A traditional wooden cottage on a quiet street overlooking Brisbane’s CBD looks just like any other 19th century property, but behind the unassuming facade lies one of Australia’s most unique homes.
The one-of-a-kind villa, in the historic suburb of Petrie Terrace, was bought as an investment property by local architect Terry McQuillan and his interior designer wife Charlie.
But after dramatic renovations – including a garden courtyard integrated into the open plan living room and a huge black extension built onto the back of the house – the couple loved it so much, they moved in themselves.
A lush garden courtyard has been integrated into the open plan living room, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor
Two guest bedrooms, a spacious study and sitting room are spread across the original building
Built in 1885 on steeply sloping Wellington Street, today the timber framed house is a remarkable fusion of old and new, decorated in a sleek monochrome style throughout.
Exposed brickwork and a period fireplace in the bathroom, along with the white washed veranda at the front of the home are reminiscent of days gone by.
Towering windows, sliding glass doors and the large black ‘pavilion’ at the back are some of the standout modern features.
The pavilion, which was added to capture views of the city and nearby Mount Coot-tha, boasts a spacious living room, garden courtyard, master bedroom and parking spaces for two vehicles.
The timber framed house is a remarkable fusion of old and new, with exposed brickwork and a period fireplace in the bathroom (left) and the white washed veranda at the front of the home (right) representing the past
Two guest bedrooms, a spacious study and sitting room are spread across the cottage, which is decorated in a sleek monochrome style throughout
There’s no distinction between indoor and outdoor inside the home, with a sense of nature running throughout thanks to the contemporary courtyard which runs directly into the living room
Two guest bedrooms, a spacious study and sitting room are spread across the original building.
The pavilion is separated from the cottage by a covered corridor, which was installed to ‘respect the difference between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ structures’.
Viewed from a side street, the roofs of the two buildings seem aligned – despite the extension standing three-storeys high and the cottage just one.
‘We wanted to create a contemporary home that not only overcame the site’s limitations, but unlocked its potential too,’ said Mr McQuillan, who is the director at Brisbane architectural firm Bureau Proberts.
Mr McQuillan said cooking indoors now feels more like having a relaxed barbecue because of the garden which runs directly into the living area
We wanted to create a contemporary home that not only overcame the site’s limitations, but unlocked its potential too,’ said Mr McQuillan, who is the director at Brisbane architectural firm Bureau Proberts
A covered corridor separates the pavilion from the original cottage, which was installed to ‘respect the difference between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ structures
Apartments and businesses overlook the cottage on both sides, but cleverly positioned window frames ‘edit’ out the surrounding buildings, creating a sense of light and space inside.
The lines are blurred between indoor and outdoor, with a sense of nature running throughout thanks to the contemporary courtyard which merges into the living room.
‘We often comment that cooking indoors now feels more like we’re having a relaxed barbecue,’ Mr McQuillan said.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk