Three spaces, ten occupants and one flexible plan: Bligh Graham Architects' Live Work Share House is a multi-use prototype where everyone can feel at home.

Solid blackbutt timber and stainless steel benches ground the kitchen with sleek yet sturdy style. Artworks (L–R): Graham Bligh, Willy Tjungurrayi.

Finding ourselves at the intersection between skyrocketing property prices, a pandemic that has forced us home for work and education, and our known need for connection, we need different kinds of dwellings. Chris Bligh and Sonia Graham of Bligh Graham Architects have designed their own house as a prototype residence that can support many states of occupation. Based around a narrow plan spanning a double-ended block, the design accommodates a three-bedroom house, a one-bedroom flat and the Bligh Graham Architects studio. These spaces are separated by large or micro courtyards, offering independence and privacy and creating what Chris and Sonia see as a “mini tropical village.”

There is a sense that any of the 10 or so occupants of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects can find a quiet corner or space to be together.

The kitchen sits at the heart of the plan, overlooking the main courtyard. Like the rest of the building, it is set up to be highly porous, with top-hung composite aluminium shutters letting breezes through while maintaining privacy and security on a block that has close neighbours on either side. With direct views into the rooms shielded, occupants can look down into the small courtyards between buildings. Hard waxed ply is the dominant material here and elsewhere, with Chris noting that its darker colour is an antidote to the glare of the Queensland sun and its smooth simplicity a contrast to the robust, utilitarian exterior of the home. Materials selected for the kitchen are simple and hard-wearing, with solid blackbutt for the kitchen bench and an unfolded three-millimetre stainless steel sheet for the rear work bench. Narrow, Japanese finger tiles are used selectively to bring colour, and custom brass handles add simple but elegant decoration.

A highly porous main courtyard of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects.

The bathrooms build off the same palette of tile, ply and top-hung shutters. The main ensuite bathroom is designed for privacy with the door open and its shutters offer views down to the pool. Finger tiles are used here again, establishing an intimate scale for the bath recess. Brass shelves slotted within simple timber framing offer places for small items, or a spot for an indoor plant. The kids’ bathroom has been designed to allow the basin, bathing room and toilet to be used separately, with the (hopeful!) aim of reducing arguments. Shutters offer views to the adjacent micro courtyard and emerald tiles link with the colouring of the pool and the surrounding foliage. With a sense that any of its ten or so occupants could find a quiet corner for solitude or space to be together, Live Work Share House is meeting the expectation of its name.

Live Work Share House received the Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) at the 2022 Queensland Architecture Awards.

Published online: 8 Jul 2022 Words: Judith Abell Images: Christopher Frederick Jones

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Solid blackbutt timber and stainless steel benches ground the kitchen with sleek yet sturdy style. Artworks (L–R): Graham Bligh, Willy Tjungurrayi.

Practical without sacrificing personality, the kitchen includes a finger-tile splashback and custom brass handles. Artwork: Willy Tjungurrayi.

Chris and Sonia broke up the long, narrow plan’s three spaces and provided privacy with verdant courtyards. Artwork: Graham Bligh.

There is a sense that any of the 10 or so occupants of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects can find a quiet corner or space to be together.

There is a sense that any of the 10 or so occupants of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects can find a quiet corner or space to be together.

A highly porous main courtyard of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects.

Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects accommodates a studio.

A lush yet restrained palette evokes what Sonia and Chris call a “mini tropical village.”

From the ensuite, there are considered sightlines to the meditation room (L) and tiled bath. Artwork: artist unknown.

Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects accommodates a one-bedroom granny flat.

Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects accommodates a one-bedroom granny flat.

Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects occupies a double fronted site.

Plans of Live Work Share House by Bligh Graham Architects.

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