When it comes to innovation, architects such as Paul Owen and team, have definitely upped the competition by turning a fire station into a modern home. This house has also been awarded in the 2016 Houses Award for ‘House in a Heritage Context’.
The building was constructed in 1938 and served as the Bayside Fire Station before it was acquired as a residence when it stopped operation in 2004. Keeping in mind the home’s roots, the architects have kept the fireman red colours on the open kitchen and dining area, against the crisp, white walls. There is also an abundance of natural light during the day.
“The building is an elegant response to the original fabric of Wynnum Fire Station,” said the jury said on the night of the award. “The strong streetscape is maintained by concentrating change to the rear, where a new internal volume inventively makes connection between upper floor and ground integrating the existing outdoor stair and lower floor fire engine bay for family living.”
Photos via Owen.Architecture
Photo credit: Toby Scott
