A perfectly petite pottery studio

A pottery studio longing made possible 

Canberra resident, Leanne, had her eye on a garden studio for a number of years, with the Melwood’s attractive designs appealing to her the most. “I just liked the ‘look’ of the Melwood range compared to others at that time on the market,” she tells us.  

Then the time came for her to start ramping up her creative endeavors. “Having a space at home was essential for this,” says Leanne.

So, finally justified to invest in her dream garden room, her Melwood journey began. 

Collaborative beginnings

Every Greenspan journey begins with a Discovery Call with one of our experienced Design Solutioneers. Just as the name suggests, this initial discussion is an opportunity to explore ideas, discuss needs, and tap into our experienced team’s extensive knowledge.   

For Leanne, this process was invaluable. Despite longing for a Melwood for years, she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted in her new creative oasis. There are numerous designs to choose from, and just as many options to further customise and personalise. Achieving the perfect space can initially appear to be an overwhelming undertaking. But that’s where Greenspan’s collaborative design process shines. 

Personalised pottery studio perfection 

We’re only satisfied when our customers are delighted. Leanne’s path to the perfect art studio was a collaborative effort of designing, consulting and refining until she was happy.

“The people that I engaged with were fantastic and very patient,” recalls Leanne, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted and as a result changed my mind a bit!”

And just to make sure, Leanne’s Design Solutioneer travelled to Canberra to assess her backyard and ensure optimal placement and sizing. 

Pottering in the pottery studio 

Now completed, Leanne’s Melwood garden studio has become an essential creative sanctuary. “Without a space, it is really difficult to fully immerse yourself in a creative process,” Leanne explains.

And it has contributed to her success as a flourishing artist. The peaceful garden setting provides the perfect environment to throw pots and sculpt clay masterpieces. “It’s a place I can just be and certainly inspired me to put in the work to develop my skills as a potter,” continues Leanne.

Picture perfect “Gingko Cottage” 

Leanne is delighted with how beautifully her Melwood assimilated into her surroundings. “I love how it has nestled into my garden and is shadowed by my beautiful Gingko trees,” she says. She lovingly refers to her little workshop as her “wee cottage” and we think that’s the perfect description! 

Measuring a petite 2.6m x 3.6m, it’s a compact but entirely functional space. Opting for the Porch Design, it includes a cute, decked porch area; a peaceful spot to sit fully immersed in the surrounding gardens. Painted in a soft sage green with crisp white windows, French doors, and Colorbond® roofing in “Surfmist”, it resembles a storybook cottage in miniature form. 

To extend the cosy cottage vibes inside, Leanne lined the walls and ceiling with timber panelling, painted white. Additional insulation in the walls and floors protects against Canberra’s frosty winters.  

Today a pottery studio, tomorrow…?

Completed just before the first COVID lockdowns hit, the studio’s adaptability and value were undoubtedly proven through the pandemic. Leanne was able to easily transition to using the space as her online teaching headquarters. The ability to enclose herself in a peaceful, distraction-free, and motivational place was invaluable in working through that challenging time.  

For now, we think “Gingko Cottage” is perfect as a pottery studio, but who knows what tomorrow might bring. As Leanne puts it, “It is a flexible space, only limited by one’s imagination”. Settled under the lovely trees that inspired its name, it’s an idyllic creative escape. “I wouldn’t give it up,” Leanne declares. 

You can follow Leanne and her stunning creations on Instagram @gingko.cottage

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Leanne’s Melwood is the Porch 10 design, customised to measure 2.6m x 3.6m with a deck measuring 2.6m x 1.3m.

It features an upgrade to pre-primed weatherboard cladding on two sides, with board and batten cladding as standard to the remaining two. Leanne further personalised her design with aluminium windows in “White” and Colorbond® roofing in “Surfmist”. 

All measurements are approximate. 

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