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
Who wouldn't like a poolside studio with bathroom and kitchenette in their backyard? At Cranebrook, in western Sydney NSW, this family squeezed an approved granny-flat style poolside studio into a tiny space with full approval and at very low cost. We're not keen on 'cream' Colorbond but here it matches perfectly with the existing Colorbond fence.
Many people want a backyard studio with bathroom for some idea they have in mind. This customer with a terrace house in Newtown, Sydney NSW wanted a yoga studio with bathroom in the backyard. With Backyard Pods, they were able to build what they wanted in a small backyard despite the difficult access. Interested in a backyard studio with a bathroom? Look at this one.
In a suburban backyard near Brisbane, one time-poor husband became a hero at home by building his wife a fully-certified yoga and meditation retreat as a weekend DIY project using a 3m x 5m kit from Backyard Pods.
Inner-city properties have tight backyards, often with difficult access. This is where flat-pack Backyard Pod kits are the ideal solution. When an inner-city house (like this one at Erskineville, inner Sydney) was too small for fun, the owner got a compact Backyard Pod for their hobbies.
We love the Scandi look of this Backyard Pod lined internally with plywood (instead of Gyprock). Plywood is under-rated as an interior lining material but it's natural, easy to work with, and it ages beautifully. Take a look around this characterful 3.6m x 6m backyard studio with thoughtful windows and doors for a great flow between indoors and outside.
3m x 6m is the most popular size for simple backyard studios like this Backyard Pod near Doyalson on the NSW Central Coast. Fresh interiors and thoughtful positioning on the site show the owner's attention to detail with their project, installed by one of the professional installers in our network who services the area between Sydney and Newcastle.
Mentioning Colorbond cladding in classic Cottage Green reminds most people of traditional Federation colour schemes. What's so exciting about this practical 4.5m x 7m craft workshop near Newcastle is Cottage Green used in a modern way with contrasting cream-beige aluminium window frames and the inclusion of louvre-style windows for extra ventilation.
Discover how this Sunbury VIC local built an ultimate 'man-cave' with veranda to enjoy his hobbies in his own backyard on a low budget. You won't believe the amazing atmosphere created inside by the proud owner with his collection of pinball machines and other eclectic vintage items.
This family quickly and easily made their flatpack building kit from Backyard Pods into a much-loved backyard cabin for slumber parties, office work, a rumpus room, and music practice. It’s a great example of how a Backyard Pod can create an affordable space for everyone to enjoy and get real value from.
