Rising property prices in Brisbane mean more homeowners are choosing to extend their homes rather than move. But designing a successful extension depends heavily on the shape of the block and the way the home is positioned. A design that fits a wide suburban block will look different from what works on a narrow lot, and Queenslanders on stumps come with their unique possibilities compared to brick homes built on a concrete slab. In this guide, we’ll look at the common block shapes in Brisbane and the extension layouts that suit them to create a comfortable, well-designed and energy-efficient home extension.
Common Block Shapes in Brisbane
Brisbane is home to a wide mix of block types, shaped by the city’s history, terrain, and waves of development over the decades. Understanding what kind of block you’re working with is one of the first steps in planning a successful home extension because each shape brings its own challenges and opportunities. Below are the most common block shapes you can find in Brisbane:
- Narrow blocks are a familiar sight in older inner-city areas like Paddington, Red Hill, and Highgate Hill. These lots often have limited frontage and depth that varies, making every square metre of space valuable.
- Irregular-shaped blocks are common in hilly suburbs and older neighbourhoods where land boundaries don’t follow neat lines. These blocks may slope or angle in unusual ways, which can make them challenging but also offer creative design opportunities.
- Queenslander or elevated blocks are one of Brisbane’s iconic features. Either lowset or highset they can be reraised to create generous under-house space and a strong streetscape presence that many homeowners want to preserve.
- Wide suburban blocks are more typical in established, leafy suburbs. With more land to work with, these properties allow greater flexibility in how indoor and outdoor areas are arranged.
Common Home Extension Layouts in Brisbane
Once you understand the type of block you’re working with, the next step is deciding how to extend your home. Brisbane homeowners typically choose from a handful of popular extension styles that balance extra space with lifestyle, comfort, and long-term value.
Raise and Build Under
This approach suits Queenslanders and other elevated homes. By lifting the house and building underneath, you can create an entirely new level of living space while preserving the home’s traditional street appeal. Many families use this option to add modern living areas, extra bedrooms, or even self-contained spaces, all while keeping valuable backyard square meterage. Although the process can be more complex than a regular single story extension, it’s a proven way to double your liveable area. If you’re planning this type of project, check out our post on extending heritage Queenslander homes for thoughtful tips on balancing modern design with heritage charm and character.
Single-Storey Extensions
Single-storey extensions are often the most straightforward and cost-effective option. Adding to the side is useful for extra bedrooms, studies, or living areas that don’t disrupt the existing floor plan, while extending the rear is a common way to open the house toward the backyard. These extensions keep everything on one level, which is practical for families with young children or anyone wanting to avoid stairs.
Second-Storey Extensions
Where block space is limited, going upward is an option. Just like a raise and build under, a second-storey extension provides more room for bedrooms, offices, or living areas without reducing outdoor space. The added height also brings the benefit of breezes and outlooks, which can make upper-level rooms especially appealing. These projects often involve reinforcing the existing structure, making this kind of extension a more complex and costly extension option but they can dramatically increase comfort and property value. If you’d like to explore how second-storey additions compare to ground-floor extensions, check out our post on extending upwards or outwards to get a better idea.
Outdoor Living Area Extensions
Sometimes a full home extension is not required. Renovating and reconfiguring internal walls and better utilising your home’s existing internal space and adding an additional outdoor living area can go a long way in helping you achieve the type of home you want. With Brisbane’s outdoor-friendly climate, it makes outdoor living areas an attractive choice. Decks, patios, and alfresco spaces provide a smooth connection between indoors and outdoors while creating new areas for relaxation or entertaining.
Orientation and the Sun: Passive Heating and Cooling
Block shape decides where you can extend, but orientation affects how comfortable the new space will feel. Smart design around sunlight and airflow can make a huge difference to liveability, energy efficiency and ongoing running costs.
North-facing Living Areas
Placing your main living areas, such as lounges, dining rooms, and kitchens, on the northern side of your home brings in consistent natural light throughout the day. This orientation also helps capture gentle warmth in winter, making these rooms feel more welcoming and enjoyable. Many Brisbane homeowners find that north-facing rooms need less artificial lighting and heating, reducing running costs.
West-facing Rooms
The afternoon sun from the west can quickly overheat bedrooms or living areas, especially during Brisbane’s long summers. When a west-facing layout can’t be avoided, adding shade structures like awnings or louvre screens helps block the harshest rays. Landscaping solutions, such as planting fast-growing trees, can also create natural shade and improve comfort in the hotter months of the year.
Cross-ventilation
Breezes are one of the best natural cooling assets, and elevated homes like Queenslanders are perfectly positioned to take advantage of them. By aligning windows and openings on opposite sides of the home, you create a flow of fresh air that naturally cools interiors. This reduces the need for constant air conditioning, keeping the home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Energy Efficiency
Orientation plays a major role in the long-term performance of your extension. Homes that use sunlight and airflow effectively rely less on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting, which lowers bills and reduces environmental impact. A well-oriented design doesn’t just save money, but also creates a healthier space to live in. If you’d like some extra ideas on how to keep energy costs down while building extensions, take a look at Energex’s Renovating & Building guide, which shares simple, practical tips for how Queensland homeowners can design smart energy-saving features into their renovations and new constructions.
Professional Guidance with Design & Approvals
Designing an extension in Brisbane means more than just adding extra rooms. Brisbane City Council has specific requirements for projects, especially when properties fall under heritage overlays, are located on sloping or flood-prone land, or sit close to boundaries. These rules can feel complex, and overlooking them often leads to costly redesigns or delays.
This is where working with an experienced Brisbane building designer makes a real difference. A skilled designer looks beyond floor space, creating plans that maximise natural light, airflow, and orientation while ensuring compliance with council requirements. Their role is to take your block shape and lifestyle goals into account so the extension feels like a seamless part of your home, not a tacked-on addition.
Every property has its quirks, from steep driveways to neighbouring homes that affect privacy. Professional guidance turns these challenges into design opportunities, tailoring a plan that enhances both functionality and liveability. With the right advice from the start, you’ll avoid unnecessary setbacks and end up with a home that truly works for you.
Conclusion
Your block’s shape and orientation are the foundation of a successful home extension in Brisbane. Narrow lots in the inner city often benefit from building upward, elevated Queenslanders are ideal for raise and build under projects, and wide suburban blocks give more freedom for single-storey additions. Pairing the right layout with smart orientation ensures your home is not only bigger, but also brighter, more comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Ready to unlock more space in your home? Work with a skilled extension builder Brisbane locals rely on to create a home that’s brighter, more comfortable, and designed for Queensland living. Our team can design, manage approvals, and build an extension that suits your property. We’ll meet you onsite to discuss your goals, provide expert advice, and give you a free estimate with a concept floor plan, all 100% free and completely obligation-free. Call us today on (07) 3130 0309 to secure your site visit today!
