From Site Office to Light-Filled Holiday Cabin near the Murray River

A dark site office reimagined as a light-filled holiday retreat

Location: Picnic Point, NSW
Project type: Studio conversion / short-stay accommodation

What began as a narrow, dated site office had been lightly converted into a cabin, but it never fully took advantage of its remarkable setting near the Murray River. The space felt compartmentalised, dark and disconnected from the landscape that made the site special in the first place.

The clients had purchased the neighbouring property with the intention of creating a unique holiday rental - somewhere people would genuinely want to stay, not just sleep.

The key architectural challenge was scale. The building was long and narrow, with limited opportunity to expand. Rather than fighting this, the design focused on careful planning, openness and material consistency to make the space feel generous and intentional.

Large openings were introduced to the north, drawing in light and framing views toward the river. Internally, the layout was carefully resolved so that the studio could flex between living, sleeping and relaxing without feeling compromised. A consistent use of red gum veneer across walls, joinery and surfaces created warmth and cohesion, giving the space a strong identity tied to its location.

The result is a compact but memorable retreat that feels calm, generous and deeply connected to its surroundings - and a successful holiday rental that allows more people to enjoy this special part of the Murray.

Takeaway:
With good planning, even awkward or constrained spaces can feel generous, special and highly functional.