From a distance it might look like a simple metal-clad shed, set back on the fringe of this rural property. But get closer and it quickly becomes clear this is not your average farm building: it is in fact an award-winning, boutique designed private retreat.

As winner of the “Best Rural Design” category in the 2019 Building Designers Association WA awards, the Wandi Shed House is a fully self-contained two bedroom, two bathroom home. With a footprint of just 100m², Darklight Design have managed to combine open living spaces with high raked ceilings and large-panelled sliding doors to create the sensation of a much larger space.

For this build Alspec’s Carinya aluminium awning windows, sliding doors and hinged doors were installed with toughened glass, and complemented by colour matched hardware and aluminium mesh flyscreens. While Alspec is well known for its commercial product ranges, the Carinya windows and doors were specifically developed for the residential market, building on the knowledge gained from commercial applications.

Their impressive list of credentials made Carinya windows and doors ideal to fulfil the glazing and framing needs for this project. Not only are they fully energy rated and certified to WERS, the entire range is fully tested and certified to withstand bushfire conditions up to BAL40 (Bushfire Attack Level), vital in rural areas prone to forest fires such as this. The sliding doors also feature integrated endcaps and weather seals to provide protection against penetration by grit, water, air and insects, while enhancing the home’s energy efficiency.

From the burnished concrete floors to the expansive windows and soaring ceilings, this award-winning home successfully achieved the project goals by delivering a private retreat, built with safe, stylish and durable products, nestled unobtrusively into the peaceful rural setting.

Project: Wandi Shed House, WA
Designer: Darklight Design
Builder: Ironstone Homes
Fabricator: DGA windows
Finish: Dulux Satin Black (Night Sky)
Photographer: Nick Thake Photography

Alspec products:
Carinya Awning Window
Carinya Sliding Door with Altitude Rails
Carinya Hinged Door
Aluminium Mesh Flyscreen