A good patio on an old Queenslander looks like it was always there. Brisbane City Plan also has rules for these homes, so design and approval go hand in hand.
The character overlay
Most homes built before 1947 sit in Brisbane’s traditional building character overlay. Work on them is assessed against the character provisions, and structures forward of the house are restricted. A patio at the back is usually straightforward. A carport in the front yard usually needs council approval and has to suit the street.
Small lot carports
On lots under 450 m², a garage door and a carport facing the street are limited to 6 m wide together. On a small lot of 180 to 450 m² on a steep block, where the ground falls 1 in 4 or more from the street, a double carport up to 6 m wide can sit closer to the road than the house.
Design that suits the house
- A gable roof matches the pitch of most Queenslanders and gives a high, airy ceiling.
- A freestanding or flyover patio off a high-set deck avoids cutting into the old roof.
- Heritage colours such as Manor Red, Classic Cream and Woodland Grey suit tin roofs and timber.
Sewer and stormwater
Older Brisbane lots often have sewer and stormwater close to the house. Sewer belongs to Urban Utilities and stormwater to council, so we check both before we set out the posts.