Queenslander Homes

A Masterful Queenslander Renovation With A Next-Level Garden

Most major renovation projects usually involve some form of extension, but when the existing canvas is this good, it’s all about enhancing what’s already on site.

Instead of adding more rooms, as was initially proposed by the owners of this home located in Brisbane’s Yeerongpilly, Lineburg Wang architects encouraged a reworking of the existing plan. 

By consolidating disjointed rooms and opening up spaces to the outdoors, Lineburg Wang have taken this home and its expansive block to the next level. 

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

Park Road House by Lineburg Wang sees the renovation of an original Brisbane Queenslander. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

Instead of a typical pool fence, Lineburg Wang designed a ‘net’ cast north of the house, which captures both the pool and outdoor terrace. Photos – Christopher Frederick Jones

The fineness of the repetitive steel screen and balustrade is contrasted by the solidity of the mass board-formed concrete planters that bring gardens to the elevated outdoor rooms. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

Concrete planters and gardens by Boss Gardenscapes soften the visual impact of this net structure, and are drawn into the house visually. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The planters organise the secondary entry .Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The clients had lived in this home for 33 years prior to the major renovation. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

Hanging photography by the client, Jennifer Rylance. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The original character of the Queenslander remains. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

Three layers of walls were removed from the existing formal sitting room, providing a northern aspect deep into the floor plan. Painting above by Christine Reilly purchased at Red Hill Gallery. Painting on left by Honora O’Neill. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The kitchen and dining were also reconfigured along the northern edge to provide views to the pool and garden. Painting on left by Lyn Barnes. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The pool fence is a celebrated element of this entire project. Photos – Christopher Frederick Jones

The heightened relationship between indoors and out has been achieved by subtracting, rather than adding, rooms to the already generous house. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

This renovation is a far cry from what the owners originally had in mind, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.  Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The updated rear elevation of the home – located on a huge 2200 square metre block. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

The original facade remains largely unchanged. Photo – Christopher Frederick Jones

Writer
Amelia Barnes
10th of November 2020

The owners of this Queenslander in Brisbane’s Yeerongpilly lived here for 33 years (!) before embarking on a major renovation, so design wise, they had a pretty clear idea of what they were after!

After meeting with architects Lineburg Wang however, the desire for enhanced indoor-outdoor living was prioritised, and a simpler vision devised. 

Project architect Michael Lineburg explains, ‘Our clients arrived with a clear ambition for their proposed renovation, envisaging an extension on the rear of the building. Early testing instead found that the removal, instead of addition, of rooms would not only satisfy their brief, but better facilitate the rooms of their existing home.’

Though the desire for indoor-outdoor living is a common brief, this was interrogated at length by Lineburg Wang, who explored various ways to enclose the existing pool, and align the gardens with elevated rooms on the sloping site.  In response, three layers of walls were removed from the formal sitting room, creating a northern aspect that penetrates deep into the floor plan. The kitchen and dining were also reconfigured along the northern edge to provide views to the pool and garden.

Pool fences are a feature architects typically try and conceal, but this regulatory element was celebrated in this project. Rather than a typical barrier, this fence is more of a ‘net’ cast north of the house, which captures both the pool and outdoor terrace. Concrete planters and gardens by Boss Gardenscapes soften the visual impact of this net structure, and are drawn into the house visually. 

This renovation is a far cry from what the owners originally had in mind, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Their testimonial says it all: ‘Our renovation has enhanced our lives in every manner possible, and in ways unforeseen. It’s a total pleasure and indulgence to stay home. It is a joy to share the spaces proudly with others. It is a favourite pastime to stroll each room, wine in hand, and discover surprises of design detail and craftsmanship.’

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