Birdhouse Studios

Australia is rapidly becoming one of our favourite places for considered, contemporary architecture here at The Coolector and, as if to prove this point, we have Birdhouse Studios from Gillan van der Schans Architects. This impressive build puts eco-consciousness front and centre during the process and should be applauded for that. Completed in 2020 and located in the Launceston region of Australia, these striking builds are the epitome of small but perfectly formed.

Australia is well known for creating some of the biggest new homes in the world, but in our current world of increasing environmental awareness and concern along with escalating building costs, smaller homes are a much wiser decision for most people. At just 42 and 50 square metres of floor space, Birdhouse studios fit all that is needed to live a sustainable, comfortable, and creative existence within a very small footprint. What’s not to like?

AUSSIE AWESOMENESS

Birdhouse Studios can be found on a steeply sloping ridgeline site in Launceston, Tasmania, and the visually impactful buildings have expansive views to the East over the city and to the mountains that stretch out beyond. Each studio is a unique design that directly reflects the parameters of its plot. Some of the main design constraints for this build included limited site access, a 30-degree rocky slope, and the existing protected dry sclerophyll eucalyptus vegetation which needed to be preserved.

Scenic overlays and bush fire potential motivated the choice of Cor-ten steel cladding for Birdhouse Studios from Gillan van der Schans Architects. This eye-catching material is detailed in such a way so as to abstractly reflect the texture of the bark on nearby trees. The rich dark-coloured patina of the cladding also means that the two buildings are able to visually disappear into their backdrop and not detract from their privileged position at all.

On the interior of the brilliant build, the studios are lined in natural cork and Tasmanian oak that delivers an unparalleled aesthetic impact. The cork insulates and is free from synthetic resins or chemicals and the Tasmanian oak linings are completed in an aromatic natural Organ oil that looks and smells great. The Tasmania oak linings for Birdhouse Studios have been locally sourced and this highly used product that would often be considered a low-grade timber but fits perfectly for this build The fiddleback boards, random patterns, sap, and wormholes add an abundance of character, charm and texture to the internal living spaces.

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Images: Anjie Blair