The owners of Toonarbin, one of West End’s oldest heritage-listed homes, have submitted plans to Brisbane City Council for significant renovations aimed at updating and protecting the historic structure.
Located on Dornoch Terrace, Toonarbin dates back to the 1860s and is believed to be the work of English designer Benjamin Backhouse. The property has a rich history, having served as a private residence, a convent, and now again as a private home.
Key elements of the proposed renovations include a new copper barrel vault awning with a domed edge at the front of the building, a new balcony at the rear hidden from street view, and replacing upper floor windows with doors. The rear balcony is specifically designed to protect the vulnerable south-western corner from water infiltration.
The owners have engaged Mark Williams Architects to design the additions, which are primarily intended to address ongoing weather-related issues threatening the building’s structural integrity. Documents filed with the council reveal that despite the owners’ best efforts, water infiltration continues to pose a significant risk, particularly to timber components in the south-western corner.
A heritage assessor’s report included in the application acknowledges that the proposed changes are partly designed to protect the building from the elements and could be reversed in the future. The report states that the new copper dome “will not be conspicuous, yet will be clearly legible as a later addition,” while the new balconies are described as “light and open” and will not obscure the facade.
The property, which was sold for $4.1 million in 2007, currently features nine bedrooms and three bathrooms. The proposed renovations aim to modernise the structure while preserving its historical significance.
As the plans are now before Brisbane City Council, it remains to be seen how these proposed changes to one of the city’s most significant heritage properties will be received.
Published 28-July-2024
