I first spotted this home some time ago on the Instagram feed of photographer Toby Scott and thought 'wow'. The work of Owen Architecture, an award winning practise in Brisbane, Wooloowin House drew me in with its unique contemporary feel, clean monochrome palette and edgy mix of concrete and wood. Hard to believe it was once an old weatherboard cottage!
Since then, I spotted it over at Est where I was interested to find out a little more about both the project and firms founder Paul Owen. Rather than asking clients to prescribe their wish list, he asks them to impart their stories as a way of using the design process to explore the unknown. The owners of this home, a newly married couple who were planning on starting a family, wanted more space and a greater connection with the backyard. The resulting design incorporated a newly added ground floor level with a dressing room, bathroom, home office and living areas that all flow out to the garden. Key features all of which I love, include polished concrete floors, painted exposed beams and a vertical timber screening painted in charcoal, designed to provide shade from the glare of the harsh western summer sun. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, along with an enclosed veranda painted in white.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Photography by Toby Scott
The understated interior is warmed up with wood accents, textural elements and plenty of natural greenery. I particularly love the simple hanging pendants. Artfully looped, they provide versatility while accentuating those incredible ceiling beams. A pretty inspiring way to ease into the working week don't you think?
Happy Monday!
Images via Est Magazine and Owen Architecture
Since then, I spotted it over at Est where I was interested to find out a little more about both the project and firms founder Paul Owen. Rather than asking clients to prescribe their wish list, he asks them to impart their stories as a way of using the design process to explore the unknown. The owners of this home, a newly married couple who were planning on starting a family, wanted more space and a greater connection with the backyard. The resulting design incorporated a newly added ground floor level with a dressing room, bathroom, home office and living areas that all flow out to the garden. Key features all of which I love, include polished concrete floors, painted exposed beams and a vertical timber screening painted in charcoal, designed to provide shade from the glare of the harsh western summer sun. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, along with an enclosed veranda painted in white.
The understated interior is warmed up with wood accents, textural elements and plenty of natural greenery. I particularly love the simple hanging pendants. Artfully looped, they provide versatility while accentuating those incredible ceiling beams. A pretty inspiring way to ease into the working week don't you think?
Happy Monday!
Images via Est Magazine and Owen Architecture