Red Hill Half Way House
The simple idea of the kitchen as the heart of the home informed the colourful renovation of to this character-filled Queenslander in Red Hill with stunning city views.
"Every room is used, no room is arbitrary and they're all the right size. I think that's a real achievement"
Perched high on the hill, this four-roomed, pyramid-roofed workers cottage posed challenges due to the incredibly steep site that falls away at the rear. Positioning the high-ceilinged kitchen and dining space at the half level provides equal engagement with both upstairs and downstairs. It also celebrates the humble kitchen table as the central gathering place while showcasing the spectacular Brisbane skyline.
Winter and Summer living rooms each have a unique feel. The complete original fireplace extends the connection between the lower and upper levels. To further capitalise on the city outlook, reading nooks and in-built seating benches were integrated to encourage sitting and relaxing into the view.
A fully acoustically sealed music room is positioned on the lower level, ready for impromptu performances, instrument practice and band rehearsals. Lush red carpet gives the space a glamorous appeal.
Retaining the charm and street appeal from the front, brick pavers complement the warmth of battened timber and crisp white weatherboards. Interiors are warm and inviting with harmonious patterns sitting alongside the solid blackbutt timber floors, birch plywood and cooling blue handmade encaustic tiles.
A new bespoke brick outdoor fireplace and seating area to the lower rear of the site provides a counterweight and destination at the end of an intriguing garden walk down the hill. Design for the landscape works hand in hand with the architecture, embellishing the experience of being on the hilltop as well as embedded in the trees and greenery.
This colourful home has been featured in Habitus Magazine, The Design Files and Inside Out Magazine.
