Grand Designs Australia: Boomerang House

"This is one of those kick-arse houses that impress instantly," says Grand Designs Australia host Peter Maddison about the Adsett family home featured on its Season 9 series. "It’s big, it’s polished and it’s pretty exciting to be inside."

While the structure and sculptural nature of the home is grand, it is the concept surrounding it that is to be admired.

“Creating designs which responds to the dynamic of family life will always create the most meaningful architecture” says Joe.

Joe and Hayley’s home revolves around their young family, with the design carefully considered to incorporate raising children and to facilitate dynamic changes as families grow.
Creating a family home with a seamless indoor-outdoor design, allowing for children to play and the family to entertain was at the forefront of the design, along with incorporating elements inspired by their travels and experiences that create a connection to nature.

Family Home

Boomerang House, as it is affectionately named, is situated in the inner Brisbane city suburb of Ascot. The Adsett’s acquired the prime site which allowed them to create their dream home with a much sought-after North-East aspect.

Considering the location of the home, pressure was on to create something modern and masterful, with respect to its immediate surrounds. It was also imperative to achieve a house that thrived off the aspect, and to allow for their desire for a free-flowing, unified home. 

It was also another design feat to becoming both client and architect.

“Designing your own home as an architect, you get to experience the same issues as your clients get, and really, the empathy you get from having gone through the experience” says Joe.

Design Challenges

The challenge of the curved geometry as opposed to the traditional linear design brought on two of the most complex features of the build.

The insertion of the 1 tonne helix staircase was significant. With framing restricting access, the staircase was craned into position, resulting in a momentous occasion during the build.

The insertion of a curved glass panel to connect the two wings was a risky procedure. Manufactured in New Zealand using 12mm thick toughened glass, heated up on rollers and benders to shape it to the exact measurements, left no room for error back on site.

Innovative Luxury

“This huge house is unforgettable - with a staircase that has to be seen to be believed” – Peter Maddison

The extraordinary house is the epitome of innovative luxury. The home sits above a 4-car garage and a wine cellar with the above ground floor home to a guest bedroom, light filled living area, extending around to the kitchen and dining area which seamlessly leads out to the 9m pool area and garden.

“I think the connection between the indoor space and the outdoor one really works for us, as it just flows.” – Joe Adsett

On the upper level, the southern wing holds three bedrooms and a family bathroom and a lounge area, the western wing is devoted to the ultimate parents retreat – dressing room, his and her bathroom and master bedroom.

The pivotal helix staircase leads to the beautifully presented library space, complimented by the circular skylight above, allowing light to fill the void.

"This is a true Grand Design of a home, an iconic house nicknamed the Boomerang, which is a remarkable Queenslander - not to be missed." – Peter Maddison

Watch the episode ‘Ascot House’ on Grand Designs Australia at Foxtel On Demand – Season 9, episode 7.