Australia-based architect Anna O’Gorman reworked a simple garage into a home office tucked behind a house near Moreton Bay in Queensland. This hands-on project, shapes a compact workspace for a small team while building in the option for it to evolve into a secondary suite later on. What started as a basic carport now supports both work and social use, all within the footprint of the original structure.
Before the Build
The starting point was a standard garage sitting quietly at the rear of the property. Early images show a straightforward structure, setting the stage for a transformation that relied more on smart updates than major rebuilding.
Built With Future Flexibility in Mind
Because the structure sits within a residential property, adaptability played a key role from the start. The space was designed to support four to five team members while also allowing for an easy shift into a self-contained granny flat down the line, with a kitchen and bathroom already included.
Louvres, Sheeting, and Structural Updates
To reshape the garage, the space was enclosed using louvres and translucent sheeting. This move keeps views of the garden intact while letting in consistent natural light throughout the year.
Other upgrades included waterproofing the concrete slab, extending and replacing the roof to make room for a kitchen, and adding insulation to improve comfort.
White Walls and Repurposed Details
Inside, the original block walls were painted white to lift the overall feel of the space. An existing timberwork bench was reused as a coffee and tea station, keeping a sense of the original structure intact.
A bathroom was added as well, featuring a high opening that frames a view of the sky and a magnolia tree.
Open Space and Simple Work Zones
White desks with timber edges line the walls, leaving the center open for meetings and shared work. The layout keeps things flexible, allowing the team to move easily between focused tasks and group discussions.
Doors That Open to the Backyard
A double-hinged glass door connects the studio directly to the patio and garden. It allows for easy access while also helping fresh air move through the space, making the studio feel more open throughout the day.
An Outdoor Kitchen That Doubles as Entertaining Space
The outdoor kitchen opens straight out to the garden, adding a new layer of use to the property. It works not just for the studio team but also as a bar and barbecue setup, helping solve the lack of entertaining space in the main house.
A Compact, Efficient Floor Plan
The floor plan shows how the former carport has been reworked into a compact, efficient layout. Each function fits neatly within the existing footprint, balancing workspace, amenities, and circulation.
What makes this project stand out is how much it achieves without expanding beyond the original structure. By upgrading what was already there, Anna O’Gorman created a studio that works now and leaves the door open for future use, whether as a workspace, an entertaining hub, or a fully independent living area.