Living half a year on a yacht and the other half in their cramped Kangaroo Point quarters, two grey nomads decided it was time for a change. As they finished up their yacht voyages, they found themselves wanting to add some modern flair and more space to permanently settle into their apartment penthouse.
Though the view of the Brisbane River from this 12th floor penthouse was magnificent, the interiors left much to be desired. The site was cramped, dark and outdated. The kitchens and bathrooms were tired, after being worn for the past 20 years. The home was not only cramped for the couple, but was disjointed too, due to previous renovations.
The retirees also informed us that in the morning it became unbearably hot (with Brisbane temperatures you can only imagine), and also very noisy due to the winds.
From top to bottom, this apartment was completely gutted. New ceilings and floors were in place to form some sort of cohesion within the home. Granite pillars were installed to bring a freshness to the kitchen. These were paired beautifully with the modernised kitchen and timber flooring.
Fitted with two generously sized bedrooms and massive living and dining areas, space is no longer a problem. Hidden storage was installed throughout the apartment, so everything looks and feels just immaculate.
So, what about those hot mornings? Tinted, double glaze windows were installed, complete with internal blinds, meaning heat and wind are no longer issues.
This couple is enjoying their new, fresh and open home and explained to us that it is, “infinitely more enjoyable and so easy to live in.”
Click an image for a closer look
Click an image for a closer look
A blue and white home for their young family, including toddlers, with spacious living areas on the ground floor opening on to a big back garden and a pool surrounded by greenery. Timber floors, a timber stair case and an under-stair nook were on the wish list.
Despite city glimpses and a long south-westerly outlook from the upper level, this original 1950s house with a north-facing back yard enjoyed little privacy from its neighbours and stood out as a shabby aberration in a street of inner suburban Queenslanders.
Thorough investigation soon pointed to the value of demolition and rebuilding to save costs. The replacement is a two-storey five-bedroom home opening onto a large ground floor hedged terrace. Upstairs, under a traditional roof shape, three balconies look over the garden and pool, with views across to the city and far ridges beyond. Internally, a top-lit staircase featuring a hand-crafted balustrade both frames and screens public and family zones. A central pivot for all movement, the staircase is a striking feature against the interior’s white and grey palette and hardwood flooring.
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To make a ‘silk purse from a sow’s ear’ – an Architect’s dream …and a builder’s nightmare!
With spectacular views to the north and city, this 480-square-metre small lot was shaped like a slice of pie, on a busy road and with a telephone pole in the middle. The challenge included a 10-metre fall (four storeys) from the front of the block to the rear.
The creation of two lots, each with a four-bedroom townhouse, double garage and family room over three and a half levels. These modern, spacious houses with high ceilings, plenty of storage and abundant light were designed so that all living areas and bedrooms would have views that couldn’t be built out. Our solution topped the state at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards for the best use of a steep site over $250,000. Construction was completed on time and on budget, and the owners sold for a profit.
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