Brisbane Hamptons style home + Queenslander style = a winning combination

I can certainly understand why Hamptons Style homes have skyrocketed in popularity! They are visually engaging, and people have become very familiar with the style thanks to American television and cinema.

As Hampton-style architect, I must warn people that I would not recommend someone build an AUTHENTIC style Hamptons style home in Brisbane.

Why, you ask?

Well, it’s all to do with our subtropical climate. I’m writing this article as I believe you should hear the pitfalls of this design, from the mouth of someone who has seen these problems firsthand.

Hopefully I can save some people from running off to have someone design a traditional Hamptons home for them!

Instead of thinking authentic Hamptons, you should be thinking Hamptons style merged with Queenslander style. It’s a union that, when designed by experienced architects, produces stunning offspring!

What is a Hamptons style home?

Custom Hamptons Style New Home Design Gregor’s Creek: In this Queenslander, Hamptons style custom new home design, Gregor’s creek, our clients were escaping city life and desired an authentic country retreat to share with family and friends throughout their early retirement years. The design of the new residence extends the warmth of the older buildings and celebrates the very best of modern conveniences.

It’s easy to understand the popularity of Hamptons style homes.

They are stunning and have a unique well of combining a well-to-do sophistication with a relaxed, coastal holiday home vibe.

They are luxurious, warm, and comfortable.

Inside, the floorplans are open and spacious.

White kitchens with marble benchtops and soft palates of blues and greens adorn the home with natural textures.

Detailed architraves and cornices add visual depth to the interiors of these homes.

Hampton architects doesn’t tend to build true Hamptons style homes here in Australia, there are usually obvious differences such as choices of roofing materials. Hamptons style homes in the US predominantly feature timber shingle roofs, whilst here in Australia we prefer metal roofs for this style of home.

There are good reasons for not copying the traditional materials exactly.

Why Hampton style homes need to have a Queenslander architect twist

Building a truly authentic Hamptons style home in Brisbane would not be advisable. This is simply because they tend to perform very poorly in our climate.

Hamptons style homes are designed for a cold climate. How cold? Think completely frozen lakes, kind of cold.

They look stunning, but much of the theory behind their design is based around keeping the cold out and the heat in.

It can get hot in those same areas in the US, but here in Brisbane it tends to be warm pretty much year-round.

An authentic Hamptons style home in Brisbane would be uncomfortable and very expensive to run – they do not respond well to the Australian climate. Yes, you can have solar panels, but air-conditioning running full bore will churn through this energy still resulting in a large power bill despite having solar.

Brookfield Contemporary Renovation: The house built in the 80/90’s had a slight federation look and feel. Our clients liked this style and want to enhance, modernise. And create better indoor-outdoor spaces with much better interior spaces.

Hamptons style meets Queenslander style

I have had years of experience renovating Queenslander style homes. As a Queenslander architect, I know the positives and negatives of this home style.

There are plenty of similarities between the two styles of homes, but it’s the differences that make them such a natural match!

By taking the best design elements of one and combining them with the other, it becomes possible to create a truly stunning Hamptons style home that is perfectly livable in the Brisbane climate!

Many mass-produced homes offer little to no visual excitement.

Instead they are cold, boring boxes, with no soul.

Hamptons and Queenslander style homes have character. They have detail in their design that brings them to life, and they fit beautifully into our streetscapes.

Both styles are homely and inviting, and both have good connections between interior and exterior space.

But, as I have mentioned, there are important differences:

Hamptons style homes built in the US typically have timber shingle roofs, compared to the corrugated metal roofs found on Queenslander. The advantage of metal roofs is that they require less maintenance. They are perfect for Queensland’s sub-tropical climate!

Hamptons style homes have beautiful large windows, but they tend to be fixed and unable to be opened. Hardly ideal for allowing in natural cooling breezes that we find here in South East Queensland. The windows on authentic Hamptons style homes often have limited overhangs – this is ideal for allowing the sun to warm the home’s interior during the cold of winter!

Obviously though we aren’t in the cold Hamptons, we’re in Queensland. We work hard to keep direct heat OFF the windows.

Queenslander style homes do this well.

Hawthorne Queenslander Renovation: Our designs for this Hawthorne Queenslander Renovation included contemporary enhancements, a new free-flowing floorplan, increased ventilation and natural light, and improved indoor-outdoor connections. The property now sits proudly among a sea of character homes and embodies a contemporary style with a respectful nod to the past.

You need experienced Queenslander architects

So whilst an authentic Hamptons style home is not ideal for local conditions, a hybrid Hamptons/Queenslander style home certainly is!

As Queenslander focused architects we know the results are visually stunning – all the while keeping the same warm, inviting, and laid back style that made Hamptons style homes so popular in the first place.

It is important, however, that you get the right architects for the job – a firm experienced in both the Hamptons and Queenslander styles.

The wrong design will leave you with a home that is both expensive to run, and uncomfortable in the warmer months.

We can help you avoid that mistake with a bright, airy design, that utilises natural ventilation.

Another significant benefit of having us work as Hampton architects to create the design of your home or renovation, is that we also offer an interior design service.

When it comes to interior designers operating in Brisbane our service is among the very best.

Potentially even more than other styles of home, Hamptons style homes really do benefit from an eye for appropriate interior design.

Much of the ‘feel’ of the Hamptons style comes down to the interior styling.

Redcliffe Hampton Home Renovation: The new design’s objective was to bring back character and create additional amenities for a growing family. And a sub-tropical relaxation zone poolside with re-creating an existing shed into a poolside pavilion. Other works included adding character back to the main living areas of the home and expanding the first floor. With a much better main bedroom, ensuite and parents retreat, and additional bedroom near the secondary living area.

It’s Time To Consider Hampton Designs

If you need professional assistance to create a stunning Hamptons style home, there really is only one choice.

The experience and design skills dion seminara architecture holds in this style of design will ensure that we produce the home of your dreams, without the issues that you might otherwise have faced.

Let us help design the perfect Hamptons style home for both the Brisbane climate, and your needs!

dion seminara architects are Hampton architects in Brisbane. We’re here to help you make the most of your Queenslander renovation. Get in touch today.