Located in Sydney’s Inner West, Denj Lane introduces a studio above an existing garage, created for a young family seeking flexible space for work, guests and the future. Compact in footprint yet complete in function, the studio contains a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area.
Our Team
Ben Peake
Samantha Kirby
Collaborators
Builder
Arclane
Engineer
Cosmo Farinola
Landscape
Melissa Wilson
Photography
Martin Siegner
Rather than treating the laneway as secondary, the project approaches it as shared urban ground. Curved glazing and integrated planter boxes soften what was once a hard edge, bringing greenery and colour to a space typically defined by service doors and bins. Overlooking from the studio introduces passive surveillance, lending a sense of safety and presence.
The form is carefully shaped to draw northern sunlight into the interior while remaining considerate of its neighbours. Inside, built-in furniture and thoughtful zoning ensure every square metre works hard without feeling tight.
Below, the garage becomes more than storage. When opened, it operates as an outdoor room, extending family life into the laneway. Children can play, neighbours can pause and talk, and the boundary between private and public becomes more generous.
Robust brick and concrete provide durability. Colour and curvature bring warmth and delight. Denj Lane demonstrates how even a small addition can transform an overlooked laneway into an active, shared space that supports community and daily life
