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Sitting high on a hill in Brisbane’s inner-eastern suburb of Norman Park is a striking new iteration of an old Anglican church. Built in 1924, this property was once known as ‘The Church of Transfiguration,’ which is fitting, given the metamorphosis the heritage-listed building has recently experienced. The original church makes up part of the residence that Glen and Gabrielle Williams, their children, Samuel and Georgia, and their two dogs, have called home for just over a year.
Working in development and construction, Glen originally looked at the site of their new home for its development potential, but within five minutes he could see himself living here! The church had been sitting empty on the 2356-square-metre block for 10 years before Glen jumped at the opportunity to purchase and regenerate the property. With wife Gabrielle, the first step involved discussing suitable form and finishes with architect, David Hansford, of DAH Architecture and interior designer, Georgia Cannon. ‘It was important to us that the theme was strong inside and out’ explains David. Between them, David and Georgia came up with a design scheme and masculine palette of finishes that resonated strongly with the owners. The resulting home is grand, angular and assertive – it’s modern, industrial aesthetic is reinforced by a considered, minimalist decorating style.
‘We basically built a new house that joins onto the heritage-listed church, with a link between the new and the old. The new house is a very modern design as we didn’t want to compete with the church – the contrast is quite striking,’ explains owner/builder, Glen. The main living section of the home is a two-storey, off-form concrete and glass extension that is linked to the old church by an above ground zinc ‘box’. The church space is used as an entertaining room (great for birthday parties) and Glen has his office on the mezzanine floor. Behind the church sits a tennis court and an infinity-edge pool that looks across the front of the property, as well as the city and mountains.
The building incorporates some impressive structural feats, including a huge cantilevered roof over the pool, and upper-level living quarters, which are hung from the roof structure over the kitchen rather than supported by columns. This has allowed for a generous open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. It’s also one of Glen’s favourite features: ‘When you’re in the living area it looks like it’s suspended in mid-air with no support – it’s very cool.’
Lending the house some serious ‘Get Smart‘ appeal, there’s also a subterranean garage, cellar and workshop, with tunnel access below the church and tennis court to the new extension!
The home suits the active family’s lifestyle to a tee – they enjoy the pool area, with its privacy and elevated views, and the tennis court, which they’ve been using for all kinds of sports. When they’re all worn out, they can plonk down in the breezy sitting area, with it’s beautiful custom-built cabinetry, and chill out with a book. ‘There is a lot to love about this house,’ says Glen. ‘It was fun to build, for both myself and my team…David and Georgia also worked very well together too; it appears we got this one right!” We concur – a truly remarkable transfiguration!
