The Tin Shed Comes of Age

Metal suits the Australian climate. It is durable, termite proof and reflects the enduring Australian character. In the past the drawback of the traditional tin shed was that it tended to be either very hot or very cold. Structual insulated metal panels give the much loved tin shed a chance to come of age. Uber tin!  Minimalist construction and simple skillion roof design mean that just 41 steel/foam/steel panels are used make up the roof, walls and three balconies. 

In Studio Nimbus the panels supply a combination of a durable painted exterior surface, insulation, sound proofing and a durable painted interior surface. The SIP's, (structural insulated panels)using self-drilling Tek screws attach to just 4 rectangular galvanised / two- pack painted steel frames. In our design the high quality material cost of panels and steel is offset by a faster building time and reduced labour.

The main living area (6.4m X 12m) and half-length mezzanine (6.4m X 5m) float 3m off the ground on two 6.4m X 3m rectangular "pods”, giving 147.2sqm of living area. The elevated main living area keeps us above the splash-back of torrential rain; reduces accidental visits by things that slither, creep or hop and maximises airflow beneath and within the living area.

Studio Nimbus has three balconies (each 6.4m X 2m)...totalling 38.4sqm.

At the high end a partially enclosed "wet" weather balcony 3m above ground level and sunny "dry" weather balcony 6m above ground level. At the low end is a practical low-roofed "utility and access" area balcony 3m above the ground. The covered 10m X 6.4m area beneath the house provides a wet weather “work area” totalling  64sqm with the potential of being enclosed. 

As shown Studio Nimbus encloses 147.2sqm of living space. With the balcony and under house slab areas enclosed this area can cheaply be increased to 249.6sqm.

When you have a view, natural  light, large windows and high ceilings you do not require as large an interior living space for comfortable living.

Studio Nimbus is white to reflect light and heat. A darker colour would create a heat sink as hot air would rise from the structure and surrounds. This would draw the cool air out from beneath the canopy, raise the interior forest temperature and alter local rainforest micro-climate. While this occurs naturally from tree fall zones following cyclones, it does disrupt natural cycles. For example, even slightly raised temperatures under the canopy can cause fruit to ripen sooner forcing fruit dependent insects, in response to bio-indicators from their food source, to hatch before developing fully to maturity. Higher level insect predators now have their major feeding period outside their mating period affecting the number and health of their offspring. We still see affects of residual canopy damage from 2006 cyclone Larry and 2010 cyclone Yasi in disrupted natural cycles. 

A small pallet of colourbond "surfmist" white, sky  blue and wood means we don't have to keep or find a large number of paints or finishes and can get masonry, metal or wood paint off the shelf with colour consistency from a variety of manufacturers.

The building is self-cleaning as heavy leaf fall, moss and algal growth in rainforest are an issue. A 7.5 degree pitch scours debris on roof and windowless vertical side walls are cleaned in the frequent intense rain. Drip grooves and overhang prevent dribble growth down the exterior walls.

It is possible to design and build a comfortable robust, low maintenance home using quality Australian products and manufacturers at a very reasonable price.