Locke House

Locke House is a contemporary double-courtyard residence in New Farm, Brisbane, carefully designed beneath an existing Queenslander to maximise indoor–outdoor living on a constrained urban site. The project reimagines the undercroft of the original dwelling, transforming it into a series of flexible living spaces that connect seamlessly with the landscape.

The architecture is organised around two courtyards that form the heart of the home. These outdoor rooms establish privacy from neighbouring properties while maintaining openness, natural ventilation and visual connection throughout the dwelling. The courtyards bring daylight deep into the plan and create a strong relationship between interior spaces and the subtropical climate of Brisbane.

Functional living, dining and family spaces are arranged around these landscaped voids, allowing the house to operate as a collection of interconnected pavilions. Operable walls enable spaces to expand or contract in response to changing seasons, patterns of occupation and everyday family life, providing a highly adaptable living environment.

The design prioritises cross-ventilation, natural light and a continuous connection to outdoor space. By blurring the boundary between inside and outside, the home embraces a contemporary interpretation of Queensland living that is responsive to climate and context.

Clad in warm, natural materials, Locke House maintains a restrained and timeless architectural expression. The carefully selected material palette reinforces the continuity between built form and landscape, creating a calm and cohesive environment that feels both grounded and open.

Locke House demonstrates Alexandra Buchanan Architecture’s approach to residential architecture, combining thoughtful spatial planning, climate-responsive design and a strong connection to landscape to create contemporary homes that enrich everyday living.