Charles Street Queenslander Renovation

4 x 2 bed units, $1.2m, Cairns North (2011)

Moving and renovating an existing Queenslander to permit multi-unit development on an inner city block.

Brief & Context

The owners approached Studio Mango with a brief for four residences with spacious living and bedrooms. It was not critical to the clients whether the existing Queenslander was kept or demolished. The decision was made to retain the original ‘bones’ of the Queenslander and relocate the building on the site to allow for new apartments behind. The existing solid block garage/workshop at the very rear of the site was also retatined and turned into a smaller unit.

Design Approach

Environment and lifestyle factors shaped the design. The new, detached dwellings behind the Queenslander allow sought after breezes to pass through the complex, while gardens between the buildings create a cooling, harmonious environment.

The existing Queenslander underwent a dramatic facelift, while retaining the charm of the original home. Enclosed verandahs were re-opened and the removal of internal walls created open, airy living, dining and kitchen spaces. Tongue and groove, and weatherboards, were used to match existing lining and cladding on the Queenslander. Where new walls were created, this was ‘expressed’ with battened fibre cement sheet.

The rear apartment – formerly the workshop – is the smallest of the four residences, is single storey and of existing masonry construction. Internally, the walls have been lined and insulated to achieve suitable energy ratings. The efficient planning maximises the open living areas, while still achiveing two reasonably sized bedrooms and a bathroom with separate toilet.

Design Team & Builder

Mango team:Nicole Ewing, James Maude, Liam Froggatt, Melanie Jackson
Structural Engineer: Chas Gianarkis
Builder: Vis Constructions Pty Ltd