Cremorne House in Hamilton Brisbane
built in 1905, expanded since
news.com.au
Two elements best differentiated the Queenslanders from homes in the southern, cooler states: a] they had wide and long verandas, and large double doors which opened onto these verandas. And b] they were typically raised on vertical timber stumps. The use of timber stumps went into disfavour in the post–WW2 era because any new stumps or any replacements for old stumps must now be steel or concrete. Being built on stumps prevented the homes being inundated in flood prone areas, particularly in the older suburbs.
In pre-air conditioning days, Queenslander Homes made the most of passive climate control. Any breeze that arrived in the summer evenings blew underneath the raised houses and increased the ventilation. Internally the large doors and windows were lined up internally, once again to increase any natural ventilation, and windows were often louvered to allow for air circulation. The breezeway fretwork design, above the doorways, allowed for moving breezes
Roofs were generally made of corrugated iron or tin, and external walls were clad with timber. The verandas were as wide as possible, to protect against the overhead summer sun and to increase shade. Very often subtropical trees were planted close to the outer walls. The space under the house, raised high on stumps, created space for children to use on days when it was too rainy to go outside.
The biggest building boom was after soldiers returned from WW1. By the time they had returned to civilian life in 1919, then entered studies and marriage, many new houses were needed throughout the 1920s-early 1930s. Families with money built more extravagant Queenslanders, still with the wide verandas and under house playing space, but with gazebos, corner bays and exotic roof lines.
Queenslanders were not identical in shape. Asymmetry could be used and the gable could be placed to one side of the main roof. There were usually 2 verandas but they too could be asymmetrical; one was at the front, and the second ran down one side of the home.
In pre-air conditioning days, Queenslander Homes made the most of passive climate control. Any breeze that arrived in the summer evenings blew underneath the raised houses and increased the ventilation. Internally the large doors and windows were lined up internally, once again to increase any natural ventilation, and windows were often louvered to allow for air circulation. The breezeway fretwork design, above the doorways, allowed for moving breezes
Roofs were generally made of corrugated iron or tin, and external walls were clad with timber. The verandas were as wide as possible, to protect against the overhead summer sun and to increase shade. Very often subtropical trees were planted close to the outer walls. The space under the house, raised high on stumps, created space for children to use on days when it was too rainy to go outside.
The biggest building boom was after soldiers returned from WW1. By the time they had returned to civilian life in 1919, then entered studies and marriage, many new houses were needed throughout the 1920s-early 1930s. Families with money built more extravagant Queenslanders, still with the wide verandas and under house playing space, but with gazebos, corner bays and exotic roof lines.
Queenslanders were not identical in shape. Asymmetry could be used and the gable could be placed to one side of the main roof. There were usually 2 verandas but they too could be asymmetrical; one was at the front, and the second ran down one side of the home.
Overlooking the beautiful Brisbane River
Now let me look at a luxury Queenslander that I had never seen before, in the very affluent Brisbane suburb of Hamilton and in one of the city’s most expensive streets. Cremorne is a heritage-listed mansion that was designed by Eaton & Bates, and built in 1905-6 for Brisbane publican James O’Connor. The original home featured Colonial-era architecture, including a veranda complete with octagonal rotundas, beautifully overlooking the Brisbane River with amazing 180-degree views from up on Hamilton Hill.
Brisbane's architectural history was might have been destroyed in the 1960s-80s with the demolition of important cultural buildings and the removal of c1000 Queenslander homes per year. I clearly remember the Nov 1982 crisis when the destroyers moved in to wipe out Brisbane’s iconic Cloudland. I wondered back then if there was any heritage overlay for surviving Queenslanders but fortunately Cremorne was added to the Register in Oct 1992.
Brisbane's architectural history was might have been destroyed in the 1960s-80s with the demolition of important cultural buildings and the removal of c1000 Queenslander homes per year. I clearly remember the Nov 1982 crisis when the destroyers moved in to wipe out Brisbane’s iconic Cloudland. I wondered back then if there was any heritage overlay for surviving Queenslanders but fortunately Cremorne was added to the Register in Oct 1992.
Luckily Cremorne survived and for three generations it remained in the family. In 1998 former Bretts Wharf restaurant co-owner Genny Nielson bought it. During her tenure, Nielson lovingly restored the home to its former glory and added a modern extension with architect Brian Donovan, retaining the charm and character of the Queenslander but adding modern luxury essentials eg a wine cellar.
Then it was bought for $6.6 mill by Fonezone co-founder David McMahon in 2015 and was renovated and extended to re-create a glamorous residence. Set on 2400 sq m, the property spans two levels, has many large livingrooms, 3.8m high ceilings, intricate cornices and ceiling roses, stained-glass windows, original fireplaces and chandeliers.
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Then Galen and Lynda Gunn paid $6 mill for the property in 2017. Galen came from a Qld grazing dynasty; grandfather Sir William Gunn was a renowned wool and cattle identity. Later the Gunns co-founded an aviation company that uses technology to provide aerial survey services to the powerline and utility sectors across the country. The grand colonial residence has a very recent contemporary architectural extension and ...did I say the views from the sweeping verandas are incredible?
This historic house sold for $8m in June 2023.
Then it was bought for $6.6 mill by Fonezone co-founder David McMahon in 2015 and was renovated and extended to re-create a glamorous residence. Set on 2400 sq m, the property spans two levels, has many large livingrooms, 3.8m high ceilings, intricate cornices and ceiling roses, stained-glass windows, original fireplaces and chandeliers.
A loungeroom with original ceiling decoration, stained glass windows and fireplace.
Then Galen and Lynda Gunn paid $6 mill for the property in 2017. Galen came from a Qld grazing dynasty; grandfather Sir William Gunn was a renowned wool and cattle identity. Later the Gunns co-founded an aviation company that uses technology to provide aerial survey services to the powerline and utility sectors across the country. The grand colonial residence has a very recent contemporary architectural extension and ...did I say the views from the sweeping verandas are incredible?