Perched on a hill overlooking the city of Ipswich, this compact, adaptable, sustainable home was constructed to embrace notions of indoor/outdoor living, quintessential to its sub-tropical context.

Open plan living spaces were positioned to maximise the sites’ northern exposure with city views, whilst more private spaces are positioned behind a structural spine constructed of over 3000 recycled bricks. This feature wall embraces passive design principles utilising the bricks’ high thermal properties to naturally heat and cool the house. Sustainable materials have been used throughout the house in a variety of ways.

Surrounded by traditional character homes, the objective of this project was to create a contemporary re-interpretation of the traditional Queenslander, achieved by the partnership between Aardvarc Architects and Thirdson Construction.

Photographs courtesy of Rix Ryan Photography.