Clifftop Studio

Location

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Recognition

AIA NSW Small Project Architecture Award 2024 — Shortlist

Overview

A freestanding garden studio and creative workspace for a writer and illustrator on a steeply wooded site in Bilgola Plateau. A retreat — genuinely separate from the main house.

Challenge

The 18m² footprint was fixed by council. Within that constraint, the client needed a space that functioned as an office, reading room, and occasional guest accommodation.

Solution

A mezzanine sleeping platform above the desk zone doubles the usable floor area without increasing the footprint. A full-height north-facing window frames a view through the tree canopy. Structural LVL timber was left exposed throughout.

Result

Completed June 2023, under budget. 18m² footprint, 31m² usable area across two levels · Enquiry-to-completion in 11 months — shortest timeline in studio history · Shortlisted AIA NSW Small Project Architecture Award 2024.