Kerry & Sue came to us with a wonderful old "Queenslander", in original condition, set in a well established garden, but with a compromising mid twentieth century amenities extension to the rear of the original building which provided a barrier between the house and garden.

They had hoped to construct a deck upon which they could spread to enjoy the garden, however, it was evident from the outset that the existing amenities would require rearrangement as part of the project.

We felt that the existing building and the gardens should remain largely unaltered. The new work should be sympathetic to the existing, but at the same time provide a clear contrast.

Townsville's climate is hot and humid. Wet areas need to be well ventilated. It is unusual for a bathroom to be external despite this being an excellent response climatically.

The new extension interpolates the synergies between the two functional requirements by providing a singular structural response. The structural system favours that typical of a verandah with a deck floor, roof and no walls, In imposing this upon the new amenities, it thereby reinvents the archetypal bathroom into a completely outdoor but undercover facility.

Under the extension, a sunken outdoor lounge has been incorporated. This space provides an alternative experience of outlook to the garden, but also an alternative experience to the "underhouse" space of the original building, which remains generically utilised as laundry, carport, workshop, etc.