Black Cedar Box Two Story Small House By Baahouse + Baastudio

Welcome to our gallery highlighting the uniquely crafted Black Cedar two story small house, designed by Baahouse + Baastudio.

Set behind an existing house in a quiet suburb of Salisbury, Brisbane, is a recently completed second-dwelling “granny flat” design that sets a high mark for small backyard living. Rather than thinking of a granny flat as a simple shed or structure, this home opens up the ability to consider a second dwelling that is suitable for the climate, aesthetically pleasing, and fully functional.

At only 55 square meters, this design has a small footprint. However, with its second level, high ceilings, open floor plan, and large sliding doors extending to a deck area, the house feels double its size. With a large void looking down toward the first floor, the design allows for airflow and light shared between the two levels.

Externally, the louvered windows and large sliding doors ensure that the house allows breezes and sunlight to filter through. The black cedar box design shows three aspects of the external cladding. The red cedar timber will age over time and turn grey, blending into the surrounding natural environment. The western and southern walls are clad in custom metal roofing, a maintenance free contrast to the cedar. The structure incorporates two layers of transparent fiberglass cladding to add another unique feature to the facade. The fiberglass creates a surreal sense of light inside and gives the house a watery appearance from a distance.

At night the house glows like a Japanese lantern. The layers of fiberglass between the hardwood timber studs also create an air pocket which keeps the wall cool on the hot days.

The interior boasts large opens spaces and a kitchenette with hoop pine cabinet work, blending with the spotted gum timber flooring. The main space on the lower level is a large open dining and lounge area, while upstairs contains the bedroom space. The bathroom was designed to be basic yet fully functional. This is a truly unique addition to any property with space to spare.

Here we see the transparent fiberglass section of the exterior, allowing a subtle look at the structure and filtered sunlight to enter the home.

Here we see the cedar panels surrounding two sets of louvered windows, next to the transparent paneling.

The entryway holds a large sliding door and set of full-height windows over a dark wood deck. The immense glass and transparent panels allow sunlight throughout the interior.

Moving inside, we see the open-plan first floor, with dining, living, and kitchen space shared. The fiberglass panels can be seen at left.

The upper level overlooks the first floor and surrounding exterior, via an expanse of windows beyond the two story void. Rich hardwood flooring contrasts elegantly with the white walls.

The upper level windows are slightly smaller, yet also louvered for airflow. A low wall wraps the open design space.

Looking down, we see the expanse of rich hardwood flooring at the bottom of the stairs, sunlit via the floor to ceiling windows. The fiberglass exterior panels allow the home to glow in daylight.

Here we closely see the light glowing effect of the fiberglass exterior panels, over hardwood stairs.

The kitchen is entered blow the overhanging second floor, an open sweep of space that leads to light natural wood cabinetry, tile backsplash, and a set of smaller rear windows.

The light hued cabinetry contrasts with rich hardwood flooring, while dark backsplash tile separates the kitchen from the rest of the open area.

The all-white bathroom contrasts over dark large format tile flooring, with a glass enclosure shower and vanity with smoked-glass cupboards.

With the sliding door and windows open, the interior freely mixes with the environment, with abundant airflow and sunlight shared.

Large eaves hang over the upper level louvered windows, for shade in the brightest parts of day.

Here’s a close view of the exterior, where the cedar panels meet the custom metal roofing panels.

Here’s the entire structure, as seen from the rear. Lifted off the ground for flood protection, the compact frame houses a lot of usable interior space.