Home office backyard cabin in Byron Bay, Northern Rivers

Stylish Granny Flats & Backyard Retreats: Build Your Dream Scandi Cabin in Byron Bay

Posted by Rob Robertson on

🏡 Build a Scandi-Inspired Granny Flat, Pool House or Backyard Cabin in Byron Bay

Home office backyard cabin in Byron Bay, Northern Rivers
The ‘Bjorn’ cabin

If you’re looking for a granny flat builder in the Northern Rivers, Cape Byron Building Co. brings years of experience and expert craftsmanship to every project. Thanks to their deep local knowledge, you’re in capable hands from start to finish.

Whether you need more space for family, want to create a stunning Airbnb rental, or you’re building a home office or wellness retreat, Cape Byron Building Co. has teamed up with Scandi Cabins to deliver beautifully crafted, prefabricated secondary dwellings that are not only functional but also incredibly stylish.

Ultimately, choosing a local granny flat builder in the Northern Rivers ensures your design suits the unique climate and council requirements.

Choosing a local granny flat builder in the Northern Rivers ensures your design suits the unique climate and council requirements.

Why Scandi Cabins?

Think: minimal, modern, timber-rich designs with natural light, open plan layouts and warm, liveable energy.

Scandi Cabins are architecturally designed with sustainability, ease, and timeless aesthetic in mind. And now, with Cape Byron Building Co. as your local certified builder for Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers, installation is a breeze.

We take care of everything from site prep and compliance to fit-out and handover. All you have to do is choose your layout and finishes.

Northern Rivers backyard granny flat build
The ‘Foss’

🛠️ What Can You Use a Scandi Cabin For?

These aren’t your average prefab boxes. Scandi Cabins can be adapted for:

  • Pool houses with outdoor showers & storage

  • Granny flats for multigenerational living

  • Teenager retreats for privacy and space

  • Backyard offices or creative studios

  • Guest accommodation or short-term rental

Each cabin comes with its own floor plan, and designs can be customised to suit your block, needs and vibe.

Pool house build in Byron Bay
The ‘Breaze’

🌿 Byron Bay Builds. Scandinavian Style.

Cape Byron Building Co. specialises in custom homes, renovations and small dwellings. We bring deep local knowledge of council regulations and building conditions across Byron, Lennox Head, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and surrounds.

Together with Scandi Cabins, we’re delivering affordable, architecturally beautiful, sustainable builds—perfectly suited for our subtropical climate and lifestyle.

Whether it’s a backyard granny flat or a designer cabin by the pool, we can help you make it happen.

A backyard cabin at night lit up in Byron Bay

🔍 Common Questions About Building a Scandi Cabin in Byron Bay

Q: What’s included in a Scandi Cabin build?

A: The cabin arrives on watertight pallets and includes framing, external cladding, internal lining, windows and doors.
The subfloor and roofing iron is sourced by builder locally to keep transport costs down.

Q: Can I customise the cabin layout or design?

A: Yes! Scandi Cabins offer flexible internal layouts and upgrades, and we’ll work with you to ensure the design fits your land and lifestyle perfectly.

Q: Do I need council approval to build a granny flat?

A: Most properties in the Northern Rivers require approval for secondary dwellings. But these granny flats generally fall under the compile and development, which is easier than DA.   For the smaller 20m2 and below cabins, they are classified as exempt building providing you comply with setbacks from boundary/ overall height conditions/ and they are deemed non habitable. We’ll help you navigate the process and liaise with private certifiers or council where needed.

Q: How long does it take from order to move-in?

A: For the small cabins, Scandi keep a supply in Syd so from delivery to using is approx one week. For the larger 60m2 and above, they are 2-3months from order to landing in Syd. From there they are only 2-3 weeks max to build onsite.
Q: What size Scandi Cabins are available?

A: From small 1-room studios to 2-bedroom cabins with bathrooms and kitchens — there’s a layout to suit every need.

Scandi are now also doing a range of full houses up to five bedroom/ three bathrooms.

Ready to build your own Scandi-inspired space?

Contact Rob and the team at Cape Byron Building Co. today to get started. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern granny flat, a stylish pool house or the ultimate backyard retreat, we’ll help you bring your vision to life — with less stress and more style.

👉 Enquire now to get a free site consult.

Deck of skogspire home built by Northern Rivers builder Cape Byron Building Co

$15,000 Grants Now Available to Build in Lismore: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted by Rob Robertson on

Have you heard the news of the new Lismore housing grant and you are now looking for a builder in the Northern Rivers to hep you? Now is the perfect time to act and give us a call!

If you haven’t heard, Lismore City Council has just launched an exciting $15,000 Housing Grant Program. This will help residents, landowners and housing providers kickstart construction of new homes within the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA). This initiative is aimed at boosting housing affordability, diversity, and flood-resilient development across the region.

Who Is Eligible?

This grant program is available to a wide range of people and housing projects. You might be eligible if you’re:

  • Building on recently purchased land

  • A first home buyer trying to make the numbers work

  • Rebuilding or relocating a home due to flood impacts

  • Adding a second dwelling like a granny flat, tiny home, or dual occupancy

  • A developer or community housing group building affordable rental homes

There are six grant categories in total, covering everything from single dwellings to larger multi-unit affordable housing projects.

How It Works

  • Grants are first-come, first-served from a total $1.2 million pool (with nearly half already allocated as of the 15th May 2025)

  • You’ll receive the $15,000 grant upon completion of your build, once your Occupation Certificate is issued

  • You must submit your Development Application or CDC via the NSW Planning Portal before you can apply

For full eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Lismore City Council website.

How We Can Help You Build in Lismore

At Cape Byron Building Co, we’re passionate about helping people build smarter, more affordable homes across the Northern Rivers — and this grant is a fantastic opportunity to take that next step.

Whether you’re:

  • Rebuilding on flood-affected land

  • Planning a tiny home or dual occupancy on your existing property

  • A first-time home builder

  • Looking to develop a small-scale investment property

—we can guide you through the process from planning to completion, including working with council requirements and the NSW Planning Portal.

Our team has extensive experience navigating local council processes and creating high-quality homes suited to our climate, community, and budget. We also specialise in eco-friendly prefab homes through Scandi Homes, perfect for those looking to build sustainably and efficiently.

Lismore housing grant builder Northern Rivers sample eco friendly home scandi
One of Scandi Homes designs

Why Act Now?

With a growing demand for housing in the Lismore area and limited funding available, this grant won’t last long. If you’re considering a new build or secondary dwelling, now is the time to lock in your plans and secure your spot.

Reach out to us today to discuss your project ideas, eligibility, and how we can help bring your new home to life — with the bonus of a $15,000 head start.

Contact us now to arrange a consultation and find out how we can help you make the most of the Lismore Housing Grant Program.

Scandi Skogspire home

Northern Rivers Custom Eco-Friendly and Affordable Homes- the ‘Skogspire’

Posted by Rob Robertson on

Northern Rivers eco-friendly, pre-fab homes with Scandi Homes and Cape Byron Building Co

Featuring the ‘Skogspire’ design. Check out our blog section for other designs!

At Cape Byron Building Co, we are passionate about delivering high-quality, sustainable, and stylish homes that align with modern eco-conscious living. As an official provider and builder of Scandi Homes in the Northern Rivers of NSW, we bring innovative, energy-efficient, and beautifully designed timber homes to Australian families. Northern rivers eco-friendly pre-fab homes

Interior of skogspire Scandi home
Living area of Skogspire Scandi home

Scandi Homes: A Revolution in Sustainable Living

Scandi Homes offers a unique approach to home construction, blending contemporary design, sustainability, and efficiency. These homes are built with mass timber (LGL), a premium material that is both structurally sound and environmentally friendly. Each home is meticulously crafted with pre-cut, load-bearing components that are manufactured using state-of-the-art German technology, ensuring precision, durability, and speed in construction.

One of the standout benefits of Scandi Homes is the prefabrication process. The precisely cut timber components simplify the building process, enabling structures to be erected quickly—often within just a few days. This means less waste, reduced environmental impact, and a streamlined construction timeline.

Introducing Skogspire: The Expandable Eco Home

One of the most exciting designs we build at Cape Byron Building Co is the Skogspire—a home that grows with you. Derived from the Scandinavian words for ‘forest’ (skog) and ‘growth’ (spire), this design is perfect for young families looking to start their homeownership journey affordably while allowing for future expansion.

Deck of skogspire home
Deck of Skogspire Scandi home

Key Features of Skogspire:

  • Expandable Home Design – Start small and add extra rooms as your family grows
  • Mass Timber Walls – Naturally insulated for energy efficiency and a healthier indoor environment
  • Large Windows – Double or triple-glazed German-engineered windows for natural light and noise reduction
  • Cathedral Ceilings – Enhancing the sense of space and openness
  • Generously Sized Kitchen & Pantry – Designed for functionality and comfort
  • Prefab Components Built in Just 10 Days – Faster and more efficient construction

Starting at approximately $300,000, Skogspire offers a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom, open-plan living design that provides a strong foundation for the future. As financial circumstances change, homeowners can add ‘Future Mods,’ seamlessly integrating extra bedrooms or living spaces over time.

Floorplan of Skogspire Scandi Home
Floorplan of Skogspire Scandi home

Why Choose a Scandi Home with Cape Byron Building Co?

  1. Sustainability First – Our homes are made from sustainably sourced European timber,  which reduces carbon footprints and creates a healthy living environment.
  2. Precision Engineering – Every component is designed for efficiency and longevity, with fully automated timber machining technology.
  3. Faster Build Times – Prefabricated components reduce construction timelines from months to days.
  4. Energy Efficiency – Naturally insulated walls and high-performance glazing improve thermal efficiency, keeping homes comfortable year-round.
  5. Customisable & Expandable – Tailor your home to your needs with modular expansion options.

 

The Building Process: From Concept to Completion

We make the home-building experience seamless and stress-free with a structured process:

  1. Initial Consultation – We discuss your vision, budget, and site requirements.
  2. Site Inspection – Assessing access, terrain, and environmental factors.
  3. Preliminary Plans & Cost Estimate – Designing your home and preparing for council approval.
  4. Council Approvals – Handling documentation and amendments as required.
  5. Manufacture & Construction – Prefabrication begins while site preparation is underway. Once delivered, we can assemble your home in days.
  6. Finishing Touches – Internal fittings, fixtures, and final inspections ensure everything meets the highest standards.

Your Dream Eco Home Awaits

At Cape Byron Building Co, we believe in homes that reflect modern sustainability, functionality, and beauty. With Scandi Homes, you can own a high-quality, energy-efficient home. Whether you’re looking for a compact and expandable home like Skogspire or a custom design tailored to your lifestyle, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to learn more about our Scandi Homes range and how we can help you build a sustainable future.