Queensland
Brisbane
East Brisbane House is the renovation and slight addition to one of the original workers cottages in East Brisbane. This original plan is still entirely intact above the line of the picture rail, but new work uses intricately detailed cabinetry and sliding openings to push and pull their scale to suit more flexible functions. This layering and operability gives occupants control of a gradient of light quality and ventilation even deep within the plan.
There was a conscious decision to leave the house in its original position just above street level to maintain the character of the street edge. This enables a clear difference in the experience of being upstairs within the old house and being within the new grounded space downstairs. The nostalgic qualities of being under a Queenslander are present here and there is a real sense of the landscape slipping in, under and through the new work.
East Brisbane House has been designed and built by architects as the architect’s own home, and frames the story of the practice’s establishment.
This history can be felt in the fabric of the inventive renovation, which also speaks to the architect’s deep understanding of the art of construction. An array of crafty interventions underpins a rich and engaging set of experiences.
The project is to be commended as a delightful family home and cherished as a landmark of this practice’s manifesto.
The architect is the client here so it would be a bit biased.
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.
