Sanctuary Issue 74
Sanctuary 74: Backyard studios special
Special feature: Sustainable House Day 2026
We bring you the lowdown on this year’s event, coming up on Sunday 17 May – plus glimpses of a few of the homes on show, including a budget apartment retrofit and a cute bedroom extension.
House profiles
A house called Hortense
Guided by the principle of ‘just enough’, Ian and Anika upgraded and futureproofed their Adelaide home, improving its garden connection.
Proud heritage
A smart extension and maximum reuse of materials turned this heritage Canberra cottage into an efficient and comfortable haven.
Down south
Starting with a free sustainable home design was a great decision for this city-turned-country couple.
Studio profiles
Sound garden
Di’s cherished backyard music studio made way for a stylish new small dwelling, reusing many of its materials.
Space talk
In Melbourne’s inner suburbs, fitting an extra room on a tight block prompted some innovative solutions.
Backyard bliss
An angular structure in the back garden has proved a supremely flexible addition to this family’s small Wellington home.
Coastal calm
Prefabrication and a resolutely simple design were key to the realisation of this elegant studio with ocean views.
Ideas & advice
Sitting pretty: Window seats
It’s hard to resist a good window seat. Curl up and enjoy some of our favourites in our design lookbook.
A breath of fresh air
Monitoring air quality could transform how you live in your home. Rachel Rose explains why and how.
Design Workshop: A character-driven upgrade
Architect Matt Day helps a Melbourne couple update their 1940s home to better support a modern family lifestyle, while respecting its original character.
On the drawing board: Econests in the South West
WA building designer John Damant introduces his off-the-shelf designs that offer a simpler and more cost-effective pathway to an eco-friendly home.
Outdoors: All about habitat
Mara Ripani shares her passion – and tips – for a garden aesthetic that supports habitat through the seasons.
