Sustainability and stability for a Sydney Artist

The displacement cycle

It’s a story we hear all too often. Developers take over city real estate. Commercial leases climb. Tenants are left scrambling for new workspaces.

And it’s a story that Bettina – an established Sydney-based artist and designer – knows only too well.

“I had once again been forced out of an art studio here in the Inner West. This time by increased rents; in previous studios, developers taking on the warehouse we artists worked in,” she recounts.

But this time, she decided enough was enough.

Rather than repeating the cycle, Bettina decided to take control with a different approach. One that was more sustainable, in every sense of the word.

“My family and I decided to look into using our backyard to build a studio there,” Bettina explains. A purpose-built art studio would provide a long-term creative workspace, free from the pressures of the property market. A secure, sustainable solution in a space that was truly hers.

In doing so, they also saw an opportunity for the whole family to benefit. Not only would it provide her with a stable creative studio, but by also relocating Bettina’s home office, it would allow their growing teenager to expand into a larger room in the house.

Tried and trusted

Bettina’s choice of building partner was decided by both research and recommendation.

“We looked at several options and the reviews of Greenspan were good,” Bettina recalls. Add to that the real-world testament of three friends, all of whom had built their own backyard shed, studio or cabana with Greenspan, and the deal was sealed.

For Bettina, who has a particular passion for creative projects that explore environmental and climate issues, Greenspan’s eco-conscious approach was particularly compelling.

“The fact that they look also at sustainable, local materials influenced my choice,” she confirms.

This combination of a proven track record, confidence through trusted personal recommendations and a commitment to sustainability meant Greenspan was the clear choice.

Decision made, the next step in the process was a collaborative effort of problem-solving and creative planning. Working closely with her Design Solutioneer, not only did Bettina refine the details that would perfect her chosen design – a Melwood Workshed – but she also overcame some of the unique challenges her inner-city block presented.

Creative solutions

The first hurdle was the foundation system.

“The studio is at the lowest end of the property…we did not want a concrete slab at the bottom of the garden,” Bettina explains.

This was solved with the elevated pier-mounted flooring system of the Melwood range, providing a sturdy base without the environmental impact of pouring concrete. But there was still the issue of drainage at the site. After further research, Bettina landed on an innovative fix.

“We decided to have blue metal gravel below the shed to capture rain,” Bettina tells us. The solution was both practical and environmentally conscious, ticking two big boxes at once.

The second challenge was equally critical. Access. While the Melwood would be delivered as prefabricated modular parts, the narrow side passage and tight turn into the backyard raised real questions. Would the largest panels even fit?

To test this, Bettina’s husband built a full-size ‘dummy’ to represent the size of the largest panel piece. “And luckily, it did fit!” recalls Bettina. With that confirmed, the order was placed, and everything moved forward with confidence.

Still, there were nerves on install day. Even the experienced team had their doubts when they first arrived. But Greenspan’s modular, streamlined system meant every panel made it around the corner and in just a few hours, the Workshed was installed and lock-up complete.

Bettina’s art studio was almost ready to welcome its first brushstroke.

Sustainability showcased

With the Melwood installed, Bettina turned her attention to the fit-out, approaching this with the same care and sustainability mindset that had guided the build to this point.

True to Greenspan’s sustainable building philosophy, Bettina’s project became a showcase for environmental consciousness.

The finishing touches – from gyprock to insulation, bamboo flooring to lighting – have all been sourced locally. And even her choice of paint for the pre-primed weatherboard cladding demonstrates this commitment.

“Most importantly our paint is from Circle Paints, a local NFP that rescues donated surplus paints from trade painters and local governments and sells it at half price and saves it from going to landfill,” states Bettina, “I had my Dulux colour, ‘Turner’s Light’ custom mixed by them.”

The perfect shade to complement the Woodland Grey roofing and white window and door frames, this is evidence that sustainable choices don’t have to compromise on personal style or aesthetic vision.

Functionality meets freedom

And now, for the first time in years, Bettina has stability. “This is my art studio and also a work-from-home office space,” she tells us.

Her 2.6m x 4.5m Melwood Workshed has been cleverly divided into two distinct zones. In one, the walls have been lined with timber where canvases can be hung and art projects freely worked upon. The other half is gyprocked and fitted with a large desk for design work and book projects.

But the impact extends far beyond functionality. The freedom that comes with permanence has transformed how Bettina approaches her work. No longer at the mercy of real estate developers or rising rents, she can enjoy the peace of mind and convenience that comes from having a permanent art studio just steps from her back door.

Lunchbreaks can be spent breathing fresh air on the adjacent patio, not arterial roads choked with fumes and dust. Uninspiring brick wall views have been swapped with a leafy garden backdrop. Noisy traffic has been replaced by quiet birdsong.

And the ripple effects reach even further. With Bettina’s desk work now jointly housed in the studio, her teenager has claimed the larger room in the main house, creating better living – and working – arrangements for everyone.

Beauty in your backyard

Sustainability isn’t always about eco-friendly choices, and security isn’t always about locks and alarms. For Bettina, true sustainability and security also meant creating something lasting; a stable, long-term solution free from uncertainty and the cycle of displacement.

It’s a fact. Creative studios and office spaces are increasingly precious in this volatile property market. But there is one place that you can take control…your backyard.

Bettina – and many like her – have proven this. Whatever your passion, whatever your medium, your creativity does not need to be squashed by unrealistic rents and property pressures.

Instead, build something as beautiful as your art, as sustainable as the future you want and as entirely yours as your own backyard.

You can follow Bettina’s creative work on her website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.

All measurements are approximate.