Although this family home faced lockdowns, delays, and even flooding, nothing would stop its bright and open transformation.
After being recommended to the owners by a friend, the award-winning Papst Building Group worked with the couple to create a reimagined kitchen, living and dining space fit for a family of five.
“We assisted our clients with adapting the original design to be more open plan and made suggestions on how to work with existing structures to add value to their everyday living,” says Michaela Papst, general manager of Papst Building Group. “The kitchen and living areas were not functional for family living, and the entire lower level was dark and closed in.”
The owners sought an open-plan living zone and kitchen that flowed through to the backyard, allowing more light indoors and a space where the family could gather together comfortably.
The original bathroom and laundry on the ground level were completely updated, and a new kitchen fit-out and updated living space created, with modern aluminium bi-fold doors opening to the backyard.
“These new doors and retractable flyscreens allow the beautiful Queensland light to flood in year-round, creating a bright and open transformation, a generous entertaining area for the owners that seamlessly integrates the new dining area with the existing private backyard space,” says Michaela.
The lower-level renovation is well suited to the climate and allows the clients to entertain and enjoy a seamless flow between outside and in.
“These alterations also allow better access to the internal staircase, previously blocked off by an internal wall. There are additional storage opportunities with under-stair storage space, which is one of the owners’ favourite design features,” says Michaela.
Structural beam changes were required to secure the new design and open up the ground level. The placement of these beams to form bulkheads added an aesthetic feature and retained the height of the ceilings, which created a feeling of spaciousness and blended well with the home’s original character.
Yet, as previously mentioned, this renovation didn’t escape its challenges. After being delayed due to lockdowns and extended lead times, Brisbane experienced extensive rainfall and flooded the Saturday before the build was due to start.
“The client’s home was flooded with a foot of water through the entire lower level,” recalls Michaela. “Thankfully, all belongings were moved upstairs in preparation for the commencement of the build. The flood was quite an obstacle for both the clients and us as their builders. Effective scheduling, trade engagement and project management allowed us to be responsive, patient and action-oriented to support our clients through this stressful time.
“Although challenging, these projects help us to better understand the varying needs of our clients and their specific vision for their dream home, and we are very grateful for each and every one.”
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