Turrbal and Yugara
Queensland
Brisbane
The Hakea House is named after a native that blooms after fire. Tragically this project came about after the existing house was largely reduced to ash in 2021 by fire only months after the completion of a rear extension (by Bligh Graham Architects). The house consists of three portions – the front mostly rebuilt Queenslander cottage, the surviving treehouse-like rear extension, and a significant new two-storey ‘middle’ that overlooks the existing pool. The middle portion negotiates between the form and geometry of the traditional cottage, and the playful angular rear ‘treehouse’ that folds around trees and is wrapped in a vine mesh screen. The overall ensemble orchestrates a distinctly Paddington journey from street out into and above the garden with unfolding views over the gully and beyond. At its heart is a dramatic double-height north facing rainforest garden court overlooked by the principle living, sitting and dining spaces of the house.Â
The design has created a home that is comfortable and calming to live in. Being at home is a pleasure. The house is cool in summer and warm in winter. The design includes spaces with a flexible purpose to meet our evolving needs. The inclusion of a retractable cloth shade cover over the pool has been unexpectedly well used. It helps keep the house degrees cooler during the summer months. It softens the light in the living area and reduces glare. We love the indoor/outdoor feel of the house and the connection to the garden.Â
Chris Bligh, Project Architect
Sonia Graham, Design Team
Daniel Hall, Architect
Vita Atrill, Graduate of Architecture
Bligh Tanner, Structural Engineer
Paterdis, Structural Engineer
Clegg Design, Landscape Consultant
PI Home, Town Planner
Integrated Construction Approvals, Building Surveyor