Exempt owner-builder 2.1m x 3m art studio at Hunters Hill, Sydney NSW

What can you build in Sydney without approval? A non-habitable structure up to 20sqm. This cute little studio in leafy Hunters Hill, Sydney, was undertaken as an exempt development for workshop-like purposes, like the artistry you see inside here. We supplied the flatpack building kit and double-glazed windows and doors. Our customers organised their own builder and now, their backyard studio is complete. You can see how they love the place! It’s their very own unique design and fit-out. We love the Zen accents and garden setting.

Many people dream of an art studio, jewelry workshop, guitar workshop, or similar in their backyard. This can be easily achieved. Although up to 20sqm is permissible in NSW, not everyone in Sydney has a big backyard. People in Melbourne and Brisbane wouldn’t be allowed an exempt development of more than 10sqm in any case. So, this little workshop, although in Sydney, is an example of what anyone might choose to have.

Our customers in Hunters Hill started with an old shed in their backyard that they wanted to get demolished and replaced with a newer version to function as their creative workshop. The old shed was bound by a retaining wall so the width of the building was limited to 2.1m and the length could be 3m maximum. Did we have a pod kit 2.1m x 3m in size? Not in our standard range but Backyard Pods are versatile. For a small fabrication surcharge, our customer had their 3m x 3m flatpack kit custom-cut to their perfect size.

Colorbond ‘Monument’ was selected for the external cladding. Our customers opted for the roof to match (‘Monument’ instead of the standard Zincalume). We supplied six standard foundation piers 600mm in length, ideal for getting the finished building within the 3m overall height limit for exempt buildings in NSW.

Our range of double-glazed windows and doors is recommended for every climate to reduce energy costs, minimise noise transfer, and enhance comfort all year round. Our customers wanted double-glazed selections in black frames with matching flyscreens. We supplied the lintels to support the openings for the door and window. Our customers knew a builder, so they organised their own installation. It’s easy for anyone with the right tools and previous building experience to assemble a Backyard Pod kit from the instructions. We also have experienced builders and installers in our network if you need them.

Thanks to our customers at Hunters Hill for sending us pics of their completed Backyard Pod project to share. If you’re interested in getting an exempt building at your place, for a workshop or similar purpose, or even a fully approved backyard cabin as guest accommodation or an Airbnb or rentable granny flat (NSW and QLD), we’d love to help you too.