Secondary Dwellings & Backyard Design
Transform Your Extra Space Into a Valuable Asset.
- Multi-Purpose: Designs for rentals, home offices, or family retreats.
- Space Efficient: Compact layouts that feel spacious and functional.
- Council Approved: Compliant with setback and floor area regulations.
- Privacy Focused: Smart orientation to maintain privacy for both dwellings.
- Value Adding: Significant potential ROI through rental income or resale.
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Backyard Living Options
We provide specialized drafting for a variety of detached structures, tailored to your specific lifestyle needs.
Secondary Dwelling Design
Fully self-contained living units with kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. Designed for long-term independent living on your existing property.
Backyard Studio Plans
Creative spaces for art, yoga, or music. We design studios that maximize natural light and airflow without the complexity of a full residence.
Home Office Layouts
Professional, detached workspaces that separate work life from home life. Optimized for connectivity, soundproofing, and productivity.
Guest House / Rental Unit
High-yield investment designs. We create attractive, durable layouts specifically for Airbnb or long-term rental income generation.
Teenage Retreat Designs
Semi-independent living spaces that give growing teenagers privacy while keeping them close to home. Flexible layouts for study and sleep.
Detached Backyard Living
Pool houses, cabanas, and entertainment pavilions. Extend your lifestyle outdoors with covered, functional structures for hosting.
Drafting Your Backyard Build
A transparent, step-by-step process designed to minimize stress and maximize results.
Site Feasibility
We check sewer lines, easements, and council setbacks to determine the best location and size for your new structure.
Design Concept
We draft a layout that fits your intended use—whether it's for work, rest, or rental income—optimized for your backyard.
Approval Documentation
We produce the necessary site plans, elevations, and sections required for Council DA or Private Certifier CDC approval.
Construction Ready
You receive a full set of architectural plans ready for builders to quote and commence work on your new space.
Unlock Potential, Don't Relocate
Adding a secondary dwelling or detached studio is one of the most effective ways to increase property value and lifestyle flexibility without the cost of moving. Whether you need a quiet place to work, a home for aging parents, or a source of rental income, our designs ensure your new structure complements your existing home while maximizing the utility of your land.
30%
Value Add100%
FlexibleROI
High YieldWhy Choose Our Services?
Designing for backyards requires specific expertise in small-footprint living and privacy regulations.
Garden Integration
Designs that respect your existing landscape, maximizing views and preserving green space.
Privacy Solutions
Strategic window placement and screening to ensure privacy for both the main house and the new dwelling.
Buildability
Simple, effective structural designs that keep construction costs down for smaller projects.
Versatility
Future-proof layouts that can transition from a home office today to a guest suite tomorrow.
Recent Projects
Explore our diverse range of backyard solutions and secondary dwellings.
Backyard Building FAQs
It depends on approval. A "Secondary Dwelling" (granny flat) is approved for separate living and can be rented. A "Studio" or "Cabana" typically cannot be rented separately as it's considered part of the main house.
In NSW, small structures under 20m² may be "Exempt Development" if they meet strict criteria (height, setbacks, no plumbing). Anything larger or with plumbing usually requires approval.
Generally, a setback of 900mm from the boundary is required. However, some exempt structures can be closer, and specific fire-rating rules apply for walls close to boundaries.
A granny flat contains a full kitchen and laundry and is a self-contained home. A retreat usually only has a bathroom and maybe a wet bar, relying on the main house for full amenities.