Family Home IBK

We had a dream of building a small, beautiful home that could work with our family that are all in various phases of life with varying needs.

Refresh* delivered us with an amazing design, beyond our imaginings.  Throughout the design and building process Refresh* maintained exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to a high-quality product.

We are the proud owners of an exceptional piece of architecture that has added so much quality and comfort to our lives.

We love the look and feel of our Family-Home - each person who walks past stops and looks and says, “how great”.

Barbara Haid - owner Family Home IBK

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SAOIR

We have bought SAOIR as a new home, hence we were not involved in the briefing of it. However, we were incredibly delighted how easy it was to settle into the new house. It was so well thought through, so many uplifting and positive surprises which we would never have expected. We just really love it. 

This house has one of the best kitchens we have ever used, bench space is superb and an abundance of storage. The curves are not only look fantastic, they are really functional. There is a very nice and subtle filtered light in all living areas. All rooms are cross ventilated and shaded from the summer sun to avoid overheating and the concrete slab helps to keep the rooms cool in summer It is easy to see how much thought has gone into creating this home to not only make it beautiful, but totally functional in every aspect. 

The architects succeeded in truly celebrating subtropical living when designing SAOIR. The R* team seamlessly merged the qualities of the early 1900’s cottage with the demands of contemporary living in a very skilfully executed fusion of architecture and lush subtropical landscaping. We have no hesitation to recommend R* to design for any residential commission, and if we were to do our next home we will certainly talk to them.

Kristen - owner SAOIR

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BAKER BOYS BEACH HOUSE

As a joint holiday home of three families with different requirements obviously the task to design Baker Boys Beach House was quite challenging. However, having worked with Erhard and the REFRESH* team on several projects before we knew that they enjoy taking on challenging projects. They listened carefully to each of us and delivered a design responsive to all of our needs - a clever and unique solution surpassing our expectations.

Being builders ourselves, naturally we wanted to be involved in the delivery method early on in the project to ensure a balance of outcome and efficiency, given the project is located on an island. R* was embracing our involvement and in close collaboration with NGS engineers a pre-manufactured structural steel skeleton was developed which we could easily bolt together onsite without any welding.

The result is nothing short of stunning. We love the simplicity of the house, subtle materials and the beautiful spaces which allow us to enjoy the bush and be close the beach. The house is an amazing place to come together and enjoy cooking, eating, laughing, playing games, reading books, bathing outdoors, contemplating and as well to enjoy solitude.

The place has been laid out very cleverly to avoid looking at other houses, but to look over treetops straight out to the ocean and horizon while enjoying the bush setting. It’s such an uplifting experience, breathtaking and quietening at the same time.

Baker Boys Beach House feels like we have a permanent camp on Stradbroke Island, and when we’re there, we can forget about our busy city lives. It’s the ideal holiday escape - Thanks to the Erhard and the R* Team.

Frederic Dubois - co-owner BBBH

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CLAYFIELD RESIDENCE

Favourite part of your extension and renovation
Everything! Refresh and Bespoke have done an amazing job. There is so much more space and storage. It looks very modern and matches exceptionally well with our existing house. Kids love the new living room and the new extension to the kitchen bench. 

Impact on daily use
Everything flows well. The extension of the kitchen table is being used extensively every day as both dining and study space by all of us. Kids won't go elsewhere. We feel very comfortable and the extension has become an essential part of our everyday living.

Successfully achieve the goal
Refresh has indeed successfully achieved our goals. They gave our dream house more space with additional modern and functional design. 

Favourite part working together
The refresh team is friendly and professional people. They are incredibly approachable and easy to get hold of. 

“The team works with you! From the start, they clearly understood what we want and shared our vision for the renovation. They also gave excellent suggestions and recommendations along the way that achieved an even better result. ”

Ida & Norm - owners Clayfield Residence

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HAWTHORNE SIBLINGS

“From the moment we met Erhard & Monika of Refresh Design, we knew we were in capable hands.  They were warm, welcoming and intent on understanding our brief.  They are meticulous in all facets of the design, including making sure the design/build brief would meet a realistic budget, whilst still featuring bespoke architectural features. 

We have engaged Refresh for three projects now.  The first was to reconfigure the floorplan of a beautiful old Queenslander, whose period details were to be celebrated, but incorporate a more contemporary open plan living.  

The second was the design of the ‘Hawthorne Siblings’, two identical 3 bedroom compact homes on two compact blocks.  Llewellyn oversaw the build ensuring the detailed plans on paper, did in fact come to life with the quality we had all envisioned. His dedication to this project was unfaltering.

We have just started our third project, a knock-down-rebuild on a steep city view block.  Whilst all projects are varied in their needs, we give our complete trust to Refresh, as they deliver every single time.  We highly recommend you consider Refresh for your next project.”

Steve & Tash Vella - Hawthorne Siblings

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ANNIE STREET RESIDENCE

“We were referred to Refresh by a work colleague. I have undertaken a number of projects so im very familiar with development and the role of the architect. What I liked about Erhard from the outset was his willingness to listen to what my wife and I were wanting for our next home. Erhard has a lot of experience and has a track record like many architects however unlike those we have worked with in the past he was keen to understand our ideas and in most cases he embraced them. This should not be understated as its is more often than not the biggest complaint f most architects – they give you what they want and more often than not the outcome is not functional. We wanted a home that was uniquely designed but most importantly it needed to be function for us and our two young boys. We love the home we have created and would highly recommend Erhard and the team at Refresh – so much so we have now completed the design of our second home with them.”

Kingsley Andrew - owner of Annie Street Residence

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ONE PLUS ONE HOUSE

“Hi guys.

Just want to thank you again for the amazing work you did on our home.
As you know this has been a long term (15 year) project for Katie & I. A life project that has changed over time with the addition of Flinders.
We absolutely love our home - waking up every morning looking through the tree to the hillscape is wonderful. Uplifting!

The living area is just perfect - it brings us together & grounds us every day.
The spaces seem so spacious with separation but closeness - very clever in design & function. We have never felt closer as a family.
I love the little nooks & cranies (courtyards) & we enjoy playing with what we will do with them in the future.
The connection to the backyard has been awesome - Flinders love the space & now uses it daily - I enjoy the study of the great Australian lawn and what will be out the back.

We are in the thick of suburbia but have a feeling of serenity & privacy.
Architecture should make daily life easier but great architecture can change how you feel - you have done this for us.

Regards, Matthew” - owner of One Plus One House

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ONE PLUS ONE HOUSE

We met with Corinne & Erhard in April 2019 & were instantly impressed with their enthusiasm, professionalism & knowledge.

We had engaged many designers over the years & the guys at Refresh* truly stood above the rest. They listened, balanced the complex small lot code & period requirements, respected the budget & delivered a design that exceeded our vision.

Our new home is a fantastic blend of 1890’s charm & modern sophistication; delivered well beyond our expectations. From our initial meeting to managing the build to completion we could not be happier with Refresh* team.

We highly recommend Refresh* for any architectural design work.
Excellent!

Kate & Matthew

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HABITAT ON TERRACE

"We never intended to purchase a new home in our property search. We always thought we'd purchase something older and do an extensive renovation to meet our tastes.

However, we were shocked to find such an amazing property in our desired area and knew it was something special right away. It was as if the team at Refresh Design had custom-designed the townhouse with buyers like us in mind.

The attention to detail, finishes and creative flourishes are what really makes this property stand out. The property is not only stunning but truly feels like a home that we hope to cherish for years to come."

Elizabeth & Haydon

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TRIO ON AMOS

“We originally approached REFRESH* to explore the possibilities for a better use of a strip of land formerly used only as a carpark. Their proposed solution, which included three new Townhomes plus the retention of the required car parking, initially took us by surprise.

We were even more impressed at their ability to steer this innovative design proposal through the council approval process, and to help us identify the right builder to deliver the project. At every step in this process we’ve been delighted by REFRESH’s out-of-the-box thinking, and the final results have exceeded all of our initial expectations.”

Marc (Developer)

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TRIO ON AMOS

Basically, we went looking for a place to rent to be close to our daughters’ school during the week. Nothing appealed to us that wasn't over priced for a rental property. I compared the high-end apartments to purchasing something and Amos Lane came up in the listings and caught my eye straight away. I loved the industrial feel and the split level. The fact that these were individual spaces and only 3 of them was very appealing. The design features are such a refreshing change to your run of the mill apartments. Being a family on acreage and having so much space, we knew we wouldn't manage in a pokey unit or high-rise apartment, so this was a fantastic alternative. 

As soon as I inspected the townhouse, I knew I couldn't miss out. There was nothing like it anywhere, so unique in its design and it was also in the perfect location for us. We initially needed it for the odd night in town when early mornings were getting harder to manage with such a long drive to school. But now we find ourselves staying there when we don't need to as we love the space so much. 

I compared the high-end rental property prices to a purchase price and we were mad not to buy. Quickest impulse purchase we've ever made and so happy we did it.

James and Pippa (Owners of number Two)

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TRIO ON AMOS

“It is over half a year since I started living at Amos Lane in Brisbane’s trendy Fortitude Valley. The location is paramount with James Street Shopping and the Howard Smith Wharf precinct only a short distance walk and New Farm Park and Ferries close by.

As an architecturally designed home, there are many special features that stand out to my family each day. Amongst them, we enjoy the sense of openness that has been created in an upstairs/downstairs layout with an abundance of natural light captured on both levels. The accentuated vertical stairway, as well as the inclusion of skylights in two of the bedrooms maximizes the light factor featured throughout.

A combination of timber and steel creates a myriad of living domains flowing from a dining space through to the kitchen and lounge rooms. With generous sliding doors strategically placed on two sides, the outdoor balcony becomes one with the indoor living and entertainment spaces. 

This compact and very functional design makes it so livable and relaxing alongside the warm and monochrome colour palette. The bedrooms and bathrooms and choice of flooring and cabinetry are stylish and refreshing. It is a joy for us all to live here.”

Nicola (Owner of number One)

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CENTRE COURT HOUSE

The team at REFRESH instinctively knew how to help us build our home - they took our initial ideas and developed them into what is a stunning house, perfect for our family and better than we could ever have imagined.
Building was a new experience for us but knowing we had Erhard & Corrine guiding our design choices and working with our builders made the whole process almost seamless - I could not recommend them more highly.

Debby

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THE PRINCESS PRECINCT

Having owned these heritage listed terrace houses for a long time, I have wanted to renovate them ever since. After receiving unsatisfactory ideas from other architects I commissioned REFRESH*, who came up with a very creative solution for converting the dilapidated residences into offices. Additionally they provided a fantastic scheme for the next stage, which allows for three (3) additional 4 level freehold townhouses facing the rear lane. With a heritage restriction and a very tight site, I was amazed how creatively they fit everything within the envelope. Clever design and project management skills were very influential for achieving a development approval with fantastic yield on this complicated site. 

Completing these offices in stage one of the project, Corinne and Erhard were always there to guide me through the elaborate process. They successfully managed heritage restrictions and fire safety requirements, often through unconventional performance solutions. I can strongly recommend the REFRESH* team and continue to engage them on my other projects I am currently working on.

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HABITAT ON TERRACE

We bought at Habitat on Terrace (Toowong) after looking extensively through the city fringe suburbs for an apartment or townhouse offering a point of difference; something fresh, both in design and thinking. Refresh’s H.O.T. townhouses stood out from the crowd – the whole design has been brilliantly thought through; tying together the wonderful indoor/outdoor living elements in a seamless manner.  Nothing has been overlooked, from the wonderful way it maximises the use of space, thought to the way it captures the elements to ensure you maximise ventilation and flow. Finally the build quality is second to none, with the finest of detail being considered and executed flawlessly.  This care and attention flows over into Refresh’s after sale services as well, with nothing really being too much trouble.  We have been delighted with the whole experience and looking forward to spending many happy years enjoying this wonderful property. 

Trisha & Russell Shooter

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NORTHERN RIVERS BEACH HOUSE

Monika and Erhard’s design for our South Golden Beach house has been a joy for us. While aesthetics is the most obvious attraction, it comes as a result of form following function. The simplicity of design belies the sophisticated and clever hidden engineering details that produce a building that sits lightly on the ground. The house has been orientated to cater for all seasonal changes. In summer exposure to the western sun is minimized and in winter advantage is taken of the northern course of the sun to gain extra warmth. Internally there is optimal use of space. Extending wardrobes and cupboards to ceiling height creates abundant storage and it appears more spacious than the actual dimensions would have us believe. Refresh has ticked all our boxes and we love our house.

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WOOLLOONGABBA GARDENHOUSE

After completing a project with REFRESH* in Herston, in 2015 I made a decision second for a second gardenhouse project in Woolloongabba.
I had no hesitation in engaging REFRESH* to manage for the entire process including project management. This decision was the best decision I could have made. Allowing the experts to reflect on the context and use their creative imagination to design and manage construction of a fantastic and award-winning project. I absolutely love REFRESH*. Monika and Erhard are my architects for life.

Wesley Vasile

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HERSTON GARDENHOUSE

Since first engaging REFRESH* in 2013, the entire process of consultation, design and action has been nothing but a breeze and a pleasure to deal with. Throughout the whole process I have been impressed, in each stage the communication has been incredible and prompted and the fee structure has been nothing but fair. REFRESH* truly is an inspiring business to deal with. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Erhard & Monika and will be using them on future projects.

Wesley Vasile

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BYRON BAY GARDENHOUSE

Refresh provided us with an amazing service. We had never built before and found it very reassuring to have such competent and skilled professionals guide us through the process. We engaged Erhard and Monika before we bought the property to seek their views on its potential. They worked with us through the design phase to bring to life our ideas. The process was very smooth thanks to Erhard‘s drafting of the DA documents and liaison with council and the certifiers. Erhard monitored the construction phase and was quick to sort out any problems. When difficulties arose with contractors Erhard was fantastic at providing solutions in a calm and professional manner. We always felt very supported by Erhard and Monika. They were accessible throughout the process and their advice often saved us from making mistakes and costing us money. We love the finished product - the studio really has a ‚wow‘ factor. 

Dan & Trish M.

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