There’s something special about Queenslanders. The deep verandahs, timber detailing, and generous eaves weren’t just aesthetic choices — they were clever responses to climate, lifestyle, and culture. For many Brisbane suburbs, these homes aren’t just houses — they’re part of the identity of the street.
That’s why designing with Queenslanders isn’t like designing anything else. Whether you’re extending, lifting, or building new in a character area, these homes deserve a thoughtful approach. One that protects their charm, adapts them for modern living, and understands exactly what Council will (and won’t) support.
We’ve worked on dozens of Queenslander homes across Brisbane, from inner-city renovations to full character zone redevelopments. Here are a few things we believe every architect — and homeowner — should consider before getting started.
1. Understand the difference between ‘old’ and ‘character’
Not every old home is protected by planning controls — but many are. Brisbane’s Traditional Building Character Overlay applies to homes built before 1946 in particular zones, and it can have a major impact on what changes are allowed.
Council is protective of these homes. They’re looking for design that:
Preserves the original roof form and front façade
Keeps the front stairs or entry visible from the street
Maintains street rhythm and scale
Uses sympathetic materials and detailing
We’ve spent years working with Council on these types of applications and understand where there’s flexibility — and where there absolutely isn’t. That knowledge can save months of redesign and avoid costly surprises during approvals.
2. Lift and build under — but do it well
Raising a Queenslander is one of the most popular renovation approaches in Brisbane. It allows you to preserve the existing upper level while gaining usable space below. But not all lift-and-builds are created equal.
Some things we always consider:
Proportions and elevation — keeping the home grounded visually, not awkwardly perched
Natural light to the lower level — avoiding dark, basement-like spaces
Structural clarity — respecting the original joist and column rhythm
Seamless connection between levels — for everyday family living
We’ve refined the detailing, stairs, service placement, and construction sequencing for these types of projects. Done properly, the result is a stunning, breathable home that blends heritage charm with modern functionality.
3. Make the most of verandahs and breezeways
One of the true joys of a Queenslander is how it handles Brisbane’s climate — particularly through its use of shade, breeze and flow. Too often in renovations, verandahs are closed in to create more indoor space. While that might seem practical, it can strip the home of its spirit.
Instead, we often reimagine these spaces as:
Outdoor rooms for dining, lounging or work-from-home
Breezeway transitions between old and new areas
Layered spaces that blur the boundary between indoors and out
We work with the natural orientation and street placement of each home to maximise airflow, light and connection to landscape — without compromising privacy or comfort.
4. Choose materials with care
One of the biggest mistakes we see is using materials in a way that jars with the original fabric of the home. This doesn’t mean everything has to be matchy-matchy or period-perfect — in fact, we love pairing traditional forms with clean, contemporary interventions — but the contrast should be considered and intentional.
We often work with:
Vertical timber cladding (traditional or fibre cement-based alternatives)
Timber-framed glazing with a modern edge
Soft roof transitions that reference original pitch and profile
Palettes that layer old and new with restraint
These choices allow the home to evolve without losing its integrity.
5. Don’t treat the back like a blank slate
Even when you’re making big changes at the rear, it still matters how you do it. Council assesses proposals based on the whole home’s contribution to the street and neighbourhood. A towering, boxy extension — even at the back — can cause issues.
Our design approach often includes:
Stepping the new volume to reduce visual impact
Lowering the roofline and breaking up massing
Using materials that bridge between old and new
Ensuring setbacks and outdoor space feel generous and usable
This helps ensure your extension feels like a natural continuation, not an afterthought.
Final thoughts
Designing with a Queenslander means balancing respect for heritage with a clear-eyed view of how people live today. It’s not about freezing homes in time — it’s about helping them evolve in a way that feels right for their owners, their neighbours, and the city.
If you’re considering a Queenslander renovation or addition, our advice is to start with experience. These homes are complex, and what works elsewhere often doesn’t apply here.
We’ve worked across the full spectrum — character overlays, corner blocks, flood-prone sites, and steep lots — and we bring not just architectural expertise, but an understanding of planning, construction, and how to guide a project all the way through.
We’d love to help you see the potential in your Queenslander and bring it to life with clarity, care and confidence. Feel free to get in touch, or explore some of our favourite Queenslander projects: