Michael & Leah's kit home oxford
at tawonga south, vic
Congratulations to iBuild clients Michael and Leah on their exciting new project in the beautiful alpine region of Tawonga South, Victoria.
Michael and Leah have selected the Oxford kit home — a compact and flexible design that perfectly suits their property’s regional setting. Ideal for independent living or as a functional second dwelling, the Oxford offers a smart layout with all the essentials for a self-contained lifestyle.
A flexible studio space at Tawonga South
Tawonga South is a small town in Victoria’s Alpine Shire, about 2 kilometres from Mount Beauty and around 354 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Michael and Leah were looking for a multi-purpose space on their property. Their own house on the block was built in 2018, and the studio would sit in the backyard alongside it. Michael and Leah took on the project as owner-builders, and by April 2025 they had completed the studio.Â
Why they chose iBuild
The couple found iBuild online. Before committing, they spent time talking through their plans with Charles, an iBuild Customer Engagement Specialist, testing how far a standard design could be adapted to work as a studio rather than a conventional home.
“We went backwards and forwards with Charles a few times, getting a feel for how flexible the company was and what we could change. He gave us the information we needed, and he wasn’t pushy or anything like that. It was a good experience.”
That flexibility carried through to the kits themselves. Rather than taking a full fit-out they did not need, they could mix and match what was supplied – keeping the fixtures and fittings they wanted, such as cupboards and a wardrobe, and leaving out the oven, dishwasher and other kitchen items.
They also came to iBuild with their own team in place. A local engineering firm that had worked on their 2018 home could draw on its existing soil and footing information, and the couple had already spoken with council, which advised that only a building permit was needed.
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The design: an Oxford, opened up
Michael and Leah chose the Oxford, one of iBuild’s compact one-bedroom designs, and adapted it to suit a studio. The wall between the bedroom and living area was removed to create one open space, while the kitchen became a 2.2-metre bench with cupboards and drawers. The bathroom and laundry also share a second bench, finished in a honey wood colour.
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Built around their brief
Michael and Leah set out to create a simple, flexible studio rather than a full second dwelling. The Oxford gave them a right-sized starting point they could shape to suit, and iBuild supplied the kit while working alongside their own engineer and surveyor. It is a practical example of how iBuild supports owner-builders with kit homes that are stronger, smarter, faster and more affordable.
Why i chose ibuild
Kit Homes photo album
Want to see the progress for yourself? Visit our Facebook album to view the construction journey of Michael & Leah’s Oxford
