Tin Shed House
A duplex with a difference
Sustainable “bush” houses in suburbia
Tucked into the urban landscape of Sydney’s southern suburbs, Tin Shed House has a rustic feel and is a blend of Australian heritage and modern sustainable living.
Unlike traditional layouts that open out into a back yard at the rear of the property, this home faces toward the side boundary.
This intentional, yet unconventional layout allows for a sun-drenched living space and also carved out space on the lot for a second, smaller house in what was once the backyard.
The creation of two houses, each boasting generous north-facing courtyards and living areas that bask in the warmth of natural light, allowed a healthy return on investment (ROI) for the owners, funding the entire build.
Passive design in practice
Sustainability is a guiding principle for us, something woven through the entire design process.
In this home, roof overhangs and strategically placed shading devices work together to regulate sun exposure, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling like air conditioning.
Ceiling fans and well-placed louvre windows create cross-ventilation and keep this home cool in summer. Large windows welcome in the winter sun, warming the house up.
The layout itself is partitioned thoughtfully, reducing the energy required to keep the indoor climate comfortable. A photovoltaic system (solar panels) and a rainwater harvesting setup complement these passive design strategies.
Material and landscape
The material palette is a poetic tribute to the Australian landscape and its colonial past.
Corrugated cladding evokes the rustic charm of tin sheds that dot the rural landscape outside the cities, the metallic red colour a nod to the iconic rusty shade these utilitarian structures develop over time. The timber used are all Australian species, responsibly sourced and recycled where possible.
The previously manicured formal gardens also make a statement, replaced with a “re-wilding” initiative. Native and endemic species were reintroduced, reinstating the biodiversity that would have once thrived on the site.
A contemporary Australian identity
Tin Shed House serves as a compelling narrative of what a modern Australian identity can aspire to be—a harmonious blend of history, sustainability, and a forward-looking ethos.
It challenges the notion that suburban development must come at the expense of our cherished natural landscapes. It serves as proof that crafting a built environment that not only coexists with, and pays homage to the native bushland that was here before is possible. It’s a vision of a future where we don’t have to choose between progress and preservation; we can have both.
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Dual occupancy configuration creating two separate dwellings on one site
Side-oriented layout maximising solar access and usable space
North-facing courtyards and living areas
Passive solar design through orientation and spatial planning
Use of roof overhangs and shading devices
Cross-ventilation enabled by louvre windows and ceiling fans
Corrugated metal cladding referencing traditional Australian “tin sheds”
Use of Australian timber species, responsibly sourced and recycled where possible
Rewilded landscape with native and endemic planting
Integration of outdoor and indoor living spaces
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Passive design strategies reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling
Solar photovoltaic system for energy generation
Rainwater harvesting system
Zoning of internal layout to improve thermal performance
Material selection balancing cost, durability and environmental impact
Landscape strategy supporting biodiversity and site regeneration
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Architect Ironbark Architecture
Lead architect Chris Freeburn
Builder Build by Design
Landscape design Amrock Landscapes
Photography Andy Macpherson
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Chris from Ironbark Architecture Shares his Thoughts on Sustainability
Complete Home, June 30, 2021
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Tin Shed House
The Daily Telegraph — Home Magazine, February 6, 2021
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