Demolition is often treated as the starting point of renewal, but ONA’s Skyline proposes a different approach. Perched on a knoll at Point Lookout on Quandamooka Country, this modest 1950s fibro shack reconsiders what it means to renew a building, finding value in repair, adaptation and continuity rather than a fresh start. In doing so, Skyline demonstrates that some of architecture’s most meaningful sustainability outcomes can emerge not from building anew, but from extending the life of what already exists. Originally constructed to shelter from Stradbroke Island’s prevailing south-easterly winds, the shack remained largely intact despite a series of minor additions over 70 years.
Rather than demolishing the building, the design retained the original roof footprint, repaired the existing frame and reorganised the internal layout to create a contemporary family retreat. The original shack now serves as the communal heart of the home, while a separate pavilion accommodates more private spaces. This approach has allowed the building’s history, scale and relationship to the landscape to remain legible while also supporting contemporary living requirements.
The project’s most significant achievement lies in its commitment to material conservation. Approximately 80% of materials from the refurbishment were recycled, reused or repurposed during construction, substantially reducing waste and retaining embodied value already invested in the building fabric. Existing elements were repaired where possible and incorporated into the renewed design, demonstrating how circular economy principles can be applied at a residential scale.
Supporting these adaptive reuse strategies, Skyline incorporates lightweight timber-based construction, efficient fixtures, all-electric services and rooftop solar generation to reduce ongoing environmental impacts. While these measures contribute to improved operational performance, Skyline embraces a broader understanding of sustainability, one that values repair, adaptation and longevity alongside environmental performance. At its core, Skyline reminds us that sustainability is as much an act of stewardship as it is innovation.
Architect: O’Neill Architecture
Project: Skyline
Location: North Stradbroke Island, QLD
Date: 2022
CASC Green Digest project lead: Sophie Barrett
CASC Green Digest article contributor: Leyna Fassi
Links to further reading:
Bibliography:
O’Neill Architecture. 2024. Skyline. Accessed 24 September 2026.