Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and the Yirrganydji peoples
Queensland
Far North Queensland
The project brief was to design two dwellings on a small 600 square metre lot, each with their own address, private sanctum, and connection to the landscape. However, from the street, the dwellings were to not read as discernibly separate.
The granny flat, the smaller of the two, is accessible, without being clinical; the client’s punchy stylings assisted here. The larger dwelling is suited to entertaining a large number of guests, while maintaining a comfortable scale when occupied by two. Employing an open plan living space, with spill-out spaces front and back, the social function of the home flexes comfortably with its changing uses. The connection with the exterior also opens up the home to tropical living.
The house absolutely suits our lifestyle. We were pleasantly surprised at the views we have achieved from our front verandah. The downstairs granny flat (even though it was intended for an elderly parent) encourages friends and family to visit regularly and they don’t impose on our lifestyle and can come and go as they please. Very easy house to live in and look after. If we get too old and cannot navigate the stairs, we can simply move downstairs in years to come. A transition to retirement and to the next stage of our lives.
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.
