Auchenflower National Trust Home Renovation – Glentworth
Project summary
Auchenflower National Trust Home Renovation
Originally built in the early 1880s, Glentworth is a magnificent heritage home located in Brisbane. This home is a remarkable example of classic Queensland timber colonial architecture, with a rich history embedded in its halls. It was clear from the outset that any renovation of such a historically significant home would require an architect with a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring that the design would both complement and preserve its heritage.
We were honoured to be entrusted with this renovation, recognising that working on Glentworth was more than just another project—it was a privilege to protect and enhance the legacy of this beautiful home. Our primary goal was to retain the features that make this property a celebrated example of 1880s Queensland architecture while integrating thoughtful, modern elements.
Project details
Period restoration
At the ground level, the rear extension was thoughtfully separated from the existing house by a landscaped courtyard, ensuring that the lovely views from the adjacent street to the back of the home were left unchanged. An open-air drying deck was also added, providing a clear division between the contemporary and heritage sections of the house.
The new extension was connected to the original home via a continuation of the existing veranda, now featuring frameless sliding glass panels installed behind the balustrade, maintaining the appearance of an open veranda while providing modern functionality. To preserve the historical charm of the property, new galvanized iron roof sheeting was installed, replacing the corroded original sheets, while the roof of the new extension mirrored this material to create visual harmony between old and new. A garage and basement were also added discreetly, placed substantially below ground level.
Design philosophies
Modern Architectural Design & Colonial Heritage
The architectural detail of the new extension is representative of today’s architectural design philosophies and current building materials. Although the new expansion is large, it neither competes nor replicates the architectural style and detail of the original Heritage home. The traditional 1880s classic Colonial Heritage which made this home worthy of inclusion on the Queensland Heritage Register remains in all its glory at the front of the home.
Our service for this project progressed from Step 1, (Design “Ideas” Advice), through to Step 5, finalising Construction Documentation.
This process involved concept revisions, design development, and managing approval applications, which included liaising with town planners and building certifiers. Given that this is a heritage home, effective communication by dion seminara architecture with these town planners was essential for the project’s success, ensuring that all requirements were met.
Experience
Period Renovation Architect
Period Renovation Auchenflower by dion seminara architecture
Dion Seminara is an experienced period renovation architect that preserves the beauty of heritage listed homes, while harmoniously blending the new designs with the old. Glentworth’s beautiful period renovation design enhances the value of the home through the modern design of the rear extension, and fantastic restoration of the heritage architecture at the front of the home.
As an experienced heritage architect Dion is well versed in the restrictions placed on Heritage listed homes and can create wonderful designs that remain well within these regulations.
