The sloping site looks out over a regenerated silver and lead mine to the south – a bush setting in suburban Brisbane. To accommodate a growing family, the brief adds additional living space and bedrooms to the three-bedroom high set Queenslander.

Aiming to take advantage of the large site and unique outlook, a new lower ground plane is introduced that both extends the level garden area and alters the outlook of the house to the visually preferred Southern aspect.

Living areas are relocated to the ground level, connecting to the garden and releasing the upper level to the domain of the children. A subtle split level living arrangement offers differing engagement with the site. The lower spaces hinge around a raised planter, which brings a deliberate and detailed landscape to the residence, in contrast to the distant natural vegetation.

A double height space brings light into the Southern facing rooms from above and gives an elevated status to the distant views as one progresses vertically through the house. Materials – concrete, timber and glass are selected and located appropriately for a robust home that the family can enjoy without pretense.