Victoria
Lily’s Shed is more than just a storage space for tools and equipment. It functions as a garden room of minimal shelter with a number of flexible uses. A series of sliding panels allow the space to operate with varying degrees of openness to both the existing garden and rear laneway.
The project responds to a typical inner and middle ring suburban condition throughout Melbourne where larger residential sites have generous gardens and rear lane access. These gardens, often with mature canopy trees, are increasingly being reduced to accommodate larger houses.
Lily’s shed is an example of a small space which can be used in a variety of ways. The design encourages a more diverse range of spaces (sheds, studios, offices, guest accommodation) in the middle ring suburbs and dual entrances via the house and rear laneway supports these broader possibilities for access, use and tenancy.
In replacing a dilapidated shed, Oscar Sainsbury Architects have explored the shed typology creating a beautiful, simply detailed in-between space that plays with the notion of enclosure. Mediating between the garden and the laneway, with its part earthen floor, the garden room suggests a diverse range of uses, from potting shed, workshop, teahouse to guest studio.
On a tiny footprint and with wide opening panels, the shed provides a flexible shelter that is both delightful to occupy and to contemplate. Lily’s Shed transforms the suburban backyard into something more, increasing opportunities for connection with nature, community, and self.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
