For some time, Liz and Brett Summerell have collected interesting, second-hand Australian bush relics. Recently they decided to do something with them. After much thought and discussion, they decided to create a ‘bush hut’ on their property, as a home away from home. The hut is a well-loved addition to the property, where they spend a lot of their spare time. Liz wrote to Burke’s Backyard in the hope that their hut inspires other people to recycle old building materials lying around the yard, and create their own little haven.
Bush haven
The hut, which is constructed of second-hand and found materials, is used as the family’s pool house. It is mozzie and fly-proof, and built to fit in with the bush surroundings.
This versatile hut has power, a pot belly stove and a small water tank. It’s a great place in which to lounge by the pool, or even sleep in on a hot summer night. The front verandah of the shed has views of bush and farmland, while the design allows for maximum ventilation. Australian natives have been planted to complement the bush setting.
Construction
The hut was constructed by Brett and Stephen White, under supervision from local builder, Bill Glen.
The shed is enclosed on three sides by louvre windows and corrugated iron, while the front is enclosed by an insect screen. The frame is made from ironbark trees that were ringbarked in the 1930s and destined for firewood. The windows were found in Bill’s shed and the floors and screen doors were rescued from council clean-ups. The kitchen bench and a table were made from hardwood from an old box used to pack Telecom cables. The retaining wall and fence were constructed using timbers from the old bridge at Menangle in New South Wales.