There are a few things that are quintessentially Queensland. Up there with sunny weather, the Maroons and humidity, the Queenslander-style home is right there as a defining element of Queensland life. As iconic as the look is, is it actually a good house to live in? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this classic Queensland floor plan.
What is a Queenslander House?
The traditional Queenslander Style house is a single detached house made with timber and corrugated iron roofs. It is a traditional design often seen throughout Queensland, South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, especially in older suburbs. Some of the distinguishing features of a Queenslander are:
- Large verandahs surround the house to varying degrees, but never around the entire perimeter.
- High set ceilings
- Single storey
- Raised on stumps creating a double-storey look.
- More closed-off or private spaces (rather than open plans).
Older Queenslander-style houses are often considered heritage homes and are valuable pieces of Australian history.
What are the benefits of a Queenslander floor plan?
A distinctive, traditional style.
These house designs offer a distinctive older look that brings to mind a bygone era. It’s a classic, traditional look that many have a nostalgic fondness for. It’s also great for taking in your surroundings if you live in a bush area.
Tend to be quite spacious floor plans
Due to the high ceilings and verandas, Queenslanders tend to be quite spacious. Older designs from the early to mid-20th century often have closed off kitchens, living areas and dining rooms which goes against the modern trend of open floor plans, however, if you’re building from scratch you can incorporate some of these modern touches.
Strong curb appeal
Queenslander houses have a strong outside appearance and can make a great first impression on potential buyers. With so many modern home designs, houses like a Queenslander can really stand out. When you plan to sell, a few simple renovations like a fresh coat of paint will really help your house shine.
Perfectly designed for Queensland’s climate
They’re called Queenslanders for a reason. The Queensland-style home’s high ceilings and open-plan living help keep the home cool during scorching, humid summers. The many windows around the veranda area are designed to catch any cool summer breezes. For winter, you’re going to want to invest in some quality insulation or heating options. Queensland winters are colder than you think!
Works well on sloping blocks
Due to the raised platform synonymous with the Queenslander house, they are a great design for blocks of land with a slight slope. Specialised Queenslander home builders will be able to create a design to work with the particulars of your block of land.
Downsides to a Queenslander
No house design type is flawless and the Queenslander design is no exception. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of the Queenslander home design.
Timber issues
No building material is perfect without flaws, and timber is no exception. The first major issue with timber has to do with moisture. Water damage can be unsightly at first but can lead to water rot which can cause major structural damage to the doors, window frames, or even the frame of your house.
The second issue is termites. Anyone who has had to deal with a termite infestation will tell you what an expensive and time-consuming process it can be. Preventive measures like treating your wood, and having regular pest inspections are essential to avoid serious damage to your home.
More Upkeep
Queenslanders, especially older ones, are notorious for requiring a lot of maintenance and upkeep. This can range from replacing eaves and maintaining wood. Paint also peels from timber due to expansion and shrinking over time, which means you’ll need to repaint your home every ten years or so.
What is the average size of a Queenslander floor plan?
Queenslander floor plans tend to offer more space than a lot of modern designs, with the average being around 237 sqm. Again, this can vary depending on your specific design and location.
How much does it cost to build a Queenslander home?
A Queenslander house can cost anywhere from 450,000-to 1 million dollars plus.
This can vary depending on a few factors including:
- Location
- Builder you choose
- Materials you choose.
- Amount of delays, complications or other details that affect the building process.
Is a Queenslander home suitable for me?
Queenslander is a great, traditional home design that has a nostalgic appeal. With a new home you’re building from scratch, you can add some modern touches to counterbalance some of the more out-of-touch elements of a Queenslander house. Queenslander homes are best suited for:
- Families
- Those who like a traditional look
- People who like entertaining
- Those who don’t mind renovating and upkeep/
Our top tips for helping you choose a Queenslander floor plan for your new home
- Find a specialised Queenslander home builder or someone who’s worked on similar projects.
- Timber is one of those materials that needs preservation and care to avoid issues.
- Queenslander homes suit older suburbs. In newer estates, they may not fit in with their surroundings.
Who are the best home builders of Queenslander homes?
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