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All over South East Queensland – from the Sunshine Coast, to Brisbane, to the Gold Coast – you can find Queenslander home designs. Queenslanders are known for their unique lattice work, verandas, stilts, roofs, and rails. They’re breezy, which is perfect for the scorching Australian climate, and have a relaxed cottage feel. If you want a new home that follows Queenslander home designs, there are plenty of high quality Queenslander style house builders around Australia.
Although Queenslander homes are popular, Queenslander builders have a unique challenge every time they are tasked with constructing one. They need to build something that fits in with surrounding houses, can survive the Australian climate, possesses the distinctive design and features of a Queenslander, all the while meeting the lifestyle needs of a modern owner.
There is no cookie cutter standard Queenslander home so all Queenslander home builders need to make their own plan before they commence construction. A good plan is the difference between a failed or successful project build.
Whether you’re committed to meeting the expectations of your clients’ dream home, or you’re in charge of the design of your own home, we’ve written this blog to assist you in your Queenslander future. We want your home building journey to be a success, so here are 4 tips for building a Queenslander style home:
1. Match the Roofline
The roofline on most Queenslanders are single or double hipped roofs, however there are some examples where truncated hip roofs are used. This roof type has two hips which slope downwards towards two sides at an angle. This particular roof line can be seen in many Brisbane suburbs, including Red Hill and Toowong, where lots of Queenslander homes were built in the early 20th century.
You don’t have to choose a double-hipped roof if your home is located in an area with lots of trees, as this can create too much shade. Instead, you can opt for a truncated hip roof.
2. Pay Attention to the Elements
The main concern when building a Queenslander home is to ensure that it weathers well and maintains its heritage look over time. When selecting materials for your home, keep in mind the way they will react to cyclones and storms which are not uncommon in places like Brisbane, where Queenslanders are popular.
It’s important to use high quality materials even on small details such as window sills and door frames to ensure that they can offer protection from the elements. Even considering what types of varnish or paint you use on exterior timber before painting your home can help your Queenslander withstand the weather. For example, by using an oil-based paint that penetrates and seals the wood, you will ensure a thorough coating and prevent the wood from cracking.
Remember that even the little things matter in your Queenslander build. Contact Queenslander builders in Brisbane or in wider QLD areas to start your project!
3. Draw on Local Styles
Queenslanders have a distinct architectural style which is heavily influenced by local climate and landscape. There are many examples of Queenslander homes with terracotta tile roofs which help keep living spaces cool during hot summer days.
Another thing that differentiates Queenslander homes from other styles of houses is their veranda, which can offer shade as well as provide extra space for outdoor entertaining or relaxing during the warmer months. These verandas are often decorated with cast iron railing panels to form decorative patterns across them, adding more character to your home’s exterior design.Let your Queenslander house builders know which established styles you prefer to ensure you have the house design of your dreams. Whether you need traditional Queenslander home builders or want a modern take on your home design, you can draw on local styles to be inspired.
4. Keep it Simple
The house you build doesn’t need to look exactly like an older Queenslander home. The main idea is to keep the overall style of your property in line with its surrounding environment and neighbourhood.
If you’re building a new property, it’s best to use traditional colours and materials, but it doesn’t mean you can’t add some modern touches into your house too. You can build a Queenslander style home while still introducing elements such as skylights and ceiling fans to bring added light and ventilation into living spaces.
Conclusion
Building a Queenslander style home can be challenging because there is no true standard design for this kind of architecture. By paying attention to local climate and choosing high quality exterior materials such as timber work, veranda ironwork and tiles, you can be sure that your house will weather well and maintain its unique Queenslander look over time. We wish all Queenslander style home builders luck in their building endeavours!
