Thank you! We love it when the owners are informed and prepared for the upcoming challenges.

Totally... Andrew Degn’s advice is on lasting value in home design is gold!

Thanks Ned! We're glad we can help. Queensland living needs some specific planning to make the most of it.

Yes. You, and your father before you, have chosen on of the all-time best design strategies to make relatively small places feel larger, and more grounded in the environment. It does make a place feel like it belongs. Just moving through your home and catching the tree-clad mountains will bring joy to you, your friends and family every day. Your investment in the glass will be so worthwhile.

@@janhogarth3353 Thanks! Looking forward to more content.

Glad you liked it!

Hi @chapmansbg ... This house was built in the 1920’s. Building Code of Australia, that defined a distance of 900mm between the boundary to the outermost projection of the building, was enacted more in the 1980's. As building regulations are upgraded, owners are not required to constantly bring their old building up to the current standard- the rules are triggered when they change that element. We could leave the existing non-compliant walls and windows as is, because they are in exactly the same position they always have been. If we raised the house, both side walls, windows and eaves would have had to be replaced. At a policy level, if we "responsibly" constantly upgraded Queenslanders to current standards, few would survive, because the walls, doors and windows aren't insulated for heat, sound, or privacy. Many are too close to the boundary. The structure is too flexible and not cyclone rated. They are built in flood areas. There is no universal access to a house on stumps. They have dark internal rooms, inadequate storage, and not enough head height underneath. The wiring, sewer, gas, communications, and rainwater systems are antiquated. But like classic cars, they are charming, delightful, and worth preserving.

@@placematearchitects Thanks for the reply and information. 900mm, In 1920 wouldn't they have been using the imperial system? Probably one yard? (914.4mm), I didn't realise they were allowed to build so close. I grew up in Canberra and setbacks there were always about 3 meters to the side of the property, 6 to the front. But they have changed a lot over the past 20 years, now people are building on top of one another. We used to have 1/4 acre blocks as a standard plot now people think they have hit the jackpot if their block is over 350m2. Too many greedy developers and tax collectors. My Dad was from Kempsey and his Dad (my Pop) was a carpenter, the houses he built were very similar to the QLD'r style, his own home was built on a slope so he was up on stumps at the back, we used play under the house as kids. But they don't have too many cyclones down that way. Not much flooding either. Thanks again, take care.

@@chapmansbg Thanks so much for this background. What a wonderful heritage you have! You’re right about everything being imperial…. 10 foot ceilings, 4 by 2’s, 5 inch skirtings. We appreciate your interest and hope to respect the workmanship of people like your Dad and Pop.

Hi MC, thanks for reaching out. Projects like this have many variables that impact costs so if you would like to have a chat about your project, please phone us on 0439 495 333 or email [email protected]

Thanks Mike!