Gubbi Gubbi nation
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Valley View House transforms a dilapidated post-war cottage in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland into a sustainable family home. Relocating from Melbourne, Maryanne and Nyall chose renovation over demolition, prioritising sustainability and a deep connection to the landscape.
The original cottage becomes a bedroom wing, while a contemporary living pavilion follows the site’s contours, creating a striking contrast. A hallway frames curated views, seamlessly linking old and new. Courtyards define spaces, clarify entry points, and capture picturesque vistas. While a deep verandah and a maturing Poinciana tree provide shade and cooling, enhancing the home’s livability year-round.
The timber clad gabled pavilion complements the original house with understated elegance. Inside, playful colors enliven private areas, while communal spaces remain muted to highlight personal touches. Valley View House embodies creative reuse, sustainable design, and enduring materials, offering inspiration for thoughtful, eco-conscious living.
Our home is our oasis. This design supports our desire to be actively present with our children as they grow into adolescence, while also juggling small businesses that require us to work outside of normal working hours. The three courtyards that wrap the house allow us to occupy different spaces while still being close together. Each of our spaces is adaptable, and change depending on the time of day and how adjacent areas are being occupied. Living in south-east Queensland we love spending time outdoors and Maytree’s design makes it effortless to transition from indoor living to the outdoors.
Andy Keeffe, Design Architect
Rebecca Caldwell, Design Architect
Alisha Bouris, Interior Designer
Instyle Habitats, Landscape Consultant
HR Design Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
KC & ET Consultants, Building Surveyor
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.
