Longfellow Terraces

by REFRESH*DESIGN

The Longfellow Terraces project by REFRESH*DESIGN is a unique residential project that explores solutions to what is commonly referred to as the ‘Missing Middle’ of Australia’s housing crisis.

The Longfellow Terraces project is the second joint venture between REFRESH*DESIGN and Bespoke Constructions. With both parties having a vested interest, many of the common difficulties of construction can be eliminated leading to a result that is rarely found in the market. The benefits of this collaboration extend to buyers who can enjoy a well-considered and well-built townhouse that is not usually offered in this price range. The resultant example is what the ‘Missing Middle’ could look like in Brisbane – a sustainable infill-development for the sensitive densification of inner-city suburbs.

Located in a Brisbane City Council ‘Character Area’, the project had to comply with the stringent restrictions of the ‘Character Code’. Therefore the design approach was to raise and relocate the existing Queenslander onsite and add the new terraces at the rear. The project drew inspiration from the traditional Sydney terrace style home and was adapted to suit the Brisbane aesthetic.

The Longfellow Terraces project is the second joint venture between REFRESH*DESIGN and Bespoke Constructions.

Trees have a central role in many indigenous cultures with the crown offering daytime shelter from harsh sunlight and rain, while providing night-time protection and safety from animals and enemies. Drawing inspiration from these ideas, the terraces provide a sheltered, unobstructed indoor and outdoor living space with the crown hovering above containing all bedrooms. Similar to light filtered by leaves, skylights together with stair and light wells allow filtered light into the habitable spaces.

The homes address the missing middle issue by offering flexible and efficient floor plans that cater for varying uses, including commercial and residential. The Longfellow Terraces project adopts the layout of a traditional Sydney style terrace home with a narrow front yard, two-storey dwelling, courtyard, garage and rear laneway.

The resultant example is what the ‘Missing Middle’ could look like in Brisbane – a sustainable infill-development for the sensitive densification of inner-city suburbs.

Combining solid and lightweight construction, the three new dwellings mesh the qualities of the traditional terrace house with those of the Queenslander. Locally sourced face brick are used in Party walls, with floors and external walls being timber framed and clad with a combination of compressed and standard fibre cement sheeting. Timber battens for balustrades, screens and cover for sheeting complement the contemporary shape while creating a contextual reference to the Queenslander vernacular.

Combining solid and lightweight construction, the three new dwellings mesh the qualities of the traditional terrace house with those of the Queenslander.

Each dwelling designed by REFRESH*DESIGN embraces sustainability through passive design principles. Living spaces extend into the landscape through the use of full height sliding doors, which genuinely connect the inside and outside. Despite being compact, the living areas feel generous by borrowing outdoor spaces and vistas.