Taking up barely more space than a backyard shed, this flexible studio is efficient spatially, thermally and financially. A triple threat... or should we say, treat!
A bit like a granny flat, Waratah Secondary House was built at the rear of an existing home in Newcastle. And that's about where the similarities end.
The owners of Waratah Secondary House wanted a flexible studio space that could be a standalone home, a work from home space or even a commercial studio space. The design by anthrosite even allows for the possibility of dividing the bedroom into two spaces for even more options.
Being in a potential flood zone meant the primary living area needed to be lifted 1.2 metres above ground level. This could have created a home the felt detached from the garden and landscape, but the architect handles this with finesse. The home is built on a solid blockwork foundation to withstand any possible floodwaters and stairs, a deck and earth mounding at the same height as the living area create outdoor rooms and connections to the garden.
Patterns are created in the blockwork which offers a special touch of personality in the otherwise utilitarian material.
Much of the structure is built from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which are thermally efficient and can be manufactured off-site reducing waste and leading to a speedy build. The Oriented Strand Board (OSB) of the SIPs are left exposed and in their natural honey hue inside which brings a unique texture and colour to the home.
Externally, fibre cement sheeting creates the outer skin of the SIPs for a low-fuss finish.
"With budget limitations, we prioritised the physical experience over technology. Our priority was not on energy saving by means of integrated building systems; we invested in the structural building envelope", explains the architect. Which is smart, because the structure is what you're stuck with for the long-term, so it pays to invest in an efficient envelope. "Big openings provide the ability to alternately capture and purge heat as required through double glazed, timber operable doors and windows, promoting cross ventilation and providing thermal comfort to the inhabitants to reduce heating and cooling costs."
The large openings have the added benefit of connecting the home and garden and helping the spaces to feel much larger than they actually are.
Considering this new home doesn't take up much more space than the average backyard shed, anthrosite have created a beautiful and flexible home that will serve this family for many years to come and as their needs change. It's a great example of a way we can increase the density of our suburbs without losing all our backyards and garden space.
Waratah Secondary House site plan
Waratah Secondary House lower floor plan
Waratah Secondary House upper floor plan
Waratah Secondary House section
Waratah Secondary House section