Brisbane Open House last weekend saw hundreds of Brisbanites take to the streets with cameras and lanyards around their necks. First stop for me was One One One Eagle Street, perhaps Brisbane’s newest and coolest landmark. The glazed lift travelled as fast as a roller coaster depositing us on one of the top floors. Cox Rayner Architects have created a building that is peerless with cutting edge security, concierge services and an open floor space with astonishing views. Every little corner, junction of materials, aesthetic decision shows a refined level of design and attention to detail.
The Spring Hill Baths date from the late1800’s and display the gender politics of the time with segregated change cubicles surrounding the pool. It is an indoors space which connects with the outdoors via a large penetration in the roof. This gives the baths a wonderful quality of light. The interior colours are timeless and the balcony corridors can’t be much more than 300mm wide. Those were the days when accessibility meant you had a grand front door.
Our last explore was a home in Carina designed by Donald Spencer in 1966. It is a vintage classic, owned by design aficionados who still rock the 60’s. It has a Tardis quality, being far more spacious and interesting on the inside. The owners have planned an extension; a glass box above the carport, which may substantially change the structure but they are working with Spencer’s relatives, also architects, to ensure a sensitive merging of new and old.
Look out for Brisbane Open House in 2014
skipping girl design 
One one one is stunning isn’t it. I went there once for a conference and felt so under dressed in my Trade Secret shirt & tie 😉