This studio was a particularly meaningful project, designed for a husband-and-wife team during a challenging time. The husband first contacted me looking to create a dedicated homeopathic home office for his wife, Lakshmi, who is a practicing homeopath. Due to health risks associated with operating from within their home, she had been unable to continue her work.
This inquiry came right in the middle of COVID, when many small businesses were forced to pause or adapt. Our solution was to design and build a fully custom studio that would allow her to safely return to practice.
Incorporating Unique Requirements into the Design
After several consultations, we developed an original design tailored specifically to Lakshmi’s needs. A key requirement was a dedicated area for the preparation of her homeopathic medicines, which we carefully incorporated into the layout.
The clients also requested that the studio be north-facing and include a feature wall. To achieve this, we used Easy VJ board on the rear wall of the studio, adding both texture and visual interest while maintaining a calm, professional feel.
Overcoming Budget Constraints and COVID-Related Delays
The project came with a tight budget, but after careful consideration, we decided to include an air conditioner to ensure year-round comfort. This was an important decision, given the nature of the work being carried out inside the studio.
We commenced construction before receiving final permission, which took an unusually long time due to COVID delays. Over the past two years, we’ve found that council permits and approvals have taken significantly longer across the board, and this project was no exception.
Off-Site Manufacturing and Installation Challenges
The studio was manufactured off-site and fitted with double-glazed windows. At the time, the total cost was $51,000 — a price that is no longer achievable today due to severe raw material shortages and substantial increases in material costs.
Once complete, the studio was transported on a flat tray and lowered into position using a 40-ton crane. This was one of the most complex aspects of the project, as traffic management was required throughout the crane operation.
The installation site sat well below road level, making access particularly difficult. Prior to delivery, we constructed a subfloor with secure footings. This involved drilling piles 1.6 metres into the ground due to the reactive soil conditions, then fabricating a steel platform using 3mm RHS steel and joists.
Only once this platform was complete could the studio be craned safely into place.
Construction Details and Insulation
The homeopathic home office was built with a galvanized steel frame and soundproof insulation throughout. The walls were infilled with R2.5 insulation, the subfloor included R2.5 foam board insulation, and the roof was finished with R4 insulation for maximum thermal performance.
The studio features an internal height of 2.7 metres and an external height of 3.3 metres, creating a spacious and comfortable interior. A surrounding deck completes the space, making it both functional and inviting.
A Successful Outcome
The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. They had important deadlines to meet, as their business had come to a halt during COVID, and we did everything we could to deliver on time and exceed their expectations.
The result is a beautifully finished, custom-built studio that allowed Lakshmi to resume her practice in a safe, dedicated space — a project we’re incredibly proud of.
