This heritage worker’s cottage in Fortitude Valley tells a story of more than 100 years of Brisbane’s architectural and social evolution. Once part of a tightly knit streetscape of traditional cottages, many surrounding homes have since been lost, and this property itself had undergone a series of unsympathetic alterations and partial demolitions prior to our involvement.

 

During our initial site inspection, the cottage was found to be in a fragile condition, with existing framing damaged, rotten, or structurally inadequate. While the block benefited from dual access, the renovation presented significant challenges typical of inner-city Brisbane sites, including close boundary setbacks, surrounding built form, service constraints, and dramatic variations in site levels.

 

The design solution prioritised sensitive heritage restoration while introducing carefully considered contemporary additions to the rear of the home. Working in collaboration with Green Coast Building Design and JREY Town Planners, we successfully achieved Development Approval for the new works, ensuring the project respected local planning and heritage requirements.

 

At D Pearce Constructions, we value the authenticity and simplicity of Brisbane’s traditional worker’s cottages — their scale, materials, and the role they played in shaping the city’s social fabric. This renovation clearly distinguishes between old and new, drawing inspiration from historic forms while embracing modern living. The new addition features a simple skillion roof with raked ceilings, timber weatherboards, generous glazing, and an open carport that subtly references the home’s origins.

 

The original cottage has been meticulously restored and now comprises three bedrooms, a flexible multi-purpose sleep-out, a private ensuite to the master bedroom, and a central bathroom with an additional powder room. The modern extension introduces split-level open-plan living spaces designed to maximise natural light and connectivity, with seamless indoor–outdoor flow to an elevated rear deck. The lower level accommodates car parking and laundry facilities, responding intelligently to the site’s challenging topography.

 

This Fortitude Valley heritage renovation reflects our passion for restoring and extending character homes in Brisbane, demonstrating how thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and careful planning can transform complex inner-city sites into timeless, liveable homes that honour their history while meeting contemporary needs.Designed by: Green Coast Building Design 

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Designed by: Green Coast Building Design