Owners Dream – Paddington Purple Pod

A light, airy, Paddington purple pod with a view at the bottom of her garden, in harmony with her existing home and its neighbours, with the flexibility to either be rented as a yoga studio, accommodate the owner’s father or adult children and incorporating a garage that might double as a pottery studio in the Paddington purple pod. Budget: less than $175,000.

Site Condition

What was originally a corner store was now a purple residence that had been gradually extended, back and under, over decades, in a range of styles and textures. A steep south-facing slope and antiquated drainage added to the design challenge for construction, universal access, and north light.

Design Solution

A 54-square-metre room with bathroom and kitchen that can be divided into living and sleeping zones. A north-facing skillion – a lean-to attached to a dwelling and providing additional accommodation; creates light and space. A lower deck provides a spacious outdoor living area, connects the pod to the house and provides level access to the street. Windows are carefully placed to allow views, but not outlook to or from neighbouring homes. Underneath, recycled glass panels look onto massive sandstone boulder retaining walls and let in dappled light from the garden above – all completed on time and budget.

More Images

Client & Partner Testimonials

For an architect, Jan’s not an idiot.

Dave Maguire Builder

We engaged Jan and her team at Placemate for our small block renovation in West End, Brisbane. Fantastic result, Jan’s creative genius solved tricky problems related to BCC restrictions and what we were aiming to achieve. Renovation is now finished (Yay!) and throughout the process they were extremely helpful (thanks Amy!), again, jumping in to solve unforeseen technical issues. Everyone who visits always comment on what a clever use of space, thanks Placemate!

Jason Hawkins and Diana Tolmie Owners

PlaceMate Architects made my house into a home – my home. It’s the little things about this space that make it mine. From the display cabinet in main entrance to the pink hatch I requested in the bathroom, this space has been transformed to suit my needs. The team came up with suggestions that they presented in a way that was easy to visualise. The process was quick, the communication was clear, and their imagination was invaluable.  

Alaska Montford Owner

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.