Sharing an update on one of our projects currently under construction in Brisbane – the Clayfield Prep-Prep revitalisation. This is a very special project… Clayfield Pre-Prep has been a much loved institution in the inner northern Brisbane community for decades and it really is an honour to be overseeing its architectural redesign and revitalisation.
To give you some insight into what’s planned, I wanted to share our inspiration for the design - inspired by the magic of childhood and early-years literature.
Read MoreGeorge Kouparitsas Architects project, Concréte, was recently recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects at their Brisbane Awards with an Honourable Mention. Learn more about the project and why it was recognised as award worthy.
Read MoreCreating your dream home, whether it’s a renovation or a new build, is an exciting time! It’s also one of the most important decisions – and largest investments – you will ever make. Remember, the process of designing and building is just the first part; you will have years of enjoying your home ahead of you, so you want to make sure you get it right and don’t compromise on quality or liveability. While there’s lots to think about, don’t feel daunted. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident going into the process.
Read MoreA new program that benefits both property developers and the livable housing community was recently announced which I’m really excited about. Brisbane City Council has launched a progressive plan that will enable property developers to take advantage of reduced infrastructure fees if they build livable homes that have “universal building standards” for older residents and people with disabilities.
Read MoreI wanted to share with you some pictures that really demonstrate the incredible power of using BIM (building information modelling) technologies when designing your home. For the uninitiated, BIM is a smart 3D modelling system that enables you to visually depict how a structure would appear in the ‘real world’. It was revolutionary when it was first introduced (more than 2 decades ago) as it essentially superseded the traditional sketch-based method of the architect. (That said, while it certainly disrupted the design and construction sector, there is certainly still a place for architectural sketches, particularly in the concept stage).
Read MoreFor those who’ve been asking, here is a behind-the-scenes look into our new build in Ascot which is currently underway. This one’s going to be a beauty. Panoramic city views from all the living areas and master bedroom (not to mention the pool!); floor to ceiling windows (over a two-level void), 4 car undercover carpark; and even a media room and cellar in the basement.
Read MoreA carport or garage is often the finishing touch for a home – an addition that not only keeps your cars safe, but also adds extra street appeal and significant value to your property’s potential sale price. We design lots of carports for clients and often find people have the same questions, so we created this list of tips for designing and building a carport to help you get started.
Read MoreToday I’m sharing one of our favourite projects we’ve worked on - the renovation and extension of a traditional Queenslander cottage located in Brisbane’s leafy suburb of Red Hill. When the owner purchased this house, it was almost original condition and very small - just a pokey two bedroom, one bathroom. But she had a big vision to transform it into an expansive two-level family home - and we were thrilled to be the architect to interpret this vision and design her dream home.
Read MoreWhen it comes to architecture and design, Virtual Reality (or “VR” as it’s commonly referred to) allows us to view designs and concepts in a ‘real world’ environment. You just need to put on VR goggles and as if by magic, an architect’s designs transform from a static blueprint or 3D render into a real-life structure in the digital world.
Read MoreOnce upon a time, as people got older and their physical abilities changed, they often needed to sell the family home and move into a more suitable dwelling. Likewise, for people living with disability or injury, independent living was a difficult – and often-times impossible – scenario.
But a new trend in the housing market is making it easier for all people – regardless of their circumstance or need – to stay in the homes they love, for longer.
Read MoreBuilt in the 1990s on the side of a hill overlooking the city, this house had great bones (underpinned with its enviable location), but some major flaws, including complete disconnection to its outdoor spaces. To help the owners – a professional family of four – create a more liveable space, we designed a third level in the basement area that was focused on introducing public spaces to the home. This included an expansive rumpus room, a stylish bar, a comfortable guest suite and a state-of-the-art home theatre.
Read MoreMore than four million Australians live with a disability, and yet typically, most buildings and infrastructure have not been designed to support their special needs. Working to address this issue and create livable, accessible homes and facilities that cater to an individual’s needs has become a passion of mine.
Read MoreWe’re currently working with a number of clients here in Brisbane - both residential and commercial - on adding green roofs to their properties. In fact, this is one of the fastest growing trends in sustainable architecture that we’ve seen in awhile. Here are the top 8 reasons why you might consider a green roof for your property.
Read MoreGeorge Kouparitsas was recently interviewed by Get It LIVING magazine for their ‘Ask an Architect’ column, where he shared advice on how to generate greater return on your investment when renovating.
Read MoreAs their name suggests, mid-century homes are not young starlets, having been constructed between 1945 and 1975. And while this style of abode may have fallen out of favour over the years, the clever use of open-plan rooms and seamless indoor/outdoor transitions have put the homes back in favour with well-heeled architectural aficionados. Architect George Kouparitsas says we’re seeing a resurgence of renovations on the Gold Coast aimed at injecting new life into these old homes by evoking the laid back luxury of the golden years of Palm Springs or the heady lifestyle brought to life in Mad Men.
Read MoreSharing a work in progress - a development currently underway in Alderley for four townhouses on a 478sqm block. Definitely an efficient use of space! The design of these townhouses was inspired by the clean lines of a Queenslander - to fit with the aesthetics of the street which features a number of character homes.
Read MoreLiving in Brisbane, one of the most common enquiries I receive is how to renovate Queenslander cottage homes. While each house has its own nuances and opportunities, here are a handful of tips I find are valuable across most projects. To demonstrate these points in action, I've also included images and a case study of the renovation of a 1920s Queenslander cottage in Albion we designed.
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