Building a home studio in WA

Betsy · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Perth

I am planning to build a studio in my garden in Fremantle (for painting in oils). I have been looking into alternative options and am getting a bit confused about what to do about windows. I would like the studio to be as energy efficient as possible, for which I am recommended to build windows with eaves on the north side to maximise winter sun. However, I had been planning to have large windows on the southern wall in order to have more constant light conditions. The only thing that does seem to be beyond argument is that I ought to avoid windows on the east and west sides.

I am considering using an industrial/farm style metal shed as a 'cheap' base. Does anyone have experience or opinions on these issues?
Thanks,
Betsy

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 3214

No I don't have any experience with the sheds.
But one thing I would highly recomend you consider is a double roof.
The second roof should be high enough to let the air flow through and so that you can clean the ventilated space.
Your shed should stay very cool during summer.

marri · Joined: 28 Aug 2009 Posts: 267 Location: Western Australia

Before you do any planning see the council. They be pretty fussy in Freo.

art8dave · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 1333 Location: Sydney

Yes South facing windows for constant light during daylight hours.
If you are able to also have North facing windows, that you can shield from the outside (very important) to keep the heat out in summer, but shielding you can remove or adjust to let warmth in during winter.

Perhaps some kind of louvered product would be ideal.

North/South windows would be perfect for good cross ventilation.

Chrissy D · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 1053 Location: Queensland

What about considering a skylight or two?

Get whirly birds in the roof

What kind of climate do you experience e.g. dry hot or moist cold etc?

If you work with toxic materials what about considering ceiling ventilation fans like in the bathroom/laundry

Light is such a crucial thing for me too. I can't stand dark or dullness. Having said that, my large sliding door to the studio gets the arvo sun, so at least sees lightness for much of the day, and though the point was not to use the ceiling light, I still do. It is a constant brightness when the clouds/sun's light isn't. I have tungsten fluro's in my studio

matan · Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Posts: 4 Location: Margaret River

I have built a studio that works well in WA ( in Margaret River). What we have to contend with is that we have 2 distinct seasons and have to build to let the sun in in winter and keep it out in summer. If you have seen the old saw tooth roofs on the wool sheds then you have seen a 100 year old solution to the problem.
the trick is to have north windows that are overhung by the roof to an extent that the sun is blocked for an extended summer period, but not so overhung that the lower winter sun can't come in. This can be calculated with math and knowing the lattitude of freo. or have a look at friends places, the new studios and granny flats and see how much overhang they have. the thing to remember is that we need a bit more overhang than the calculations because our hot weather can go right through March.
The tin shed is a good way to go and the companies have great design programs in their computers. i put up a tin shed last year, but the company went out of business so I can't recommend them. This is too long. email if you want to continue this discussion.