Ashgrovian

Queenslander architecture is a modern term for the vernacular type of architecture of Queensland, Australia. It is also found in the northern parts of the adjacent state of New South Wales and shares many traits with architecture in other states of Australia but is distinct and unique. The form of the typical Queenslander style residence distinguishes Brisbane's suburbs from other capital cities.

The type developed in the 1840s and is still constructed today, displaying an evolution of local style. The term is primarily applied to residential construction, although some commercial and other types of construction are identified as Queenslander.

The quintessential Queenslander is a single detached house made of timber with a corrugated iron roof and located on a separate block of land. They are all high set single storey dwellings with a characteristic veranda that extends around the house to varying extents but never entirely surrounds it. In later years, many have been renovated to enclose part or all of these verandahs to create extra bedrooms. The under house area is often also enclosed to provide extra living area to these houses, which leads to the common misconception of an authentic Queensland with two storeys.

The term has evolved to apply to many different types of structure found in suburban Queensland. The many and varied styles all share similar features such as prominent exterior staircases, gabled roofs and the defining trait of being built on stumps, raising the structure from the traditional 2.8metres and varying in height depending on terrain.

They are typically "tripartite" in sectional composition; underfloor (stumps), primary rooms (can be two levels), and roof. All have one or more veranda spaces, a sheltered edge of the building that is typically only part-enclosed and used as another living zone. This consideration for climate is the defining characteristic of the Queenslander type.

The raising of the main living spaces off the ground can be seen as both a stylistic and practical device. The vertical "stumps", initially of timber, allow the building to "float" above the terrain. Queenslanders all have this underfloor area that is used to cool the building through ventilation and also for protection of the main structure from termite attack and other pests. The stumps also help to overcome any variations in the terrain that would normally require earthworks to flatten for construction and allow for the natural flow of water across the terrain in the event of excessive rain and downpours. The underfloor space is often high enough for additional uses such as storage, carport or even as extra living area in the cool, dark spaces beneath the building. The underfloor area was sometimes decoratively screened at the perimeter with timber battens. Another advantage of being constructed on stumps is that the buildings are highly adaptive. It is relatively easy to raise, lower, reorient or completely relocate Queenslanders.

...
Wikipedia