Tag: home

WilsonArchitects Marks 140 Years, Highlights Kangaroo Point Project

Photo Credit: Instagram / @home_kangaroopoint

Brisbane’s longest-serving architecture practice, WilsonArchitects, has reached a significant milestone of 140 years in business. Founded in 1884 by AB Wilson, the firm has been instrumental in shaping Brisbane’s architectural landscape including a key project in Kangaroo Point.

Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory

Home in Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Instagram / @home_kangaroopoint

WilsonArchitects is responsible for Home, formerly known as Lamb House, located in Kangaroo Point. This landmark building stands as a testament to the practice’s long-standing influence on Brisbane’s urban development.

WilsonArchitects at 140 Years

Hamilton Wilson, representing the fourth generation of the Wilson family in the firm, currently leads the practice alongside three directors from outside the family. The firm continues to balance respect for heritage with innovation in design.

Photo Credit: LinkedIn / Hamilton Wilson

To commemorate 140 years in the business, WilsonArchitects has authored a book titled “Genius Loci” (meaning ‘spirit of place’), which documents the people and projects that have shaped the firm over the years. Former Queensland State Government architect Michael Keniger contributed to the book, reflecting on the relationship between the Wilson family, the practice, and Brisbane’s growth.

Photo Credit: Wilson Architects Australia

WilsonArchitects’ portfolio includes other notable projects such as the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Riverbank House, and the Brisbane Grammar School STEAM precinct. The firm plans to launch their commemorative book in early November at the new STEAM precinct.

Read: Inside Lamb House: Owners Share Story Behind Multi-Million Dollar Restoration

Throughout its history, WilsonArchitects has played a significant role in developing Brisbane’s subtropical architecture, with Home in Kangaroo Point serving as a prominent example of their enduring impact on the city’s architectural landscape.

Published 8-October-2024

Renovation of Lamb House into ‘Home’ Finally Complete

After a painstaking three-year renovation odyssey, Lamb House, one of Kangaroo Point’s most iconic heritage homes has finally emerged from its transformation, reborn as “Home.”

Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory

The extensive restoration of the 19th century residence is now complete after new owners Steve and Jane Wilson took on the massive project to revive the property they purchased in 2021. 

Located at 9 Leopard Street, the residence was initially constructed in 1901 for John Lamb, who jointly owned the prosperous drapery business Edwards & Lamb located on Queen Street. It was designed by renowned Queensland architect Alexander Brown Wilson. Many of his works are also listed on the state’s heritage register. 

Reconstructed ‘defining tower’ (Photo credit: home_kangaroopoint/Instagram)

The tower before the renovations (Photo credit: home_kangaroopoint/Instagram)

The Wilsons purchased the rundown property with dreams of restoring it to its former glory. The journey began with emergency stabilisation work to secure the crumbling site. Extensive roof repairs followed, with the home surviving a flood event in the midst of re-tiling. But that was just the start of the multi-million dollar renovation saga.

Photo credit: home_kangaroopoint/Instagram

According to lead architect James Davidson of JDA Co, the property was in such a dilapidated state during the early renovation stages that it seemed to be crumbling around them as they worked.

home
The owners of ‘Home’ with their project team (Photo credit: home_kangaroopoint/Instagram)

Undeterred, the project team pressed on, structurally repairing and restoring original features like the roof, verandah, facade and interior elements.

home
The remainder of the door’s stained glass was recreated (Photo credit: 
home_kangaroopoint/Instagram)

Contemporary additions were constructed to modernise the living spaces, whilst landscaping refreshed the grounds. Beyond basic repairs, the house required reinstatement of its architectural fabric.

When the Wilsons first embarked on the renovation, they projected the costs would be around $15 million. Whilst they declined to disclose the final price tag, they acknowledged that the total expenses exceeded their original estimate, with building costs having risen substantially in recent years.

Read: Lamb House Sold to Racing Queensland’s Steve and Jane Wilson

After three years of perseverance, the monumental renovation is finally complete. The Wilsons’ extreme home makeover will be showcased on an upcoming episode of ABC’s Renovation Australia in May 2024. The public can follow the home’s Instagram (@home_kangaroopoint) for ongoing updates about this historic revival.

Published 24-April-2024