Kalinga House is a renovation and extension of a traditional Queenslander on a narrow L-shaped site in Brisbane’s inner north. The project is defined by the relocation and reorientation of the existing cottage, re-establishing its relationship to the rear garden and reorganising the site into a series of distinct outdoor rooms.

This repositioning clarifies the spatial structure of the property, allowing the original Queenslander to engage more directly with its landscape while establishing a hierarchy of external spaces around its perimeter. Each garden zone is defined as a specific extension of interior life, supporting different modes of occupation across the site.

The existing cottage is retained and restored at upper level, preserving its traditional character and internal arrangement, including its sunroom and primary bedroom spaces. These elements are carefully maintained as the architectural core of the residence.

A contemporary extension is introduced at ground level to accommodate primary living functions. This addition is deliberately recessive in form and material expression, allowing the original Queenslander to remain visually and architecturally dominant within the composition.

Internally, the heritage character of the original dwelling is referenced through a restrained palette of colour and texture, drawing from traditional Queensland references while being reinterpreted in a contemporary context.

The plan separates public, private and guest functions across levels, creating a clear organisational structure that supports both shared and independent occupation. The resulting arrangement accommodates daily family life through spatial clarity, functional legibility and controlled separation between zones.

The project resolves the constraints of its site through relocation, subtraction and contrast—retaining the character of the original Queenslander while extending its capacity for contemporary living within a structured landscape framework.