Lamb House Archives - Kangaroo Point News

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.

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.

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

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

Steve and Jane Wilson, owners of Lamb House in Kangaroo Point, graciously opened the doors of the meticulously restored house for a special tour, providing an intimate glimpse into the exquisite 1902 estate after their multi-year renovation efforts.

Read: Renovation of Lamb House into ‘Home’ Finally Complete

In a special episode of ABC’s Restoration Australia, the couple gave an eagerly-anticipated first look inside the heritage-listed villa, now called “Home” after completing their ambitious restoration project.

Steve and Jane Wilson with Restoration Australia host Anthony Burke (Photo credit: ABC)

When the Wilsons purchased the dilapidated property in 2021 for $12.75 million, they committed a further $15 million to restoring every facet of the early 20th century residence to its original glory. Their goal was to accurately recreate architect Alexander Brown Wilson’s celebrated design vision down to the most intricate heritage detail.

restoration — Photo credit: Alex Chomicz – Home_Kangaroo Point/Instagram

The owners proudly showcased the incredible lengths taken to forensically examine and replicate each historical element, from colour schemes to light fittings. Mr Wilson revealed they had even hired security after purchasing to stop potential break-ins.

A show-stopping highlight is the kaleidoscopic laylight window in the entrance foyer, meticulously reconstructed pane-by-pane with over 1,000 individual glass pieces by conservation artisans Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn. Mr Wilson marvelled that it creates “an aquarium of light” in the wonderful room as rainbow-hued patterns danced across the space.

Photo credit: Alex Chomicz – Home_Kangaroo Point/Instagram

Uncovered from beneath decades of grime, wood carvers precisely replicated original timber detailing whilst specialist plasterers shaped intricate ceiling roses and cornices using authentic techniques like “running the cornice.”

Mrs Wilson noted the garden surrounds were just as crucial to recreating the estate’s early 20th century character, saying they are “just as important as the house itself in respecting the heritage.”

After removing layers of graffiti and surveying archival photographs, the interiors have been utterly transformed from dilapidation into a pristine time capsule of 1902 design.

Whilst some modern touches are still to come, the couple are thrilled to have already moved in, believing Alexander Brown Wilson would be “very pleased” to see his celebrated early 1900s design so impeccably revived.

Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory

The Wilsons look forward to sharing this spectacular historic gem by opening Lamb House’s doors for charity events, immersing visitors in Brisbane’s opulent colonial past.

Published 28-May-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.

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.

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

Kangaroo Point’s Lamb House Close to Being Fully Restored to its Former Glory

To owners Steve and Jane Wilson, as the restoration of Lamb House in Kangaroo Point nears completion, the project has been a worthwhile one, with its share of pleasant surprises, such as the discovery of fairly intact, 100-year-old tiles under the bathroom floor; and challenging ones, such as managing ballooning costs that have gone past initial estimates.

Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory

The Wilsons acquired the heritage-listed property for $12.75 million in 2021 and have since invested significant time and money into faithfully restoring the century-old home.

The restoration is “progressing rapidly,” according to the couple, with just months to go before completion and their projected November 2023 move-in.

Lamb House — Photo credit: JDA Co/Facebook

A key focus of the renovation has been the preservation and replacement of the home’s original red cedar woodwork, an important architectural feature noted in the building’s heritage documentation.

Although the Wilsons have not revealed the total cost of the project, Mr Wilson acknowledged it has exceeded their initial budget, as construction costs have risen substantially in recent years.

Among other surprises, when old bathroom tiles were removed, the couple discovered 100-year-old originals underneath, now replaced with new matching tiles.

In one update to the home, the Wilsons added an attic space by opening up the existing roof. They plan to install a leadlight window in the attic, covered by a hardened glass skywalk.

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A post shared by ‘Home’ (@home_kangaroopoint)

The driving philosophy behind the renovations has been to be pure to the soul of the house and the intent of the house. The couple enlisted the help of Chapman Builders and designers from James Davidson Architects (JDA Co) and Conrad Gargett to carry out the restoration.

After two years of waiting, the Wilson family is eager to finally move into the renewed Lamb House later this year.

History of Lamb House

Lamb House, circa 1904 (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Lamb House, a heritage-listed villa located at 9 Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point, has fallen into disrepair after sitting vacant for several years.

The grand home was originally designed by noted architect Alexander Brown Wilson and constructed in 1902 for John Lamb, co-owner of the successful Queen Street drapery business Edwards & Lamb.

After John Lamb’s death in 1920, he left the business to his sons John and Frank, whilst the Lamb House property was passed on to his widow Sarah. Sarah continued living in the grand home with the Lamb children who never married.

Despite its rich history, Lamb House had become rundown from lack of use and maintenance and was unfortunately subjected to squatting at times.

In December 2020, the Brisbane City Council announced plans to sell the property in order to recover unpaid rates that had accumulated over multiple years, going against the wishes of the original owners. By May 2021, Lamb House was officially listed for sale.

Read: Exploring the Former Kangaroo Point Residence of the Queensland Water Police

When Steve Wilson and his wife Jane purchased Lamb House in June 2021, they pledged to restore the historic home to its original grand condition as a way of honouring its heritage.

Published 8-August-2023

Lamb House Restoration Nears Completion

Photo Credit: Facebook/JDA Co/@alex_chomicz

After two years of dedicated refurbishment, Jane and Steve Wilson are just months away from moving into the historic Lamb House, their meticulously restored riverside mansion in Kangaroo Point.

Lamb House, a historic federation home with stunning views of the Brisbane River, CBD, and Story Bridge, was originally built circa 1902-1903 for John Lamb, co-proprietor of the esteemed Queen Street store Edwards & Lamb.

When they acquired the house, the Wilsons knew that they had to race against time to save it from further decay. The collapse of the roof exposed the house to the elements, but their passion and determination gave the iconic residence a chance at a new breath of life.

Throughout the restoration process, the Wilsons have displayed an unwavering commitment to preserving Lamb House’s historical charm. From meticulously restoring the red cedar wood, an integral part of the house’s heritage, to replacing stolen lead lights with carefully designed replicas, every detail has been given the utmost attention.

Photo Credit: Facebook/JDA Co/@alex_chomicz

The Wilsons say that they have put their hearts and souls into this undertaking. While adding contemporary accents for a comfortable lifestyle, they have gone above and beyond to preserve the spirit and mission of Lamb House.

A stunning attic room has been added, but the house’s historic elements have been preserved, striking the ideal balance between respecting the past and embracing modern living.

Once complete, Lamb House will once again come alive, connecting Kangaroo Point’s past with its present.

Published 17-June-2023

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

Steve and Jane Wilson, Brisbane Racing power couple, have bought the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point for an undisclosed amount. The couple wants to restore the landmark mansion, listed for the first time in 120 years, to its former glory.

The Wilson pair managed to outbid other prospective buyers of the Lamb House, including prominent property developer Kevin Seymour. The couple has plans to spend at least $15 million more on restoring the dilapidated and vandalised historical site to its former glory and will work to keep the house up-to-date with electrical upgrades and wi-fi connection.

However, former owner Joy Lamb finds the sale unacceptable despite failures to maintain the mansion or to pay over $300,000 in Council rates for three years. This has led to the sale of the house via a Public Trustee so that the heritage site could be protected from demolition or subdivision by developers.

Ms Lamb vacated the Lamb House sometime after the death of her husband in 2013. In a previous interview with other media, the widow has said she believes that their dispute with Council over the Lamb House contributed to her husband’s failing health.

Since the historical house remained empty for a number of years, it became badly damaged and was used by squatters.

Meanwhile, members of the advocacy group Brisbane Residents United said that they are happy the house has been sold to new owners who want the Kangaroo Point landmark to become a restored family home.

The Wilsons said that they are excited to become the stewards of the Lamb house, which belonged to the Lamb family for 118 years. They also said that they will open the house for public events, including fundraisers for good causes, once the restoration has been completed in two to three years.

Lamb House: Famous Kangaroo Point Mansion Risks Being Sold

At 119 years old, the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point has been boarded up. As it falls further into disrepair, the likelihood of the property being put up for auction by Brisbane City Council increases with each passing day.

Lamb House was first constructed in 1902 for John Lamb, a prominent Brisbane draper. The property remained under the care of the Lamb family and is currently under the ownership of Joy Lamb — a widow in her 70s who lost her husband in that very same house back in 2013. She’d fled the home in 2015 after the building began to fall apart.

Despite the building’s rich history and status as a heritage-listed landmark, it has already been boarded up — a sign that no more efforts will be spared to maintain it. The building has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Payment for the building has been put on-hold for years now and Council’s tally now totals $321,000 as of the end of 2020. A deadline has been set for payment by December last year, however the rates have remained unpaid well into 2021.

All outstanding rates must be paid in order to prevent the claiming and auctioning of the historic site in Kangaroo Point. If that happens, proceeds obtained from selling the property would be used to pay off outstanding land tax, rates and fees, with the remainder going to Mrs Lamb and her family.

State Government Steps In, Protects Lamb House From Development

The Queensland Government has stepped in to protect the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point, as it approves the Council’s request for a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) .

The State Government has approved Brisbane City Council’s request for a TLPI to protect the run-down house and its grounds located at 9 Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point from being developed — it being situated on a low-medium density residential zone — and preserve its existing characteristics.

“Preserving our capital city’s heritage is important to all Queenslanders,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said.

“Lamb House is a prominent feature on the Kangaroo Point cliffs and an incredible reminder of how the inner city once was.

“Fast-tracking this TLPI will provide extra protection and certainty as quickly as possible.

“This TLPI will preserve not only the house but also the extensive grounds it rests on, so the integrity of the property and its streetscape values will both be maintained,” Mr Dick said.

The historic Lamb House is a two-storey residence that was built in the 1900s for John Lamb by builder W Anthony and designed by Brisbane architect Alexander Brown Wilson. The house was entered in the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992.

The Council was prompted to seek approval of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument and save “Home” from any development after learning that a developer is currently eyeing the property.

The approval of the TLPI means that the Lamb House and its grounds will be protected from any infill development for a period of up to two years beginning 11 June 2019.

“During this time, we will continue to work with council to ensure the right planning protections are in place to prevent future development on the site,” Mr Dick said.

“Places like Lamb House allow Queenslanders to reflect on their built history,” Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said.

“They hold stories of another era within their structure, and as our state evolves it’s important we have these landmarks to remind us of the past.”