When architect Tom Favell was approached to transform a former worker’s cottage in New Farm, Brisbane, into a characterful family home, he drew inspiration from the Queensland vernacular – most notably the iconic Queenslander. “The home had to be light and bright yet still have a sense of personality, warmth, and depth,” says Favell.
“The New Farm Residence design focused on creating a modern, elegant extension to the worker’s cottage to embrace the lifestyle of the contemporary Queenslander.”
As the property was an original “timber and tin” Queenslander, the timber floor was a key feature, and the client knew they wanted a warm yet neutral tone.
Driven by the client’s desires and an architectural concept that called for the stair treads to have a seamless continuity from the ground floor, Favell specified Tongue & Groove solid engineered oak boards in Sienna.
“The timelessness and elegance of oak flooring and the Sienna colour were crucial for the client,” says Favell.
“They wanted something that would stand the test of time and allow for their style and experience in the home to evolve and grow – and the warm chocolate tones work beautifully with the different tones of blue, the wrought iron balustrades, and the steel doors throughout the interior.”
The Tongue & Groove timber boards are not only used as flooring and stair treads, but also as capping for the half-height walls in the loft and void space – a design decision that imbues the home with a seamless sense of continuity.
The boards have been laid in a traditional herringbone pattern in the main kitchen, dining, void, and living spaces, while the bedrooms and hallways feature a straight pattern.
“The herringbone pattern enhances the timber's natural features, as the pattern expresses the varying grains and tones, giving a floor greater depth and richness,” explains Favell.
“The Tongue & Groove boards added warmth and tonal contrast to the entire palette and contributed dramatically to the interior.”
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