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
