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

Renovating our home with the assistance of Placement and their relationship with Phil Maher Builder was essentially a stress free adventure.

PlaceMate worked with us to achieve our dream home. Our home was modernised without losing the charm of a post war cottage.

Our house has become a functional, open & light filled home. Which is now the central family meeting place.

We even discovered that Architects, Engineers and Builders DO get on and work well together.

Even though our budget was small, through the architectural skills and listening skills, PlaceMate turned our needs into the home we wanted.

Beth & John Owners

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

Jan, 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 Owners

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.