Turrbal and Jagera people of the Yuggera nation
Queensland
Brisbane
A tiny pre-1911 cottage on a tiny 253m2 site, the design works hard to find generosity.
The existing house is moved forward, a relaxation to all boundary edges enables enough space to construct one special room to the rear.
The project builds less in order to provide generosity on a constrained site the special room remains flexible, void of any fixed walls or cabinetry that could dictate the permanence of the occupant’s routine.
The room is an empty square, serviced by a utility core, circumnavigated by a split-level stair. By removing obstacles, the special room is free, occupied only by loose furnishings, changeable. With doors open, the internal and external public space operates as a single volume, sharing the same brick materiality.
The project challenges the commonly prescribed room requirements of today’s homes, working with strategies of expanding constrained space to ensure the small site does not feel small.
The design aspect we both enjoy is the creation of distinct public and private spaces. In particular the kitchen and courtyard is a wonderful space to have as a public space which allows all sorts of social activities. It may be a small family dinner each evening or a bigger dinner party or simply a friend popping around. This space caters really well for it all.
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.
