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Beneath many Queenslander homes is an ‘undercroft’ typically used for storage and passive cooling.
In this recent Brisbane project, Kieron Gait Architects saw potential to better utilise this space for family living, with an adjoining north-facing garden.
To achieve this, the existing triple-gabled house was moved back 4.5 metres on its Bardon site (about five kilometres north-west of the CBD). ‘This was a somewhat brave move by the owner, as it presents the family and garden to the street,’ say the architects.
The original rooms were all completely retained, but raised 1.5 metres to allow for a new liveable storey underneath.
Subsequent renovations celebrate the undercroft, introducing new kitchen, dining, and living areas including a ‘garden room.’
This indoor-outdoor space embraces the home’s new front yard designed by Dan Young Landscape Architect and installed by Sod Design featuring natural materials, in keeping with the surrounding landscape.
Concrete forms a cool slab beneath the house, while spotted gum timber references the existing home’s hardwood frames and construction, complemented by contemporary white painted steel.
‘The idea is that the concrete and timber become part of the garden, connected to landscape, whilst the white painted timber and steel infill the void between it and the Queenslander above,’ explains Kieron.
Each room has its own character and outlook, unified by the rhythm of the exposed structure above.
Upstairs, the original house becomes a private retreat containing the bedrooms and additional quiet living spaces.
Large operable doors and windows to the east naturally ventilate the home. Combined with the thermal mass of the concrete floor and aspect, Kieron says it’s a comfortable space to be in year round.
‘Living has moved from the insular, raised house to the garden, [facilitating] daily life in an open and light-filled family home. The original house is still respected, used and restored.’
