New Farm House
Project type - New build
Forging a strong connection between family, the architecture and landscape
Lisa and David, who have two young boys, wanted a new house where they felt strongly connected to the landscape and each other. We designed a home that balances openness and enclosure by drawing the subtropical vegetation into the interior experience and creating spaces that encourage the family to spend time together.
To mitigate flood constraints, the lower level is raised 1.8 metres above ground and comprises a series of open decks and immersive spaces that allow the landscape to permeate the house, blurring the lines between inside and out. The upper level is more enclosed, yet still maintains a strong connection to the outdoors. Nestled amid the tree canopy, it has high ceilings and operable glazing that offer generous views of greenery and cross ventilation. The floor plan is stepped apart into three connected pavilions, allowing the living and sleeping wings to be closed when unoccupied, inspiring family interaction in the shared spaces.
Tapping into our clients’ skills and passions, we encouraged them to help bring their own house to life. Lisa, an interior designer and artist, designed her studio and the butler’s pantry, while David, a landscape architect, designed the flourishing garden and his workspace on the lower level. This hands-on contribution has enriched their new home with another layer of meaning and joy.
East elevation with the timber shutters open. The shutters allow for privacy but can be opened and closed in different configurations. The narrow deck between the shutter and the bedroom wall provide a layer of air for natural ventilation. There is no garage, the front courtyard provides for car parking.
Window seat.
View toward the back garden from the central stair
View from the northwest over the back garden to the house. While Brisbane city is only 5 minutes away the landscaping by Vee Design envelops the house completely within the narrow site.
The lower study. Cost-effective prefabricated doors have been configured into a large custom opening.
Upper living area with view to the northwest over the garden. The opening uses a standard door that is fully screened for fall prevention
Upper level dining room.
Main entry to the house is a long way into the site. The decking and gaps between the doors are secure, but meant to feel more outside than inside
Main bedroom. Timber applied to the doors on the north allow for privacy to the neighbouring house, which is close to the boundary. Ventilation balcony to the far end with the busy street beyond.
Metal entry gate fabricated from 10 mm flat plate steel.
View into the entry courtyard. The long pedestrian entry is at the left.
Site Plan, with extent of flooding shown in blue.
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Lower floorplan.
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Upper floorplan.
Front Elevation with shutters open.
Team
Tim Bennetton
Collaborators
Builders: Charles Warren Constructions,
Structural Engineer: Rod Bligh
Landscape design: Vee Design, Scapex Landscapes
Interiors: Lisa Hatherly
Year Built
2019
Location
New Farm, Brisbane
Country
Turrbal and Jaggera peoples
Photographer
Awards
Queensland Architecture Awards 2022
Brisbane Region Commendation for Residential Architecture, New House
Houses Awards 2022
Shortlist, for New House over 200 square metres
Dezeen Awards 2022
Longlist, Urban House category
Press
Green Magazine, Issue 82, November 2021, ‘Surrounded’
Get in touch
Every project starts with a conversation. We’d love to hear what you’re planning, whether it’s a new home, a renovation or just an early idea.