2021 National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

Jury citation

The presentation of this house to the street does not immediately give an understanding of the constraints of its refurbishment. Located in a flood zone, the existing house required a permeable lower level to accommodate non-habitable use and to allow a free flow of flood waters through the property. The brief was for a house that facilitates outdoor living space with positive connections to both ground and garden, and that allows indoor–outdoor living.

The street elevation constitutes a two-storey screened parti that establishes privacy to the garden terrace on the upper level. The masonry base exhibits a muddied palette of reds and terracottas, as if the waters had already coursed through. Ascending to the upper level, the materiality softens in reference to the retained gum trees, with freestanding screens that provide privacy to the interior activities. A new pool and outdoor terrace with pizza oven make the most of the northern orientation while maintaining separation from the lower flood zone.

This variation on a Queenslander is a carefully crafted project that, in its simplicity and unique program, addresses difficult constraints to develop delightful sequences of space, light and screens.

— Beck Street was reviewed by Michelle Bailey in Houses 140.

Project credits

Architect: Lineburg Wang; Project team: Michael Lineburg, Lynn Wang; Builder: Struss Constructions; Structural engineer: Optimum Structures; Civil consultant: Storm Water Consulting; Town planner: Property Projects Australia; Certification: Cornerstone Building Certification

Beck Street is located in Rosalie, Queensland on the land of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples.