Built on a double block in inner Brisbane, Wooloowin House occupies the edges of its site, flipping the usual house-and-backyard script so common in Australian suburbia.

Designed for a professional couple that love cooking and entertaining outdoors, Wooloowin House unifies ideas of modern luxury to its leafy park-side setting. Sited adjoining public parkland, the lower story of the house hugs its southern boundary, forming two generous north-facing courtyards. One courtyard is grassed and faces the street, hemmed by a timber slat fence; the other is more private, containing a swimming pool facing the parkland.

The second story sits perpendicular to the lower story, forming an undercroft that creates a bridge between each courtyard. It is in these indoor-outdoor edges where life in Wooloowin House happens. 

The open and linear arrangement of spaces in the lower story allows maximum possible engagement with the courtyards, featuring large sliding doors to modulate light and ventilation when needed. The kitchen forms the centre of the house, opening directly out into the covered outdoor terrace and additional outdoor catering amenities. A partition wall between the kitchen and living room conceals a staircase to the upper level, containing the master suite and guest bedrooms, each featuring their own street-facing verandas. 

A contemporary interpretation of vernacular Queenslander materials is deployed, using Weathertex and corrugated roofing as cladding. Balustrades are avoided in the pool area, with deftly designed planning allowing for uninterrupted views across the entertaining area to the parkland.

By reframing the idea of suburban house planning, Wooloowin House provides space for both the delight of entertaining, and the luxury of calm.

LOCATION
Wooloowin, Brisbane

COMPLETED
2018

INTERIOR DESIGN
Wrightson Stewart

CONTRACTOR
Urban Circle

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Northrop Engineers

PHOTOGRAPHER
James Hung