The renovation of Sydney House involved converting the dining room into a foyer and gallery with street access for artist Pip. The kitchen and courtyard were extended with a north-easterly aspect, fulfilling Pip’s need for natural light in her studio. The original house, built in 1951 by Noel Kratzmann, was transformed with a contemporary touch while retaining its inter-war functionalist style. The renovation process was slowed down by the property’s heritage listing, with two years of design work and 18 months of construction. The architect, Cavill, is passionate about preserving Brisbane’s postwar homes and believes more of them should be heritage-listed to ensure their longevity.
The top picks at the Australian Institute of Architects’ awards for Greater Brisbane showcased a move away from populist design, with a focus on unique and independent architecture. The Blok Three Sisters home on Stradbroke Island, designed by Blok Modular and Vokes and Peters, was recognized as the Building of the Year. This prefabricated home offered a flexible housing solution that integrated privacy, community, and island living. Other commendable homes included the Balmoral Hillside House by Kieron Gait Architects, the Ewart House + Studio by Hall and Roberts Studio, Niwa House by John Ellway, and Quadrant House by Kieron Gait Architects. These homes demonstrated innovative design solutions for various family needs and living spaces.
The transformation of the Balmoral Hillside House involved reconfiguring a faux Queenslander to forge strong connections to the garden while maintaining expansive views. The Ewart House + Studio was a sympathetic reworking of an 1890s worker’s cottage in Paddington, focusing on repairing and revitalizing the old structure on a tight budget. Niwa House, designed by John Ellway, catered to a family of four with flexible spaces for work and leisure, with a central garden providing a peaceful view. Quadrant House, another project by Kieron Gait Architects, featured a modest extension to a Queensland worker’s cottage, emphasizing engagement with the natural surroundings through unique design elements and connections to the garden.
The Australian Institute of Architects’ awards highlighted the importance of preserving postwar architecture and embracing innovative design solutions that cater to modern family living and work needs. The commitment to heritage-listing significant homes like Sydney House and exploring the potential of postwar treasures in Brisbane’s architectural landscape was emphasized. The winning homes, including the Blok Three Sisters home and others like the Balmoral Hillside House, Ewart House + Studio, Niwa House, and Quadrant House, demonstrated a thoughtful approach to design, emphasizing natural light, openness, and a connection to the surrounding environment. These projects offer inspiration for future architectural endeavors that prioritize sustainability, functionality, and unique living experiences.
