Building an artist's studio on your block

14 September 2016
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


If you or someone in your family has an artistic temperament, it can be great to have a dedicated artist's studio on site. Not only does this give you a chance to have some space to dedicate to your art without getting distracted by the household demands, but it also ensures that any potentially dangerous materials can be locked up whilst your art is still in progress. Here are some things to keep in mind as you start to plan your studio. 

Council restrictions

In some local council areas, if the size of your outbuilding exceeds a certain size, it may be considered an ancillary building and require a specific approval. Before you call the builders, it's a good idea to check what sorts of buildings require separate council approval in your area so that you can get the approval process started as soon as possible. 

Lighting

You can't make art without the right lighting. Be sure to think about how your studio will be lit throughout the day, including in the morning and evening. You will probably want to ensure that it is wired so that you can use it at night as well. This can add extra cost but tends to be easier to do during construction than afterwards. 

Plumbing

While you might be OK with heading back into the house to refill your water bottle, it can often make life easier if you have a sink to clean up after your artwork. Having a toilet can also help you stay focused on the artwork and not get distracted back in the house after a toilet visit. 

A comfortable temperature

If you plan to spend long hours in the shed, it is a good idea to contemplate how you will keep the area warm in winter and cool in summer. Installing roof and wall insulation can often help make the area feel more comfortable and be less likely to bounce around in temperature during the day. It can also help to reduce costs if you are using less efficient heating options such as small space heaters. 

Natural techniques such as planting trees that provide shade in summer, as well as angled windows and louvres that allow the breeze through can also be a good way to cool down the studio in summer. 

If you are looking to build an artist studio in your yard, why not pick up the phone and start talking to a builder about how to get started?


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