Saturday, 6 October 2012

Case Study #4

Being surrounded by Queenslander houses and re-purposed Queenslander buildings, Paddington Central is in an incredibly rich context of materiality, character and history, and therefore a respect and sensitivity of this context must be maintained and highlighted in my design. It has been necessary then to conduct this next case study on this unique Queenslander typology, and draw from it the aspects of materiality, spatial arrangement, adaptability and community awareness inherent to the vernacular.
Queenslander architecture is a modern term for the vernacular type of architecture of Queensland (developed in the 1840s) that is both distinct and unique and displays an evolution of the local style. àwhat Paddington Exchange should do.
Queenslander buildings are primarily of timber construction, consisting of one and two levels with a traditionally corrugated steel pitched roof. They typically adhere to the composition of an underfloor area, primary rooms, one or more verandah spaces including a sheltered edge of the building. This consideration of climate is the defining characteristic of the Queenslander typology. àmateriality àrequirements: underfloor area, various rooms, consideration of roof-line, verandah spaces and semi-enclosed/sheltered spaces.
The underfloor area of the building allows for cooling ventilation and is high enough for additional uses. àsimilar to between levels 2 and 3 in design so far? This raised construction allows for the relative ease of raising, lowering, reorienting or completely relocating Queenslanders. àwhat Paddington Exchange needs to be able to do, ie. adapt and change with community.
Many old Queenslander buildings have been demolished to make way for more modern buildings, particularly in the inner urban areas of Brisbane contributing to Brisbanes gentrification. However, community awareness of urban heritage has seen local governments implement conservation measures to protect the unique tin and timber character of neighbourhoods and towns dominated by Queenslander architecture.àperfect example of the purpose and aim of Paddington Exchange àreason to maintain and be sensitive to this typology and vernacular.

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