Words Holly Nicholas
Film and photography Josh Shinner

In the next phase of their self-build journey, Josh and Anna Shinner have two reasons to celebrate: the laying of the first bricks at Fizmer, and the arrival of their baby boy. The roofs of both the house and the studio also begin to take shape, giving the pair their first glimpse of the vaulted ceilings they envisioned years ago.

First, the timber frame of the house goes up, its cavities filled with wood fibre insulation. Then it’s time for the roofs. As Josh explains, the studio has no right angles, and the asymmetric roof forms across both buildings meant that barely any two timbers could be cut the same – a challenge accepted by their expert team of joiners. Windows have gradually been fitted as the build progresses, a milestone that makes Fizmer start to feel like home. Josh says, “You suddenly get a glimpse of a home that will soon be clean, dry, and where steel-toe boots will be optional.”

The exterior walls of the house are built from earthy-toned red bricks – about 40,000 of them. They are being laid by Josh and Anna’s neighbour, Duncan, who has an enviable 244-metre commute through the woods from his house. His partner is the singer-songwriter E.R. Thorpe, whose music soundtracks this latest episode. (Josh also shot the cover for her album 'Human Love’.)

All of this in preparation for a very special site visitor – Josh and Anna’s baby, Sammy. (Rumour has it that plans are already being drawn up for his very own treehouse on site.) Stay tuned for the next episode, when Fizmer will be almost ready to live in.

Follow the progress of Fizmer on The Modern House’s YouTube and Instagram channels and @fizmer.house