In a densely built Brisbane inner-city suburb, where neighbouring homes have gradually consumed their plots, one early 1900s worker’s cottage remained largely untouched — elevated and disconnected from its backyard, with enclosed verandahs that blocked light and severed the relationship between interior and landscape. The challenge was to create a meaningful connection to the garden without building too far into it. The result is Niwa House — named for the Japanese word meaning “garden, courtyard, yard.”
A Series of Thresholds
Rather than a typical large extension, the approach centres on spatial reconfiguration, adding just 30 square metres while fundamentally transforming how the home functions. The connection from house to garden unfolds as a carefully choreographed sequence: from the original timber structure to verandah, through to an internal courtyard, down to the concrete kitchen bench, into the meals area, and finally to the garden beyond.
At the heart of this intervention sits the courtyard — a space designed to be looked upon rather than occupied, following principles of Japanese garden design. Protected by delicate bronze mesh, it filters sunlight, deflects rain, repels insects, and allows the family to keep doors and windows open year-round for natural ventilation. The mesh-covered courtyard brings light deep into the centre of the plan while creating visual transparency between levels and spaces.
The new kitchen and dining area occupies the northern edge, opening completely to the backyard through sliding doors. Strategic adjustment of the new skillion roof slope allows views from the original living room down into the kitchen and garden, then up and out toward the neighbouring hill.
Several interior spaces are painted black — a deliberate choice that enhances the sense of shadowy interiors against the brightness of the garden, drawing the eye outward while making compact spaces feel larger.
At the street edge, the front verandah has been reinstated as an open platform engaging directly with the neighbourhood, while a new side path brings visitors through an outdoor courtyard garden, allowing the original house to remain the private bedroom wing.
A Home Built for Resilience
With both adults working from home in dedicated office spaces, the design by John Ellway. Architect and Hannah Waring . Architect accommodates contemporary life while prioritising environmental performance. A new light-coloured roof with ceiling insulation, additional underfloor and western wall insulation, and 36 solar panels producing up to 12 kilowatts of power demonstrate the family’s commitment to sustainability — both homeowners work in health research and renewable energy.
Landscape design by Prandium Studio rehabilitates the site with native planting, creating refuge for local wildlife while providing lush green outlooks from every room.
Related article: A Contemporary Brisbane Renovation Grounded in Place Through Landscape Design
Niwa House proves that thoughtful alteration can achieve more with less — honouring heritage character while enabling contemporary family life through clever spatial manipulation, considered materiality, and deep connection to landscape. The project was recognised with the Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards.
Project Details
Architect: John Ellway
Collaborating Architect: Hannah Waring
Builder: Struss Constructions
Landscape Design: Prandium Studio
Photography: Toby Scott
