It's rare that a client asks an architect to "surprise us". But that was the brief Scott and Kylie gave Harry Poulos Architects for the renovation of a pre-1946 cottage they had just bought in Brisbane's south. The house was in original condition and perched on a hill with three street frontages and uninterrupted city views. Calabor dry-stacked stone and Dover antique limestone floor tiles, all Eco Outdoor. For similar Adirondack chairs and matching table, try French Knot. Cushions, Highgate House.