Clare House Case Study

Overview

Clare, an ode to the preceding owner, is a series of sweeping curved terraces constructed around an historic pre-war Queenslander, located on a challengingly shaped, sloping plot in inner-city Brisbane. The design takes advantage of its northerly orientation, the panoramic city views, and the dual frontage, while displaying raw materials and greenery. The idea was to make a dwelling that conformed to the unique shape of the block in both plan and section, while also taking advantage of the north-east view and the vista of the city.

Process

The existing building from 1946 was preserved as part of the Clare development, with the decision made to lift it and build a new structure beneath it. The pre-existing house did not have the traditional architectural features of a Queenslander, so the renovations sought to incorporate it into the new design, rather than make it stand out as separate from the new construction.

To acknowledge the heritage of the building, the design team designed the new extension with pitched roofs around it and covered it with a blend of weatherboard, rendered block, and natural stone. The use of weatherboard and natural stone helped to give the extension a more traditional and rustic aesthetic, while the rendered block helped to give it a more contemporary and modern look.

Approach

The design of this dwelling prominently features curves, both in terms of the layout and the elevation. The house is inspired by Monte Carlo and Arrowroot biscuits, a nod to the original owners' long service with Arnotts Biscuits. This inspiration is reflected in the landscaping and facade of the home, which have a series of curves that gently ascend from the ground up to the roof.

The design also allows for multiple entries into the house, including double opposing corner stacking doors that are concealed behind pillars of natural stone. These doors allow for an easy flow of indoor-outdoor living, and the planter boxes permit the outdoors to be included in the interior. The middle of the home also features a striking feature palm tree, that adds to the tropical and lush feel of the overall design.

The curves and natural elements used in the design, like the planter boxes and the feature palm tree, create a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior spaces and help to bring the natural surroundings into the home. The use of natural stone and the feature palm tree also help create a tropical and lush ambience, reminiscent of the Monte Carlo and Arrowroot biscuits that inspired the design. The overall design, with its emphasis on curves, natural elements, and indoor-outdoor living, creates a unique and liveable home that references the original owners' history and the tropical setting of the location.

Results

A Perfect Blend

01: Seamlessly Fusing Old and New

The Birdwood Terrace project exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the original pre-war house while using materials that fuse into the new design. The careful selection of materials ensures that the new elements complement the old, creating a seamless transition between the historic and contemporary aspects of the home. This thoughtful integration respects the property's heritage while providing modern comforts.

Taking Cues from History

02: Modern Refresh with Historical Inspiration

The design of Birdwood Terrace takes inspiration from the Arnotts biscuit, reflecting an historical connection with the original owner. This influence is evident in the modern refresh, featuring iconic curves and shapes that pay homage to the past. The result is a home that beautifully bridges its historical roots with modern design sensibilities, creating a unique and memorable living space.

An Indoor Palm Tree

03: Bringing the Outdoors In

A standout feature of the Birdwood Terrace home is the indoor palm tree, which brings a piece of the outdoors inside. This addition adds a touch of nature to the space, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The indoor palm tree not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a sense of tranquility and well-being within the home.

Conclusion

The design of the project is heavily influenced by the natural characteristics of the site, including the sloping terrain and the northerly orientation, and features a series of sweeping curved terraces that take full advantage of the panoramic city views and the dual frontage of the property. The preservation of the existing building from 1946, and the incorporation of it into the new design, also add to the development's historical significance. The use of curves in the design, both in terms of the layout and the elevation, as well as the reference to Monte Carlo and Arrowroot biscuits, creates a unique and livable home that references the original owners' history and the tropical setting of the location. Check out this property in more detail on the Clare House project page.