Yoga rooms to teen retreats:
FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL GRANNY FLAT – THESE SECONDARY DWELLINGS ABOUND WITH STYLE
Granny flats just got glam!
AS SPACE BECOMES
precious, the appeal of the humble granny flat has skyrocketed – although its contemporary incarnations are anything but humble. Once a hastily re-purposed garden shed with a sofa bed and a TV thrown in, now it’s not uncommon to unearth an architecturally designed masterpiece down the garden path – often with interiors as awe-inspiring as the actual home itself. From their traditional use (that is, as a convenient abode for the grandparents) to more millennial options such as a teenage retreat, an on-site yoga studio, or self-contained guest quarters fit for Airbnb, a separate dwelling adds an array of possibilities to your home.
making a start
“First and foremost, consider your end user,” says interior designer
Ania Forster of Zephyr and Stone. “Access is paramount – if you’re letting the granny flat, private access and screening is crucial. A granny flat that is used by a family member should include a connection to the house through a path.” Also consider how to maximise acoustic privacy, including distance from your home as well as sound insulation. And most of all, take a reality check on the space that’s available – you might be dreaming of a Hamptons-style guesthouse, but do you really have enough space? “Lots less than 400-square-metres might be too small to fit a granny flat,” notes Christine McCorkell, marketing and communications manager at Archiblox, a prefab design company.
budget wisely
Like any build, what you’ll pay for a granny-flat design can vary greatly. As a guide, you can expect to spend anywhere from $70,000 to upwards of $130,000 for a new build, depending on factors such as the size, materials and finishes, and from $20,000 to $50,000 to renovate.
house rules
Contact your local council at the beginning of the planning phase to find out regulations for your area. “The approval process tends to be much quicker than other types of building applications,” says Queensland-based designer Ania. When leasing your flat to anyone other than granny, additional regulations may apply. “Some councils don’t permit second dwellings to be rented to the public,” notes Claus Ejlertsen, director/architect at BAA House. “Keep in mind you’ll also need to talk with your home insurance company to make sure you’re covered,” adds interior designer Sarah Nolen, director at Birdblack Design. “Safety aspects such as adequate smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and fire blankets will need considering.” You may be able to skip permits by choosing a non-habitable design with council pre-approval. Garden Studio is one company that specialises in outdoor rooms that comply with council regulations in NSW (take note: this only applies to studios or workshops, not self-contained accommodation).
prefab perfection
One of the simplest, quickest (and often cheapest) ways to gain a granny flat is to choose a prefabricated model – look to companies such as Backyard Pods for a range of easy, contemporary options. “Prefabricated granny flats save construction time on site, which means less disturbance to the lot and neighbouring properties,” explains Christine from Archiblox. Better yet, you won’t need to compromise on style, with companies around Australia offering contemporary pods made with high-quality materials and design.
seeing double
Avoid your granny flat sticking out like a sore thumb by matching its facade to your home. Materials such as Colorbond steel are ideal cladding choices – they are available in a range of colours, so can be easily matched to your existing home. “Emulating the house’s external colours and materials ensures connection between buildings,” explains Ania. Birdblack Design’s Sarah also suggests creating a small patio or garden directly outside the granny flat as this, she says, “will make it feel a lot larger and will also give you space for a wall-mounted clothes line for when you don’t want to share yours with guests.” Also, look to your landscaping for inspiration. “Using natural materials and planting, such as growing vines over the granny flat, helps it blend into the environment and maintains the ‘garden’ view from the primary residence,” Christine says.
interior inspiration
Seek inspiration from stylish studio apartments, which are filled to bursting with small space ideas to steal for your design. Built-in cabinetry is a boon for confined spaces, as is furniture with hidden storage. “Double up the use of items, like tucking storage drawers under a bed or stairs,” suggests Claus. “Make the most of pull-out fittings such as a fold-down bed or study bench in a cupboard.” Use rugs or pendants to delineate zones and consider skylights and mirrors to brighten cramped quarters. “Stick to a light colour palette to create a feeling of space,” says Ania of Zephyr and Stone. “A round table works well in smaller spaces as its organic shape allows flow.” Also, resist the urge to overdo the decorating to avoid cluttering the space.
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO CREATE COHESION BETWEEN THE and the granny flat, MAIN HOUSE BOTH EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY” ~ SARAH NOLEN, BIRDBLACK DESIGN