Minka Twins

Situated on an 800m2 hillcrest site in Brisbane’s leafy West, the Minka Twins are designed as a new subtropical response that challenges the conventions of traditional infill housing. The architecture looks to both traditional Japanese farmhouses (known as Minkas) and an interpretation of the modern Queenslander as catalysts for the form, material and planning approach. Simple gable roof forms, batten screened verandahs, and habitable undercroft spaces identify with the local housing stock, whilst providing a considered climatic response. The houses strongly engage with the landscape via a series of floor to ceiling glass doors that stack away to completely open up the lower level living spaces to the outdoors. Internal gardens blur thresholds from interior to exterior, whilst the raised concrete ground plane becomes a seat to occupy the landscape edge. The planning responds to function and climate. Flexible open living spaces are positioned on the lower level to enhance the connection to the yard and landscape. Bedrooms are elevated on the upper level along the east and north edges to maximize access to natural light and breeze. Separation is achieved between parents and kids’ quarters through a light filled stair void, whilst a secondary living space is located on the front façade to encourage engagement with the streetscape. Both dwellings have been designed at single room widths in order to encourage and allow passive cooling. The entire upper level is screened for privacy and solar protection, with each bedroom featuring full height openings to verandahs capturing prevailing winds. A dedicated breezeway with operable glazing further enhances cross ventilation to the upper floor level. Natural materials were chosen for their raw integrity, durability, and prominence of craftsmanship. A limited pallet of burnished concrete, stained pine timber battens, plywood, and timber-framed glass were adopted. Cost-effectiveness was achieved through using common building materials and methodologies for the core of the house so that detailed edges could be achieved within a modest budget. A conscious effort to maintain one continuous form was key to this approach.