the changing face of Queensland houses and the traditional Queenslander

We live in a beautiful riverside suburb just east of the city, and like all inner city suburbs it

has undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 - 15 years. Since I have lived here for

such a long time, I have seen a lot of these changes. Initially when I moved here in the mid 90's, there

were a lot of single dwellings on double blocks. These have progressively been renovated, or more recently the blocks have been split, with two houses being built on the block. As well as the replica "Queenslanders" that are built, there are many different styles that are now being built, though they

are supposed to comply with the character code. Thank goodness the trend for the Tuscan style villa has passed - I always thought they were not suited to the Queensland climate.

We are about to head into my favourite time of year in Brisbane, the heat and humidity of summer will 

soon fade, and I love walking the spotted dog through our local streets and seeing the changes that 

are happening. I think of Queenslanders as being the traditional timber and tin houses, but they are 

reducing in number.

 this is a classic Queenslander near our house, and it has all

the features that I love: low set, on a larger block, set back from the

street, large poinciana in the front garden, and it's white :)

 this house was renovated two years ago and has some 

contemporary touches but maintains the traditional 

symmetry

 another local favourite

 the house above from the side

 this house is directly across the road from us - it has been repainted last year

and has been transformed - it used to be a peachy/apricot colour

 another renovation - bringing it up to date but

maintaining the traditional features too

Some of the new builds are amazing, you would think the house had always been there:

 this house makes me think of A-M - I love it

 another new house that I love - plenty of verandah space, natural 

light in the house, and a feeling of openness

 this house was built around the corner from us about 8 or 10

years ago. I remember being surprised at the time that it was approved.

Now a few years on it doesn't look so stark as the landscaping has softened it, but

it's still not a favourite of mine

 I'm sure these houses are very practical and low maintenance

(everything that traditional Queenslanders aren't) but it's not a 

style I like

 this recently completed house has polarised my friends in the area -

it's a dark grey and black and is quite arresting. I actually love it. 

How blue is that Queensland sky?

these seemed to have popped up in gardens everywhere

this afternoon when I was on my walk. They still

make me smile when I see them in all their

ridiculous beauty.