Thinking about a livable shed, modern shouse or two-storey shed home? This guide distils what Australian homeowners and investors need: shed house designs that meet the National Construction Code (NCC), handle Perth heat, stand up to QLD cyclones, and look sharp in Colorbond. We benchmarked Australia’s top results and went deeper on wind ratings, council approvals, regional corrosion and real-world costs for shed homes, shed kit homes, and modern shed houses.
What is a Shed House (Shouse) in Australia?
A “shed house” (often called a shouse) is a steel-framed building designed, engineered and certified as a Class 1a dwelling under the NCC—typically using a portal frame with Colorbond or Zincalume cladding, then fully fitted-out internally for year-round living.
- Common use-cases: secondary dwellings, granny flats, rural weekender cabins, farm accommodation, and two storey “shouse homes” with mezzanine living.
- Popular locations: steel sheds Perth, rural sheds NSW, livable sheds QLD.
- Design styles: modern shed homes with skillion roofs, gable barn-style, garaports and 2 story shed homes.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
In WA, heat, UV and coastal corrosion drive material choices. Most modern shed houses use Colorbond steel cladding on a galvanised or painted portal frame, with sarking and insulation to control heat gain. Here’s a quick comparison for WA conditions.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA?
| Feature | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted alloy/zinc coating | Aluminium-zinc alloy coating |
| Heat/UV resistance | Excellent (light colours reflect heat; good for Perth summers) | Good, but can run hotter due to bare metal finish |
| Corrosion near coast | Very good in C3; select grades/coatings for C4 | Good in C3; may need extra care in C4 |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette for modern shed house designs | Industrial look; can be painted |
| Cost | Slightly higher upfront | Typically lower upfront |
| Best pick for WA coast | Often preferred for premium finish and durability | Good value inland/regional sites |
Many Perth clients choose custom Colorbond garages Perth and dwelling shells for aesthetic control and heat performance. For a budget-first approach inland, Zincalume remains strong. Always confirm your site’s corrosion category under AS 4312 (C1–C5) and specify compatible fixings.
How Much Do Shed Homes Cost in Australia (2025)?
Costs vary by wind region, span, finishes and site services. Use these planning ranges (incl. GST, ex. land and major siteworks):
- Shell-only shed house kits (engineered Class 1a shell): $450–$900/m²
- Lock-up (frame + cladding + windows + doors): $1,000–$1,600/m²
- Turnkey shed homes (complete fit-out): $1,900–$3,200/m²+ depending on region and spec
- Two storey shed homes: +10–20% for additional structure, stairs, fire/escape compliance
- QLD cyclone upgrades (Region C/D): +$120–$350/m² for heavier frames, fixings and glazing
Typical totals for shed house plans and prices:
- 1-bed studio (40–60 m²): $95k–$180k+ turnkey
- 2-bed (80–120 m²): $170k–$350k+ turnkey
- 3-bed family (140–200 m²): $320k–$600k+ turnkey
- 2 story shed house Australia (180–250 m²): $450k–$750k+ turnkey