Kieron Gait Architects Transforms Balmoral Hillside House with a Timber-Framed Undercroft
In the vibrant landscape of Brisbane, Australia, Kieron Gait Architects has completed a remarkable update to the Balmoral Hillside House, a 1990s "Queenslander" style dwelling. The primary intervention focuses on the transformation of the "undercroft" – the elevated space beneath the house – turning it into a vital, fluid area that redefines the relationship between the interior and the lush surrounding garden.
Traditionally, Queenslander homes are characterised by their living spaces being raised on stilts above an open undercroft, an adaptation to the subtropical climate. However, for the Balmoral Hillside House, the owners – a family with three young boys – wanted this often-underutilised space to become the heart of family life, fostering a deep connection with the outdoors.
A Dialogue Between Timber and Landscape
Kieron Gait Architects approached this desire with a masterful touch that effectively "dissolves" boundaries. The undercroft is now framed by dark spotted gum timber beams and planks, a material choice that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also establishes a dialogue with Queensland's natural landscape. This "simple and timeless" material palette contrasts with the more traditional appearance of the upper floor, creating a harmonious symbiosis between the old and the new.
The renovation isn't just about aesthetics. The house, originally built with economical materials and no insulation, has been optimised for comfort. The undercroft, traditionally the coolest space in Brisbane's hot summers, has been celebrated and enhanced. The use of a concrete floor helps to cool the space, inviting a tactile, "barefoot" experience that further blurs the line between inside and out.
Embracing the Outdoor Connection
The architects have placed particular emphasis on how the edges of the house are occupied. A window seat in the kitchen, designed like a "telescope," allows for expansive views of the garden and hillside. Stone pebble thresholds extend throughout the house, subtly separating public from private and interior from exterior, while seemingly "dragging" the landscape indoors.
The design also incorporates a central hallway, a key feature of the original Queenslander, which organises circulation and reinforces the connection to the outdoors. Wide openings and full-height sliding glass doors ensure generous cross-ventilation, embracing principles of sustainability and Brisbane's subtropical climate.
On the lower ground floor, in addition to a spacious dining area and kitchen, a double-height living room has been created, along with versatile spaces like a "snug" (a cosy nook) and a bedroom overlooking the garden. The upper floor houses additional bedrooms and a library with views to the living area below from a small balcony.
With the Balmoral Hillside House, Kieron Gait Architects has not only updated an existing structure but has woven a narrative of connection, permeability, and family life. The careful integration of the timber-framed undercroft is not just a functional addition but a poetic statement about how architecture can enrich our relationship with the natural environment.