While mid-century modern design is often recognised for its sharp geometry, introducing curves and round forms can soften the look and create a sense of warmth. In 1968, Frank Gambini designed and built his version of a mid-century modern round house.
With a focus on flow and movement, Frank created living areas that complemented curved walls, allowing expansive windows and sliding doors to bring in light and create a sense of openness. This design encouraged movement through the space while emphasising the connection between indoors and outdoors—a hallmark of mid-century design.
Absent from today’s mass housing, Frank’s Round House was a late 1960s prototype, efficient, creatively detailed, and constructed in Jindalee, which at the time was an architectural hotspot. Positioned just a few homes from the river and partially hidden behind an original Miami stone front boundary wall, this home remains a wonderful example of innovative design. The front of the house is entirely round, while the back half is diamond-shaped, perfectly dovetailing with an inventive and quirky roofline.
Emulating the style of homes built by the Alexander Construction Company in Palm Springs, this home is truly one in a million. The angled roofline shelters the front courtyard, with the main, orange-painted entrance door leading into the home. Upon entry, the 4-metre raked ceilings, slate fireplace, and Miami stone immediately capture attention. The expansive, light-filled interiors and clean aesthetic challenge your expectations in the best possible way.
At the centre of the living areas is a round fireplace constructed from brick and slate, anchored by carousel-like post-and-beam ceilings. This spectacular open plan is framed by floor-to-ceiling glazing, inviting natural light and gentle breezes during the warmer months. The floors have been expertly laid, featuring durable mosaic tiles throughout.
The circular kitchen has been modernised and is perfect for entertaining, promoting interaction between family and friends. The powder room, family bathroom, and laundry boast five-star finishes, while the four bedrooms accommodate occupants of all ages comfortably.
Outside, stone walls intermingle with tilt-slab concrete panels, exposed aggregate detailing, and floor-to-ceiling glazing, all complemented by architectural Miami stone. Thoughtfully designed paving, garden features, pots, and plantings evoke the 1960s era, harmonising with the home’s style.
The house balances social spaces and private retreats. While entertaining is a key feature, there are also large bedrooms, separate outdoor courtyards, and a backyard for children or pets to enjoy. Designed to bring families together, the home’s round front joined with the diamond-shaped back sits perfectly on a generous 640sqm allotment, complete with a kidney-shaped inground swimming pool and double carport.
Be captivated by this renewed mid-century modern classic, designed to break the mould and live beautifully well into the future.
Summary of Features:
• External slate floor-to-ceiling feature walls.
• Slate floor-to-ceiling fireplace topped with a Japanese terrazzo-style lantern.
• House clad in exposed aggregate tilt-slab panels and Miami stone.
• Round house: front is round, back is diamond-shaped.
• Carousel ceiling with exposed timber beams, nearly 4m internal height at highest point.
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with dual roller blinds for privacy in living and dining areas.
• Five points of entry promoting flow and breezes throughout the home.
• Four split-system air conditioners; new units in the master and lounge/dining areas.
• Outdoor second bathroom servicing the pool area with shower, sink, and toilet.
• New family bathroom, powder room, and laundry with high-end fittings and tile finishes.
• New carpet, plantation shutters, wardrobes, and dimmable downlights in all bedrooms.
• Completely repainted; restoration works completed, including repainted concrete tiled roof.
• Kitchen features: two integrated Fisher & Paykel dish-drawer dishwashers, new Electrolux induction cooktop, new Electrolux electric pyrolytic steam bake oven, new Corian benchtop with dual integrated sinks, new tapware, Elica wall-mounted rangehood, floating Palisander cabinetry, and separate ‘off the wall’ pantry.
• Beautifully tiled throughout with white mosaic floor tiles and sage green brick wall tiles.
• Double carport, fully paved driveway, and new garden shed. Power board upgraded.
• Pebble Crete 55,000L chlorine in-ground pool with Hayward sand filter.
• Undercover Herringbone-pattern paved entertainment area overlooking the pool.
• Outdoor BBQ area with Hydrothermal heat pump.
• Located under 12km to Brisbane’s CBD.
• Short Walk to boat ramp and one block from friendly Jindalee State School, opened in 1966.
• Close proximity to the Centenary Motorway
• FloodWise mapping from BCC does not identify any previous flood impact at the property.
DISCLAIMER: Whilst all care has been taken to ensure that the information provided herein is correct, we do not take responsibility for any inaccuracies. Accordingly, we recommend that all interested parties should make their own enquiries and due diligence to verify the information.
