Brisbane New Build Architecture (Built 2017)
Owner’s Dream – Taringa Duplex New Build
The challenge of the Taringa Duplex new build was designing a duplex on a small lot in the busy Brisbane suburb of Taringa. The two structures needed to suit all lifestyles and benefit from the beautiful surrounding views.
Site Condition
The lot is located on a steep sloping site in the suburbs of West Brisbane. Boasting spectacular views to the North and Brisbane city, this 480-square-metre small lot was uniquely shaped like a slice of pie. Lying atop a busy road and with a telephone pole running straight down the middle, the design of this duplex was no easy feat. The challenge included a 10-metre drop (four-storeys) from the front of the block to the rear.
Architectural Designer Solution
Taringa Duplex New Build
PlaceMate Architects split the property into two lots and designed two modern duplexes, each with a four-bedroom townhouse, double garage and family room over three-and-a-half levels. Despite the size of the lot, the two structures boast spacious high ceilings, plenty of storage and an abundance of natural light, air and flow. The striking buildings capture the city views and compliment the abundance of surrounding townhouses.
Our team of expert architects and skilled project partners created a solution that topped the state at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards for the best use of a steep site over $250,000.
Project Partners
Builder
David Maguire
Tel:(07)33532477
Engineer
Kelvin Krofton
More Images
Client & Partner Testimonials
Builders build, tradies trade, but the architect has the vision and ideas. Thanks Jan for your wonderful suggestions.
Stephen Stone OwnerPlaceMate Architects made my house into a home – my home. It’s the little things about this space that make it mine. From the display cabinet in main entrance to the pink hatch I requested in the bathroom, this space has been transformed to suit my needs. The team came up with suggestions that they presented in a way that was easy to visualise. The process was quick, the communication was clear, and their imagination was invaluable.
Alaska Montford OwnerJan, 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