Habitat on Terrace, Brisbane City Home, QLD Property, Australian Architecture Images

Habitat on Terrace in Brisbane

Contemporary Home in Queensland, Australian Real Estate – design by REFRESH*DESIGN

20 Feb 2017

Habitat on Terrace

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Design: REFRESH*DESIGN

Habitat on Terrace

Habitat on Terrace

The two critical drivers informing the conceptual framework for Habitat on Terrace were context and feasibility, both of which leaned heavily on the local town plan. The project feasibility hinged on the addition of the fifth dwelling on a mere 760m2 site which in turn informed the architectural design of the whole development through direct references to the existing Queenslander on the site. The design principles coupled with the yield of the fifth dwelling was able to tip the scale in favour of value over cost to take the development from being a paper project to a built outcome.

Habitat on Terrace

The project is an exercise in densification of the inner city suburban site while respecting the local context. It attempts to form an example of how a development project can respond to the character of the Queensland vernacular through its contemporary interpretation.

Habitat on Terrace

Habitat on Terrace

The site strategy took queues from its immediate context. The existing Queenslander was raised and relocated towards a two-storey timber house next-door to the east, while the new ‘fifth’ townhouse was sited to the west, closer to a neighbouring three-storey unit block. The new townhouse borrows height from the adjacent unit block and makes direct reference to the existing Queenslander on the site. It reinterprets the shape, proportion and features of the existing house façade. The result is a contemporary, three-storey, interpretation of the traditional Queensland house, which is supported by the local code.

Habitat on Terrace Habitat on Terrace

The three rear dwellings repeat this concept to form a set of three ‘glued together’ houses. North and south facades are linked with a ribbon of folded metal sheeting which forms the triple-gable roof that extends down to bookend the form on the east and west sides.

Habitat on Terrace Habitat on Terrace

Each dwelling embraces sustainability through passive design principles. Living spaces extend into the landscape through the use of full height bifold doors, which genuinely connect the inside and outside. Despite being compact, the living areas feel generous through borrowing outdoor spaces and vistas.

Habitat on Terrace Habitat on Terrace

The entry sequence to the three rear townhouses reimagines the experience of arrival. A private external gate and stair leads one up to a beautifully landscaped yard and terrace for each individual home. The rear terrace substitutes the traditional veranda and reveals the entry door.

Habitat on Terrace

Habitat on Terrace – Building Information

Arcjitect: Erhard Rathmayr
Design: Monika Obrist
Design time: 6 months
Construction time: 8 months
Project size: 560 sqm
Completion date: Dec 2016
Built by Bespoke Constructions

Habitat on Terrace

Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones and Roger D’Souza

Habitat on Terrace in Brisbane images / information received 200217

REFRESH*DESIGN on e-architect

Location:Brisbane, Queensland, Australia ‘

Brisbane Architecture

Brisbane Architecture Designs – chronological list

Brisbane Architecture News

Brisbane Buildings
Brisbane house
photo courtesy of architects

Australian Architecture

Australian Houses
Australian House
photograph © Brett Boardman

Australian Architect

Website: Studio 15b

Brisbane Buildings

Scott Street Apartments
Design: Jackson Teece Architecture
Brisbane Apartment Building
photo : Sharrin Rees
Brisbane Apartment Building

Ecosciences Precinct
Design: HASSELL, Architects
Ecosciences Precinct
photograph : Christopher Frederick Jones
Brisbane Building

CLEM7 Tunnel Canopy
CLEM7 Canopy Brisbane
photo : Richard Pearse
CLEM7 Tunnel Canopy

Brisbane

Comments / photos for the Habitat on Terrace – Brisbane Residence page welcome

Habitat on Terrace in Brisbane Building

Website: REFRESH*DESIGN