architecture Archives - Paddington Today

Stunning Paddington Residence With Challenging Construction Techniques Hits the Market

A stunning Paddington residence has hit the market following a complex 14-month renovation that tested the limits of modern construction techniques on one of Brisbane’s most challenging blocks.

The five-bedroom home at 9 Reading Street sits atop a ridge where the street climbs at a precipitous 1-in-3.5 gradient – making it Brisbane’s third steepest street behind Gower Street in Toowong and Stoneleigh Street in Red Hill.

Rob Gray, managing director of design and construction firm Graya, said the project proved more demanding than anticipated despite his company’s decade of experience building on sloping Paddington sites.

The existing house required a double-lift system, with the entire structure suspended whilst concrete was poured around the supporting stumps below. Delivery trucks regularly struggled to stop on the sharp incline, whilst some tradespeople’s vehicles slipped on the steep slope.

The 810-square-metre dual lot now features level grounds, with architect Joe Adsett of Joe Adsett Architects having cleverly utilised the natural slope. A swimming pool was positioned with its rear wall serving as retaining structure to level the land, whilst the space beneath the house accommodates parking for four vehicles and an additional living area.

The property includes five bathrooms, two living areas organised around a central courtyard, and a heated infinity pool with spa. The outdoor entertaining space features a kitchen, covered terrace and sunken fire pit. Upstairs additions include a balcony, window seat, study and Pilates studio.

The renovation faced additional complications beyond the topography. The house sits within a conservation area, requiring any modifications to preserve its character and appearance. Extensive asbestos was also discovered during works.

The original weatherboard cladding and stucco were removed, with the home rebuilt to more closely resemble a traditional Queenslander featuring weatherboard and metal roofing. According to Adsett, the finished home is completely unrecognisable from its previous form.

Ray White New Farm sales agent Josh Brown is marketing the property, highlighting the elevation advantages that deliver views from every room across Brisbane’s northern cityscape.

Whilst steep-block construction presents significant design challenges compared to flat sites, the resulting outlook provides substantial compensation for the engineering complexities involved.

Published 26-September-2025

145-Year-Old Kelvin Grove Landmark Transformed into Speech Therapy Hub

Photo Credit: Christopher Frederick Jones, CFJ Photography

A 145-year-old heritage building in Kelvin Grove has been given a remarkable second chance, thanks to a thoughtful restoration project by Lockhart-Krause Architects that has transformed the landmark into a specialised children’s speech therapy centre.

The building, which dates back to the 1880s, has witnessed decades of change throughout Brisbane’s history. Originally constructed during Queensland’s colonial period, it has served the community in various capacities over the years – housing everything from a confectionery shop and hotel to a private home, music store, and multiple restaurants.

**252 Kelvin Grove Rd before renovation**
Photo Credit: Christopher Frederick Jones, CFJ Photography

However, time hadn’t been kind to the structure. Years of modifications, including a Spanish Mission-style facade added during the 1930s, had hidden much of the building’s original architectural character. The sandstone brickwork, ornate window details, and classical proportions that defined its heritage value had been obscured by unsympathetic renovations.

Enter Lockhart-Krause Architects, a practice founded in 2018 that specialises in collaborative, people-focused design. Director Jesse Lockhart-Krause and his team saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the structure whilst respecting its historical significance.

**252 Kelvin Grove Rd after renovation, now housing Brisbane Therapy Collective’s office**
Photo Credit: Christopher Frederick Jones, CFJ Photography

The renovation approach was carefully considered, balancing preservation with practical modernisation. Rather than simply restoring the building to its original state, the architects created a thoughtful dialogue between old and new. One section preserves the heritage character, whilst a contemporary addition complements the original structure’s scale, materials, and architectural rhythm.

For the Brisbane Therapy Collective, the client behind the project, the transformation has exceeded expectations. The ground floor now features a welcoming reception area positioned along the original sandstone boundary wall, creating a naturally lit waiting space for families. Twelve consulting suites and staff facilities occupy the upper level, strategically positioned to maximise natural light and provide views towards Mount Coot-tha and Mount Nebo.

Photo Credit: Christopher Frederick Jones, CFJ Photography

Perhaps most impressively, the previously dark basement has been opened up to create dedicated spaces for indoor and outdoor play therapy and music therapy sessions – crucial facilities for children’s developmental support.

The restoration work has revealed hidden gems within the building’s bones. Original sandstone walls have been exposed, timber joists that had been concealed for decades are now visible features, and a heritage brick fireplace has been lovingly restored. These historical elements now work alongside modern functional upgrades to create spaces that are both characterful and practical.

The project represents more than just an architectural achievement – it’s a model for how heritage conservation can serve contemporary community needs. By housing a children’s therapy centre, the building continues its long tradition of serving local families, whilst the sensitive restoration approach ensures its historical significance is preserved for future generations.

Lockhart-Krause Architects describes their philosophy as architecture “focused on people”, and this project exemplifies that approach. The collaboration between architects, builders Charles Warren Constructions, and the Brisbane Therapy Collective demonstrates how heritage buildings can be successfully adapted for modern healthcare delivery.

For Kelvin Grove residents, the project signals positive change in their neighbourhood. The building once again stands as a proud example of Brisbane’s architectural heritage, whilst providing essential services for local families. It’s a reminder that our historic buildings don’t need to be museum pieces – with thoughtful design, they can continue to play active roles in community life.

The success of this adaptive reuse project offers hope for other heritage buildings facing uncertain futures. It proves that with vision, collaboration, and respect for history, Brisbane’s architectural treasures can continue to serve new generations whilst maintaining their connection to the past.

Published 30-July-2025

Historic Paddington Cottage Gains New Life After Renovation

Photo Credit: SPACE Property

A pre-1900s Paddington cottage has been transformed through careful renovation rather than expansion, proving the enduring value of preserving heritage homes.

Partners Elizabeth Hall and Ruairi Roberts, co-directors of Hall + Roberts Studio, approached their own home renovation with both professional expertise and personal passion. Their goal extended beyond improving their living space—they wanted to demonstrate how smaller, older homes can be revitalised without sacrificing character or comfort.

“We hope to prove through this project that small and rundown housing stock isn’t a wasted investment,” Roberts explained in the original reporting. “These houses often get overlooked, knocked down and replaced with oversized echo chambers to the detriment of our neighbourhood’s character.”

The couple made strategic changes to maximise space without extending the home’s footprint. They removed the rear deck and low tin roof, replacing them with a large sliding door and Juliette balcony that dramatically increased natural light throughout the home.

“The natural light this immediately introduced was critical to the success of the new layout,” Hall noted.

In a thoughtful reconfiguration, they swapped the positions of the living area and kitchen, enabling better connection between the kitchen and outdoor spaces while enhancing privacy. Rather than dedicating space to a formal dining area, they installed an oversized concrete island bench that serves dual purposes as both dining table and work surface.

The renovation also included a colour refresh, replacing what was described as a “’90s palette” of pale purple, burgundy, and light blue with a more cohesive scheme featuring Dulux Whisper White, Mildura, and Black accents.

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Outside, the removal of the rear deck revealed enough space for a sunken courtyard, which the couple transformed into a subtropical garden sanctuary. The front yard was also redesigned with a more open boundary to enhance connection with neighbours.

Published 8-April-2025

Red Hill Renovation Wins Australian House of the Year

Photo Credit: zuzana&nicholas

A Red Hill couple’s decade-long renovation project has been crowned Australian House of the Year at the 2024 Houses Awards.

Zuzana Kovar and Nicholas Skepper transformed a 113-year-old worker’s cottage into a modern, multi-functional home that impressed judges with its innovative use of space and environmental considerations.

The couple purchased the two-storey property on a corner block in 2011, attracted by its potential for both living and working spaces. “We always imagined that’d be a great spot for an architecture studio,” Skepper said, referring to the revealed understorey on the side street.

Working within a compact 200 square metres, Kovar and Skepper made clever design choices to maximise the home’s functionality. They swapped living and bedroom areas to optimise natural light and ventilation, a simple yet effective change that significantly improved the home’s livability.

The renovation focused on flexible spaces, with the largest room serving as both an office and additional living area. “Our studio table doubles as a dining table for a large group,” Skepper explained, highlighting the home’s adaptability for various occasions.

Houses Awards head juror Alexa Kempton praised the design for its efficient use of space and its response to the evolving nature of work. The home successfully integrates professional and personal life while maintaining appropriate separation between spaces.

Contrary to the trend of maximising built area, the Red Hill renovation preserved the backyard, offering a valuable outdoor space for the couple’s young children. Large sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection without sacrificing garden area.

The project also emphasised sustainable practices, retaining original materials and recycling items where possible. This approach, combined with the preservation of green space, addresses growing concerns about urban density and environmental impact in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

Published 2-August-2024