TRIO ON AMOS

REFRESH*DESIGN transformed a diminutive site – just 7.2m wide and 46m long, and previously used to park fifteen cars – into three floating houses with raised gardens, while retaining most of the commercial car parking below.

With a footprint of just 330m2, the development of this urban leftover space on Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley, exemplifies the possibilities for ‘Missing Middle’ housing in Brisbane.

Three new terraces – each with three bedrooms and two bathrooms – offer the qualities of spaciousness, openness and natural light that residents appreciate in the sub-tropics.

The homes are separated by raised planters and decks, which provide ample outdoor space to the open plan living areas and contribute to privacy.

Each unit has dedicated car parking with the remaining spaces attached to a nearby commercial building; these can be easily converted into hospitality venues in future, as Brisbane’s laneway culture continues to evolve.

This innovative approach to ‘Missing Middle’ housing provided comfortable, healthy, and efficient homes in a sought-after location with enviable amenities, helping to counter urban sprawl.

REFRESH*DESIGN’S interpretation of the Brisbane City Character Code enabled a third storey – built into the attic spaces – while conforming to the shape and proportion of surrounding homes.

Strategic placement of dormer windows made these upper floors feel generous, with the added benefit of interesting special arrangements.

In its conception, philosophy and execution, this is a somewhat radical project, but the materials and spatial arrangements are familiar, creating a new typology for Brisbane: the ‘Queenslander Apartment’.

Sited between traditional Queenslanders and a taller commercial building, the primary elevation responds to the local character with a protected balcony raised above car parking, facing Arthur Street.

It’s layered to reduce perceived height, while the bulk is similarly reduced on Amos Lane, by pulling the three dwellings apart.

This project uses lightweight construction – timber framing with Colorbond wall and roof sheeting – to achieve the goal of generous internal living spaces on this small parcel of under-utilized land. The use of a single material for cladding expedited the construction process, thanks to its ease of installation, which required fewer trades on site.

REFRESH*DESIGN chose Klip-Lok profile in Shale Grey matt finish to blend in with the surrounding Queenslander houses and to reflect and reduce heat from the interiors. The use of steel wall cladding and roof sheeting enabled REFRESH*DESIGN to incorporate sufficient insulation to keep the homes warm in winter and cool in summer, thereby contributing to their overall comfort and efficiency.

The Klip-Lok profile provides a subtle, sculptural quality to the facade and roof, as shadows pass across it throughout the day. It was also selected for its durability and long-life, with little maintenance required.

Trio on Amos won an AIA Brisbane Regional Commendation in 2020 and an AIA Queensland State Award Commendation.

But most importantly, REFRESH*DESIGN’S clients were pleased with their creative approach. Marc the project developer said,

“We originally approached REFRESH*DESIGN to explore the possibilities for a better use of a strip of land formerly used as a commercial carpark. Their proposed solution – which included three new units and the retention of carparking – initially took us by surprise.

We were even more impressed at their ability to steer this innovative design proposal through council approval process, and to help us identify the right builder to deliver the project. At every step in this process we’ve been surprised and delighted by Refresh’s out-of-the-box thinking, and the final results have exceeded all of our initial expectations.”

Project Details

Project size – 377 m2
Site area – 330 m2
Completion date – 2019
Building levels – 3

Project Team

Architecture

REFRESH*DESIGN

REFRESH*DESIGN [R*] is an award-winning Brisbane based architectural design studio committed to realising finely crafted contemporary architecture responsive to brief and context. They have completed a diverse range of projects including houses and renovations, townhouses and apartments, commercial and hospitality projects.

The R* team is inspired by how architecture can shape a better society by enhancing the human experience. Their mission is to use design as a tool to surpass their client’s aspiration whilst at the same time balancing their intentions to positively influence the environment.

Their work has a strong focus on sustainability, underlined by its capacity to endure. It is contextual, adaptable, harmonious, and well considered in the use of space, light, material and technology. Striving for the most meaningful and sustainable solutions, from concept to delivery, in every phase REFRESH*DESIGN continues to improve and refine the design until the project is complete.

REFRESH*DESIGN’S collaborative approach revolves around input from all stakeholders involved, their clients, collaborators and craftsmen. With extensive experience in urban infill developments, the R* team thrives in working on complex challenges. Difficult sites or planning controls motivate them to find alternative solutions to achieve better outcomes, and in doing so to question the conventional.

European and Australian experience as architects and developers has given REFRESH*DESIGN an advantage to appreciate the fundamental importance of a project’s economic viability.

www.refreshdesign.com.au

Photography

Andy MacPherson

Andy Macpherson is known for creating images that give a sense of place. He has a distinct approach to documenting people and architecture that captures truth and beauty. He believes in taking the work, seriously but making the process fun.

www.andymacpherson.studio