Bardon Queenslander Masterplan & Stage One

Owner’s Dream

The owners of this classic Queenslander were a young, recently married couple looking to create a family home they could grow into over many years. They loved the idea of a warm and welcoming Queenslander that could evolve with their needs, supporting not only their future children but also enabling relatives to enjoy long stays in comfort and privacy. They wanted the home to eventually offer everything a modern family might need, including flexible arrangements for working from home.

One of their most immediate wishes was to feel more connected to their beautiful surrounding garden, both in the near term and in the long‑term masterplan. They also needed key improvements right away. The existing laundry and second bathroom were positioned down several external stairs, well below the main living level, and everyday tasks were becoming impractical. Stage One, therefore, needed to provide functional bathrooms linked directly to the living areas and bedrooms, and this was particularly important because one of the owners is tall and wanted a shower that finally allowed him to stand comfortably. Above all, they wanted every step of the process to move them forward; each stage needed to form part of a clear, long‑term transformation without requiring any backwards steps or impractical undoing of earlier work.

Site Condition

The property sits on a generous block that rises from the street toward the rear, creating beautiful, elevated garden views but also making planning more intricate. The strongest northern aspect was located at the front of the site, which is not ideal for Brisbane’s climate and required a thoughtful approach to harness natural light. The house enjoyed a large front yard, yet this outdoor space felt disconnected from the living areas due to the home’s existing layout and site elevation.

The house itself had great character, but was worn and had undergone several low‑quality additions over time. The lean‑to structures at the rear were no longer fit for purpose and limited how the interior could connect with the terrace or garden. While the generous land held great long‑term development potential, the first stage of work needed to remain modest and budget‑aware while still aligning with a clear vision for the home’s future.

Architectural Designer Solution

Our approach began with a comprehensive masterplan that established a clear pathway toward the final home, a raised two‑storey Queenslander with ground‑floor living that flowed effortlessly into the garden, and a floor plan that included generous bedrooms, flexible study spaces, multiple bathrooms, a pool, and a future double garage. While this future home would eventually double the footprint, Stage One needed to improve comfort and amenity immediately while supporting every step yet to come, without requiring a Development Application.

We collaborated closely with a colour consultant and interior designer to establish an interior palette that stepped away from any specific style period and instead drew inspiration from the home’s lush garden. Natural textures and warm colours formed the basis for a timeless atmosphere that could carry through both stages of the build.

For Stage One, we removed the outdated lean‑to and introduced a new, narrow pod to the rear of the house. This pod incorporated a beautifully functional bathroom, an efficient, high-ceiling ensuite to service their existing bedroom, a compact but highly efficient laundry, and a butler’s pantry positioned to support the kitchen, which was refurbished through the process. The laundry was purposely designed so it could be easily relocated during Stage Two, allowing the space it occupies now to become the internal stairwell down to the future lower‑level living areas. This gave the clients the immediate amenity they needed without compromising long‑term planning.

The new deck and outdoor living spaces were arranged to draw the house closer to its front‑to‑back garden connection, helping the elevated home link more naturally to the yard below. In the masterplan, the new upper‑level deck created in Stage One is planned to become a garden‑facing home office once Stage Two is complete, and the living areas will move downstairs. The upper level can then be minimally reconfigured to form new bedroom suites, including a second ensuited room, allowing relatives to stay comfortably without sharing amenities with younger family members.

Throughout the design process, we ensured every part of Stage One contributed meaningfully to the ultimate vision. The result is a thoughtful, beautiful beginning to what will become an exceptional long‑term family home, one that is respectful of its Queenslander heritage, deeply connected to its garden, and perfectly suited to the evolving needs of its owners.

Future	Before

Project partners

Builder

Webster DC

Certifier

Integrated Construction Approvals

https://www.constructionapprovals.com.au/

Engineer

Northey Consulting Engineers

Colour Psychology

Show Homes

www.showhomes.mykajabi.com

Interior Designer

Collins Interiors

www.collinsinteriors.com.au

Photographer

1. Hannah Puechmarin

2. www.hannahpuechmarin.com