🖼️
The project:
The dream was a backyard pod that could be an office and creative space. Somewhere to escape the distractions of the house, whilst still being close by. I wanted a space that was warm, calming and connected to nature. I chose a botanical inspired design, with VJ style walls, laminate flooring and plants!
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/easycraft-easyvj100-general-purpose-9mm-2400-x-1200mm-mr-mdf-e0-primed-white_p0330364
https://www.bunnings.com.au/porta-66-x-18mm-2-7m-colonial-primed-fj-pine-architrave-and-skirting_p8480051
https://www.bunnings.com.au/porter-s-paints-400ml-french-green-revive-furniture-and-cabinetry-paint_p0984241
https://www.bunnings.com.au/porter-s-paints-4l-himalayan-salt-eggshell-finish-paint_p0853565
https://www.bunnings.com.au/floor-select-6mm-2-2m-blackbutt-hybrid-waterproof-flooring_p0135656
https://www.bunnings.com.au/earthwool-r2-0-wall-batt-90mm-x-430mm-x-1160mm-16-0m-32-pack_p0810324
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cliftonvale-610-x-406-x-30mm-travertine-natural-stone-paver_p0131434
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-concrete-mix_p0038287
https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-35mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-2-4m_p8032103
Timber beading and boarding for the ceiling, and cornicing.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/2440-x-1200mm-7mm-braceboard-plywood-pine-2440-x-1200mm_p0391229
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-18v-brushless-16ga-angled-finishing-nailer-dbn610z-skin-only_p0836955
https://trade.bunnings.com.au/makita-18v-brushless-heavy-duty-compact-driver-drill-ddf484z-skin-only_p6240421
Rubber Hammer
Hammer
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-50mm-cutting-in-and-framing-synthetic-paint-brush-50mm_p1660278
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-230mm-4-piece-walls-ceilings-ultra-microfibre-roller-kit_p0341472
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-50mm-cornice-and-ceiling-synthetic-paint-brush_p1660311
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-24mm-x-50m-green-painters-edge-masking-tape-24mm_p0144255
https://www.bunnings.com.au/qep-hybrid-and-vinyl-cutting-kit_p0492059
Caulking gun
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-500g-multi-purpose-interior-filler-500g_p1210281
Sanding block
https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-150mm-6-random-orbit-sander-bo6030j_p0293196
And more I'm sure!
- Step 1:
To begin we built the pod! We had dismantled an old shed so we had the slab already, we constructed the frame for it to sit on, and then piece by piece put the flat pack pod together.
It took us and 2 friends to get it all together, the tricky parts being trying to keep it square, and making sure the first piece was the right way up (it wasn't - but luckily we noticed quickly!)
- Step 2:
Next it was insulation time. Using the help of our kids in full PPE, we cut to size all the pieces and fitted them in the walls and ceiling. Then we put boarding up for the ceiling to hold it in place.
The walls were MDF VJ walls, cut and placed using our trusty Makita nail gun. The roof is sloping towards the back, so there were some interesting angles to deal with.
The ceiling had some beading placed to hide the joins of the boards, and decoratively too to make it all look even and intentional.
Cornicing finished the ceiling aesthetic and a coat of white ceiling paint.
We put thin beading in the corners of the MDF VJ walls to hide the joins.
- Step 3:
Time for filling, sanding, painting and upcycling.
Once we'd painstakingly filled and sanded all the little holes the pesky nailgun had made, we painted the walls Porters Himalayan Salt, and the trim white. I used a LOT of masking tape!
We also had our old dining table that we decided to upcycle into a desk by cutting it in half, sanding the solid oak down, and painting the legs with Porters Furniture paint in French Green.
We had a small sideboard that was the same yellowy oak and treated that the same. They came up beautifully with a more neutral wood colour and beautiful paint finish - I knew they would look beautiful with the Himalayan Salt walls.
We rounded the corners of the desk as I wanted to have softer lines in the garden pod.
- Step 4:
Now it was flooring time. We bought a hybrid laminate from Bunnings called Blackbutt, along with a handy tool to help cut and break the boards to size. This took a lot of wiggling and banging, and understanding the need to leave gaps all around to make sure it can move/expand/contract with the weather.
The skirting was added once the floor was complete. We also framed the bifold doors and window with the skirting as a nice finish. I spent a long time filling, sanding and painting the skirting, and another whole roll of masking tape.
- Step 5:
Now it was time to buy some plants! We got a beautiful peace lily from Bunnings, along with some other plants I don't know the name of! But greenery was a priority, along with a cane chair, a rug and my upcycled desk and sideboard.
- Step 6:
This is the table before it became a desk (sorry I only have pics of us sitting at it!). You can also see the little sideboard in the background behind the lamp.
- Step 7:
Finally, we built a long step to go the length of the bifold doors using a wooden frame (made from outdoor pine from Bunnings) lots of concrete, and some lovely travertine slabs to finish off the project.
And that was it complete!
