OPPOSITES ATTRACT

A contemporary extension brought a Brisbane Queenslander into the 21st century, making it ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.

- Stephen Crafti & Tamarah Pienaar

REAR EXTERIOR This page Vanguard Louvretec screens. Dining table, Cosh Living. Dining chairs, Janie Collins Interiors. Outdoor sofa and armchair, Jardan. Stepping stones, Eco Outdoor. STREET ENTRANCE Opposite A cheery bougainvillea is a welcoming sight at the revamped front entrance.

Weatherboard Queenslanders are a ubiquitous – and much loved – part of Brisbane’s urban landscape. Now that these buildings are a century or so old, however, many are beginning to show their age in looks, layout or liveability. This Queenslander, located in a sought-after city-fringe suburb, has been beautifully restored for current and future generations to enjoy, but there’s an additional surprise beyond the threshold: a striking concrete, glass and steel addition that delivers year-round comfort and joy.

Reworked by Shaun Lockyer Architects for a Brisbane couple, the existing three-bedroom cottage was comfortable enough but there was little connection to the rear garden, which was overlooked by neighbours. “Privacy was a major concern, but we didn’t want to resolve it at the expense of natural light,” says Shaun.

DINING Dining table, Globe West. Dining chairs, Janie Collins Interiors. Custom bench seat by Solido Builders and Lawrie Cabinetmaking. Polished concrete flooring. Artworks by unknown artist (near bench seat). SIDE PASSAGE Steppers from Eco Outdoor. The groundcover is native violet.