A longtime resident of Woolloongabba is preparing to part ways with a former Ukrainian Orthodox church that she transformed into a unique, light-filled family sanctuary.
A French Vision in a Queenslander Capital
When Laurence Somerset moved to Brisbane from Paris, she found herself searching for a style of living that differed from the traditional timber houses common in the area.
While many locals sought out classic Queenslander architecture, she was drawn to the idea of a European-style loft with significant height and an abundance of natural light. Her search ended at 37 Ross Street, where she discovered a 1972 brick church that offered the expansive white space and vertical volume she had been imagining.
Overcoming the Practical Hurdles
Turning a communal place of worship into a private residence in the mid-1990s presented several immediate challenges. Because the building was still registered as a church and lacked a kitchen, bathroom, or hot water system, the owners initially struggled to secure a standard home loan.
Despite these obstacles, they moved forward with a vision to repurpose the solid structure. They enlisted the help of local architect David Gole, who later received national recognition for his expertise in heritage conservation, to help navigate the technical transition from a public hall to a liveable home.
Preserving Character while Modernising
The renovation process was a careful balance of maintaining the building’s history while adding modern comforts. The exterior still features the iconic religious dome and a cross, and the interior retains some of the original altar elements and stained glass. To create a more private atmosphere for a family, the owners built an arbour in the front yard to shield the home from the street.
They also added four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a swimming pool. Even the original outdoor toilet block was given a new life, having been converted into a self-contained studio suitable for music or art.
A Rare Opening in the Local Market
The property sits on an 809-square-metre block, which is significantly larger than most of the residential lots in the surrounding neighbourhood. Because the building was constructed in the 1970s, it does not fall under the strict heritage protections that prevent the demolition of older pre-1946 homes in the area. This gives the site a unique status in the community, as a new owner could choose to maintain the existing converted church or use the large land parcel as a blank canvas for a new project. After more than three decades of enjoying the happy atmosphere of the home, the owner is now looking to downsize.
Published Date 24-March-2026
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