AHS helps to preserve Kangaroo Point heritage home – Brisbane
Thornclyffe at 162 Lambert Street
Kangaroo Point’s central location and iconic views make it one of Brisbane’s property hotspots and a popular location for developers adding contemporary apartments to the area’s existing properties.
While Lamb House has made recent headlines, another local heritage property is Thornclyffe at 162 Lambert Street.
This home is included on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register and the Brisbane City Plan 2014 heritage overlay as a place of local heritage significance within Kangaroo Point.
Kenlynn Property Group recently tasked AHS with completing a Conservation Management Plan and Archival Recording required by Brisbane City Council. This was a condition of a Material Change of Use Application allowing for the development of a new residential tower beside Thornclyffe.
AHS has the proven experience and industry knowledge to assist our clients with retaining and protecting heritage buildings while also working within the necessary legal frameworks to facilitate contemporary developments.
Kangaroo Point Boom of the 1880s
Thornclyffe was likely constructed c.1886-1888 by Barbara Murphy on land she had owned since 1881, although no construction records are known that can confirm this date or show the original fabric of the house.
This was a period of rapid growth for Kangaroo Point. The population had expanded rapidly since the 1860s, and then the Kangaroo Point Boom of the 1880s saw further industrial growth and speculation in residential land.
The residence can generally be described as an 1880s Victorian style Queenslander and is a good example of a traditional upper-middle class Queenslander home constructed during the boom period of the 1880s.
The original components of the home have generally survived intact and in-situ. Primary elements of heritage significance include the wrap-around verandah with external cross-bracing, the roof design and chimneys, the concrete rendered steps made with Brisbane tuff, and the formal entrances including doorways, stairs, and hallways.
Artist's impression of the Thornclyffe Residences
A late 19th century upper middle-class residence
The AHS team concluded that Thornclyffe demonstrates the growth and development of Kangaroo Point at the height of a boom in immigration, commerce, and building in Brisbane during the 1880s and reflects key aesthetic features for this period.
The fabric and layout of the main house appears to have retained a relatively high degree of original integrity. However, Thornclyffe is not currently entered on the Queensland Heritage Register and the site doesn’t reach the threshold for entry at this level.
While the current Brisbane City Council Heritage Register listing encapsulates Thornclyffe adequately, the building meets additional criteria as a good example of a late 19th century upper middle-class residence. AHS recommends that the current citation be updated to reflect this.
Double flue chimney and main entrances on Western and Easter facades
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The Challenge
Thornclyffe was likely constructed c.1886-1888 by Barbara Murphy on land she had owned since 1881, although no construction records are known that can confirm this date or show the original fabric of the house.
This was a period of rapid growth for Kangaroo Point. The population had expanded rapidly since the 1860s, and then the Kangaroo Point Boom of the 1880s saw further industrial growth and speculation in residential land.
The residence can generally be described as an 1880s Victorian style Queenslander and is a good example of a traditional upper-middle class Queenslander home constructed during the boom period of the 1880s.
The original components of the home have generally survived intact and in-situ. Primary elements of heritage significance include the wrap-around verandah with external cross-bracing, the roof design and chimneys, the concrete rendered steps made with Brisbane tuff, and the formal entrances including doorways, stairs, and hallways.
How we helped
The AHS team concluded that Thornclyffe demonstrates the growth and development of Kangaroo Point at the height of a boom in immigration, commerce, and building in Brisbane during the 1880s and reflects key aesthetic features for this period.
The fabric and layout of the main house appears to have retained a relatively high degree of original integrity. However, Thornclyffe is not currently entered on the Queensland Heritage Register and the site doesn’t reach the threshold for entry at this level.
While the current Brisbane City Council Heritage Register listing encapsulates Thornclyffe adequately, the building meets additional criteria as a good example of a late 19th century upper middle-class residence. AHS recommends that the current citation be updated to reflect this.
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