Albert Villa — bureau^proberts
At the intersection of old and new, the Albert Villa by bureau^proberts blends contemporary architecture with an 1885 cottage to the backdrop of a lush garden oasis.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Alicia Taylor
Photo: Alicia Taylor
Photo: Alicia Taylor
Designed by, and for, bureau^proberts director Terry McQuillan and his interior designer wife, Charlie, Albert Villa is Terry’s personal home filled with professional influences and personal touches. As specialists in subtropical design, the Brisbane-based architectural firm reimagined the 1885 cottage into a welcoming retreat that engages the outdoors.
Named after the original builder, Peter Albert, Terry and Charlie wanted to take full advantage of the site’s elevated position overlooking Brisbane, restoring the old cottage, adding a contemporary pavilion to the rear, maximising on the sloping site.
‘The addition of our pavilion, behind the cottage, enabled us to greatly increase the living space and capture views out to nearby Mt Coot-tha and the surrounding neighbourhood,’ says Terry.
Brought initially as an investment, Terry and Charlie were enticed by the proximity to the city, deciding to make Albert Villa their home. As such, they wanted to ensure the connection they shared with the landscape in the suburbs continued—privacy, visual softness, and proximity to the landscape as fundamental briefs.
A modern addition adds scope to the traditional Victorian bungalow, centred around a lush courtyard—the new pavilion taking shape as a spacious living area, kitchen, main bedroom, and garage. Timber floors and panels contrast the jet-black exterior that seeps into the interiors, while Charlie’s floral artworks and an abundance of green foliage adds softness to the architecture.
“The cottage is affectionately known as Albert Villa, a homage to its original builder Peter Albert who constructed the home back in 1885. Unlike Albert, we were able to take full advantage of the site’s elevated position.”
“Thoughtful alignment of the eaves and a steeply raking roof form were deployed to create this sense of symmetry.”
With the kitchen and living space seamlessly blending with the courtyard, the indoor/outdoor distinction is forgotten—though the kitchen’s louvred windows regulate ventilation and capture cooling Brisbane breezes.
From the side street, the rooflines engage a sense of geometric symmetry. A balance of contrasting angles works in harmony, despite the pavilion having three storeys and the bungalow only one. A covered breezeway links the addition to the cottage in a sharp reminder of old and new.
‘The physical demarcation was a device we deployed to respect the difference between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ structures,’ says Terry. ‘From inside the pavilion, sight lines provide glimpses of the cottage that foster a sense of connection and flow from one dwelling to the next.’
The distinction is clear; the crisp white Victorian facade juxtaposes the jet-black panelling of the addition. However, a synergy between the two is grounded by the stone footing, a mirroring texture connecting the two. Similarly, the width of the panels of the original home are matched in the pavilion.
‘We wanted to create a contemporary home that not only overcame the site’s limitations but unlocked its potential too,’ Terry concludes.