We are finally half way through converting our shed/garage into a studio space which has only taken several years get to this stage.
Firstly I needed to finish uni and get a job before we could even consider approaching this, then I had to convince my husband that it would be a worthwhile project.
When we bought our house seven years ago, it was very rundown. We did a quick renovation on it to make it liveable, with the intent to renovate properly in the future. We intended on only knocking down and rebuilding the back end of the house, but through consultation with our architect and the structural engineer it became apparent that she was beyond repair and it would be best to start from scratch. This concept was never what we wanted, however we realised that if we were going to rebuild, lets create a building that had many sustainable features and materials that would benefit us and the environment.
We researched and researched materials, processes, designs and concepts and after almost three years we are almost ready to begin. During this time I was always interested in the building at the back of our property our shed/garage. It also looked neglected and at the point of collapse. As an artist/designer having a place to work freely away from the house would be fantastic. A place to make a mess without worry of damaging anything. I could screen print, weave, paint etc and not have to pack up as we needed to make dinner on the table would be truely liberating.
Window and door removed before they fell out, the wall was severally buckled due to poor footings and no guttering by the previous owner.
Trench dug to lay piping for water and power
Roof removed as old and ill fitting
Cement being laid to create a solid footing for the new wall
Open to the elements when a storm hit, it was more like a swimming pool than a studio.
A new wall is built, ignore the ugly bricks as this will eventually be bagged.
New roof beams being added.
Where there were two doors, there is now only one. One was for the shed the other for the garage. We filled in the shed and opened a doorway between the two in the central dividing wall. This will allow us easier access between the two instead of going outside all the time to enter each space. We also added another window into the garage space for more light.
I had originally planned to have two skylights put in, however after consultation with our builder, we are going ahead with his suggestion for two large LED lights that simulate a skylight, they run on solar panels and as we won't need to cut into the roof, will prevent leaks from happening. I hope that they will perform with good light, as I really wanted lots of natural light. We shall see. I am also having the roof insulated and we have purchased a small combustion heater for warmth in winter, which I can also boil a kettle on for a cuppa.
So not sure when this will be finally finished, but seems to be puttering along nicely.