Set on two-and-a-half acres of elevated acreage, this large double-storey Queenslander home is an excellent example of how authentic Queensland architecture can blend seamlessly with open-plan living and contemporary kitchen and bathroom finishes
This home and accompanying separate garage with professional cellar provides a prestige level of living that enables the owners to enjoy a lifestyle to which many aspire. The brief from the owners to Garth Chapman Queenslanders’ designer Kevin Hincksman included a desire to create a valuable asset that enhanced the value of the land. Siting the home on the block to best suit the aspect, environment and topography and to provide the owners with privacy within an acreage estate were important variables that formed an integral part of the design.
An impressive voided entry with 130mm-wide select-grade 19mm-thick spotted gum polished flooring and stunning internal staircase, bathed in natural light through a large north-facing picture window, leads the occupant to the upper level of the home where the main living areas and bedrooms are found. Moving through recessed multi-light cedar joinery doors, you arrive at a very generous central space dedicated to the living, dining and kitchen areas with the same wide timber flooring throughout. This is surrounded on both sides by large verandahs, so regardless of the weather there is an outdoor space to be with friends and family. The front verandah includes a large dedicated entertaining area with 9ft ceilings lined with external-grade VJ board. The kitchen is spacious and functional with stone benchtops, a large island and glass splashbacks. A cedar servery at the kitchen window services the rear verandah. A large walk-in pantry allows ample storage for a comprehensive variety of food and cooking appliances.
At one end of the upper level is the parents’ wing. It contains a library/reading room, the fifth bedroom and the main bedroom, with both bedrooms having access to the verandahs via beautiful cedar French doors. The main ensuite is a work of art. Travertine and marble tiling up to the cornice is complemented by a large frameless glass shower, a bath with a view, heated towel rails and an elegant double vanity unit. Directly off the ensuite is a celebrity-style walk-in robe with cabinetry shelving, drawers and an island. The other end of the upper level contains a games room and the main bathroom with similar styling to that of the ensuite. Water is heated by instantaneous gas heaters located at each end of the home to reduce any lag and water usage. Two bedrooms are located in the front of the home, again with cedar French door entry to the main verandah. At the rear of the home is a self-contained guest wing that has a kitchenette, a well-appointed ensuite, and access to the main rear verandah as well as its own private verandah. The owners have frequent overseas guests who stay for extended periods and this area was specifically designed so their accommodation enabled privacy and separation for the owners and their guests.
The lower level is the practical area of the home, retaining the standard 2.7m-high (9ft) ceilings provided in a Garth Chapman Queenslander home. A very large room off the entry is used for music tuition and features built-in cabinetry shelving. An area for gym workouts is ready to be equipped with the right apparatus. One of the homeowners, a computer programmer, has a dedicated office space with sophisticated equipment and multiple connected screens.
The media room is also on the lower floor with significant cabling and bulkheads being features. Acoustic insulation has been installed to the ceiling and internal walls of these three rooms. A cloakroom, powder room and storeroom housing the state-of-the-art home automation (HA) system are located in close proximity to the double garage, which has an epoxy resin floor covering renowned for being hard-wearing and easy to clean. The HA system features several screens throughout the house for efficient technological control of many aspects of the home, including lighting, music, videos and air-conditioning. These are also accessed via multiple smart phones. An abundant supply of modern light fittings, all controlled by the HA, creates any mood the owners desire.
The family has a significant wine collection, so it was thought a purpose-built facility for it would be ideal. Since acreage properties often require storage of additional machinery and vehicles, a separate “shed” was incorporated into the design of this additional facility. It features a professionally insulated and climate-controlled cellar, a storage area and space for an additional two cars. Styled in the same manner as the main home, it sits proudly as part of the landscape.
Energy efficiency was an important consideration for the designer and the owners. All glazing to the surian cedar joinery throughout the home is Comfort Plus 6.38mm thick. There is insulation above the ceiling, under the roof sheets and to all the external walls. Window hoods are an important device as they shade windows not under the verandah and enable them to be opened in summer and during rain.
This residence is very comfortable and has reduced energy costs for the life of the home. The luxury family abode was crafted by a very dedicated and close-knit team of professional tradespeople who apply their individual trades to an industry high standard. The interior design service is an integral link in bringing together the colours, finishes, cabinetry and general fit–out. This service is included for all Garth Chapman clients.
For more information