Inside the Ascot Residence That Is Now The Most Talked About Home
When the entrance to your home is a 50 metre concrete tunnel worthy of a Hollywood film set, you know this isn't your typical custom build.
This Ascot residence tackles one of Brisbane's most demanding sloping sites with an engineering solution that's equal parts practical and jaw dropping. The result? A 1,288 sqm family sanctuary where cutting edge design meets everyday liveability.
About the Project
Perched on Bartley's Hill in prestigious Ascot, this custom home was designed for a family who wanted more than just luxury.
Hillside blocks in established Brisbane suburbs like Ascot present unique challenges. The gradient, the access, the engineering required to build safely and sustainably into the slope. Many builders would've walked away from this one.
The conventional approach of simply terracing wouldn't work here. The site demanded something more innovative. Standard driveway access was impossible given the elevation change from street level. Vehicle access, structural integrity on a slope, maximising the views, creating usable outdoor spaces on different levels. Each element needed careful consideration.
For a family planning to raise children here, the site also needed to feel secure and private whilst remaining accessible. They couldn't sacrifice functionality for architectural ambition.
Solving What Others Couldn't
The breakthrough came with an unconventional approach to access. Instead of fighting the hillside gradient, we engineered a 50 metre enclosed concrete tunnel ascending from street level to an underground garage accommodating 8-10 vehicles. Step out of your car, and an internal lift transports you to any level of the residence.This wasn't just about creating a dramatic entrance. The tunnel and lift system solved multiple challenges at once. Secure parking without visible garages cluttering the facade. Weather-protected access. Direct entry to any floor without outdoor stairs. For a family with young children, this meant carrying shopping, strollers, or sleeping kids from car to home without exposure to elements or navigating external stairs.
The multi-level layout works with the natural hillside rather than against it. Each of the home's multiple levels captures those sweeping views whilst creating distinct zones for different aspects of family life. Public entertaining spaces on upper levels where the views are most dramatic. Private family quarters nestled into the hillside. Self-contained accommodation on a lower floor for guests or au pair.
The numbers tell part of the story:
- 1,288 sqm of internal living space spread across multiple levels
- 7 generous bedrooms and 6 bathrooms providing ample family accommodation
- 180 degree views captured from virtually every room
- Two swimming pools including a family pool and mosaic-tiled plunge pool
- 8-10 car underground garage with direct lift access
But it's the lifestyle transformation that really matters. This family now has a professional gymnasium where they can work out whilst the kids play safely in the fenced yard below. A temperature-controlled wine cellar for entertaining. A dedicated home theatre for family movie nights. A zen room for quiet moments. Outdoor kitchen areas for weekend barbecues with extended family.
The home's smart C-Bus automation system and comprehensive security give parents peace of mind. Multiple outdoor zones across different levels mean the kids can play outdoors whilst parents entertain or work from home. The self-contained lower level accommodation provides flexibility as family needs change over time.
The family living here, the real win is simple. They've got a home that works beautifully for everyday life whilst delivering something truly extraordinary.
When Your Site Demands Innovation
Just because a site is complex does not mean you’ll end up with a complicated result. Whether it’s a sloping block, a confined inner-city lot, or a site with access restrictions, a good builder views challenges as opportunities.This Ascot family home is an example of how well-planned engineering capability, combined with safe creative problem-solving, can turn a complex site into something special. What you see isn’t just a home, it’s a multi-level sanctuary where family life plays out amidst one of Brisbane’s most amazing views.If you have a complex site surrounded by people telling you what’s NOT possible, let’s have a conversation about what IS possible!