Architectural Exploration - Queenslander homes

Queenslanders… now you might be thinking “wrong state!”

And you’d be right. The Queenslander is an architectural style best known for its place in Queensland’s streetscapes, designed for heat, shade and breezy verandah living.

But while they’re rare in WA, Queenslander homes are scattered across our state, including a handful in and around Perth, like this property in Coolbellup.

They’re more likely to be found in coastal, semi-rural and hills locations, where elevation, views and cross-ventilation suit the way we live in the West.

In this edition of Architectural Exploration, we look at the defining features of Queenslander homes, why the style works in WA and where you’re most likely to find one.

The era

The Queenslander emerged in the mid-1800s as a practical response to subtropical conditions. The style prioritised passive cooling before air conditioning was common, raising the home above the ground, like this Lower Chittering residence, to improve airflow and reduce heat, then wrapping it in verandahs to create shade and outdoor living space.

By the early 1900s, the Queenslander form had started appearing beyond Queensland. As Australians moved between states, design influences travelled with them. Timber kit homes also became more common, making it easier to reproduce popular styles in new locations.

In WA, traditional Queenslanders are far less common and are more often inspired by the classic form, with elevated living, timber cladding and wide verandahs.

The style

A true Queenslander is instantly recognisable, even outside its home state. While details vary, they tend to share a consistent set of design features.

These homes are typically raised on stumps or piers, helping capture airflow and creating useful space underneath. This is often used for storage, parking, or additional utility areas, especially on sloping or coastal blocks.

In Preston Beach, this coastal escape is an example of the more modern Queenslander, with the ground story featuring a self-contained unit and garage.

This Chittering abode is a perfect example of how the Queenslander style works for the WA landscape, with the home placed on the hill and gradually elevated to suit the sloping block and make the most of the outlook.

Verandahs are central to the Queenslander, often wrapping around the home to provide shade and extend living space outdoors. Many WA examples lean into this feature, using verandahs as a key entertaining zone, like this Darlington hills home.

Traditional Queenslanders are timber-framed, with weatherboard cladding. WA versions of the style often maintain this look, creating a lighter, breezier aesthetic than Perth’s more common brick homes. This Furnissdale listing is a great example, and is still available on reiwa.com at the time of publishing.

Inside, Queenslanders usually feel airy. High ceilings, wide hallways, large windows and French doors help maximise light and promote cross-ventilation, much like this more modern example in Northam.

True Queenslanders are built to breathe, with layouts that encourage airflow through the home. That same benefit translates well to WA, particularly in coastal locations where sea breezes can be utilised.

Why buyers still love the style

Queenslander homes offer something different to the typical Perth brick-and-tile profile. Their elevated design and verandah-first layout create a strong lifestyle appeal, particularly for buyers looking for character, views and an indoor-outdoor home that feels relaxed year-round.

While they may not be a classic Perth streetscape home, they’re a reminder that good design travels well, especially when it’s built for the climate.