Trio on Amos: Transforming a Parking Lot into Three Modern Homes

Projects that do more than simply replace asphalt with structures always stand out. Trio on Amos, designed by Refresh*Design in Fortitude Valley, Australia, is one such project: a clever, compact redevelopment that turns a former car park into three striking contemporary homes. What once accommodated 15 cars now hosts a confident trio of residences that respond to the urban context while offering comfortable, light-filled living for future occupants.

Three modern homes replacing a parking lot — Smart transformation of a commercial parking space into a trio of modern homes in Australia

The new homes embrace an industrial-modern aesthetic that is both bold and restrained. Metal cladding sets an edgy tone for the street-facing façade, while warm timber and neutral surfaces soften the interior. Steel features prominently on the exterior and continue inside, where a wood-and-metal staircase anchors the living space and provides a sculptural focal point. Large windows and sliding glass doors with dark frames blur the line between indoors and out, admitting generous daylight and establishing strong visual connections to the terraces and streetscape.

Upper levels with living areas and bedrooms — Upper levels contain the living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms

Each dwelling is organized over multiple levels to maximize spatial efficiency on a relatively compact 330-square-meter site. The layout places open-plan living, dining and kitchen zones on the upper levels to capture light and views, while private sleeping quarters occupy the attic level. The attic hosts two bathrooms and three bedrooms per home, offering comfortable accommodation while preserving a modest footprint at street level. Terraces and attic voids function as both social space and sound/privacy buffer between the three units, creating a sequence of semi-private outdoor areas that enhance livability in an urban setting.

Dining room with wooden ceiling and minimal furnishings — Modern dining room with abundant sunlight, a timber ceiling and minimal furnishings

Compact kitchen with twin counters and natural ventilation — Compact kitchen with twin counters and ample natural ventilation

Material choices are deliberately simple and neutral, creating versatile backdrops throughout each home. White walls and warm timber floors establish a calm, cohesive palette that complements the more industrial elements. Bathrooms echo this balance with gray tiles and floating timber vanities that combine durability with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. These restrained finishes emphasize light, proportion and quality of space rather than decorative excess.

Modern white bedroom with wooden floor and mirrored wardrobe — Space-conscious, modern bedroom with white walls, warm timber floors and mirrored wardrobe

Attic bedroom with white walls and timber floor — Attic-level bedroom with white walls and a timber floor

Bathroom with gray tiles and floating wooden vanity — Gray-and-wood bathroom with an industrial-minimal style and a floating vanity

Gray bathroom with floating wooden vanity and white sink — Gray bathroom with a floating timber vanity and a white sink

Interpreting the Brisbane City Character Code allowed for a third storey built into the attic spaces while respecting the shape and scale of neighboring homes. Carefully placed dormer windows make these upper floors feel generous and provide interesting spatial arrangements throughout the houses.

Ground level with parking space — Ground level retains space for parking

Metallic exterior blending into streetscape — Metallic exterior helps the homes blend into the edgy streetscape

Transformation of a 330-square-meter parking space into homes — Transforming a 330-square-meter parking site into three modern homes

Contemporary homes viewed from across the street — View of the contemporary homes from across the street in Australia

Trio on Amos is a strong example of sensitive urban infill that balances contemporary design with the surrounding neighbourhood. By prioritizing daylight, privacy and efficient use of a constrained site, the scheme delivers three distinct yet cohesive homes that strengthen the streetscape and offer practical, modern living. Photography: Andy Macpherson.