IRP Architects Project 1

This stunning two-storey project was architecturally designed by IRP Architects and built by Fixed Constructions. The clients approached Nives Robinson of IRP Architects with an exciting block of land located in the foothills of Bardon, which is set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. The brief was for an elegant family home that captured the stunning city views while creating a sense of living among the treetops. Nives Robinson and her team were delighted to direct the design and documentation of this unique home. They liaised closely with the clients to ensure their vision was faithfully realised. Situated on a steep block, the home was constructed as high as possible – within council restrictions – to capitalise on the excellent views of Brisbane’s city skyline, as well as the light and ventilation potential. The sharp inclination of the site influenced the western positioning of the ground-level garage and entryway. The primary living area and main bedroom are located on the upper level to ensure the most heavily used rooms showcase the best views.

Featuring a sleek COLORBOND® steel roof, clean architectural lines and glossy bamboo flooring, the property is sophisticated in its simplicity. The interior is tastefully styled with a muted colour palette, which creates a modest, unobtrusive atmosphere that harmonises perfectly with the natural surroundings. The spacious and airy open-plan living area includes a large picture window from Bradnam’s Windows & Doors for sweeping views of the treetops, as well as the city skyline in the distance. The kitchen is a highly functional space that includes a range of state-of-the-art appliances, including two Smeg ovens, a double-drawer dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel, and a double-door fridge from Westinghouse. Sleek Smartstone benchtops in ‘Statuario Venato’ provide plenty of preparation space, while a rustic sliding barn door grants access to a spacious and convenient pantry. Strategically designed, cantilevered verandahs feature along the eastern side of the home, and showcase spectacular vistas. Offering incredible 360º views, the luxurious in-ground swimming pool provides the perfect place in which to kick-back and take in the incredible surroundings.

The stunning home – which the clients happily describe as a “luxury tree house” – is a testament to the expertise of IRP Architects and the structural engineers from Inertia Engineering. Nives is the managing director of IRP Architects and a registered practising architect with more than 25 years of experience. Her friendly studio practice provides design-focused solutions for individual clients who have specific site requirements, constraints and potentials. IRP Architects provides architectural and interior design, documentation, master-planning and staging services. The team offers a proactive, personalised and highly collaborative experience, using 3D software technology with fly-over and walk-through capabilities. Nives and her IRP Architects team have designed many stunning, inspiring and responsive new homes and renovations since the company’s establishment in 1999. IRP Architects has been recognised by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) in the Innovative, Sustainable, Custom-Designed and Technological Engineering categories for its home and pool designs throughout the greater Brisbane area.