Yeronga House

Rejuvenating a Queenslander to be open, spacious and connected to the community

Steve and Fiona bought their post-war Queenslander house after the 2011 floods, knowing that it was within a flood area. The 1990s alterations and additions were poorly planned, compartmentalising the house and reducing light and airflow. This meant the west side of the house was hot, the rear was elevated high above the paved backyard, and the studio was rundown. The couple wanted to make the house more spacious and sustainable, with better light and ventilation, to remove the studio and improve the use of the garden. A three-stage plan was developed for the renovation based on what made the most impact on daily life.

Stage one, opened up the existing house for better light and airflow and introduced a series of decks and landscaping to better link the interior to the rear garden. Removing internal walls created a new breezeway that improves the use of space and promotes cross ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning.

A new flexible ‘pod’ was designed that concentrates the home office, recreation and guest room in one generous space in the back garden, separated from the house by a small external breezeway link. Celebrating Fiona’s love of sewing, the pitched roof is evocative of draped fabric. Large south-facing windows provide views of the garden, and a series of shutter doors on the eastern façade capture the morning sun and north-easterly breezes.

Stage two, created a more welcoming entry and habitable front courtyard that establishes a better connection between the house and the street. A small gesture of public architecture, the openness of the front fence and integrated seat allows Steve and Fiona to have much greater interaction with the community, hosting their neighbours and engaging with passers-by.

We also addressed the site, collaborating with Steve to upgrade the front garden to a wicking bed system, and to transform the flood-prone backyard into a water-sensitive landscape with a bio-retention pond that manages stormwater runoff.

Most recently, the interior of the original house was finished, renovating the two bathrooms and extending the kitchen, where the couple prepare meals with the bounty of produce grown in their front garden.

Wheelchair access

No