This reimagined Paddington Queenslander brings a contemporary sensibility to its classic form, where modern Queenslander design, subtropical architecture and nature converge in perfect balance. The result is a home that flows effortlessly between indoors and out, capturing the essence of relaxed Brisbane living.
In Brisbane’s leafy Paddington, a once-traditional Queenslander renovation has been transformed into a calm, contemporary retreat that feels both grounded and open to the elements. Designed by Arcke, led by Principal Architect Matt Kennedy, the home redefines modern family living for a Queenslander home through its nuanced balance of privacy, connection and light.
The experience begins at the entry, where a sequence of garden courtyards guides the journey inward. These outdoor rooms dissolve the boundary between house and landscape, creating a quiet rhythm that continues throughout. The original home has been gently elevated, its new form wrapped by a carefully composed perimeter wall — solid in parts, porous in others — providing both shelter and framed glimpses of the surrounding treetops.
At its heart, the home is a celebration of subtropical Brisbane design and indoor–outdoor living. The dining and living zones open completely to the garden and pool, while a double-height void floods the interiors with daylight. The lap pool becomes a living feature, casting soft reflections that animate the concrete and brick surfaces. A window seat by the pool offers a moment of pause — a serene spot for reflection or reading.
The kitchen sits between garden and dining space, embracing the outdoors with expansive openings and a restrained palette. Brick pavers run from entry to courtyard, uniting each space underfoot, while a sculptural concrete stair anchors the interior composition with quiet strength.
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A mature jacaranda tree anchors the rear garden, its canopy mirrored by a continuous concrete bench that flows from inside to out, doubling as seating and barbecue station. It’s a thoughtful gesture — practical, sculptural, and entirely of place.
For the owners, the home captures everything they love about Queensland living.
“We wanted generous spaces that reflect our love of indoor–outdoor living,” they say. “Matt and the team at Arcke brought that vision to life — this home balances beauty, functionality and the joy of time with family and friends.”
Design by: Arcke
Principal Architect: Matt Kennedy
Photography: Scott Burrows
