This property comprised approx. 4 acres of steep, north facing, vacant land on the edge of a rural township in central rural Victoria. The owner saw the view and fell in love with the site immediately, purchasing the land knowing that there were many challenges to face to access basic infrastructure required to service a new dwelling. 

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After 2 years of negotiating with the local council, sewerage, water & power authorities together with reconfiguring land titles with an adjoining neighbour so as to access town water…. the project could finally commence. 

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The overall concept for this site was to build a small church like studio apartment that could be lived in whilst a main house was being built further up the site. The Studio was to later become short term accommodation, a workshop, teenage retreat or other as life evolved.

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The studio became a 6 x 10met structure with a steep roof, dormer windows and an internal mezzanine floor for the dramatic loft style bedroom. Recycled Oregon timber salvaged from an old warehouse was used for the exposed rafters and ridge beam, even an original timber telephone pole, complete with climbing pegs & engineers certification, was appropriated and used as the only internal support column. 

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The kitchen island bench was created by modifying an old Oregon timber shop counter and the internal walls were lined in ply sheeting – way before the use of ply as a visible internal lining was popular! The owner did not want painted surfaces instead felt that the use of warm character filled exposed timber linings suited both the design and location of the dwelling.

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The bathroom was desired to be minimal – with a walk in shower area - no screen to clean! Along with being able to enjoy the view to the huge exposed rock batter that was created when the site was excavated.

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Hydronic heating was mandatory for the owner, so a polished concrete surface was maintained for maximum efficiency. Old oversized solid timber doors were converted into a Bi-folding system to enable the whole wall to open up as an entertaining space. Off cuts of the recycled rafters used for the stair treads, a recycled mixed species blend of timber used for the mezzanine floor. 2700mm high custom made french doors and double hung 'Shug' windows afforded plenty of ventilation whilst maximising the incredible view.

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This home was designed to be fun, quirky and highly individual – something of a folly for the owner...and needless to say the main house was never built because living in the Studio was just too much fun! This property was also utilised as short term accommodation for several years to acclaimed reviews.