Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language group
Queensland
Gold Coast and Northern Rivers
Woodside Cottage was constructed in the early 1920’s by Henry James Nelson. 1970’s ad hoc extensions were removed and the existing cottage preserved. A new brick paved courtyard separates the new extension providing access to natural ventilation and light. The new extension is conceived as a mini tower stitching together the adjoining three storey apartment context. The public components of the dwelling are arranged along the western side preserving the public connection with the street and creating an enfilade from street to pool at the rear of the site. To the east, private spaces including bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry are arranged around a series of garden courtyards. The gardens internalise the view, reinforce the connection to landscape, access to light and ventilation and provide privacy and security on a site overlooked by three storey apartments buildings.  Â
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In an area of Burleigh, where ‘knock downs’ prevail, we give credit to the architect and owner for saving local history in a positive, vibrant way. We appreciated the combined challenges of the steep site, preservation of the original cottage and the innumerable design dilemmas. Solving these challenges resulted in a dwelling that brings joy to the street and a delight for those inside. Once through the innovative entry concept, a desire to explore, happiness and an overwhelming feeling of comfort are emotions we all felt exploring this enchanting home. Each space had its own quirks, the attention to detail in layout, sourcing natural light, interior fittings, blending old with the new, are notable for being both nontraditional and nonconformist. Landscaping, the pool and street frontage were all exceptional. We felt Woodside Cottage exceeded the client brief and is an outstanding residential architectural form. An endearing space for the lucky owners, their visitors, the community, and the area overall.
The Elina Mottram Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
In an area where demolition too often prevails, this project stands as a spirited act of preservation. The architect and owner are commended for retaining a 1920s cottage, safeguarding a piece of local history while successfully addressing the challenges of a steep hillside site and the complexities of weaving old and new together.
New entry stairs, a refurbished veranda and soft driveway surfaces contribute generously to the streetscape, extending the project’s positive presence beyond its boundaries. Once inside, the plan unfolds as a contemporary enfilade, a carefully threaded sequence of veranda, hearth, courtyards, towner and backyard pool. Each space possesses its own distinct character and quirks, revealing a remarkable attention to detail in planning, proportion and materiality. The tower provides the crowning moment. Incidental voids, framed views and choreographed skylights bring constant delight to the ascent, rewarding movement through the house with moments of surprise and discovery before opening to a panorama across the Burleigh Heads landscape.
Regional Project of the Year (GCNR)
In an area of Burleigh, where ‘knock downs’ prevail, we give credit to the architect and owner for saving local history in a positive, vibrant way. We appreciated the combined challenges of the steep site, preservation of the original cottage and the innumerable design dilemmas. Solving these challenges resulted in a dwelling that brings joy to the street and a delight for those inside. Once through the innovative entry concept, a desire to explore, happiness and an overwhelming feeling of comfort are emotions we all felt exploring this enchanting home. Each space had its own quirks, the attention to detail in layout, sourcing natural light, interior fittings, blending old with the new, are notable for being both nontraditional and nonconformist. Landscaping, the pool and street frontage were all exceptional. We felt Woodside Cottage exceeded the client brief and is an outstanding residential architectural form. An endearing space for the lucky owners, their visitors, the community, and the area overall.
EmAGN Project Award shortlist
The Elina Mottram Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
In an area where demolition too often prevails, this project stands as a spirited act of preservation. The architect and owner are commended for retaining a 1920s cottage, safeguarding a piece of local history while successfully addressing the challenges of a steep hillside site and the complexities of weaving old and new together.
New entry stairs, a refurbished veranda and soft driveway surfaces contribute generously to the streetscape, extending the project’s positive presence beyond its boundaries. Once inside, the plan unfolds as a contemporary enfilade, a carefully threaded sequence of veranda, hearth, courtyards, towner and backyard pool. Each space possesses its own distinct character and quirks, revealing a remarkable attention to detail in planning, proportion and materiality. The tower provides the crowning moment. Incidental voids, framed views and choreographed skylights bring constant delight to the ascent, rewarding movement through the house with moments of surprise and discovery before opening to a panorama across the Burleigh Heads landscape.
ME have transformed our home into something truly special. They showed a deep respect for the original 1920s cottage, skilfully blending old with new to create a design that feels both contemporary and timeless. We love how we can see right through the home to the living and dining spaces, courtyards and pool beyond — it feels very connected yet private. The renovation was complex, yet ME's creativity, attention to detail and calm, collaborative approach made the process enjoyable and rewarding. We’ve received many positive comments from locals who love that the cottage was retained and enhanced with colour and character. Â
Matthew Eagle, Design Architect
Lisa Miller, Architect
Samara Hayes, Graduate of Architecture
ME, Interior Designer
ME, Landscape Consultant
ME, Lighting Consultant
Westera Partners, Structural Engineer
Westera Partners, Civil Consultant
TIC, Certifier
Bitzios, Traffic
Stewart McIntrye and Associates, Surveyor
Flac Costanzo, Quantity Surveyor
Seedhaus, ESD Consultant
Pacific Geotech, Geotechnical Engineer