Why does the living have to be in the south? Could you swap the bedroom and living area, so living area is on the north side. Then the carport area could double as an outside alfresco area. You are removing the deck, so where would the personal outside space be?

A not to scale drawing of my thoughts

if there is no space for a deck do you still need the sliding door to the rear yard and/or could the sliding door make a better entry than the side door and what is the width and depth of the small storage cupboard in the kitchen that restricts all planning for the kitchen

I believe the width is about 700mm wide by about 500mm deep (there is a laundry tub and space beside it in that alcove at the moment. I would need to confirm with the draftsman the exact measurement) but I think we can make it into a step in pantry come storage space ok. The builder had said because of the plumbing connecting to the house it would be best to have living on south and bedroom on north. We are ok with this as we probably don't want the bedroom backing on to the backyard for the house. We would change the current sliding door to the deck to a high window instead and possibly have a sliding door for entry. We are trying to just make a bolthole for us to stay so we are not staying in motels each time we are in Brisbane. And also keep it as separate/private as we can from the house. It is a small space and I guess I was just after a sanity check that it would work or if there were a few tweaks we should consider. I appreciate your time.

Thanks for your feedback Kate. I have spoken to Council and private town planner (without showing either the design) and neither have mentioned anything about requiring open space and livability standards. So, I better check on that. thanks

(acknowledging that you've been advised to have the living area on the south) without access to the backyard the living area could feel closed off and highlight windows would be more suitable to a bedroom and ens which would also retain more privacy for yourself and the main house...my suggestion has more spacious rooms, a simpler kitchen with plenty of storage, room for a small dining suite, a biw and desk in the bedroom and the tricky alcove could be used for storage and/or a stacked combo washer dryer and use under the vanity for linen

Thanks oklouise that does look like a good option.

And this changing the bedroom and bathroom space, with the Kitchen using the alcove for the Fridge allows more space in the kitchen, the alcove could also become the laundry cupboard. Highlight windows where ever needed for light and ventilation.

Ooh, that's another good idea too siriuskey. I was thinking for such a small space there wouldn't really be too many options. Lots to think about now. Thanks

open space ratio, as I mentioned in my first post, is an important consideration for planning. There are usually ratios that have to be adhered to. If you are not on a separate title, and this is more an extension consideration, then the block build percentage and open space consideration need to be known from your council to ensure you will get this through council planning. Where would you sit outside when you wish to on the existing plans?

Thanks oklouise for a professional drawing of my thoughts.

Another thought with space being tight you could make the wall between the living and bedroom full height sliding panels becoming a studio style when wanted. this basic idea

Just wondering if it would be better to flip laundry and ensuite. And delete the sliding door in favour of a window and standard glass door. Flipping the bath and laundry means you can access the kitchen without walking through the sitting area. '

Well, that's a good idea too Kate, as personally I would prefer the door into the bedroom on the side you've suggested. So much to consider. Thank goodness it's not a whole house!! Thanks

If you flip the wet rooms You can have a high window over shower for light and ventilation

Wondering what the situation is with the house, is it rented and you would have access to the Studio. The Tandem Carport?, is it all undercover. the new Studio at ground level with the carport unlike the house which has several steps up.

Where is your outside space for sitting going to be?

As we won't be staying there for long periods of time at once we do have limited outside area. Only the pathway from the footpath up the side of the carport and granny flat. There is currently a garage (connected to the house) and the carport. As part of this build there will also be another double carport. So, the house and granny flat will have 2 car spots each, tandem parking. The house is rented to family at the moment. But trying to make the granny flat as separate as possible in case that changes in the future. The granny flat will be off the ground (not concrete slab) but not quite as high as the house (I believe) but high enough to get the right drop for the plumbing.

Is the pathway wide enough to allow steps up into the flat?

I am hoping so but will need to check with the draftsman. thanks

Hi Jane, I can see you have had a lot to digest here already! I wanted to add a brief note, that if living areas must go on the south, it can be useful to pitch the roof over to capture north light higher up. We did exactly that with a granny flat designed a couple of years ago now; if interested, please have a look here: https://www.henryproject.com/post/a-new-chapter-in-life The quality of light in a room really does make a massive difference to how it feels, so worth working out how to get northern light into living areas if possible. Goodluck, hope its going well!