Ormond Street: Architectural Home Renovations in Ascot

Project Overview

Undertaking home renovations in Ascot requires a careful balance of honouring Brisbane's pre-war character while upgrading for modern family life. With young children and demanding careers, the owners of this Ormond Street property wanted a turnkey solution to avoid the stress of managing a complex project themselves. They approached Invilla with a detailed design brief, trusting our team to deliver a sophisticated, timeless family home.

The Design Process: Reimagining a Pre-War Queenslander

The original property was a typical pre-war Ascot Queenslander, painted pale blue with matching balustrades, gutters, and trim. Over the years, it had undergone a series of disjointed, small renovations, resulting in mismatched proportions and disconnected spaces.

Our design process began with hand-sketched concepts, exploring different options for access, orientation, and how best to work with the existing heritage structure. Once the spatial flow felt right, we moved the design into 3D modelling software. This crucial step allowed the clients to walk through the proposed layout in real-time and provide feedback, ensuring complete clarity before construction began.

Our Approach: Lifting and Building In Underneath

To achieve the required footprint without losing the backyard, our approach centred on lifting the existing home and building in underneath. This strategy created a brand new, level ground floor that seamlessly connects the indoor zones to the lawn and pool.

Key elements of the approach included:

• Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Positioning the kitchen, living, and alfresco zones on the new ground floor to open directly onto the garden.

• Heritage Integration: Retaining and enhancing the original character of the upper level while adding modern functionality below.

• Bespoke Detailing: Integrating highly personal touches, such as a central chandelier requiring custom scaffolding, installed hands-on by one of the homeowners who is a qualified electrician

  

Key Design Results

1. Light-Filled, Dual-Level Living

The newly formed dual-level layout is anchored by a striking double-height void. This feature draws natural light deep into the interior footprint. These generous volumes create a profound sense of openness, ensuring the main living spaces feel both expansive and incredibly comfortable.

2. Bespoke Walk-In Wardrobe Design

Tailored specifically to the clients' brief, this custom-designed wardrobe provides dedicated, generous storage for clothing, shoes, and jewellery. With a strong focus on organisation and ease, the refined finishes and thoughtful compartments elevate the everyday routine, bringing a sense of calm to the master suite.

3. A Striking Under-Stair Wine Cellar

Carved from an unexpected space beneath the staircase, the custom wine cellar serves as a visual centrepiece for the ground floor. This sculptural, integrated joinery not only provides practical storage but acts as a sophisticated design feature when entertaining guests.

Conclusion

Working closely with the owners, Invilla delivered a home that balances heritage character, modern practicality, and architectural longevity. It is a space designed to support family life for generations to come, right in the heart of Ascot.

• Read the feature article about this home in Queensland Homes magazine.

• View the full image gallery on the Ormond Street project page.

• See how we have transformed other character homes in our Case Studies.

Planning your own home renovations in Ascot or surrounding suburbs? Book a consultation with Invilla today.