Based on the traditional Aussie backyard shed, a shed house uses a shed frame and converts it into a livable house by providing bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living space. It is a lifestyle that embraces the current idea of decluttering and making the most of every square metre you have. Traditionally people would first build a shed on their property to live in. This allowed them the opportunity to build their dream house in their own time. Once in their shed, people found that it was all they really needed and shied away from investing in another build – they were already home. “Also known as Barn Style, it’s a really practical way of building – it’s quick and can be cost effective.”
What is a Shed Home and how to style a shed home
Nowadays a shed isn’t just a place for garden tools, these homes look like traditional sheds from the outside but contain all the comforts of a home on the inside. Shed homes include all kinds of modern comforts, including bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. This style of home isn’t reserved for only a rural property, there is no stopping you from building a shed style home by the sea or simply adding some of the key style design features to your existing home. It's all about achieving the simpler style of living.
Shed style houses are known for their simplistic design, high ceilings, exposed beams, large open-plan living spaces, hardwearing surfaces and, of course, sliding barn doors.
Katies take on Making a Shed a Home
Shed home is about escaping the clutter and conventional style of living. It’s a home that is filled with memories of the past along with promise of a simpler life. In the past people used to buy the land with a dream of a country lifestyle, build their shed first and live in it while their house is being built. This is no longer the case, modern architecture is celebrating the classic apex shape of a shed and along with this the style of a shed home has become a style of its own. The most exciting thing about this brief it can be incorporated to many different homes. It is for people looking for a peaceful life a little on the greener side.
When doing your own design anchor just remember “it doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.”
Where to invest
Orientation
Orientation is the position of your home in relation to the path of the sun and the prevailing wind in your region. Because the path of the sun in Australia is to the north, orientation is usually about whether the living areas of your home can face north. North-facing rooms receive sun for the longest period of the day in winter and are easily shaded by the eaves of the roof in summer.
Good orientation can significantly improve your comfort and reduce your heating and cooling needs.
First impressions last
Investing in your facade and entrance not only impacts your visitors but also yourself. Have you ever driven home the day after your front yard has been mowed and feel a sense of pride. This should be the same feeling every time you walk into your home. The key is to invest wisely, look into unique front doors, artworks that are inline with your interests. Once you have that you also need to look into the practicality of the space. Do you need a mirror, storage or even a neat place to put your farm boots?
Heating and cooling
Shed living is often in location where the summers are hot and the winters are cold. There are 4 items that are a must when choosing to invest in the comfort of your home.
ONE - Good quality insulation, this is not only in the product but also the installation of it.
TWO - Double Glaze windows, they cost twice as much but will pay you back tenfold with keeping the temperature just right
THREE - Ceiling fans are a simple and practical selection, they help with the performance of any heating and cooling device.
FOUR - A quality fire place, don't get caught up in fancy finishes and fittings. The selection of a fireplace needs to be a practical one based on performance and reliability.
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If you would like to design your own shed home and work with the Merino Homes Team, contact us directly here
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