A Flood-Proof Home In Brisbane

Following the 2011 Brisbane floods, building in flood-prone areas became subject to tight controls relating to flood overlays and height restrictions. The beauty of these constraints is that they inspire innovative design responses – The Rosalie Plinth House by Arcke Architect is one wonderful example.

We’re excited to show you around this stunning, flood-resistant dwelling!

Matt Kennedy started his career as an architectural photographer drawn to the subtleties of light. After some years behind the lens, he returned to university to complete architecture studies. Matt worked on residential and commercial projects at practices in Melbourne including Techne, before returning to Brisbane to start Arcke in 2012.

Around the time of Arcke’s conception, the owners of a battered but beautiful old worker’s cottage, in Brisbane’s vibrant suburb of Rosalie, were living in Hong Kong getting ready to return with their young family to their sub-tropical home. During Brisbane’s 2011 floods, their entire house had been inundated with one metre of water, so the cottage was in dire need of restoration and extensions. The owners engaged Arcke to design and manage their build, inspired by the team’s commitment to honouring existing buildings and creating bespoke homes.

‘A significant issue was how to create a family home that engages and connects with the ground, while lifting the house to achieve flood immunity, all on a 405m2 lot,’ explains Matt. This catalysed the idea of creating a landscape ‘plinth’ – a garden level lifted two metres above ground, to the rear of the sloping block. The original cottage was located at the front, so after the cottage was lifted above flood levels, a two-level extension was added, with new living areas which flow out onto this elevated garden plinth. In turn, the plinth is on the same level as an above ground pool and deck area. In this way, Arcke has imaginatively achieved flood immunity and the desired connection to ground, with enviable style and functionality!

Images by Scott Burrows.

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