Gockel Architects logo in black and white.

Freihaus is an alteration and addition to a pre-war home in Bardon, designed as a flexible family house with a strong connection between the main living space and the pool terrace. Passive climatic control, natural light, and a seamless relationship between inside and out were central to the brief.

Interior view of a modern staircase with wooden steps and white railings, leading to an upper level with a large abstract painting on the wall, illuminated by natural sunlight.

FREIHAUS

BARDON, BRISBANE

A modern house with a backyard pool, a dog lying on the steps, and three people inside the house on a sunny day.
A residential yard with palm trees, a brick wall, a mailbox, and a house in the background under a clear blue sky.
The entrance to a modern house with an arched concrete and brick wall, a wooden door, a globe-shaped wall light, and lush greenery including a tall palm tree and succulents.
Outdoor staircase leading to a black gate with brick walls on either side, a concrete arch above, and a palm tree in the background.
Narrow outdoor pathway with tiles, greenery along the side, brick and siding walls, stairs at end, and a fence in the background.

A new rear extension opens to the north and introduces a generous double-height living space. Full-height sliding doors can be completely concealed, allowing the living area and pool terrace to read as a single space, separated only by a landscaped garden moat that also serves as a compliant pool barrier.

The home gently steps down from the street, following the natural contours of the site. Entry is via a secure gatehouse and landscaped path, leading to a central timber pivot door that anchors the plan.

Bedrooms and a family room are located on the upper level, freeing the ground floor for an expansive kitchen, living, and dining space that connects to outdoor areas on all sides.

Modern indoor-outdoor space with a wooden round table, wooden chair with a white cushion, green plants, brick wall, large window, and trees outside under a clear sky.
Modern living room with white walls, natural wood accents, a large white paper lantern hanging from the ceiling, and a cozy beige sofa with a patterned shag rug on the floor.

Material expression is concentrated at ground level, where surfaces are experienced up close. Crisp white elements are balanced with light pink brickwork, off-form concrete, travertine crazy paving, and rosewood doors and windows, creating warmth and texture throughout the primary living spaces.

Modern two-story house with a brick and concrete exterior, large glass windows, and a swimming pool in the foreground. Warm interior lighting visible through the open ground floor, with potted plants and a dog inside. Clear sky at dusk.

Gockel Architects remained closely involved throughout design, documentation, and construction, working directly with the builder to ensure the original intent was carried through to completion. Early planning focused on working within accepted development controls, allowing the project to avoid Development Approval while still pushing the limits of what was permitted.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FILM

ANDY MACPHERSON STUDIO

RAVEN AT ODDS