The site sits in an eclectic block with a mix of unrenovated Queenslanders and gentrified properties.  In common is a rear landscape along the street that remains deep and lush.  Our response to this project was to add to this shared landscape and design a home that belongs to its site.

The original house was a mid 2000’s ‘builders home’ in the inner Brisbane suburb of New Farm.  Poorly planned, dark and unconnected to the back garden – which consisted of a large tiled area around the pool and little vegetation –  the owners wanted to make the home a calm and relaxing place to live.

Whilst the footprint was kept largely as is, on the lower level, the house plan was changed to move the kitchen to the rear of the floor plan so that the activity of daily life can occur on the edge of the garden.  A small window seat extension pushes into the garden under the shade of an existing Tuckeroo tree. Throughout the day the quality of light shifts to change the mood of the spaces.

Externally, a new garden terrace with timber batten screening provides a sheltered outdoor room.  Planting filters throughout the space, drifting to surround the existing swimming pool (reconfigured with new concrete coping and terrace), to unify the back garden into its context.

Upstairs a new narrow rear extension provides a library and study, lined in Tallowwood which filters views to particular parts of the city and suburb beyond.  Bedrooms were rearranged and a new room created on a front deck that opens up to the suburb beyond.  Quiet and calm, the new spaces aim to provide a respite from modern life and a connection to nature.