Same Same But Different by Maytree Studios

Designed by Maytree Studios – working with a strict client budget – Same Same But Different in Brisbane is a luxurious dwelling that prioritises garden space and hard-wearing finishes.

Located in the Brisbane suburb of Albion, Same Same But Different is surrounded by old Queenslander homes, mid-century additions and apartments from the 1970s and ’80s. Aesthetically, the house celebrates the breadth of design styles favoured by the clients while maintaining a sense of coherence. Despite being subject to strict budget parameters, the project exudes luxury through maximised garden space, a clean built form and considered interior finishes.

“We had a couple with no intention of having children and there was this kind of license to really explore questions like, ‘What is a home?’”

“The interesting part of this project was that we weren’t designing for a nuclear family,” says Rebecca Caldwell, a director of Maytree Studios. “As wonderful as that can be, we had a couple with no intention of having children and there was this kind of license to really explore questions like, ‘What is a home?’ and ‘What could this home be?’”

The clients had a strict budget: by reducing earthworks and employing a simple form that is essentially two modest-sized rectangles stacked on top of each other, Maytree was able meet that budget and deliver a home that beautifully reflects the personalities of its owners. “Our original vision was based on our love of styles like Spanish mission and mid-century,” says homeowner Brady Sherwell. “But we were quite worried that blending those styles would be a pastiche of different ideas. Instead, it’s come together really well.”

“The ability to use Laminex across the benchtops and the horizontal and vertical surfaces means that we get a really strong and dramatic impact with colour.”

To reduce the building’s floor space – and thus dedicate more area to the garden – the home has no formal entryway. Instead, entry is from the street via five stairs that lead to a courtyard and then to sliding glass doors that open directly to the lower living level. Here, a dramatic wall of cabinetry in Laminex Kalamata connects the kitchen and dining room, and includes a bar lined in Laminex Burnt Ochre. “We used Laminex because it’s a beautiful, hard-wearing product that we could use cost-effectively,” says Caldwell. “The ability to use it across the benchtops and the horizontal and vertical surfaces means that we get a really strong and dramatic impact with colour.”

A metallic spiral staircase is a sculptural presence next to the dining room; beyond it is a warm, earthy living room that features views of the garden through low windows. The lower-level bathroom is rich and moody, featuring Laminex Winter Sky. “Another thing I love about Laminex is that it’s Australian made,” says Caldwell, “and they have a beautiful range of colours that responds to our environment.” Up the spiral stairs is the  light and luxurious master bedroom suite that includes a bathroom with cabinetry in Laminex Green Slate, complemented by Artedomus tiles in a matching hue.

“Phil and Brady were very easy to design for – they brought a whole lot of themselves to the table in the design process.”

A high-quality home delivered on a budget, Same Same But Different is a testament to its clients’ passion for design. “The last filter we put all of our projects through is the personality of our clients,” says Caldwell. “Phil and Brady were very easy to design for – they brought a whole lot of themselves to the table in the design process … I’m really proud to see them in this home.”

Architecture and interior design by Maytree Studios. Build by Allen Brothers Construction. Landscape design by Ecru Landscape Architecture and Design Studio. Engineering by  Lynskey Structural Consultants. Production by The Local Production.