Giraffe Studio Unveiled: Where Playful Charm Meets Practical Brilliance

Embarking on the design journey for Giraffe Studio was like sculpting with nature's canvas. Situated above a formidable sandstone escarpment, with views to Freshwater Beach and beyond this project transformed a simple idea into an inviting, multi-purpose haven. Let’s take a stroll through the twists and turns of this creative escapade, from concept to execution.

Approach: Turning a Neglected Garden into a Delightful Gem

Our clients’ home is positioned on what we affectionately call a “split-level” block.  The main house is on the lower, street side of the property while a small grassy lawn, accessible by a rickety timber staircase, used to sit atop a 3-metre high sandstone escarpment at the rear of the property.  This neglected bit of the garden desperately needed some love and I think we delivered!

The vision? A new granny flat that could moonlight as a home office, yoga sanctuary, guest retreat, or even a captivating AirBnB. Working closely with the owners and their secret weapon, a talented building designer within their own family, we carefully developed the plans and coordinated the documentation for council submission while the clients  enlisted local Northern Beaches builders, Jetcharm Constructions, to turn their dreams into reality.

Concept Evolution: Playing Hide and Seek with Nature

Our starting point was clear – the new studio had to sit quietly within its surroundings without overshadowing the clients’ main house or the neighbours’ properties. Building size, positioning on site, and rake of roofline danced a tango of practicality, all while preserving a precious sense of privacy. Carefully positioned windows, balcony "wings," and a generous verandah with a view all played their roles in balancing openness with a touch of seclusion.

The atmosphere and colour palette harmonised with the Giraffe Tile, a whimsical muse in the form of a graphic, colourful concrete tile, that not only established the mood for the studio but ultimately gave it its name. From the deep blue poured concrete floor mirroring the nearby ocean to the burst of colours in the joinery, the studio became a symphony of playfulness and functionality.

Design Principles in Action: Where Whimsy Meets Wow

Functionality was our North Star, carefully curating a space that would accommodate a king-size bed, ensuite, desk, laundry, and kitchenette, all into a cosy 8.3 x 5.8 m space! Materiality brought the space alive – think vibrant orange Giraffe tiles and a playfully artistic fish wall sconce over the bench seat, pointing the way to Freshwater Beach.

Navigating Hurdles and Making Friends in High Places

Designing and building from scratch is never a smooth ride, but a collaborative relationship with both the building designer and the builder, paved the way for innovative solutions, making the end-to-end process feel like a breeze. Like that gravity-defying studio roof that extends from the rear of the studio to float over the 2m deck – a design feat achieved using an ingenious all-in-one roofing product that incorporates not only roofing but insulation and our stunning timber-look ceiling.

The real MVPs, though, were our clients. Trusting, and actively participating in the process, allowed us to navigate the twists and turns of a new build,  ensuring we crafted an outcome that stole their hearts.

Unique Touches: More Than Just a Studio

Bespoke joinery, a towel rail that defied gravity, and a mirror that seemed to know all the studio's secrets – these bespoke, custom-made elements were our design love letters. Coupled with handcrafted lighting from both local and European designers and a swathe of beautifully floating sheer curtains, this studio is not your usual backyard Granny Flat, but a spirited and creative retreat.

Client Collaboration: Turning Dreams into Designs

Our clients weren't just spectators; they were co-creators, injecting trust, engagement, and a healthy dose of boundary-pushing. And let’s not forget the showstopper – a contemporary blackbutt entry door handcrafted by the client, adding that personal touch to the studio's aesthetic.

Ready to Transform your Space? 

Giraffe Studio is where practical utility meets playful luxury and where every element speaks to the charm of creativity and collaboration. At The Space Within, our team is here to help you turn your ideas into reality, so don't hesitate to reach out and let's discuss how we can transform your space into something truly special.

Live, beyond ordinary,

Donna