Ashgrove

Brisbane

Family home for variable numbers of older & younger adults!

 

 

 

About

This presented as a beautiful, large family home in the Queenslander style, on a corner allotment overlooking parkland & lovely gardens. However, connected common spaces were not large enough for the blended family size & an indoor/outdoor lifestyle was lacking. The clients wanted a more socially integrated home, more connected with gardens, street & parkland.

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The absence of a structural resolution to the varying eave heights & low original veranda beam had thwarted previous design attempts. 

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Resolution

The rear wall of the house was removed & a new, generously proportioned deck added, overlooking street & yard. A new kitchen was also added, opening onto the new deck to the rear, & the original verandas to the front.

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Structural issues were resolved through suspending the original low veranda beam from the new higher level roof beams of the new deck.

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Climate

The climatic performance of the home was significantly improved through the removal of the north-facing enclosed veranda wall, facilitating cross-ventilation across most of the upper level. A series of sliding doors closes this opening when required.

 

Outcome

In this case, it was an innovative structural solution that unlocked the social & climatic opportunities of the home, resulting in appropriately-sized indoor/outdoor spaces for the family & their guests.