Yuggera People
Queensland
Brisbane
With a growing family, the need for space led to a transformation into an inward facing courtyard house. Inspired by a connection to Japan, the design sought to blend Japanese tradition with practicality.
While Brisbane differs greatly from Tokyo, the idea of an insular sanctuary resonated, emphasizing control within one’s property.
The house creatively integrates traditional Japanese elements like roofs, shoji screens, tatami, and engawa, adapting them to subtropical living.
Despite limited frontage, the design features an internal deck and lower courtyard.
The interplay of light, spatial transitions, and visual connections, reminiscent of shoji and fusama, defines the architecture.
The use of brick replicates the textural experience of tatami, showcasing clever integration with subtropical Queensland architecture.
The project successfully delivers a bespoke solution aligned with the family’s evolving needs.
The allowance for multiple uses can be undertaken at the same time across a range of ages. The youngest child can rest, whilst the 4YO can play with friends, yet at no time, is either child removed from care.
This will change over time, with the lower components of the design appealing to the teenage or young adult, yet still allowing privacy for parents and siblings.
The shared spaces are perfect for entertaining different groups all at the same time with enough crossover that no group will feel isolated.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
