Renovating a home can take many forms: some homeowners choose dramatic transformations that replace the original character with multiple levels and an abundance of rooms; others prefer sensitive upgrades that preserve memories and the sense of history while making the house more functional and contemporary. The owners of the Mitchelton House opted for the latter. They hired Lockyer Architects to carefully renovate and extend their post‑war suburban home in Brisbane, creating a residence that feels both contemporary and respectful of its past. The guiding principle was clear: quality over quantity—an emphasis on thoughtful materials, intelligent planning and a restrained aesthetic.
The new extension is modest and deliberate, built primarily from timber and brick so it complements the original structure rather than competing with it. The material palette—warm timber, exposed brick and muted modern finishes—links old and new while keeping the overall composition calm and cohesive. Rather than hiding the intervention, the design acknowledges it through a sympathetic choice of forms and textures.
Large folding glass walls open the main living areas to the outdoors, creating a seamless indoor‑outdoor living zone. When opened, the glass panels connect the kitchen and dining area directly to a sheltered timber deck, effectively extending the social and functional footprint of the house into the backyard. This fluidity is central to contemporary, climate‑aware living in Brisbane—allowing for cross‑ventilation and natural daylight while encouraging family gatherings to spill outside.
The layout bridges the older living spaces and the new kitchen/dining wing with a careful, continuous flow. Large skylights and increased ceiling heights bring abundant natural light deep into the plan, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Internally, a restrained palette—wood, white surfaces and soft grays—keeps the rooms feeling fresh, timeless and easy to furnish.
The dining area is designed to function as both an interior and exterior space: with the glass walls open it extends onto the covered deck where a comfortable bench, integrated storage and a barbecue make outdoor evenings effortless. These small, practical elements—bench seating, undercover dining and a clear flow between zones—demonstrate how thoughtful detailing can elevate everyday living.
In every detail, the Mitchelton House project demonstrates a balanced approach to renovation: it preserves the street presence and the spirit of the original post‑war home while adding a modern, light‑filled wing that responds to contemporary family life. Natural materials, generous daylighting and seamless connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas make this extension a measured, thoughtful upgrade rather than an overhaul. The result is a home that feels current without losing the character and memories that made it special in the first place. [Photographer: Scott Burrows]