We renovated a shed! Our Stillwood journey
As we celebrate our second year of welcoming guests to our boutique adults-only retreat, we’re pausing to reflect on the wild adventure we have found ourselves on.
I was in 2nd year of architecture studies when my mum was diagnosed with a terminal, rare brain disease, which led me to pause my studies to share in her full-time care. Since her passing, I’ve been ever more conscious of the way our busy lives distract us from what really matters and the small, fleeting moments in between. This experience has gone on to shape not only our careers but our outlook on life.
Jeff and I find such joy in creating spaces and places where others can create lifelong memories and through our own passion for travel (along with a background in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality design through our design business Studio Atelier), we decided to venture into tourism as a way to diversify our skillset and allow us to be more present with our young family.
In the 3 year journey to finding a property, we faced many roadblocks. Often wondering whether we were on the right path or if it would come to fruition.
When we least expected it, (just a week after finding out we were pregnant with our second babe, Sunnie!) - we found what we had been searching for. Nestled amongst the treetops, on 5 acres with two incredible dams, just 5 minutes out of Denmark town on Minang Boodjar land.
The Stillwood renovation was a wild one, transforming the Aussie Shed into a secluded adults-only sanctuary. Navigating a remote reno from 5 hours away whilst heavily pregnant and even landscaping at 36 weeks!
This passion project was the ability for us to tap into the power of immersive spaces. The ability for architecture, interiors and site to come together to create experiences that go beyond four walls alone. To be able to craft a journey for the end user, from the moment of waking to the time you rest your head. To take the profound life-changing moments experienced to create a space that encourages others to be present, and celebrate the small everyday rituals we are often too busy to see.
The Design:
The design for the cabin focused on sustainability and re-use, quality over quantity. A holistic approach to both Architecture and Interiors, whilst being the opportunity to craft a place that provided enriching experiences for visitors.
While it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day - our Stillwood retreat offers guests the much-needed opportunity to slow down, take a breath, watch time sit still and soak it all in.
With the shed already existing on the property we wanted to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible (to be savvy with budget but also to be able to sustainably re-use what was originally there). This included the concrete slab, parts of the walling, and sheeting).
With Denmark being quite a temperate climate for much of the year, it was important that the cabin felt unassuming from the exterior whilst feeling cosy, moody, intimate, and inviting on the interior. Drawing on the natural colour palette of the property’s surrounds, the interior is layered with handcrafted elements, and perfectly imperfect materials.
One of the first elements we decided upon was the incredible mural created by local Perth artist Desmond Sweeney from 8 Foot Walls. Bringing the outdoors in and celebrating the distinctive landscape that surrounds the property.
This sets the scene for a cosy and generous living space, with fireplace (perfect for toasting marshmallows or curling up with a good book!) and timber-lined ceilings to bring in warmth.
Upstairs on the mezzanine, a large picture window frames the incredible views. It’s a dream to wake up amongst the treetops and go to bed under a canopy of stars. During the day, it’s the perfect spot to laze about as you gaze out over the dams and the rolling forest beyond.
We created a bathing sanctuary with short of 3000 hand-laid travertine tiles, enveloping the space to create a spa-like retreat that glows from within at night.
Repurposing and reclaiming materials were an important part of the design, which included the sculptural steel stair (which we transported down from an old Perth townhouse), off-cut natural stone through the kitchen, and custom furniture and shelving. Timber work, the amazing vintage claw foot outdoor bath carried through to our furniture and styling selections too.
A few elements we incorporated into the design were:
Repurposed existing shed structure and slab
Solely run off rainwater (with 2 additional new tanks installed)
High levels of insulation and double glazing throughout to reduce reliance on artificial heating/cooling (no aircon within the house)
Sourced off-cut natural stone to utilise in kitchen, shelving, tabletop
Reclaimed building materials like sleepers and the spiral stair
Waterwise native planting around the property
Natural materials such as travertine, and handmade elements such as hand-glazed mosaics and tiles
At Stillwood, we invite guests to embrace the art of slowing down – to savour the stillness and to celebrate life's simple pleasures. Our design ethos revolves around sustainability, re-use, and a commitment to holistic experiences that enrich the soul.
As we look back on the journey that led us here, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share this magical part of the Great Southern with others.
We invite you to join us on this journey – to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds Stillwood. Ready to make memories filled with tranquility, connection, and wonder, as you embark on your own unforgettable adventure? Check out our next available dates here.
Photographer credit:
Tristan McKenzie
Rachel Claire (Field Notes)