Stickybeak of the Week: A Byron Bay Guesthouse Prepped for Summer
This stylish guesthouse on a family property plays host to flocks of visitors and lazy afternoons in the sun
The owners of this breezy guesthouse in Byron Bay have a revolving door of visitors, but when it isn’t used by guests it becomes the family’s perfect summer house. Built by Ed Davis of Davis Architects, the 60 square-metre property was intended to be a relaxing retreat for close friends and extended family, while the homeowners live in the main house. Completely self-contained, the style is similar to that of the primary residence – beautifully bright, open and contemporary – making it a very welcoming retreat.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sally and Justin Brook and their three children live in the main house, while this studio is used for guests
Size: 60 square metres
Location: Byron Bay, Australia
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sally and Justin Brook and their three children live in the main house, while this studio is used for guests
Size: 60 square metres
Location: Byron Bay, Australia
The clients asked Davis to design a flexible space which could be used for entertaining, accommodation, art and parties. They also wanted to ensure it was in keeping with the style of the main house, so that their property maintained an aesthetic flow.
The studio was formerly an olive green metal shed, which was used as a storage space. The entire building was stripped back to the bones of the structure and then new cladding, doors and windows were added before the designers started on the interiors.
Davis says the biggest challenge was remaking the structure so it bore no similarities to its former self. “The existing eaves were also quite low and we saw this as a major design problem to be solved,” he says.
Davis says the biggest challenge was remaking the structure so it bore no similarities to its former self. “The existing eaves were also quite low and we saw this as a major design problem to be solved,” he says.
The issue of the low eaves was solved by inserting what Davis says is “the widest set of sliding doors we have ever used”. The opening is 5 metres wide and each door panel is 2.5 metres wide and 2.4 metres high. “This has the effect of stretching the space horizontally to give an expansive feeling, and focusses the eye on the garden courtyard space outside. The low eaves become almost a feature rather than a problem,” explains the architect.
Davis collaborated with Dimensions by Design to create the beautiful contemporary joinery. This includes the small kitchen, a set of bunk beds, day beds and a study. “These elements add detail, character, texture and intimacy to the space,” he says.
Lighting: Creative Lighting Solutions
Lighting: Creative Lighting Solutions
In addition to functioning as a guesthouse, the studio also serves the family as a summer house. “It gets sun all day and it is the best place to sit in the afternoon and enjoy a drink and relaxed barbecue,” Davis says.
Along the back wall, bunk beds make the most of the limited floor space in the studio, and create additional sleeping options for visitors. Clever storage was built in under the bottom bunk, where extra linen can be found.
A modern bathroom was also fitted into the space, which previously received little to no natural light. To fix this, a skylight was added. The cutout for the skylight gets wider as it descends, “this has the effect of bouncing light around the room and gives a better sense of space and verticality,” explains Davis.
Sink and tapware: Reece
Sink and tapware: Reece
The main bedroom is separate to the living area and has private doors leading on to the patio. “It was designed to be a quiet and private space, somewhat removed from the action and excitement of the main living area,” says Davis.
Ceiling fans were fitted in the living area and in the bedroom, to help keep these spaces cool in the hot Byron Bay summers.
Ceiling fans were fitted in the living area and in the bedroom, to help keep these spaces cool in the hot Byron Bay summers.
With the warmer weather well on its way, the studio will be hotspot for both guests and the family. “The doors will be opened up and it will be used as was intended – seamless indoor outdoor living for the whole family,” Davis says.