Builder’s flair shines in Camp Hill Queenslander renovation
It is in a builder’s nature to be on the lookout for elements of a home they can improve, and Luke and Kirstin Kruberg’s renovated Queenslander is a shining example.
It is in a builder’s nature to be on the lookout for elements of a home they can tinker with and improve.
Luke Kruberg is no different, with the opportunity to craft a dream home just one of the reasons he and his wife Kirstin purchased their property in Brisbane’s southside suburb of Camp Hill back in 2012.
Changes were simple and cosmetic at first, with a pool added in the years that followed. But when the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, the family’s major renovation began, and they found they were as busy as ever.
“It was a rental property that was very run down, and, being a builder, we were trying to buy the worst house on the best street,” said Mr Kruberg, who operates custom home builder LAK Constructions.
“Before Covid, we had all the plans drawn up for our renovation.
“It worked out well because we rented the house next door. So, literally every morning I’ve just walked through the fence and I was at work and it allowed me to get a lot done quickly because obviously we weren’t doing anything else.”
The two-level home retains the dual-gabled Queenslander facade. Inside, the interior was given a contemporary upgrade, with striking green cabinets integrated into the kitchen as room dividers in the living space. The bold choice is complemented by polished concrete flooring, dark wood tones and brass accents, creating an earthy and relaxing atmosphere.
The same cabinetry was also used in the outdoor kitchen, crafted for an Australian summer with a large barbecue and even a beer tap. The entertaining space is right off the pool and overlooks a huge, grassed backyard. The spine of the home on the lower floor contains a butler’s pantry, the laundry and mudroom, which helps to conceal family mess for easy living.
“We probably used three architects to help us with the design,” Mr Kruberg said. “There’s living spaces downstairs but also good spaces upstairs for the kids to get away and do their thing and have their friends.
“There’s a lot of different aspects, the practical elements were on my behalf and then there’s Kristin’s design and flair.
“It was just important that we got all that right, but everything ties together somehow.”
Designed with a large family in mind, the five-bedroom home has ample space to come together or enjoy some alone time, with a media room and several sunrooms and study spaces.
Extensive consideration was also given to make the home functional for their eldest daughter who lives with a disability. One bedroom on the lower floor sits by a room which could be converted to a playroom or sleeping quarter, with wide doorways to cater for a wheelchair user.
The family of five had intended to stay in the home for many years to come. However, the children’s increasing interest in horses and farm life has caused the Krubergs to trade inner-city suburbia for acreage in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The property at 11 Henderson St, Camp Hill will be auctioned on April 20 by Ray White Bulimba principal Brandon Wortley and agent Selina McIntyre.
Not only will the Krubergs miss the home they created, but they say they’ll miss neighbours and the regular street parties as well.
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