Brisbane Renovation Architecture (Built 2017)
Owners Dream
These Enoggera cottage dwellers wanted to add space to their modest, three-bedroom home, while also keeping everything cost effective.
Site Condition
This Enoggera modernist 50s cottage with low-to-the-ground timber floors retained an easy casual connection with the outside. On the inside, however, rooms were compact, and the bathroom felt cramped.
Design Solution
To minimise the costs of the renovation, PlaceMate suggested minimal alteration to the original structure by instead adding value with a two-storey pod outside the kitchen. This pod would house the family room and the laundry on the ground floor, and a master suite at the top of a winding staircase. We bumped out under the eaves to enlarge the bathroom and tucked the shower behind the red tile wall at the back of the vanity.
Any lines between old and new were blurred with the use of materials, roof shape and colours that echo the original house. Stacker doors and windows were installed to encourage easy flow from inside to outside. We also installed open corners to make any compact rooms appear much larger. Storage is everywhere in this pod, even built into a long window seat under the stairs. The owners’ subsequent design decision to open up the existing kitchen to the living room created even more space.
If you liked this project, check out this Stafford Heights project.
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Client & Partner Testimonials
My favourite real estate agent said “Your renovations are fabulous, I still think you have best designed kitchen“ I must say I agree with her. I do love my little place and my beautiful kitchen makes me happy every day.
Jenny Doust AshgroveOur experience with Placemate Architects was outstanding. They did three
things we appreciated, and nothing we didn’t.
They focused on understanding our needs and what we wanted.
They, Jan specifically, consistently generated creative design options to
assist in the extraordinary number of decisions that need to be made from
the very big to the very small.
And they matched us with exactly the right builder, the excellent Harris
Constructions.
Our decision to work with Placemate Architects meant we got what we wanted,
on time and on budget.
I have been working with Jan on small and large projects for over 15 years. These ranged from small extensions to very complex projects, one which was awarded the Master Builders best renovation over 250 k and the quality and workmanship award. Working with Jan has always been a pleasure, and despite whatever difficulties a large renovation throws your way, Jan always displays the ability to work though it, providing the best result and a pleasurable working relationship. Jan’s designs are practical, efficient and work for the needs of the client. I can speak for this as Jan designed my home in Camp Hill.
Stewart Harris Builder
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
Our Client Success Team
Placemate Architects works with successful and innovative clients. Together we achieve significant and lasting transformations of cities, houses and landscapes.
