Set within one of Brisbane’s most exclusive enclaves, this Queenslander has been reimagined into a refined family retreat. Among its rare features is a private tennis court — a central focus that now sits harmoniously within a new architectural vision celebrating the essence of subtropical life.
The transformation by REFRESH Studio for Architecture began with the removal of a dated 1990s extension, peeling back the layers to reveal the home’s original grace and reconnect it with the landscape. In its place, the design opens generously to the north, where a private tennis court becomes part of the daily outlook, and to the east, where a new pool catches the morning light. These orientations are not simply aesthetic choices — they form the foundation of a plan shaped around light, air and movement. Breezes drift easily through the home, guided by large openings and shaded overhangs, creating a sense of perpetual openness that captures the essence of Queensland living.
At the centre of the ground floor, the reconfigured kitchen becomes the home’s true gathering point. Positioned between the pool terrace and the garden edge, it acts as both a visual and social anchor — a place where the family comes together across the flow of indoor and outdoor spaces. The living and dining areas extend seamlessly from this heart, with expansive bi-fold doors blurring the line between interior comfort and the subtropical garden beyond. The effect is one of effortless connection — a home that breathes with its surroundings, adapting naturally to the day’s rhythm.
Above, a broad verandah reaches outward, its deep overhang providing protection from the summer sun and casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across the façade. Inside, a sculptural staircase rises through a dramatic light well — the architectural soul of the home — flooding the interior with daylight and linking the two levels in a gesture of calm continuity. This interplay of light, texture and vertical space by REFRESH lends the home an almost meditative quality, where each element feels considered yet unforced.
Related article: This grand old Queenslander home has been given a new lease of life
While the ground floor has been reimagined for contemporary life, the upper level remains a respectful nod to the home’s heritage. Original timberwork and traditional proportions have been restored, maintaining a sense of authenticity, while new structural elements are articulated in a restrained, contemporary manner. The old and new coexist in quiet conversation — neither overpowering the other, but instead enriching the overall narrative of the home.
The result is a contemporary Queenslander home of subtle contrasts: open yet intimate, historic yet unmistakably modern. It’s a home designed for how we truly live — shaded, connected, and effortlessly at ease.
Design: REFRESH Studio for Architecture
Photography: Andy MacPherson
