Brisbane Renovation Architecture (Built 2019)
Owners Dream – Ashgrove Residential Makeover
The owners of this Ashgrove property wanted to makeover and expand their traditional 1950s house into a forever home. They needed four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double carport to suit to their family lifestyle. The owners wanted better functionality and flow throughout the Ashgrove residential makeover. Plus, the renovations had to be in keeping with the existing heritage features.
Site Condition
The property was located on a steep sloping site in a prime, convenient area of Ashgrove, Brisbane. The existing three bedrooms, single bathroom and outdated living areas felt cramped and disjointed in style. The back outside living area had little access to sunlight, and the main entry to the home was via a set of uncovered outdoor stairs. The kitchen and bathroom had well reached the end of their lifetime, and the site was so steep it was not possible to extend forward or underneath.
Architectural Designer Solution
Ashgrove Residential Makeover
PlaceMate Architects designed a renovation to suit perfectly with the needs of this family home. The existing structure, sloping site and strict council regulations made for a complex challenge but the finished product included all the elements the owners had envisioned.
The outdoor living space was replaced with an elevated “pod” that acts as an entire new wing. The pod includes a bathroom, three new bedrooms and an internal set of stairs leading to the original structure. The elevated height captures once hidden city views, adding $50000 to the property value. Beneath the pod extension now lies an open outdoor living area, bringing in space and flow throughout the entire lower level of the home.
The modern new kitchen, dining room and living space are now the centre of the downstairs hustle and bustle. The open plan structure allows in fresh air and natural light. The main living room boasts large glass windows on all three sides and a new timber porch extends out towards the street. Beneath it lies a tucked away double carport.
Every inch of available space is designed to work towards making the structure of the home feel spacious and open. The internal stairs give a sense of arrival and allow for dry access to the garage. The new kitchen brings a sense of modernity to the traditional home, but also brings inside the northeast aspect. The pod allows for more upstairs space and a bigger, brighter outdoor area. All heritage features were complemented by the renovation, and the project came in on time and budget.
Project Partners
Builder
Phil Maher
Phone: 0412885622
Certifier
Integrated Construction Approvals
www.integratedconstructionapprovals.com
Engineer
Osborn Consulting Engineers
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Client & Partner Testimonials
For an architect, Jan’s not an idiot.
Dave Maguire BuilderJan, you did a fantastic job translating our unformed ideas into a classy home, fulfilling all our requirements. We are most impressed that you were able to design such a unique and spacious home on a small block and yet one that blends in with the ambience of the suburb without being ostentatious. Your choice of building materials was inspired and the design incorporating the high ceiling in the living/dining/kitchen area impresses everyone who sees it. We also appreciated your no-nonsense, straightforward, approach to the whole project. Congratulations on a great job
Lola & Ian Binch OwnersJan has a great eye for detail. Her plans are very comprehensive and she thoughtfully considers every aspect of how her clients will live within the space she designs for them. She specialises in period homes and homes with character.
Manley Homes Manley Homes
Best use of a steep site
PlaceMate topped the state for best use of a sloping site over $250000 at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards. The award was for the design of two contemporary townhouses built on a 500sqm site that dropped 10m from a busy road. All the bedrooms and living areas captured picturesque city views.
Best renovation $250-$500,000
PlaceMate took home the prize at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards for the best renovation between $250,000 – $500,000. The winning renovation was a 1910 cast concrete Californian bungalow-style home in Indooroopilly. The design added a new wing and unified alterations undertaken in 50s, 70s and 80s.
Recognised in The Courier-Mail
PlaceMate’s skills were recognised in The Courier-Mail for our transformation of a Shorncliffe residence originally built around 1910.
Registered with Board of Architects Queensland
Registration Number 2457