Brisbane Renovation Architecture (Built 2015)
Owners Dream – Graceville Flood Makeover
A three-bedroom home, the Graceville flood makeover was built five metres high and flowing effortlessly down to the in-ground pool, that would allow them to adapt to future floods and ensure that they would never be homeless again. A Queenslander from the street, but inside, a contemporary home, full of light and air.
Site Condition
This 1950’s post-war cottage had been altered three times before it was flooded to above-door height. The original rooms were small and dark, with little connection to the outdoors. It looked nondescript from the street, but had perfect north aspect out the back, overlooking the pool.
Design Solution
Graceville Flood Makeover
Locate the whole house at the top level, so the family could live there after the next flood. Change window and door positions to create view and breeze lines. Locate garage, laundry and stairs 1.5 metres above ground and design each to be either water blasted or replaced cheaply. The open stairwell and double height deck beside the pool creates vertical flow and unifies the levels. A heavy-duty driveway deck, new front roof and veranda grounds the height of the house.
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Client & Partner Testimonials
Jan, you did a fantastic job translating our unformed ideas into a classy home, fulfilling all our requirements. We are most impressed that you were able to design such a unique and spacious home on a small block and yet one that blends in with the ambience of the suburb without being ostentatious. Your choice of building materials was inspired and the design incorporating the high ceiling in the living/dining/kitchen area impresses everyone who sees it. We also appreciated your no-nonsense, straightforward, approach to the whole project. Congratulations on a great job
Lola & Ian Binch OwnersFor an architect, Jan’s not an idiot.
Dave Maguire BuilderOur experience with Placemate Architects was outstanding. They did three
things we appreciated, and nothing we didn’t.
They focused on understanding our needs and what we wanted.
They, Jan specifically, consistently generated creative design options to
assist in the extraordinary number of decisions that need to be made from
the very big to the very small.
And they matched us with exactly the right builder, the excellent Harris
Constructions.
Our decision to work with Placemate Architects meant we got what we wanted,
on time and on budget.
Best use of a steep site
PlaceMate topped the state for best use of a sloping site over $250000 at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards. The award was for the design of two contemporary townhouses built on a 500sqm site that dropped 10m from a busy road. All the bedrooms and living areas captured picturesque city views.
Best renovation $250-$500,000
PlaceMate took home the prize at the Queensland Master Builders Association Housing & Construction Awards for the best renovation between $250,000 – $500,000. The winning renovation was a 1910 cast concrete Californian bungalow-style home in Indooroopilly. The design added a new wing and unified alterations undertaken in 50s, 70s and 80s.
Recognised in The Courier-Mail
PlaceMate’s skills were recognised in The Courier-Mail for our transformation of a Shorncliffe residence originally built around 1910.
Registered with Board of Architects Queensland
Registration Number 2457
Our Client Success Team
Placemate Architects works with successful and innovative clients. Together we achieve significant and lasting transformations of cities, houses and landscapes.