Valhalla

2021
Traditional lands of the Turrbal and Jagera people

Valhalla is a dramatic contemporary extension and alteration to a pre-war house in the inner-city suburb of Ascot, Brisbane. The design explores the referential nature of ‘filigree’ through a re-imagined idea of traditional battening and trellis screens that characterise Queenslanders of this period.

This idea manifests in a floating pavilion under which the primary outdoor living is accommodated, also connecting the swimming pool and tennis court through the east-west axis. A new ‘entry’ and centrally located stair spine become the fulcrum around which the new and the old are articulated. This results in a more effective connection to the outdoor areas, bringing light and air into the traditionally darker parts of the home.

A minimal palette of white timber is juxtaposed against board-formed concrete soffits and oak detailing internally to bring warmth and tactility to the home.

Collaborators

Shaun Lockyer, Lyle Mitrovich, Kevin Li for SLa
Black Developments
Westera Partners
Brock Beazley Photography