Perched on a challenging hillside in Balmoral, Brisbane, the Goddard Residence is a considered response to steep site constraints and contemporary family living. Designed by Templo Studio, an experienced Brisbane and Gold Coast house designer, this multi-level home transforms a difficult topographic condition into an architectural advantage.
Rather than resisting the slope, the design embraces it — integrating much of the home into the hill to enhance thermal performance, privacy, and spatial layering. The result is a refined example of steep block home design, where site-responsive architecture drives both form and function.
The defining architectural move within the Goddard Residence is the rotation of the rear portion of the first floor. This deliberate adjustment allows the main living areas to face true north, maximising natural light and passive solar gain throughout the year.
This northern orientation draws sunlight deep into the lower levels — particularly the children’s living zones — reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving overall energy performance. The home’s configuration reflects Templo Studio’s commitment to sustainable house design in Brisbane’s subtropical climate, combining environmental responsiveness with everyday liveability.
One of the home’s most striking features is the double-height entry foyer. A seven-metre-high glass wall frames an open timber staircase that wraps vertically through the home, visually connecting multiple levels and reinforcing a strong sense of spatial flow.
This vertical volume not only creates a memorable arrival experience but also allows natural light to cascade through the interior, enhancing openness within the layered floor plan. The sculptural stair acts as both a circulation element and architectural centrepiece — a defining moment in the home’s contemporary aesthetic.
Designed for modern family life, the multi-level layout provides clearly defined zones for privacy while maintaining visual and physical connectivity throughout. By working with the natural contours of the site, Templo Studio delivered a custom-designed family home in Balmoral that balances innovation, comfort, and long-term functionality.
The Goddard Residence reflects Templo Studio’s philosophy: thoughtful architecture that responds to site, climate, and client lifestyle. What began as a complex hillside block has become a tailored, energy-conscious home that enhances the way this family lives.
