Post-war / Mid Century Home Renovation
As architects, our passion for post-war and mid-century modern design is matched by our expertise in transforming these timeless homes. Originally constructed between the late 1940s and the 1970s, these residences embody a bold era of innovation and simplicity in Australian domestic architecture.
Celebrated for their open-plan layouts, expansive windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections, post-war and mid-century homes offer a distinctive minimalist aesthetic that remains relevant today. However, as these homes age, they often require thoughtful updates to meet modern standards of comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality.
Renovating Post-war / Mid Century Homes
Renovating these iconic Post-war properties presents unique challenges and exciting opportunities. With PlaceMate Architects, you benefit from decades of experience in reimagining these spaces, whether by opening up cramped living areas, expanding kitchens, or creating fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
Architectural Renovations
Every renovation begins with a deep understanding of your unique lifestyle and aspirations. At PlaceMate Architects, we work closely with you to craft a design that honors the architectural legacy of your post-war or mid-century home while incorporating smart, sustainable features for the future.
Mid Century Home Renovation
1950s cottage Modern Home Renovation
Transformative Renovation Process
Our process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your home, identifying areas where modernization can coexist with heritage preservation. We then develop a concept design that redefines traditional layouts, opening up enclosed spaces, enlarging kitchens and living areas, and establishing seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. This is followed by a meticulous phase of revisions and refinements to ensure the final design reflects both your vision and the inherent charm of mid-century architecture.
Timeless Character, Modern Comfort
At PlaceMate Architects, we believe the true success of a mid-century renovation lies in subtle transformation, enhancing what’s already special without overwhelming it. Our renovations do more than add space or modern finishes. They reveal the home’s original spirit while improving livability, sustainability, and beauty. Whether it’s introducing natural light into darker corners, creating open-plan functionality, or restoring signature features, our team thoughtfully evolves your home for contemporary living while maintaining its distinct mid-century identity.
PlaceMate Architects Guiding Principle
Our guiding principle is to create lasting value for our clients. That’s why we adapt the home to suit your lifestyle and vision, not the other way around. We steer clear of superficial trends that clash with the understated elegance of mid century design. After all, it’s those clumsy 1980s add-ons we’re often asked to remove.
Mid-century homes are unique. They celebrate clean lines, open spaces, and a strong connection to the outdoors. At PlaceMate Architects, we honour those original design intentions while bringing them into the 21st century, adding light, flow, and functionality without losing character.
We also understand the complexities of council regulations and building approvals. Our team carefully navigates Brisbane City Council planning codes so your renovation avoids unnecessary Development Applications (DA). We aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, from the initial idea to the final plan.
Our architects have worked on numerous mid-century home renovations across Brisbane. With each project, we help owners revive the soul of their homes while modernising the way they live. These homes are not only admired by design enthusiasts but are lived in and loved by real families every day.
Seamless Extension Onto Back Deck
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What defines a post-war or mid-century home in Australia?
Post-war and mid-century homes were built between the late 1940s and 1970s. These homes are known for their clean lines, functional design, open-plan living, large windows, and strong connections to the outdoors. While they reflect an era of innovation and simplicity, they often lack modern comforts like insulation, spacious kitchens, or energy-efficient materials.
2. Why renovate a post-war or mid-century home instead of rebuilding?
These homes have architectural significance and character that many modern builds lack. Renovating allows you to preserve the vintage charm—like bespoke timber detailing or retro built-ins—while improving liveability, sustainability, and layout. A sensitive renovation maintains the integrity of the original design while adapting it for contemporary living.
3. What are common renovation goals for mid-century homes?
Typical renovations involve opening up compartmentalised living areas, expanding outdated kitchens, adding insulation and glazing, improving indoor-outdoor flow, and upgrading plumbing and electrical systems. Homeowners often aim to increase natural light, create better ventilation, and enhance functionality without compromising the home’s character.
4. Will I need council approval to renovate a post-war or mid-century home?
In many cases, yes—particularly if your home is located in a character overlay or heritage precinct. At PlaceMate Architects, we’re highly experienced in navigating Brisbane City Council regulations. We aim to avoid unnecessary Development Applications (DAs) by designing within planning codes, streamlining the approval process and avoiding delays.
5. How do you preserve the original design while modernising the space?
Our approach is about balance. We retain defining elements like vintage windows, timber panelling, and low-pitched roofs while subtly introducing modern conveniences. Smart layouts, contemporary finishes, and energy-efficient upgrades are layered with restraint to ensure the soul of the home remains intact.
6. Can you extend a mid-century home without ruining its character?
Absolutely. With the right design approach, extensions can be seamless and sympathetic. We often use low-profile rear extensions or side additions that reflect the proportions and materials of the original house, allowing more space without compromising aesthetic integrity.
7. What are some common challenges when renovating post-war homes?
Many of these homes were built with outdated materials and methods, meaning structural upgrades may be required. You may also encounter limited ceiling heights, narrow kitchens, poor insulation, or lack of storage. We address these issues with innovative solutions that remain faithful to the home’s architectural heritage.
8. How long does a post-war or mid-century renovation take?
Most renovations take between 6 to 12 months, from initial design through approvals and construction. The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the project, council requirements, and the condition of the existing structure. We provide a realistic timeline during the planning phase to help manage expectations.
9. How much does it cost to renovate a post-war or mid-century home in Brisbane?
Costs depend on the size and scope of your project. A cosmetic renovation may start around $250,000, while full-scale transformations or extensions can exceed $500,000. We provide a detailed budget breakdown during the concept and planning stages so you know what to expect.
10. Why choose PlaceMate Architects for a mid-century renovation?
We bring decades of experience and a deep appreciation for mid-century architecture. Our designs are thoughtful, practical, and timeless—tailored to your lifestyle and your home’s original design intent. We handle everything from initial concept to approvals and final plans, making the process as clear and stress-free as possible.
