Raise and Build Under Your Brisbane Home

Elevate your home and your lifestyle by raising and building under your Queenslander

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A Queenslander raise and build under home renovation with building design by Three Stems Brisbane

bespoke raise and build under plans

Boost your living space as well as your view!

Imagine doubling your home’s floor area without reducing your yard space.

From a spacious new living area and additional bedrooms, to a home office, guest suite, or even dual living potential. 

This transformative renovation can drastically enhance your home’s functionality and value – with the added bonus of capturing views and enjoying those summer breezes.

At Three Stems, I specialise in creating bespoke raise and build under plans that maximise space, boost functionality, and maintain the unique character of your home.

Let’s turn your vision into a reality!

book your free consultation
Back view of Queenslander raise and build under on sloping block under construction
  • About Three Stems

    Hi there, I’m Stella! 

    As an experienced building designer, I specialise in elevating and expanding Queenslander and post-war style homes across Brisbane and Ipswich to accommodate the growing needs of homeowners and families. 

    My passion lies in collaborating closely with you to understand your and your family’s requirements and wishes, and transforming these insights into extraordinary home designs, extensions and renovations

    Whether you require extra bedrooms or bathrooms, a dedicated office space, outdoor space or even dual living potential, I will craft house raising designs that add square footage, align with your design preferences, and make the best use of space for your family’s needs.

    If you’d like to explore your options without the overwhelm, then get in touch and I’ll be happy to provide a free consultation.

    get in touch
    Stella Franks headshot Residential Building Designer at Three Stems Brisbane
  • thoughtfully-planned build-in-under designs

    tailored Design Plans to Suit Your Lifestyle

    Every family is unique, which is why my raise and build under plans are customised to align with your lifestyle and preferences, and work with the possibilities presented by your existing property.

    Together, we’ll create a space that feels cohesive with your Queenslander or post-war style home while offering the contemporary conveniences, comfort, and style you desire.

    innovative Solutions That Comply With Regulations and Building Codes

    I devise innovative solutions to make the best use of your space. This involves considering factors such as flood risk, and any Brisbane or Ipswich City Council regulations and a Traditional Building Character (TBC) overlays your property may be subject to.

    One of the many benefits of working with a residential building designer is that I am thoroughly familiar with TBC regulations and codes. I can advise you whether your home is affected, how to adhere to applicable guidelines, and navigate relevant council approvals – saving you time, money and potential headaches. 

    inclusive and transparent design packages

    I offer transparent pricing packages without hidden fees and work with you to develop raise and build under design plans that fit your budget.

    My pre-site extension packages also include a FREE 90-minute consultation with an experienced interior designer, so you can be sure you’ll love the end result!

    Vase sitting on wooden bench with cactus interior design Brisbane

    Three Stems Projects

    my brisbane home redesigns

    Check out the below selection of beautiful raise and build under projects I have completed for my clients. You may find inspiration for your own home!

    I have successfully transformed homes across the Brisbane and Ipswish areas, including Moorooka, Salisbury, Yeronga, Holland Park, Greenslopes, East Brisbane, Paddington, Wooloowin, Sadliers Crossing, and Woodend, to name a few.

    faqs

  • have questions about raising and building under your home?

    Check out my answers to some frequently asked questions regarding raise and build under projects, or click on the button below to view all FAQs.

    The initial draft will be sent through to you with options, based on the onsite consultation.

    The first plan will provide the layout as discussed and an alternative option as applicable. You then have 2 opportunities to make changes to your selected layout.

    There are a few main roofs that are well know and used in high frequency in Brisbane residential housing. Most homes will use one or more in combination to provide interest and articulation.

    • Gable
    • Hip
    • Skillion
    • Parapet

    The livable housing design guidelines are technical provisions that have been set to help meet the needs of the community. The main requirements are to allow access to and through the dwelling. Providing wider openings and doorways, and reducing any trip hazards.

    The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating categorises the severity of potential bushfire exposure and dictates the minimum construction requirements necessary to increase a building’s resistance to bushfires.

    BAL-LOW: Low risk, no special construction requirements.

    BAL-12.5: Low to moderate risk, some ember protection required.

    BAL-19: Moderate risk, additional ember protection and protection against radiant heat.

    BAL-29: High risk, more stringent requirements for ember protection and radiant heat.

    BAL-40: Very high risk, even stricter construction requirements.

    BAL-FZ (Flame Zone): Extreme risk, requires the highest level of protection, including against direct flame contact.

    When designing a building in a bushfire-prone area, knowing the BAL is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations and to enhance the safety of the building’s occupants.

    A development approval is approved by the council. A town planner will need to be engaged to prepare an application on behalf of the owner. A DA is required if the proposed plans do not comply with the council (BCC or ICC) requirements.

    A building approval is approved by a private certifier. It’s requirements are triggered when any engineering is required.

    View all FAQs
    Young couple consulting with buildilng designer on home renovation plans
  • testimonials

      Michelle

      Paddington

      Stella was fantastic to work with. She understood the brief, was easy to deal with, was fast, efficient and delivered as per our instructions.

      Karl

      Greenbank

      Always received a follow up message, was kept in the loop. Always knew what’s going on if changes happened.

      Denise

      Tallebudgera

      Stella Franks was kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable, professional and an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Lyle

      Yeerongpilly

      Stella has been professional, reliable, flexible, and fun to work with. The ability to share a laugh at stressful times is great.

      Jonny

      Salisbury

      Stella is great to deal with.

      Simon

      Paddington

      Stella has been super helpful. We have been very happy with her. She was easy to deal with, understood the brief, was fast and efficient.

      Erin

      Rosewood

      Stella has been wonderful, she is an asset to your team. Nothing is too much trouble and Stella is really trying
      to help us design the perfect layout we will have to live in for a very long time.

      Stella is a real asset to your team. So friendly and helpful and knows her stuff!

      Barry

      Mooloolaba

      10/10.  Stella has been fantastic working with the certifier who is hard to deal with, but she is working through his issues and we will have a great outcome.

    contact

  • get in touch

    Cup of tea icon

    To get started, you can give me a call or fill out the form on the contact page.

    We’ll arrange a time for an on-site no obligation chat and a cup of tea to discuss your project and refine your vision.

    I will get an understanding of your project, requirements and budget and be able to answer any questions about the process.

    Let’s get started!

    submit an enquiry
    Family looking at house designs on laptop