'We are so excited to be at this stage and to see the vision come to life. This is going to be life changing for us and our little family, so thank you for everything you have done to design the studio'.
Kara - client and paper artist.
Photos: Sunday Studio
Fibre and Chord is an art and music studio designed by Skein, set into a steep, heavily vegetated site in the South Australian landscape. It’s conceived as a place to focus and make work—a retreat of sorts—while still feeling connected to its surroundings. The building is nestled into the land, tucking in to the slope rather than sitting on top of it, so the existing terrain and native vegetation remain the defining features of the site.
Because the area is prone to bushfire, siting the studio was a key part of the design process. Skein carefully considered setbacks, access, and defendable space, ultimately placing the studio close to the existing house while keeping enough distance from both the dwelling and surrounding vegetation. Material and construction choices were guided by bushfire requirements, but the aim was always to balance safety with a calm, well-crafted architectural outcome.
The internal layout was developed in close collaboration with the client to support both visual art and music-making. These uses come with different spatial and acoustic needs, so the challenge was to accommodate both without fragmenting the space. The result is a studio that feels cohesive and easy to move through and one that can adapt to different ways of working.
Skein’s prior experience working with artists informed many of the decisions along the way—particularly around light, proportion, storage, and how quieter and noisier activities sit alongside on another. Once the design was resolved, a builder with a strong attention to detail was brought on to deliver the project. The finished studio is a considered response to its setting and constraints.
Architecture: Skein
Engineering: Magryn
Construction: Eichner Constructions