Architecture

Living Large On This Acreage Style Property In Suburban Brisbane

Acre blocks in Australia’s capital cities are virtually non-existent, so when a site like this comes along, embracing the land becomes the number one priority.

‘The Nest’ offers its residents the rare feeling of living in the bush, while being just seven kilometres from the centre of Brisbane.

With the use of tactile natural materials and sustainable design principles, Shaun Lockyer Architects have created a landmark new home to serve generations.

Written
by
Amelia Barnes
Supports The Design Files

The Nest designed by Shaun Lockyer Architects. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

The widespread use of concrete is softened by the use of grey ironbark and various natural stones. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

It was client’s intention this home provide an ‘acreage lifestyle’ normally only achievable on a rural estate. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Large doors in the  living pavilion allow this to become a fully internal or fully external space as required. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Interior styling and construction by Kalka. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

The overriding aesthetic of the home is heavily inspired by the work of Californian modernists around the ‘60s. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

‘Sandblasted concrete, spotted gum timber, natural stone and textured renders all are characterised by a tactility and warmth that one only finds in natural materials.’ Shaun Lockyer says. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Spotted gum and grey ironbark timbers feature throughout. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Beyond good design, this house also incorporates solar power, LED lighting, substantial and thermal mass. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

The consistent material palette continues in the bathrooms. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed by timber are among modernist influences. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

The focal point of the property is the north-east aspect over the garden, pool and tennis court, all of which enjoy distant city views.  Photo – Cathy Schulser.

All Shaun Lockyer Architects projects address sustainability, but this home in particular is designed to stand the test of time both in its form and function. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

The home offers residents the rare feeling of living in the bush, despite being just seven kilometres from the centre of Brisbane. Photo – Cathy Schulser.

Writer
Amelia Barnes
28th of November 2019

Located in Bardon, Brisbane, among the leafy foothills of Mt Coot-tha, is ‘The Nest’ by Shaun Lockyer Architects.

Most significant about this project is its sheer size, being positioned on a rare 4240-square metre block. (For perspective, the Urban Development Institute of Australia reports the median greenfield lot size in South East Queensland is currently around 440 square metres.)

It was the client’s intention this home provide an ‘acreage lifestyle’ normally only achievable on a rural estate. Major works were required to manipulate the land to achieve this outcome, creating more than 1500 square metres of flat, open lawn mimicking a sprawling paddock.

The focal point of the property is the north-east aspect over the garden, pool and tennis court, all of which enjoy distant city views. The open-plan living pavilion in particular embraces this aspect, with large doors enabling the space to become either fully internal or fully external as required. ‘The experience of this space is more akin to being on a verandah than being in a house, which is a very deliberate outcome we intended as a result of considering the space in a sub-tropical context,’ says Shaun Lockyer.

The widespread use of concrete is softened by the use of grey ironbark and various natural stones. ‘Our preference is always natural materials that age gracefully,’ Shaun says. ‘Sandblasted concrete, spotted gum timber, natural stone and textured renders all are characterised by a tactility and warmth that one only finds in natural materials.’

The overriding aesthetic here is heavily inspired by mid-century modern architecture, specifically the work of Californian modernists around the ‘60s. ‘The use of heavily verticals and light horizontals is testament to this vernacular,’ says Shaun.

Among the home’s passive design features is the timber rain screen, which provides shade, protection and security. Deep eaves, excellent cross flow ventilation, and natural light make for a sustainable long-term proposition. ‘The use of first principle design that optimises orientation, natural breezes and year-round comfort is seminal to the work,’ Shaun says. Beyond good design, this house also incorporates solar power, LED lighting, and thermal mass.

One can only imagine the many memories this spectacular home will be host to!

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