Six-Storey Apartment Plans Filed for Brisbane’s Windsor

Plans have been filed for a six-storey apartment building with a century-old brick h originally built for a newly married drayman and his wife to be preserved as part of the development in Brisbane’s inner-north.

Earmarked for a 1845sq m site spanning three lots at 34-42 Grantson Street, Windsor, the proposal comprises 31 two and three-bedroom apartments.

It has been lodged with the Brisbane City Council by an entity linked to Brisbane-based Carbone Developments. Two other existing post-1946 buildings would be demolished to make way for the project.

According to a submitted planning report, the amalgamated holding “represents one of the remaining opportunities for increased density and development in this area, with further amalgamation not able to be achieved”.

“The subject site represents a unique opportunity for development and increased gross floor area,” it said.

“The cascading design both in height and front boundary setback provides an ideal transition of the building within the streetscape or to the adjoining site.”

The scheme designed by Red Door Architecture includes a communal rooftop terrace with an outdoor dining space, raised deck and pool and lounge area encompassed by raised planters.

“The roof terrace provides social and recreational spaces for the residents as well as a green and shaded place to enjoy the city views,” the development application said.

A heritage assessment report indicated the Windsor site was part of land first subdivided in 1865 and although it was not identified as a local or state heritage place it did have a pre-1911 building overlay.

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▲ The pre-1911 brick home to be preserved and incorporated into the development design.

The low-set, rendered brick detached house to be incorporated into the proposed development was “consistent in form with Brisbane houses built in the early-20th century (circa 1905–1920) but is atypical of this style of house by being constructed of brick and not timber”.

Records showed it was likely to have been built in 1905-6 for newly wed drayman Edward John England and his wife, Christina, who lived there briefly before moving back into the adjacent family home in LeGeyt Street in 1911 after the death of his father.

A drayman was the driver of a horse-drawn wagon for transporting goods, including beer.

“The fact of the subject building being stylistically atypical by being built of brick and not timber may be explained by Edward John England’s eldest brother being a local brickmaker in Albion,” the report said.

According to an architectural design report the choice of materials for the proposed development were inspired “by the creeks and sweeping landscape of Windsor as well as elements of vernacular houses nearby”.

“The material selection for the proposed design is comprised of high quality, timeless finishes that reflect the identity of Windsor and the surrounding natural environment,” it said. “These include natural stone floor finish, rendered masonry finish and powder-coated aluminum hoods and screens.”

Article source: Queensland Property Investor