With the following of reality shows that showcase renovations, it’s always refreshing to see a reno that respects the heritage of a building by retaining some of the integral features of its genre.
Specifically, the good old ‘Queenslander’ emerged from European migrants in the mid-19th century who were climatizing to the Queensland environment. The wide verandas provided shelter from the harsh sun, and the afternoon storms, creating an extra living space where the outside and inside naturally flowed.
Placed on stumps, this allowed a home to be built on uneven terrain, usually at the top of a hill to capture the breeze, also allowing cool ventilation to circulate beneath the floor.
Double-hung windows and doors typically opened out to verandas, again, to let the air flow freely throughout. The unique decorative features of the Queenslander were both pleasing to the eye, and practical to the environment, with decorative gables and balustrades allowing for peak flow of breeze right through verandas and throughout the home.
Professor of architecture, John Freeland described the Queenslander as ‘the closest Australia ever came to producing an indigenous style of architecture’.
With new developments and modern building styles, we have moved away from this smart design for our climate and more towards homes that are directed to inside living, with our electricity bill to prove it. Thankfully though, there are many people that embrace the ‘Queenslander’ character home as both aesthetically pleasing, and a smart choice for our climate and thanks to their typically light-weight building materials, such as light timbers and corrugated iron, you often see Queenslanders being re-located.
One Queenslander that we have recently listed has indeed been renovated, but tastefully so. It retains its original aesthetic features with a colour palette to appeal more to our modern tastes. In true Queenslander style it sits high, with beautiful breezes blowing in to the front veranda. We love the glossy polished timber floors and panelled walls, which have stood the test of time with no movement, which can sometimes be a problem with these character homes. The high ceilings allow for ventilation to flow right through the home. Visit the listing for a full run-down of the property at https://bit.ly/2CkGhWd
A little bit of something for everyone, this home won’t be on the market long so act today and give us a call to inspect on 0407 171 014 or 0419 712 550.
Have a wonderful week.
Cheers,
Rach
Greensill Team at Harcourts 