Extensive renovations have created a sleek modern home from a treasured concrete build

One Brisbane’s first cast concrete panel homes – designed and built in the early 1900s by well-known architect at the time Ian Ferrier – is on the market.

QUEST realestate. 23 High Street Milton. Westside News.

ADDRESS: 23 High St, Milton

FEATURES: 3 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car

AUCTION: On site, February 13, 1pm

AGENT: Brandon Wortley, Ray White New Farm, 0447 269 591

THIS residence was one of the first cast concrete panel homes designed and built in Brisbane.

It was built in the early 1900s by well-known architect at the time Ian Ferrier, the founder of Ferrier Baudet Architects.

Current owners Donna and Trevor Mercer bought the home eight years ago because of it’s unique and durable build.

Concrete construction.

“I worked in Chile and they have a lot of concrete homes as it’s an earthquake-prone place,” Mr Mercer said.

“It’s the same in Germany but because of the cold weather, and I said to my wife Donna I loved these reinforced concrete homes so I had to buy it.”

The couple have since extensively renovated, keeping the original bones of the house the same but introducing Asian design.

“I also worked around Asia, in places like Singapore, Indonesia and Korea, and the back part of the home we copied from Bali villas,” Mr Mercer said.

“Because the block is only small we thought drawing inspiration from Bali villas would be a good idea as they are quite small too.”

Extensive renovations have retained the original bones of the house.

The entrance of the three-storey home leads to the family bathroom, two bedrooms, laundry and sunroom that flows out to the back patio and pool.

Upstairs is the kitchen and open-plan living and dining areas, opening out to a balcony.

The master suit has it’s own space on the top floor. Features include a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and private balcony.

“The upstairs is a beautiful room, we used to open it up on each end and we always got a breeze, it was a nice spot to sit,” Mr Mercer said.

“You could leave it all open during the night time too,” he said.

“What we also loved was the rooftop garden on top of the new carport – we had vegies ... growing up there.”

Mr Mercer said they had enjoyed the central Milton location and the community in the quiet cul de sac.

“It’s quite a little gem in the street and it is close to everything,” he said.

“There’s really nice people in the street and it’s a pity we had to leave, but we’re going to stay in touch.”