Avonleigh Queenslander Extension by Kelder Architects

Avonleigh house is a new substantial extension and renovation to a grand old Queenslander property. The form of the new lower level of the Queenslander maintains the footprint of the original home, extending the verandas to the lower levels and building in an entry, study, and car accommodation under the footprint of the original. The original Veranda is extended down, flanking the new entry, defined by a timber colonnade and detailed with lightweight timber fret work.

The extension to the rear of the house is purposely distinctive in materiality; sandstone is used extensively as an exterior and interior cladding anchoring and supporting the original Queenslander in its new elevated position.

The new extension is defined by the long horizontally proportioned terracotta baguette batten screen that sits atop the shou sugi ban clad terraces edges and the rusticated sandstone base. The early morning eastern light is filtered through the screen into the large internal, double height void, bringing light deep into the plan. The void connects the old and new zones, and the more private upper level with the lower living areas.

The house is designed for a family that loves to entertain and enjoys a home life centred on outdoor activities with their children, extended family, friends and pets. The key spaces of the home are gathered together in a double height-open plan grand room. The grand room becomes the centre of the entire home, tying together the more private upper level living and bedroom areas with the lower indoor/outdoor living areas. The home is essentially all about this one ‘grand room’, it serves as the arrival point and as the primary orientation point to understand the large scale of the house, primarily it is the focal point of life in the house.