Brisbane Residential New Build Architecture (Built 2019)
Owner’s Dream
Graceville Small Lot Architecture
The owners of this new build wanted to construct a modern home on a minimal budget to raise their young family in. The Graceville small lot architecture structure needs to be unassuming and minimalist. It must offer privacy from the street view. There also needs to be a sense of flow throughout the open-plan home and access to plenty of natural light and fresh air. The vision for the backyard has a large tropical garden, a modern pool and a covered outdoor entertaining space.
Site Condition
This small, flat lot was located in a quiet east Brisbane suburb surrounded by Queenslander homes. The 1950s post-war cottage that had originally been built on the site, had a backyard that opened up to the north. This northern aspect was the jewel of the site. PlaceMate Architects took advantage of this fantastic opportunity to create north-facing living indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Situated in a flood zone, the architectural design of the site needs to be considerate of the applicable planning and zoning requirements. Neighbouring houses pressed up against the boundary fencing so the design needed to be discreet and private.
Architectural Designer Solution
Graceville Small Lot Architecture
PlaceMate Architects designed a beautiful two-storey home inspired by the neighbouring Queenslanders. The centre of the house flows around a grassy courtyard and open stairs. This invites light, air and lush greenery to all indoor spaces.
The master bedroom is situated above the modern outdoor entertaining area, complete with a balcony overlooking the backyard and a large double-height alfresco.
Sliding glass doors and big windows were carefully positioned to screen out the neighbours and frame distant city glimpses. This creates an illusion of endless space and flows throughout the internal structure.
A limited neutral palette of materials and textures enhances the minimalist style, and nifty hidden built-in storage compartments help the space appear effortlessly organised.
PlaceMate Architects designed the property with standard home-building procedures to ensure the most cost-effective method of construction. The owners of the property are thrilled with the result of their new forever home. Also, the project came in on-time and within the budget.
Project Partners
Builder – Vladamir Cosic, Kustom Homes
Interior Designer – Tracey McLeod, Showhomes
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Client & Partner Testimonials
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 OwnersOur 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.
