Renovating a Queenslander: How to honour tradition while embracing today

10 Apr Renovating a Queenslander: How to honour tradition while embracing today

With its iconic wide verandas, high-set design, and intricate timberwork, the Queenslander home holds a special place in Australia’s architectural heritage. Renovating one of these beauties presents a unique opportunity: to breathe new life into a piece of history while creating a comfortable and functional home for modern living. It’s a delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing today’s needs and styles. 

Here’s a guide to navigating this rewarding process:

Understand the heritage & architecture

Before swinging a single hammer, it’s crucial to immerse yourself in the history and architectural nuances of your Queenslander. Understand the significance of features like the verandas, VJ walls, fretwork, high ceilings, and the use of timber throughout the structure. 

Research the era your home was built in to appreciate its original design intent. This understanding will inform your renovation choices and help you preserve its charm.

The Corley Explorer is a great resource of over 61,000 photos of Brisbane homes taken in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Structural integrity

Older homes, particularly timber-framed Queenslanders, may have structural issues that need addressing before cosmetic changes can be made. Prioritise a thorough structural assessment by qualified professionals before heading down the renovation road. 

This can include checking the foundations, timber stumps, floorboards, and roof for any signs of decay, termite damage, or movement. Addressing these underlying issues early is paramount to ensuring the longevity and safety of your renovated home.

Respect the façade

The exterior of a Queenslander is its calling card. When renovating, we aim to respect its original character and street appeal. Consider maintaining or restoring key features like the veranda balustrades, window placement, styles and roofline. When choosing paint colours, opt for palettes that are sympathetic to the era of the house while allowing for a fresh, updated look.

Preserve the interior character

On the inside, focus on preserving and enhancing the existing character. This might involve retaining original timber flooring, restoring timber panelling, or highlighting features like ceiling roses. Where changes are necessary, we strive for a seamless blend between old and new. For instance, we consider how new openings can complement the existing architectural style when creating a more open-plan living space.

Update your appliances thoughtfully

Modern living demands updated electrical, plumbing, and potentially air conditioning systems. When integrating these into an older home, we aim for minimal disruption to the original fabric. We conceal wiring and pipework where possible and choose fixtures and fittings that suit your home’s style. We can incorporate energy-efficient upgrades, like better insulation or energy-efficient appliances in a way that doesn’t compromise the heritage aesthetic.

Balance the interior styling

When it comes to interior design, we try to balance the historical charm with your personal style. We consider a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture and décor that complements the Queenslander’s architecture. 

Light and airy fabrics, natural materials, and colours that enhance the sense of space often work well in these types of homes. 

Embrace outdoor living

The veranda is an integral part of the Queenslander lifestyle. We can help revitalise this space into a stunning alfresco dining area or a relaxing outdoor retreat. We can help with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and even outdoor fans to maximise its usability in Brisbane’s hot and sultry summer climate.

Use of materials & keeping sustainability in mind

When selecting materials for your renovation, we consider options that are either period-appropriate or sustainably sourced. Reclaimed timber can be a fantastic way to maintain the original character while being environmentally conscious. For new additions or replacements, we can choose materials that complement the existing ones in terms of look and feel and embrace eco-friendly solutions where possible, such as low-VOC paints and water-saving fixtures.

Budgeting for surprises is always a good idea

Renovating older homes often comes with unexpected discoveries. It’s wise to allocate a contingency in your budget to account for unforeseen issues like hidden structural problems or the need for unexpected repairs. This buffer will help avoid stress and ensure you can complete your renovation to a high standard.

Renovating a Queenslander is a journey that blends the past with the present. By understanding and respecting its heritage, while thoughtfully incorporating modern updates, we can help you to create a truly unique and cherished home for years to come.