A Tropical Renovation Lifts an Australian Home Into the Treetops

ByMyProperty Life

A striking addition draws nature, light, and fresh air into a home just outside of Brisbane.

The elevated porch captures prevailing breezes and provides close-up views of the mature trees in the backyard.

The suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, feature many prewar, wood-framed cottages with sheltered outdoor spaces like porches and verandas. Over time, as families grew and owners sought extra space, these indoor/outdoor rooms were increasingly enclosed, creating dark interiors that are devoid of fresh air and natural light.

Such was the case for a family’s home in the suburb of Clayfield—so they asked Fouché Architects for a contemporary renovation that would open up the “landlocked” rooms that had been walled in over time.

Fouché Architects reorganized the home’s interior layout and added a new addition to the rear of the home.
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Fouché Architects reorganized the home’s interior layout and added a new addition to the rear of the home.

Andy Macpherson

Because of the slope of the site, the main level of the home is the upper floor, which houses the kitchen, living room, dining room, and large outdoor porch.

Because of the slope of the site, the main level of the home is the upper floor, which houses the kitchen, living room, dining room, and large outdoor porch. 

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Andy Macpherson

Fouché Architects had several goals in mind for the renovation and addition—they sought to retain the “charming elements of yesteryear” while adapting the home “to drastically increase livability.” They also wanted to address the lack of natural light and ventilation, and strengthen the relationship between the trees in the backyard and the living areas.

The elevated porch captures prevailing breezes and provides close-up views of the mature trees in the backyard.

The elevated porch captures prevailing breezes and provides close-up views of the mature trees in the backyard.

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Andy Macpherson

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Tropical Renovation Lifts an Australian Home Into the Treetops
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