Nestled within an urban landscape, Tin Shed House makes a statement about its surroundings, whilst adapting to them at the same time. The result emerges as an ode to Australian heritage and modern sustainable living. The planning has been oriented differently to the traditional layout, turning the living areas toward the side boundary rather than towards the backyard. This unconventional orientation provides a sun-drenched living space and carves out space on the lot for a second, smaller dwelling in what was once the backyard. This not only funds the entire venture but also creates two residences, each boasting generous north-facing courtyards and living areas that bask in the warmth of natural light.
Sustainability is a guiding principle for us, something woven through the entire design process. In this home, roof overhangs and strategically placed shading devices work together to regulate solar exposure, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling. Ceiling fans and well-placed louvre windows create cross-ventilation and keep this home cool in summer. Large windows welcome in the winter sun, warming the house up. The layout itself is partitioned thoughtfully, reducing the energy required to keep the indoor climate comfortable. A photovoltaic system (solar panels) and a rainwater harvesting setup compliment these passive design strategies.
The material palette is a poetic tribute to the Australian landscape and its colonial past. Corrugated cladding evokes the rustic charm of tin sheds that dot the rural landscape outside the cities, the metallic red colour a nod to the iconic rusty shade these utilitarian structures develop over time. The timber used are all Australian species, responsibly sourced and recycled where possible. The previously manicured formal gardens also make a statement, replaced with a “re-wilding” initiative. Native and endemic species were reintroduced, reinstating the biodiversity that would have once thrived on the site.
Tin Shed House serves as a compelling narrative of what a modern Australian identity can aspire to be—a harmonious blend of history, sustainability, and a forward-looking ethos. It challenges the notion that suburban development must come at the expense of our cherished natural landscapes. It serves as proof that crafting a built environment that not only coexists with, and pays homage to the native bushland that was here before is possible. It’s a vision of a future where we don’t have to choose between progress and preservation; we can have both.
Feature: The Daily Telegraph - Home Magazine (February 6, 2021)
Location:
Gymea, Sydney, Australia
Completed:
2017
Builder:
Build by Design
Landscaping:
Amrock Landscapes
Photography:
Andy Macpherson
The Gutherie Project