In Melbourne and other areas of Victoria, approval is needed for a small backyard studio like this one as it’s larger than the maximum allowable for an exempt shed. With help from our Backyard Pods Melbourne network partners, our customer at Lilydale had no problem getting her small backyard studio approved and installed on their property by a licensed builder. We love the Scandi-style plywood interior lining – many customers love this idea too.
Scandi-style plywood interior lining
You might have seen other projects on our website using this same approach to their pod interior. Maybe it’s not for everyone because some people will always want plasterboard walls and ceilings. But if you’re game for something ‘different’ it’s definitely worthwhile considering plywood internal lining for your pod instead of good ol’ Gyprock. For people doing DIY Backyard Pods, plywood is an easier material to work with. It’s more forgiving and practical to affix and join. But even when the installation is done by a professional, many customers like plywood for its more natural appearance and Scandinavian-style aesthetic.
Melbourne can be tricky for approvals
The rules for backyard building in Melbourne are different from Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and even the Gold Coast. Our customer at Lilydale definitely needed approval for their backyard studio 3m x 5m, even though it was officially non-habitable, whereas in NSW some customers will consider this type of project as an exempt development.
Wherever you live, it’s important to find out exactly what rules pertain to your property and proposed project. No two propositions are exactly the same, even when the addresses are right next door to each other. There could be hidden impediments affecting your proposal (such as underground water assets) and various angles to consider before you get too serious. Sometimes a tiny tweak in your proposal is enough to get your proposal below-the-line for an exemption or successfuly navigating the approval process.
We have qualified architects in our network who help our customers with preliminary advice. It costs very little for a personalised consultation to understand the regulations surrounding your proposed project and figure out the best approval pathway (if any) for your needs. Even if you won’t need a development application or building permit, you’ll still need to be certain that your proposal will comply with the rules for exemption and if any limitations will apply to your proposed usage, etc.