Hoshang Queenslander

This project is a careful restoration and contemporary reinterpretation of a pre-1946 timber Queenslander in Ascot. Positioned at the end of a rare cul-de-sac, the original home holds a strong presence within the streetscape and forms part of a neighbourhood characterised by traditional timber houses and mature tree canopies. The design approach was shaped by both the historical significance of the house and the requirements of local council controls, which mandate the retention of the original front façade.

Rather than viewing these constraints as limitations, the project embraces them as an opportunity to reimagine the Queenslander form in a way that is respectful, contemporary, and grounded in place. The existing façade was carefully retained and restored, preserving its familiar proportions and character, while a new extension unfolds quietly behind it. This approach allows the home to maintain its relationship with the street, while accommodating a more open, light-filled layout suited to contemporary family living.

Despite its age, much of the original timber structure was found to be in sound condition. Wherever possible, existing fabric was retained and reused to minimise demolition, reduce landfill, and preserve the home’s inherent character. The house was raised to create generous three-metre ceilings on the ground floor, improving light, ventilation, and spatial comfort while maintaining the recognisable scale of the original Queenslander.

A restrained rear extension introduces a double-height outdoor room that forms the heart of the home, connecting interior spaces with the garden and embracing Brisbane’s subtropical climate. An existing pool, previously raised and disconnected, was reshaped and integrated into the landscape, allowing the ground plane to flow seamlessly between inside and out.

Materiality and light are central to the project. A layered palette of timber, stone, aluminium, and concrete creates a tactile and enduring environment, while both natural and artificial light are carefully composed to shape mood, reveal texture, and mark the passage of time. The result is a home that feels grounded, considered, and quietly contemporary, continuing the story of the original Queenslander while allowing it to evolve for modern living.