A fresh modern take on a New Farm Queenslander cottage

A contemporary transformation of a pre-war Queenslander cottage in New Farm, this home is a delicate interplay of architecture and landscape, seamlessly weaving privacy and openness. Thoughtfully layered spaces reveal serene gardens, curated outlooks, and a tranquil retreat within the heart of the city.


Tucked into a lively pocket of the neighbourhood, Hazlewood reimagines a pre-war Queenslander as a refined yet effortless retreat. Balancing openness with privacy, the home embraces its corner position, layering brick walls, screened façades, and carefully placed openings to craft a series of spaces that feel both connected and cocooned — a modern interpretation of a contemporary Queenslander renovation.

Inside, the original cottage has been thoughtfully restored by Shaun Lockyer Architects, its character preserved while a restrained, textural palette adds warmth. A striking outdoor volume unfolds around a soaring double-height space, with a bridge leading to a hidden rooftop terrace — an unexpected moment of escape above the city hum and a clever integration of modern Queenslander design principles.


A fresh modern take on a New Farm Queenslander cottage

A fresh modern take on a New Farm Queenslander cottage

The landscape plays a starring role, threading greenery through every level. Vines climb columns, foliage spills over walls, and courtyards blur the line between indoors and out — echoing the breezy, open qualities that define classic Queenslander homes. A soft, layered garden shifts from sun-drenched coastal plantings to lush, subtropical pockets, responding to the rhythm of the home and its microclimate. Every element is considered yet effortless, a perfect balance of urban energy and private retreat.

This seamless integration of architecture and landscape extends to the finer details, where textural contrasts bring depth and tactility. Smooth stepping stones meet soft foliage, pebbled pathways wind through dappled light, and built-in seating encourages quiet moments among the greenery. Thoughtful design choices ensure every transition — from indoors to out, from public to private — feels natural and intuitive, capturing the relaxed elegance expected of a modern Queenslander renovation.

Related article: Clever architecture leads the way in the transformation of this compact inner city Queenslander

The result has that Shaun Lockyer Architecture signature — a home that feels grounded yet elevated, layered with pockets of sanctuary that reveal themselves slowly. At once a place of retreat and connection, Hazlewood distills the essence of subtropical city living — lush, light-filled and effortlessly in tune with its surroundings, and a contemporary reimagining of Queenslander living for today.

A fresh modern take on a New Farm Queenslander cottage

Design: Shaun Lockyer Architects
Build: M2 Construct
Engineering: Westera Partners
Landscaping: Green Care Project
Styling: Luke Daniels Designs
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones

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