Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation
New South Wales
Broken Workshop rethinks the rural ‘farm shed’ as a precise working structure: reliable, adaptable and quietly architectural. Set in the Byron Bay hinterland, it sits low within rolling hills, rainforest remnants and coastal outlooks, acting as a minimal intervention that frames the landscape rather than competing with it.
The program is ‘broken’ into two complementary parts: an open, light-filled workshop for making and flexible recreation, and a robust machine shop for heavy work and secure storage. A covered terrace between them forms an outdoor room, extending activity with connection to decks that track sun and shade.
Passive-first design is prioritised, with deep eaves, cross-ventilation, insulation, shutters and sliding openings. This approach enables year-round comfort and storm resilience. Long-span expressed steel beams distinguish the architectural expression and a limited palette of copper, blackbutt and board-formed concrete deliver durability, craft and long-life value.
The highly considered design and placement of this workshop on our property, by the architect, allows it to sit comfortably in our farm environment. It has created an inspiring space for us to work, relax and entertain.
It’s effortless flow to the outdoors with its large windows and doors, that disappear when opened, capture views in all directions and has created an unexpected connection to nature and given the building a true sense of peace and tranquillity.
The thoughtful design has had a positive impact on our way of life and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Luke Hayward, Project Architect
Westera Partners, Structural Engineer
Cozens Regan Group, Civil Engineer
SPP Group, Hydraulic Engineer
Geotech Investigations, Geotechnical Engineer
Kennedy Surveying, Surveyor
East Coast Building Consultants, Building Certifier
Malcolm Scott, Town Planner
Plummer & Smith, Landscape Architect