Backyard studios – studio pods
The backyard studio is a category of buildings that includes backyard cabins, teenage retreats, home offices, sewing rooms, pool houses, music rooms, guest cabins – any habitable building that’s separate from the main house but not fully self-contained like a granny flat. Your idea of backyard studios might be a simple spare room with no plumbing, which would be the cheapest option. Some people also want a sink or powder room, while others want an ensuite and sometimes a kitchenette as well. Browse our wide variety of real-life customer examples for ideas and inspiration on backyard studios.
Backyard Pods began in 2016 with the very first studio pod made from 100% Australian-made Truecore© steel framing with Colorbond© cladding and Zincalume© roof. Since then, backyard studios have become a must-have for many homeowners – even those with the tiniest backyards or small inner-city courtyards. Using a Backyard Pod studio kit with no slab needed, people can have backyard studios installed where access is difficult (eg: no access other than through the house) and on sloping land without major excavations. You can DIY or have your backyard studio fully completed for you, ready for you to move in, work, hang out, or get creative in almost no time compared to conventional building methods. People can have more affordable backyard studios with Backyard Pods.
How much does it cost for a backyard studio?
How much your backyard studio will cost depends on the size, location, and complexity. A single room with internal lining and electricity is the most affordable. Adding a powder room, shower, or kitchenette – any plumbing and sewerage connections will add to the cost quite significantly. As backyard studios are a broad category it includes backyard workshops, storage rooms, etc, which can be exempt from approval. Whatever salespeople might say, the Australian building code dictates that all ‘habitable’ rooms in Australia are subject to approval. No worries, if you like, we can help you to get an approved backyard studio that is certified and insurable for occupancy and will add value to your home as extra ‘legal’ space for living, working, or sleeping.
Backyard studio designs and examples
What more would an Eltham homeowner desire than a fully approved backyard studio from Backyard Pods, with a welcoming veranda, and the beautiful timber-framed windows and doors with stained-glass features making this brand-new pod feel timeless and full of character.
Backyard Pods normally have our foundation piers elevating the flooring structure above ground level. Where an existing slab is dry and suitable, some customers successfully anchor the integrated flooring (for structural integrity) to their slab. Our customer in Canberra sat their Backyard Pod on a slab and it looks very sleek in 'Night Sky' with black accents.
Here’s an inspiring Backyard Pods Geelong story from a customer who built a divine boho-style guest cabin and private retreat using one of our flat-pack kits. Start with our low-cost, simple, strong structures (with higher-than-usual ceiling heights) and use your imagination to create your space your way.
Mark, a successful financial advisor in the Blue Mountains NSW, came to Backyard Pods wanting a low-cost, professional-looking home office building where his clients would feel comfortable visiting. After waiting 15 years for his home-office dream to finally come true, Mark loves his new office with country-style veranda and his clients are very impressed!
With previous building experience and the right tools, people can save on building a DIY backyard studio. Look at these stage-by-stage construction shots sent by our Sunshine Coast customer who is now the proud owner/builder of a modern 3.6m x 7m backyard studio - a bedsitter cabin with ensuite and kitchenette.
Melbourne is a vibrant city where people share creative passions like art and music. But when you live close to the city, houses and backyards tend to be smaller. So what do you do if you love music and want a studio for band rehearsals, a little extra room for yoga, or somewhere for occasional guests to stay? You get a Backyard Pod, of course!
This so-called 'granny pod' in a suburb of Newcastle, once featured by us on Channel 9 News, was originally proposed for a member of the extended family who would be able to join the family for meals inside the main house, and use the main laundry. Time went by, needs changed, and today the 'granny pod' serves beautifully as a poolside guest cabin adjacent to the main home's deck and barbeque area.
Dreaming of your own separate office pod, craft room, or hang-out space? Take a look at this much-loved DIY example in Woronora Heights, a leafy suburb of The Shire in southern Sydney NSW. Hear what our happy customer is saying about their experience and how their low-cost 4m x 5m Backyard Pod has enhanced their lifestyle in so many ways.
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.
This stunning contemporary backyard office pod in Sydney is an inspiration. Custom-sized to fit in a very tight space, with the timber-look face and trendy Scandustrial detailing it adds value to the home and makes a great home office space away from the home. Would you like a home office pod like this one?
