Wakerley

Bisley Place house

Category: Residential

Location: Wakerley QLD
Architect: James Russell Architect
Builder/bricklayer: Crocker Builders

Brick manufacturer: Austral Bricks
Product: Burlesque Chilling Black, Metallix Emery, recycled heritage bricks

Project description:

Houses in Brisbane's pre-war inner suburbs are compact, and have small setbacks and open verandas that encourage engagement with the street. For this to happen in a new subdivision, projects are needed to encourage a similar level of engagement. Building outdoor circulation through sites and along boundaries also allows for enjoyment of the benign south-east Queensland climate.

This design combines a robust, permanent envelope with the flexibility of adaptable glazing, walls and landscape. Both brick and concrete are strong, self-finished and can cope with full weathering, allowing spaces to alternate between internal or external use.

The ground-level brickwork, laid in a Flemish bond, clads and braces the building. The single-skin, upper-level brickwork is laid in a stretcher bond. Moisture penetrating the latter walling is captured and drained through weepholes.

The combination of fully-glazed bricks and Porters A1 mortar with a waterproofing additive on the front elevation and sleeping areas will ensure these walls remain watertight. The side elevations are clad in conventional bricks, again in Flemish bond at ground level and single-skin stretcher bond above.

The rear face of the upper level walling, that is technically outdoors, is intentionally raw. The areas behind are places for dreaming, reading, making music and study.