Dream Home

Angela and Julian owned a mid-1970s brick home in Underwood, south-east of Brisbane. With a generous 800 m² block, leafy surrounds, and a location just 20 minutes from the CBD, the property held enormous potential. The couple dreamed of turning it into a home that reflected their love for entertaining, open-plan living, and energy efficiency, while taking full advantage of the Queensland climate.

In many ways, the block’s location was perfect for their lifestyle. Situated in a family-friendly suburb close to shops, schools, and parklands, it offered the convenience of urban living with the tranquillity of suburban space. The couple envisioned a home with better indoor-outdoor flow, room for their children to grow, and the kind of modern comforts that would future-proof their investment. But with the existing house showing its age, they faced a crucial decision: invest in an extensive renovation or start fresh with a complete rebuild.

The renovation concept kept the original footprint but proposed a refreshed facade, upgraded interiors, an extension for more living space, a pool, and a near-7-star energy rating — all within a more modest budget. The rebuild concept, however, took a bolder approach. It reimagined the layout with the main living areas positioned to maximise natural light, added a media room, incorporated a striking mid-century modern aesthetic, and achieved an impressive 7.5-star energy rating.

In the end, Angela and Julian decided to proceed with the renovation. While the rebuild plan offered striking architectural features, the renovation was more cost-effective, allowed them to retain the home’s original character, and still delivered on their wish list for improved comfort and sustainability. The “Rejuvenated Queenslander” emerged as a home that blended heritage charm with a fresh, contemporary feel — complete with enhanced insulation, better zoning for climate control, and modern fixtures for everyday convenience.

With its upgraded thermal performance and improved airflow, the renovated home is designed to stay comfortable year-round while keeping running costs low. Clever design ensured the flow between indoor living spaces and the outdoors felt effortless, encouraging the family to enjoy their pool, garden, and entertaining areas. The result is a sustainable, stylish, and highly liveable home — a transformation that proves you don’t always need to start from scratch to create your dream home.

Project name:
Dream House (Renovate or Rebuild, Season 2 House 3)

Architect:
Kai Konstruct

Buider:
Kai Konstuct – Tim

Fanco products:
Infinity-iD