Sanctuary 59 out now: Backyard builds special

In Sanctuary 59 we visit beautiful backyard builds around the country, including a crop of creative home offices built in response to Melbourne’s lengthy Covid lockdowns.

It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has changed much about the way we live, including how we inhabit and make the most of our homes. For many, building out the back has been part of the solution; in this issue we bring you a collection of beautifully designed studios and sleepouts that occupy underutilised space, providing flexibility and increased functionality. There’s a Brisbane ‘bunkie’ surrounded by greenery, and a cleverly designed small-footprint studio in inner Sydney on the site of an unused carport. Helen’s family loves the sense of space and natural light in their multipurpose addition in Preston, Victoria, achieved despite an unfavourable location on the block.

In Melbourne, where Covid lockdowns and work-from-home orders were particularly lengthy, creative home offices have sprung up everywhere; we visit four, ranging from a tiny DIY ‘Covid cubby’ to an architect couple’s home studio with a green roof. And in Design Workshop, a South Australian family get some advice on converting a charming but rundown 130-year-old stone and brick outbuilding into a tiny house.

Our sustainable house profiles also include an airy, flood-resilient extension to a modest family home near Wollongong, a Queenslander renovation that accommodates a multi-generational family, and an 8.3-Star Perth house that balances privacy and engagement with the street.

Take a look inside Sanctuary 59

Also in this issue: Alfrescos, or outdoor rooms, are great for extending your living space and connecting indoors and out, but with the wrong roof they can block sunlight and warmth from your home. Architect Amelia Lee explains how to get your alfresco roof right.

In On the drawing board, Chris Ferreira of the Forever Project takes us on a tour of his ground-breaking ‘car-lite’ urban infill project on a standard suburban block in Perth, prioritising small-footprint dwellings and shared green space. We take a look at what to consider when choosing decking materials for a long-lasting and sustainable deck, and extend a helping hand to our insect friends with tips for creating a pollinator-friendly garden – plus much more.

Sanctuary 59 is on its way to subscribers and on sale in newsagents now. If you haven’t already, subscribe now to get every issue delivered. 

We welcome your feedback. Perhaps there’s something else you would you like to see in Sanctuary? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by email.