Lenore House Case Study: A Luxury Pre-War Home Renovation in Hawthorne

Project Overview

Lenore House is a testament to the potential hidden within Brisbane's character zones. Originally a time-honoured pre-war home that had been carved into a duplex, this Hawthorne property sat untouched for years. When the clients, who already owned a neighbouring property, purchased it, they saw an opportunity to restore its history while transforming it into a luxury 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom family residence. The primary challenge was preserving the property's historical footprint while navigating strict council character constraints.

The Design Process: Elevating Historical Character

To connect the heritage elements with the new additions, our design introduced a modern, curvaceous bridging element. This central feature serves as a grand entryway and a double-height void, acting as a gateway that connects the various wings of the house. To maintain a connection to the original architecture, the new left extension was designed with a pitched gable roof, while the entry roof adopted a sleek, flat black profile to create a striking visual juxtaposition.

Our Approach: Blending Heritage with Modern Curves

Our approach balanced the historical charm of the pre-war home with highly bespoke, contemporary design elements. A harmonious flow was achieved through a series of curved walls and expansive voids that lead into the open-plan living areas.

Key design and material choices included:

• Material Contrast: Combining traditional weatherboard with vertical FC, brick, and strategic black accents for dynamic visual interest.

• Natural Light: Oversized windows, subtle glazing bars, and unique arch tops to maximise sunlight.

• Luxury Finishes: Extensive use of Venetian plaster throughout the interior, enhancing the curved walls by beautifully reflecting ambient light.

• Curated Lighting: A tailored mix of wall sconces, downlights, and narrow beam lights to provide both ambient and accent lighting.

Key Design Results

1. A Year-Round Poolside Oasis

‍The outdoor entertaining area is a standout feature of this Hawthorne residence. Designed for year-round use, the space includes a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and bar. It offers a seamless transition from the indoor living areas to the poolside, creating an ideal environment for summer barbecues or a cosy winter evenings by the fire pit.

2. A Highly Practical, Gourmet Kitchen

‍The heart of the home is its spacious kitchen, designed to combine functionality with high-end aesthetic appeal. Featuring ample storage, extensive countertop space, and premium appliances, it serves as the central hub for family interaction and gourmet entertaining.

3. A Light-Filled Architectural Focal Point

The extraordinary voided staircase acts as the home's primary architectural focal point. Its sweeping design allows natural light to flood the interior footprint, enhancing the bright, airy atmosphere. The craftsmanship of the curved plaster and balustrades adds a profound sense of grandeur to the daily living experience.

Conclusion

The transformation of Lenore House balances historical integrity with modern luxury. We are incredibly proud that this 5-bedroom residence was nominated for the Master Builders Best Renovation and Best Kitchen/Bathroom Awards in 2023.

• View the full image gallery on the Lenore House Project Page.

• See how we have transformed other properties in our Case Studies.

Planning a luxury pre-war home renovation in Hawthorne or Brisbane's inner-east? Book a consultation with Invilla today.