In a quiet, leafy pocket of Melbourne’s south east, something rather special is hiding in plain sight.
Designed by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, this small backyard office was created for a creative writer who wanted distance from the distractions of everyday life without ever truly leaving home. The result is the Writer’s Cabin, a compact retreat tucked into the seldom used back corner of a modest residential garden.
At first glance, you might not even notice it.
The Boston ivy covered Writer’s Cabin blends effortlessly into the lush surroundings of the yard. Cloaked in dense greenery and accompanied by layered planting designed in collaboration with landscape garden designer Ben Scott, the structure almost disappears against boundary fences and foliage. The ivy does more than soften its appearance. Its thick growth provides natural self shading, helping regulate internal temperatures across the seasons.
A large picture window and a carefully positioned skylight allow natural light to filter deep into the interior. The glazing has been thoughtfully placed to maximize engagement with garden views while refining the quality of light within the compact footprint. From the desk, there is a framed outlook back toward the house and surrounding greenery, creating a sense of calm focus. The skylight draws daylight from above, shifting gently throughout the day and adding depth to the small space.
The door of the 107 square foot, or 10 square metre, backyard home office opens to reveal a plywood interior defined by warmth and simplicity. The space is entirely clad in plantation sourced Hoop Pine plywood panels, forming a cohesive envelope across walls and ceiling. Built in shelving lines the walls, subtle angles introduce visual interest, and a large desk anchors the room. Overhead, strips of light are integrated into the ceiling, offering soft illumination after dark.
Beneath the surface, the construction is equally considered. A concrete slab forms the foundation, supporting engineered wood flooring that adds durability and texture. The ply clad stud walls are sealed externally with a rolled Butynol rubber membrane that both insulates and waterproofs, acting like a protective skin around the building. Walls and ceiling cavities are well insulated, while double glazed Low E glass enhances thermal performance.
Passive design principles underpin the project. Careful site orientation and cross ventilation reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, reinforcing the cabin’s low tech and modestly constructed approach. By keeping the structure within Class 10a parameters, the architects were able to employ economical building and planning methods, resulting in a cost effective yet highly refined solution.
Small in scale but rich in intention, this ivy covered cabin shows how a neglected garden corner can become a sanctuary for creative work.