Our Guide to Queenslander Renovations and Extensions
Being an architecture firm based in leafy and suburban Tarragindi, Brisbane. we are often engaged to come up with unique solutions for Queenslander projects. However, I want to expand this guide to not only include the quintessential timber-and-tin home, but also the somewhat unloved post-war highset “brick Queenslanders” that are so commonplace in our city.
Before we start, you may want to visit the → How We’ll Help You page to learn about how we approach each project. Keep those thoughts at the back of your mind, as we spend some time discussing Renovations and Extensions.
Below are glimpses of some Renovation and Extension projects we’ve been working on. If you want to see more or are curious about any of them, → just get in touch.
01. Explore different possibilities
Having measured and documented the existing home in 3D ArchiCAD software, the crucial first step is to spend time during Design stage to explore multiple options. After all, most Queenslanders we see have been added-to in an ad-hoc way, often leading to a confused layout and a lack of consistency between spaces.
Generally the goal is to declutter the existing layout, create effective space that brings a sense of peace and rest, while minimising structural interventions. Don’t forget that Architecture is far beyond making something that fits the functional brief - that is just the starting point. We develop, refine, and interrogate the design until it becomes one that is holistically good, and gives a sense of rest, peace and connection to the environment.
The below examples show our early conceptual explorations for our project in Annerley. Each typology brings its own charm and way of relating to the garden.
During the Design stage we may explore creative ways to deal with your specific site constraints. For example, our project at Fairfield was designed to be flooded out - the non-habitable Ground Floor features steel frames and Colorbond cladding inside and out, with the idea that cladding will be stripped back, cleaned and reinstated in a short timeframe after the next Brisbane River flood. This thinking was underpinned by research about how hydrostatic forces can cause substantial structural damage if the home is not designed to let water in.
Depending on your requirements, it’s also possible to test New Build and Renovation options on your site. We often get asked whether it’s a good idea to renovate or knockdown-rebuild. Well, let’s find out - so that you can make an informed decision.
02. The vision is critically important!
In dealing with cluttered and inconsistent existing layouts, it soon becomes obvious that a Design level plan, or overarching vision, would be effective and helpful for almost every home. Many clients want to approach their renovation in stages, and want to ensure that their home can evolve over time to cater to anticipated needs in the future. By envisioning the “end goal” and considering how to get there step-by-step, we can ensure that every intervention contributes to the greater whole - reducing wasted time, money and resources.
03. Do we touch the whole home?
It’s worth thinking about whether it is worthwhile to fix and improve the entire home - or is there a creative way to facilitate contemporary lifestyles without expensive changes to the existing fabric?
For example, our project in Tarragindi involves creating an Alfresco Kitchen, Pool and Landscaping which flow from an existing Grand Living space. The existing Kitchen and Dining Room are very disconnected (because the previous owner had no overarching vision!), and it would have been very expensive to substantially reconfigure the home. Instead, we have created a zone appropriate for daily life and entertaining guests, making full use of our subtropical context.
04. Should the new and old look the same, or be completely different?
I think this one is a matter of personal preference. However, we would say that the new components should be contemporary to its time - ie. it should be identifiably different from the existing, even if the difference is subtle. We are happy to work with classic language and forms - the newer part would acknowledge the existing, but be expressed in a simplified but complimentary way.
05. What value comes from a higher level of design and documentation?
As described in the → How We’ll Help You document, the work we put in isn’t to overcomplicate the process - but to achieve some key advantages:
By refining the layout, we come up with an architectural solution that is concise, structurally efficient, and well resolved. This brings significantly value in terms of cost efficiency.
With a higher level of Documentation, there is is more certainty in having accurate project pricing.
Clear communication creates a basis for a collaborative, mutually respectful working relationship between the you, the Builder and us.
Summary
Our approach to renovating Queenslander projects - whether timber-and-tin cottages, large residences or brick highset homes - largely follows the same process as our new-build projects. We believe that our skills are particularly impactful in the Design stage, where we can create a future vision for the home that is holistically good and well considered. From here, our processes and commitments allow us to safeguard the vision and bring the project to life.
Remember - we are your helpful guides, and we are here to journey with you every step of the way.