Fairytale House

Fairytale House is a story of custodianship. Held by the same family for three generations, the brief was to honour memory while transforming how the home lives — without increasing its footprint. 

Rather than adopting the typical Queensland strategy of expansive outdoor rooms, the design works within the existing brick envelope. Removing the rear A-frame roof enabled insertion of a contemporary volume that resolves three issues at once: a cramped attic becomes a generous fourth bedroom, bathroom access is no longer through another room, and a double-height void draws daylight deep into the once-dark plan while reconnecting both levels to the yard. 

A central wall was removed to create clear sightlines from entry to garden, and a richly veined Rosso Levanto marble island sits like a jewel within the kitchen — the organisational heart for movement, entertaining and family life. A widened stair void and skylight puncture the centre with light, while integrated storage beneath offsets the modest footprint. 

A deep claret stair draws the eye upward, while dual-tone checkerboard tiles and cheerful cabinetry offer a playful nod to the home’s 1950s origins. 

Compact, connected and full of life, Fairytale House gives this cherished home a bright new chapter. 

• Location

  Wooloowin, Yuggera & Turrbal Country

• Year Completed

  2025

• Builder

  Eclat Building Co.

• Photography

  Jack Gibson