UPCYCLED cubby houses made in the Riverina are hot property nationwide after just one year in business.
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Jonathan and Jade Phillips, who launched their venture Little Hipster Kubby 12 months ago this week, have sold cubbies and play spaces throughout NSW and Victoria and as far away as Queensland and Adelaide.
They visited Queensland twice last year to install their creations in preschools and shopping centres.
“The feedback has been amazing; we’re very lucky,” Ms Phillips said.
“We haven’t stopped other than a week off at Christmas.”
The venture unfolded when Mr Phillips built a chicken coop from recycled materials, only to find their children enjoyed playing in it more than their cubby.
Culcairn born-and-bred Mr Phillips then built a play space to suit Bailey, now 14, Cooper, 6, Hudson, 3, and Dolcie, 16 months.
With four months up his sleeve after finishing his long-term job with the Railways, Mr Phillips built other cubby prototypes.
“I built a few cubbies in a shed out the back at home,” he said.
“The response has been great and I haven’t had to look for any other work yet!”
The handmade Little Hipster Kubby creations are made from heat-treated recycled timber and upcycled materials such as sinks for the mud kitchens.
Ms Phillips said the designs had struck a chord with childcare centres and preschools.
“Preschools are going for recycled, rustic and natural products,” she said.
“We use recycled timber pallets and find sinks for the mud kitchens in salvage yards.
“We give the cubbies a light sand and sometimes oil them.”
Ms Phillips said the cubbies and play spaces comprised themes such as Wild West, market, post office and mud kitchens though they could be customised.
“Our favourite design was probably a tram for a preschool on St Kilda Road,” she said.
“It’s on the 12th storey under a domed roof with views of Albert Park and Lake on one side and the city on the other; the kids don’t know how lucky they are.”
Little Hipster Kubby donated a cubby to the Hay Runners charity in 2016.
They will also complete a Make-A-Wish request with cubbies and a backyard makeover in March.