This Australian church has been through a lot. When the main church for the village of Laggan, Australia, it was decommissioned in 1943 and used as a farmer’s sheep-shearing drop for at least 50 years. However, while architect Michael Sandberg drove beyond the vacant, rundown building, he saw the potential for the life.
Over a year of design and construction, Sandberg restored the church’s historic exterior and transformed the interior into a slick, contemporary home that still uses the building’s first materials. Meanwhile, a grassy acre plus a eucalyptus grove encircle the building, which makes it the ideal personal weekend getaway.
in a Glance
Who lives here: This is a weekend house for Michael Sandberg; it is occasionally rented out.
Location: Laggan, Australia
Size: 115 square meters (1,237 square feet); two bedrooms, 1 bath
Budget: Around $140,000 Australian dollars (US$142,000)
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
Despite the fact that the structure had been used as a shearing shed for over 50 years, its exterior was in unusually good shape. Sandberg was careful to keep up the original solid neighborhood granite buttressed walls, pointed-arch wood windows and first handmade double entry doors.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The interior has allure. “We wanted to add a very modern interior to the first structure to symbolize the new life that it had been given,” Sandberg says.
Floors finish: Rubio acrylic; sofa: Copenhagen modular lounge, Glicks Furniture; dining table: Sean Dix, Matt Blatt
Before Photo
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
BEFORE: Inside, the bare church had few details about maintaining. Apart from remodeling the simple structure, Sandberg also had to install water tanks, sewage disposal and power, because the building is not on the city’s facilities.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
AFTER: The hardwood floor, pointed-arch window shape and doors are first to the church. The windows were replaced for better insulation.
A new wood-burning stove with a regional black granite hearth provides an authentic vibe to the now-contemporary space. Sandberg also equipped the house using a gas heating system for winter.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
A subtle but striking cross shape is visible once you enter the front door. “I really wanted to have some fun with the concept that this was constructed as a church,” says Sandberg. The graphic white cross — emphasized by the kitchen orange cabinets and backsplash — references the building’s history. The kitchen’s habit orange color was motivated by the first colored glass at the arched window above the main door.
Lighting fittings: Mercator Scanlan, Bunnings Hardware; kitchen cabinets, counters: Bunnings Hardware
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
This mirrored wood accent wall behind the kitchen divides the major living room from a casual lounge with a TV, sofa and futon for guests.
TV cart: Kogan; sofa: Marcella, Matt Blatt
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The strong blackbutt hardwood stairs lead to an open bedroom on the mezzanine.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The door to the left of the kitchen results in an adjoining drop and a mudroom area, with access to a tiny outdoor courtyard.
Before Photo
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
BEFORE: Although it wasn’t inserted to the church before 1943, the adjoining drop is a huge portion of this building’s history. “The guy that owned this was a renowned regional personality who lived in the area his whole life,” says Sandberg. “It was important for the natives that his memory was also remembered in the building.”
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
AFTER: The drop is now a full bathroom. Most of the wood framing at the old shed was replaced, and a concrete floor was added for durability. The walls got a coating of insulating material and then were lined with corrugated metal for the exact same rustic shed style.
The freestanding tub has a clear view of the secluded lot, but the window may be covered if needed. The mirror frame above the sink is recycled from floorboards in the old church.
Tub: Vizzini Phoenician; tile: Earp Bros; lighting: halogen downlights, Philips
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
Because it snows in this part of Australia during most winters, Sandberg added a fireplace to the restroom for an extra touch of luxury. Heat lamps keep the room warm.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
On the other side of the shed, Sandberg made room for a full, personal bedroom. Each one of the new windows of the shed are framed in Australian hardwood.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The church’s elevated position makes for great views down the mountain into Laggan. Situated in the outskirts of town, the church is surrounded by farmland for sheep grazing and a couple of tiny vineyards.