On one of the two Saturday morning tours being offered, A visit to architect John Ellway’s Terrarium House will be available, A home created by bringing together layers of memories from the owners’ childhoods and travels.

TERRARIUM HOUSE
Terrarium House began as an exercise in pragmatics, managing site conditions and a 100-year-old cottage crumbling into a backyard jungle. Entering into a private world through a vine-covered screen, the front verandah now contains protected external stairs. A lush, plant-filled void draws you downstairs. The lower level is detailed to retain the feeling of the former under-croft. Dark ceilings create compression. Doors disappear making the edges ambiguous. This is a space sitting in shadow, allowing retreat from the intense Queensland light. Private rooms sit above. Bedrooms open wide onto a hallway space, making a room for play. Sliding panels close for privacy, separation and retreat. The bathroom and main bedroom sit adjacent a large void. Connecting the levels enables chatter, activity and increases the perceived size of a small home.

JOHN ELLWAY
John Ellway runs a small architectural practice with a love for creating places where people live, inspired by their stories of travel and family memories designing. Simple functional buildings delight and surprise by controlling light, shadow and landscape, with a focus on local materials, climate and social relationships. His projects have won the Australian Institute of Architects’ national Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award and the state Elina Mottram Award in 2019 and 2025, as well as Australian House of the Year at the 2021 Houses Awards. In 2015, John participated in the Institute’s annual Dulux Study Tour. John was educated at the Queensland College of Art, gaining a Bachelor of Design in 2001, and went on to complete a Master of Architecture at the University of Queensland. Before working in architecture, John was an accomplished designer working in the fields of graphic design, 3D design and wayfinding in Australia and the UK.

EVENT INFO

ARCHITECTURAL INTELLIGENCE: Redefining AI

DATES 28-30 May 2026

LOCATION Meanjin / Brisbane on Yuggera & Turrbal Country. The Friday main seminar day will be at the Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD

CPD 6 formal points available on the Friday

EVENT OVERVIEW & BOOKING INFO