Queenslanders

Homes in Queensland have a very unique type of architecture that takes into consideration the climate in order to create a practical and stylish home. These types of houses are appropriately called 'Queenslanders'. Now that technology has changed, and air-conditioning is readily available, new home construction is moving towards more modern styles. However, there are still many examples all throughout Brisbane (and Queensland) of the old style architecture.

I love the Queeslander style homes. I think they are so beautiful and unique. It's especially nice to see so many people keeping these houses in tip top shape, as I'm sure it takes a lot of work. The typical design is to have the house basically on stilts, so that the air can flow under the house in order to keep it cool during the hot summers. Usually, the underneath isn't developed and is just dirt or a concrete slab. Recently, when people have been renovating their Queenslanders, they close off the bottom and develop it into more living area, since it's relatively easy to add air-conditioning to the house and therefore don't need the airflow.

A lot of the time, these homes have beautiful stained glass windows and wrought iron lace work that just add to the uniqueness and beauty of these homes. Most of them also have beautiful verandas that wrap all the way around the house. I can just imagine sitting out there in the summer, protected from the sun, enjoying a glass of wine or a stubby of beer.

I recently took a walk through our neighbourhood (Clayfield) and snapped some pictures of my favourite Queenslanders. Maybe one day, when Chris and I are old and wrinkled and have saved up enough money, we can buy one of these homes and live out our days sitting on the veranda drinking wine and eating mangoes off the tree in our front yard...ahhh...what a life that would be!