Toby's House by O'Shea & Sons Builders

Minimalist Masterpiece

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Set on a steep, narrow site overlooking the Brisbane River, Toby’s House called for a disciplined and highly resolved approach to construction. The home works carefully with the constraints of the riverbank while maintaining the clarity and restraint of its minimalist architecture. Delivering the design required close coordination, technical precision and craftsmanship at every stage. The result is a refined riverside home that feels grounded in its landscape and effortless in the way it is lived in.

Set on a steep, narrow site overlooking the Brisbane River, Toby’s House called for a disciplined and highly resolved approach to construction. Read more

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minimalist masterpiece modern new build open plan luxury

Project team

O'Shea & Sons Builders
Andy Macpherson Studio

Built into a steep, narrow riverbank site, Toby’s House balances disciplined architecture with a strong connection to the landscape.

Set on a steep, narrow site overlooking the Brisbane River, Toby’s House called for a disciplined and highly resolved approach to construction. The home works carefully with the constraints of the riverbank while maintaining the clarity and restraint of its minimalist architecture.

Delivering the design required close coordination, technical precision and craftsmanship at every stage. The result is a refined riverside home that feels grounded in its landscape and effortless in the way it is lived in.

0h 28m

From the street the home reads as a calm white screen above stone — privacy without turning its back on the neighbourhood.

The entry narrows between stone and concrete, with a timber-lined ceiling drawing you to the door.

Steps and a slatted ceiling turn the approach into a sequence rather than a path.

Where the curved screen meets concrete, the detailing stays deliberately quiet.

A thin side courtyard brings light and air down the length of the narrow site.

Potted greenery softens the courtyard without competing with the architecture.

The kitchen keeps to one dark palette, letting the marble do the talking.

Marble runs from benchtop to splashback in a single gesture.

The living room sits a step below the stair, wrapped in soft neutrals.

Piano, bar and bookshelves share one level — a room built for having people over.

With the sliders stacked away, the terrace, pool and river read as one continuous room.

Solid timber treads and slim black steel — restraint carried into the joinery.

A fully curved mosaic wall turns the powder room into the home's one flourish.

Skylights wash the curved landing wall, lifting the centre of the home.

The ensuite pairs dark stone with marble and lets the curtain filter the river light.

Mirrored cabinetry doubles the light; the curved wall keeps the corner soft.

The stair sits central to the plan, art hung where the flights turn.

The pool tucks against the concrete edge, dark tiling mirroring the river beyond.

Terrace and bar work as one space — fireplace on one side, taps on the other.

From the riverbank the structure shows itself — concrete cantilevers holding the house over the slope.

Building on this bank meant engineering first and architecture second — the two arrive together here.

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Professional Reviews

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“I would definitely recommend Nick and the O’Shea team, to others looking to build. Whether it’s a development or their own home. Their quality, workmanship, teamwork and they are just a pleasure to do business with.”

Kristian Keleher – Developer, Slate Property