Spring Hill Renovation, Spring Hill
McWhinney’s Brick Cottage
Description
The project brief was to provide an expanded home for a growing family. The cottage was built during the 1860’s and is one of the first houses to be built in Brisbane.As a Heritage Listed property our approach was to unify the traditional elements of the existing building with newer contemporary elements of the 21st century. Adjacent to the existing house is the original red brick cottage which we featured in the new renovation, and the borrowed use of the red brick throughout the new extension is intented to strengthen this linkage.
By unifying the heritage cottage with the updated Queensland home reinforced the unique character of the cottage, within the new built.
The use of lightweight construction encompassing timber for cross ventilation and glass encouraged natural light and air to enter and formed a vibrant living environment. The timber-screened garage is glazed internally for winter control.
A skylight provided filtered light to the downstairs retreat area and an additional window along the back wall of the house-encouraged visibility of the cottage from the new lower area of the new built.
The benefits of this innovative design includes:
- A vibrant living area
- An additional bedroom and bathroom
- Additional car park
- An expanded modern home while celebrating the heritage value of the house
Design Team
Bruno AlahakoneGeorgia Martin
I was very satisfied with the overall outcome of the project, especially the design aspects that were suggested by BA Architects that were not originally in the brief. BA Architects came up with many great design ideas that we hadn’t thought of and were incorporated into the final design of the home. I appreciated the level of detail and consideration BA Architects went to, especially the recommendations for specific sustainable materials and products, which created our Brisbane home.
Everyone who I dealt with was really on the ball. Bruno and Greg understood our needs in organising council approvals and certification on my behalf. That was great as it took everything off my hands. We would definitely consider completing another residential project with BA Architects.
