New Eco. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Inside A Family’s Very Stylish + Sophisticated Backyard Studio
This clever free-standing studio was built in the backyard of a Brunswick East family home as a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative to a traditional extension of their property.
The owners engaged interior designers Brave New Eco to replace their dilapidated garage with a functional second living room where their teenagers could study or socialise without feeling ‘on top of each other’.
Now, the timber-lined retreat makes the most of the northern sun, with views of a wonderfully leafy courtyard garden.
How this quirky backyard studio transformed a family home. Architecture – Drawing Room Architecture. Photo – Marnie Hawson. Styling – Belle Hemming Bright.
Monty Retreat is a self-contained addition for a busy family home in Montmorency. Architecture – Drawing Room Architecture. Photo – Marnie Hawson. Styling – Belle Hemming Bright.
Architecture – Drawing Room Architecture. Photo – Marnie Hawson. Styling – Belle Hemming Bright.
How This Quirky Backyard Studio Transformed A Family Home
Between a couple who work from home, two growing kids, and a visiting grandparent, this 1960s abode in Melbourne’s outer northeast was full to the brim before its recent renovation.
Without altering much of the existing building, Drawing Room Architecture successfully unlocked the house’s untapped potential with a bold new wing — featuring much-needed newfound living space and a self-contained studio designed for aging in place.
A thoughtful Northcote home with an open backyard kitchen. Architecture – Breathe. Photo – Tom Ross.
A Thoughtful Northcote Renovation Brings Family Together With An Open Backyard Kitchen
At this Northcote home, ‘family is everything and pizza is a close second’ after a considered renovation by Melbourne-based architecture firm, Breathe.
Initially an old Edwardian, the revived Fireside House prioritises functionality, liveability, and sustainability, drawing on the client’s upbringing in the country and a love of spending time outdoors by the fire.