Start with a run-down shed built in the 1970's to cook slop for the pigs.
The Shed Has Potential…
Structurally the shed was in fairly good condition. The 50 year old hardwood posts were driven straight into the ground so some had been eaten away, and the south side posts were a little shakey with some old tin holding them together. The dirt floor was uneven and sloped dramatically towards the river and there were some big gapping doors that let the fierce westerlies through with a howl. The roof was solid and kept out the rain, the old tin sides were as good as ever and with some reinforcement it could stay up for another 50 years.
All in all, fixable. A concrete floor with concrete jackets to hold the posts firm, add some support at the mid-points of the southern side and find something stronger to replace the tin to tie them together better. Then build some barn doors to block out the wind. Might as well add a deck and some windows to let the view in and then some doors to walk out on to the deck.
Best of all we had a DA being prepared so we would do whatever we could with exempt planning now and add other pieces that needed approval to the DA (such as toilets) and do them later. That way we wouldn’t breach any laws or annoy council.
In Oct 2021 we started with a clean out of the shed, remove the internal partion and preparing for some concrete.
Once the concrete is in (five separate pours) anchor and lay out the deck level with the lower floor.
Reinforce the southern end with some LVLs and a viewing platform to take advantage of those views.
Prior to celebrating Xmas with my extended family in our partially renovated shed it was time for the concrete paths around the shed and begin the landscaping.The plan was to get it clean and safe enough for my family. Nothing like a family deadline to motivate speediness and quality.
The area next to the shed had always been a drainage nightmare as it had been where the outflow from the pig shed and made it’s way to the river for decades. Over time a dangerous gully had been created so we levelled it and added plenty of drainage to cater for storm water. Several heavy storms during a La Ninia and over the last two years proved we got it right.
Xmas was awesome by the way.
The barn doors were custom made on site. 14 50mm railway sleepers on rollers that each hold 450 kg. Tracks below and above keep the weight centred and easy to move. That will keep out these winds.
By the end of January the landscaping and preparation for the windows were progressing well.
By the end of January finally the glass had arrived. 6.3mm laminated “shopfront” glass for flexibility and safety. It has survived all the weather that has been thrown at it since.
Reclaimed wood was used for the platform with the stairs, floor and bench all sourced from old buildings or refurbished from the old piggery. The piggery, like this old shed, was made from solid hardwood which is both tough and fire-resistant improving the BAL rating of the shed. Reclaimed oak was used for the stairs.
10mm thick glass panels securely anchored into the LVLs give us a floating, virtually invisible balustrade designed to allow those views to come through whilst still being strong enough to protect against a sudden drop to the floor.
The lower level benches were made from a single redgum tree that had fallen on a neighbours property. Once cut, planed, sanded and lacquered they are a signature addition providing a warm, natural colour and extra seating.
Time to sand, polish and stain the floors and deck.
The electrical work was completed in two stages. First we laid a main cable to the shed from the nearest metered pole to a new switchboard. That gave us power for half the shed and a couple of basic lights. Once the river side was completed and the glass and floors done we could do the rest of the power and lights. The electrician took 11 hours to install the second set. Got to take the time to do it right.
We were almost done and with a combined 50th and 21st birthday party now organisaed for myself and my son the pressure was on to complete. Deadlines are motivating!
Now we just needed some doors to the deck. These would be special. Bi-fold doors stretching the full width of the shed. 2.4m high made from reclaimed piggery wood for the frames and more 6.3mm laminated glass. A total of 7 panels ending in the final panel swinging out with a handle to meet fire codes suspended from a steel rail and rollers handling 250kg each. A guide in the floor and drop bolts to secure when closed.
Magnificent!
All told it was a sobering experience that took longer and cost more than we budgeted for – as every renovation does! But who can argue with the result? Our builder and tradies did some especially good work with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is rare these days.
And the birthday party? Legendary!
After the birthday party we where still waiting for consultants for more reports Goulburn Council wanted for the development application. So we decided to fix up the hill that ran to the river and created the amphitheatre: Read about creating the amphitheatre here.
It’s more than a shame Goulburn Mulwaree Council want to knock it all down, including the Amphitheatre which protects the river from run-off and silt, and restore it back to a “farm building anciliary to the use of the land”. Which it still is, of course, its just prettier, more functional .much better for the environment and now won’t fall down. The development application was refused as well, and you can read that story here.
Now for some before and after photos.
If you are interested in hiring or staying in The Shed for a wedding or party, camping a night or two, hosting a BBQ, our crops, mulch or agistment services, or you are just passing through and want a look, just Contact Richard or Sarah. or Book Online now.
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Click a picture below to discover what awaits at Tarlo Village.
