Setting and Climate

Lonsdale, Boundary Street, Spring Hill. Built about 1878, this 'doll's house' has its gable end and verandahs facing the street (Queensland Museum)

Queensland houses were usually constructed to face the street, irrespective of the direction of prevailing breezes. This factor, when combined with the high heat conductivity of tin iron and the poor insulating qualities of timber, exacerbated the problem of Queensland's heat.

The more affluent were less prone to this situation as they could take better account of the prevailing breezes.

To create airflow, windows and doors were left open, leaving the occupants prey to insects and animal pests. To reduce the numbers of these creatures, trees and brushwood were cleared from the land.