Designer-style granny flat 3.6m x 9m on sloping block in Mount Cotton, Brisbane QLD

Every Backyard Pod starts out as a ‘blank canvas’ for people to design (or get designed) exactly the way they want. Whether the finished building stands out as a feature or settles quietly into the landscape is largely due to colour (more than 20 to choose from). How the layout can work inside is almost infinitely flexible. Eaves or no eaves. Veranda, deck, neither, or both. Any size within the site constraints or budget (single pods up to 4.5m x 16m). Yes, Backyard Pods offers the most versatile low-cost building solution in Australia.

At this very private and nature-oriented property in Mount Cotton, a desirable suburb of Brisbane where wildlife and birdlife abound, the choice of Colorbond Deep Ocean exterior cladding works perfectly against the surrounding greenery and the natural timber accents featured throughout and outside of the main home.

Colour choices work like magic inside as well. The dark feature walls help to expand the space visually and provide dramatic backgrounds for framed artworks and the featured recycled timbers. Quality floating floorboards add a warm elegance and pops of colour in the soft furnishings contrast against lighter walls.

The layout is spacious and practical within the 3.6m x 9m enclosed footprint. Entry from the pathway is via the 1.5m-wide deck and veranda that runs the full length of the pod and the view is away from the main house, overlooking the lush gully garden. The 1800mm-wide sliding door leads into the open-plan living, dining, and home-office zone with a kitchenette that almost deserves to be called a ‘kitchen’ with its full-sized fridge and massive storage capacity. You’ll also find more clever space-saving ideas like the extendable dining table that turns into a slim side table between uses.

There is a separate bedroom where more timber accents, quirky furniture pieces, and bold pops of colour are trendy and cheerful. The bathroom (with washing machine) is modern but with its own gorgeous personality, and it’s easily accessible from the living area in this design, rather than through the bedroom as an ensuite.

If you’re in Brisbane or any other location wanting a granny flat of your own, and you like this example, ask us about what you can build or have built (in your own style) at your place.