Sydney Issue#5 2016

Number 5

EY DN SY

BEST homes

BEST

homes 298

pages of design excellence

AMAZING OUTDOOR & POOL DESIGNS Alfresco living at its ďŹ nest

No. 5 AUS $9.95* NZ $11.95 (Both incl. GST)

STYLE INSPIRATION Houses, apartments, kitchens, bathrooms & interiors BTH005_OFC_Final_SYD.indd 1

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A PASSION FOR TRUE ITALIAN LUXURY

www.sovereigninteriors.com.au • Complete Interior Design Service • Imported Italian Furniture • Lighting • Sculptures • Artwork • Glassware • Accessories • Window Treatments

DELIVERY COUNTRYWIDE

Email: info@sovereigninteriors.com.au

GOLD COAST SHOWROOM 84 Upton Street, Bundall QLD 4217 Tel: 07 5592 0161 Fax: 07 5592 0383

SYDNEY SHOWROOM 69 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Tel: 02 9693 5780 Fax: 02 9693 5982

A LUXURY ITALIAN EXPERIENCE

www.sovereigninteriors.com.au • Complete Interior Design Service • Imported Italian Furniture • Lighting • Sculptures • Artwork • Glassware • Accessories • Window Treatments

DELIVERY COUNTRYWIDE

Email: info@sovereigninteriors.com.au

GOLD COAST SHOWROOM 84 Upton Street, Bundall QLD 4217 Tel: 07 5592 0161 Fax: 07 5592 0383

SYDNEY SHOWROOM 69 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Tel: 02 9693 5780 Fax: 02 9693 5982

Valdal, BDP and James Hardie to the rescue for a heritage gem With his passion for excellent craftsmanship and innovation in construction, local builder Stuart Valdal had been looking for the ideal Toowoomba property to transform into a flagship building, to demonstrate what his team can achieve. Working together with David Melloy of Building Design Professionals (BDP), Stuart has faithfully reconstructed the front façade of a classic heritage listed Arthur Street worker’s cottage, and reimagined the entire house as an elegant contemporary two-storey home.

Scyon™ Axon™ cladding

Scyon™ Linea™ weatherboard

Read more at scyonwalls.com.au

www.horizon-homes.com.au

The Chillagoe by Horizon Homes has character that will never tire, and will serve as the perfect luxury family home for years to come.

Our new display home ‘Chillagoe’ now open at Homequest Display Village Address 48 Bruhn Circuit, Kellyville NSW 2155 Opening hours 10:30am-4:30pm, 7 days Phone 8882 9111

The HOUSE OF BAMBOO Difference ®

Specialists in bamboo and sustainable materials Showroom: 13 Erith St, Botany 2019 T: 1300 665 703 E: info@houseofbamboo.com.au www.houseofbamboo.com.au

Natureshade® “Sienna Series” provided an excellent solution as a privacy screen to hide the building next door. It also provides much needed shade to the pool in the afternoon.

The House of Bamboo® has been in the bamboo industry for over 40 years and is recognised today as one of Australia’s leading suppliers.

Showroom opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Find us on Facebook!

The geometrically arranged natural cane supplied by House of Bamboo® placed under polycarbonate roofing creates a seamless ambiance of natural light and a highly practical and versatile shading solution.

Design Architect: Michael MacCormick, MacCormick-Simonian Architects. Photography: Huw Lambert

Interior and Exterior Inspirations...

The Mint, Willoughby

Ceerose is a leading prestige property group with a reputation for delivering innovative and dynamic property developments in Sydney.

Eliza, Sydney

DNA, Camperdown

For more information: Visit ceerose.com.au or call 02 9571 9999

modulnova.com.au Modulnova Sydney Studio 3/36 Morley Avenue Rosebery, NSW 2018

“People often ask what inspires me when designing a home for them, and how do I go about developing a design to suit their family? The answer to this always gets back to a few core principles which I have implemented into our design philosophy over the past twenty years of design practice: Put simply, what inspires me is what inspires the client – I like to get an understanding of who they are as people and how they like to live, what elements and materials do they respond to and how they like to imagine themselves living, as their families grow and needs change over time.

Similarly, designing a building that is adapted to its locality and context is paramount in my mind, whether the location is urban, rural or coastal by nature, in developing the built form it must be responsive to its setting, topography and climate, and to ultimately allow the occupants to positively connect with this environment. These core design principles form the foundation to our design responses and always ensure that what we design is all about you, and your story.

We feel that the building we form around that story is there to enhance your life experience and how we engage in that process will dictate the success of the architecture in which it results.”

“Designing a home which enriches our clients life experience and then surpasses all their expectations, is what truly inspires us.”

James Cooper, Director - Sanctum Design

(02) 9909 8844

|

www.sanctumdesign.com.au

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Alfresco

LIVING

Dowell

ALFRESCO DOORS AND SERVERY WINDOWS

One of our fastest growing trends in residential markets is outdoor living. With homeowners adding outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, state of the art BBQ’s, contemporary furniture and even large screen TV’s to the rear outdoor area of their homes - this is the new “hang out”.

Separated by Dowell Alfresco doors, the living room flows invitingly through to the outdoor. Dowell Alfresco Corner Stacking, Sliding and Bi-Fold doors not only create the perfect alfresco environment, but also provide the award winning security, quality and protection that you have come to expect from one of Australia’s leading windows and doors suppliers - Dowell.

Dowell has taken Alfresco Living one-step better, with the introduction of its beautifully designed Dowell bi-fold servery window.

The Dowell bi-fold servery window is the perfect ‘entertainer’ window.

When open - the large open space forms a seamless connection between your kitchen and your alfresco living area, providing easy access for food and drinks, clear views and uninhibited flow of conversation. When closed - the Dowell bi-fold servery window can improve the comfort of your home with strong thermal and acoustic insulation performance, and provides strong security with double latch locks and a solid frame construction.

For more information contact a Dowell representative or visit any of our Dowell showrooms throughout Australia today.

1300 882 188 www.dowell.com.au

Meticulous design.

Seamless installation.

Optimal performance.

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Tailor made technology As digital content becomes more entwined in our lives as never before, logic follows that our consumer habits will also change.

At Len Wallis Audio, we provide customised technology and entertainment solutions that enable you to watch, listen and enjoy all forms of media.

S

18

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1000

600

719

Call us for a confidential consultation or visit our showroom.

64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove. NSW 2066 T: 02 9427 6755 E: sales@lenwallisaudio.com.au W: www.lenwallisaudio.com.au

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So whether you’re planning for a dedicated home theatre, a more immersive living area, customised audio solution or a complete connected home - our team of experts can help design, create, build and service a solution that will enhance your home environment and your lifestyle.

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Tamworth Council recently contacted Tombo Design to create a series of 30 laser cut fence panels for a new community park.

Customised for the project’s needs, the panels were installed as a fencing solution for the perimeter of the new public playground and community park.

The panels will not require painting, will not deteriorate in outdoor conditions, and

will continue to look as good in ďŹ ve to ten years time.

The Council was so delighted with the outcome of the child-themed panels that they commissioned Tombo Design to design and construct additional panels for the entrance to the community park Tombo Design believes that metal solutions to fencing, screening and signage are a practical alternative, not just for public spaces but for home owners too.

2/8 Johnston Court, Dandenong South VIC 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5500 Mobile: 0414 813 676 Email: sales@tombodesign.com.au

www.tombodesign.com.au

MEMBER

Better Bathrooms & Kitchens

www.justbetter.com.au

SHOWROOM: 235-237 Union Rd, Ascot Vale Vic 3032

Ph: (03) 9370 7288 E: info@justbetter.com.au OPEN: 9-5 MON-FRI & 9-12 SAT

DESIGN & TECHNICAL PLANS

SPECIALISTS IN

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

KITCHENS,

REGISTERED BUILDER

BATHROOMS,

MEMBER OF HIA

LAUNDRIES

& much more

186

contents ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS 42

Starr Constructions Rural oasis Light and bright

50

Graeme Alexander Homes Cleverly built Picture perfect Seaside delight

60

Kassis Classic Homes

114

Hotondo Homes Victoria

68

Lubelso by Canny

124

72 76

Sculpt Fireplace Collection

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 130 134

Designer Kitchens

138

DuPont Corian Solid Surface

by CASF Australia

Rich and raw

Living in paradise

144

190

148

ACG Building

194 198

88

202

96

206 210 214

Urban Escape Landscapes and Pools

220

Pride Pools

Coastal classic Where the city meets the sea

224

Aus Scapes Surfside beauty

228

Artesian Pools

234

House of Bamboo

Trevelle Homes

A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Swimming Pool Designers

Family focus

Sophisticated setting

236

Jade Swimming Pools

POOLS & OUTDOORS

Len Wallis Audio

154

Rawson Homes Buildcraft Constructions Farm Houses of Australia American design

32 | BEST HOMES

Art in Green Working the angles

KMD — The Outdoor Construction Group

Still going strong

162

Curved beauty Beauty on the bay

Landart Landscapes and Pools

Eye-catching design Those blue hues

Contemporary classic

168

Design evolution

104

DJ Landscapes Stepping out

232

Parkwood Modular Building

The way forward

102

Kihara Landscapes Touches of tranquility

Falling water

On top of the game

92

Design Pools Heart of glass

Got it all

84

Scenic Blue Design Truly captivating

Gallery Co For the love of coffee

Aquastone Pools & Landscapes The fun factor

Kitchen Shop QLD Modern industrial

Formation Landscapes Laidback luxury

Better Bathrooms & Kitchens Everything in its place

Hotondo Homes NSW Room to move

Storybook Designer Homes

Ben Harris Gardens Sense of calm

186

Hot designs in heating

Perfect combination Embracing the new

182

Designer solutions

A new era

64

Harkaway Homes

Inge Jabara Landscapes A new outlook

Reflections of the past

Hedger Constructions Seamless sanctuary

56

108

178

FreeStyle Pools

242

Luminescent marvel

174

ecodesign Luxury outdoor living

Entanglements A cut above

244

ABS Landscape Services True vision

“An inspirational building experience.�

PO Box 475, Moorebank NSW 2170 P (02) 9822 7799 E info@starrconstructions.com.au

www.starrconstructions.com.au

138 248

Hi-Craft Home Improvements

292

Waterco

Light and bright

250

Manna Landscapes

Clean while you swim

294

EnduroShield

Tropical twist

256

Zipscreen

Indoor-outdoor glass protection

297

Index

Outdoor oasis

258

E.B. Mawson & Sons Turn to stone

260

Arisit Boutique barbecues

262

Greenlines Gardenware Get the edge

264

Outrigger Awnings & Sails

BEST

homes 298

pages of design excellence

Custom creations

268

AMAZING OUTDOOR & POOL DESIGNS Alfresco living at its finest

Think Outside Sleek meets unique

272

Markilux Entertaining in style

276

Thermofilm Australia Outdoor heating, anywhere, anytime Touch of a button

280

Designerite

No. 5 AUS $9.95* NZ $11.95 (Both incl. GST)

STYLE INSPIRATION

Houses, apartments, kitchens, bathrooms & interiors BTH005_OFC_Final_NAT.indd 1

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Shimmer and sparkle

284

Bamstone Truly timeless

288

Sentrel Australia Seamless, stylish and safe

34 | BEST HOMES

EDITOR Danielle Townsend CONTRIBUTORS Annabelle Cloros, Alex Longstaff, Karen Booth, Stephanie Dunbar, Holly Cunneen, Kate Telfer, Kate Wagner PHOTOGRAPHERS Marian Riabic, Andrew Lecky, Clive Buxton, Tim Turner, Patrick Redmond, Peter Brennan DESIGNER Connie Leung ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Heather Smith ADVERTISING NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Rosemary Wood, 02 9887 0619, 0404 306 050 rwood@universalmagazines.com.au NSW Julie Jackson, 02 9887 0333, 0411 424 072 jjackson@universalmagazines.com.au Bev Hackett, 02 9887 0363, 0411 424 184 bhackett@universalmagazines.com.au Monika Llavero, 02 9887 0635, 0413 444 260 mllavero@universalmagazines.com.au QLD Amy Frank, 0488 424 232 afrank@universalmagazines.com.au Stephanie Meehan, 0411 424 356 smeehan@universalmagazines.com.au Antonia Bewley, 0418 424 410 abewley@universalmagazines.com.au VIC Valerie Newton, 0407 358 182 valerienewton@optusnet.com.au Brad Johnson, 0401 759 363 bjohnson@universalmagazines.com.au ADVERTISING SENIOR DESIGNER Martha Rubazewicz ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Martin White CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES Sydney head office 02 9805 0399

the cover Cover design: Starr Constructions Designer: Connie Leung

CHAIRMAN/CEO Prema Perera PUBLISHER Janice Williams CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Vicky Mahadeva ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Emma Perera ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Karen Day FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER James Perera CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Darton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Podger EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Anastasia Casey MARKETING & ACQUISITIONS MANAGER Chelsea Peters Best Homes No. 5 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: 02 9805 0399, Fax: 02 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Level 1, 150 Albert Street, South Melbourne Vic 3205 Phone: 03 9694 6444, Fax: 03 9699 7890. Printed by C&C Offset Printing Co Ltd, China, distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Sydney. Distributed in Singapore and Malaysia

by CARKIT (FE) Pte Ltd, Singapore, Phone: 65 62821 960. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation, and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act, 1974. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. * Recommended retail price.

ISSN 2203 -8493 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXVI ACN 003 026 944 www.universalmagazines.com.au Please pass on or recycle this magazine.

We are a member of

You’ll be swimming with

e d i r P

35 years

of building innovative swimming pools Darryl Walters and Richard Lawley from Pride Pools offer a very personal service, building all types of domestic pools, in-ground spas and splash pools.

We create geometric, formal and the most natural looking pools. Comprehensive, fully detailed landscaped drawings are made for every swimming pool.

No site is too difficult – we combine engineering excellence with innovative architectural design.

Pride Pools has won many awards over the years, but our greatest satisfaction is in delivering a high quality pool to the client. We are members of SPASA and HIA.

Pride Pools Pty Ltd

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phone 9436 2711 fax 9436 3966 email info@pridepools.com.au web www.pridepools.com.au

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ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS Design inspiration for your dream home PROJECT Graeme Alexander Homes Pty Ltd

BEST HOMES

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Rural oasis Luxurious details with a modern, sophisticated touch have created the resortstyle home the owners were looking for PHOTOGRAPHY Marian Riabic

42 | BEST HOMES

RESORT STYLE The stunning pool captivates and impresses.

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RESORT STYLE

S

tep into this amazing home and you’ll feel like you’re in your own secluded oasis. The owners of this dwelling wanted it to reflect the relaxed, luxurious lifestyle of resort-style living. On a vacant block of land in rural New South Wales, this private oasis was to project a more modern approach to rural design, highlighting style and sophistication. It was a job only the best could do, so the owners called on the advice and experience of Starr Constructions.

Once you enter the home you’re engulfed by the great sense of space, and, with so much of it to play with it’s no surprise the designers took advantage with an open-plan design. Soaring ceilings and an abundance of windows flood the home with natural light, which bounces off the blackbutt timber flooring to create a fresh and seamless effect throughout the house.

There are four large bedrooms, each with

The majestic exterior displays grand design.

44 | BEST HOMES

The poolside shelter offers sun protection along with unique design appeal.

LEFT AND BELOW The high ceilings give a sense of connection between various rooms within the home.

its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. A fifth room is also on hand for use as an additional bedroom or, as it is at the moment, a large home office. Scattered throughout are seven modern bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling tiles that add great impact. The continuation of the blackbutt timber flooring in the wet area unifies the home and hints at its rural surroundings.

The formal lounge and dining area is a joined zone that oozes luxury, with statement lighting and a remote-controlled fireplace overlooking the backyard. The open-plan layout supports an easy flow from here to the kitchen, family living space and dining room. The chef’s corner includes a modern fit-out with granite and Carrara marble splashbacks, Miele appliances and a separate preparation kitchen space.

The large rumpus room is a cosy area that

flows through the bifold doors to the outside entertaining terrace. A resort-inspired alfresco entertaining area is housed here with expansive Travestone finishes. It’s the perfect guest hotspot in the warmer months, with easy access to both the home and the outdoor pool and gazebo. A wall-mounted television and outdoor fireplace are added accessories that heighten the entertaining experience. And when the party moves back inside, a 12-person theatre room is the spot for great entertainment and relaxation.

The gazebo is an intelligent construction that provides valuable shade by the pool and masks the outdoor toilet. Starr Constructions has nurtured this outdoor space to exude a tranquil feel and resort vibe. The manicured gardens frame the striking pool and spa that include stylish fibre-optic lighting. An automated

water system keeps the garden and sprawling lawns green with little maintenance — a bonus that ripples throughout the home with Starr Constructions’ durable materials that require little upkeep.

There’s an exciting array of technological features to be found. A C-Bus smart wiring system controls the alarms, ducted airconditioning and Sonos music system. All these features can be controlled using touch-screen computers strategically placed around the home for added convenience.

A testament to Starr Constructions’ work lies in the resolution that the owners would make no alteration to their new home. It’s a house that captures their ideas of oasis, seclusion, relaxation and lifestyle, all the while infusing a touch of rural sophistication.

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SHOOTING STARR The entry’s impressive facade hosts a feature wall comprising slate grey tiles that welcome you into the house.

46 | BEST HOMES

Light and bright A new home offers style and sophistication on tap WORDS Kate Wagner PHOTOGRAPHY Marian Riabic

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Subtle pops of colour add interest to a neutral interior.

O

nce a decrepit duplex, this impressive new home couldn’t be more different from its former structure. Created by Starr Constructions, the company worked with the client to establish a new residence that encapsulates exemplary modern living.

With six adults and an infant living under one roof, this extended family required practical openplan living, but refused to compromise on modern luxuries. “The client’s brief was inspired by design ideas accumulated over numerous years,” says director of Starr Constructions, Jon Vithoulka.

Boasting three master bedrooms with ensuites along with a guest room and study, the home provides ample space for each member of the family to unwind and relax. The entry’s impressive facade hosts a feature wall comprising slate grey tiles that welcome you into the house. Not your typical family home, there are plenty of luxury additions, with a home theatre and gym — complete with a steam room — located on the ground floor.

The open-plan living brief is best illustrated by the kitchen, which seamlessly spills into the dining and family living areas. Thanks to floor-

48 | BEST HOMES

to-ceiling windows, natural light is enhanced

by Dulux paint, creating a comforting family space. The kitchen’s sharp, clean lines are uninterrupted, with appliances hidden away or flawlessly integrated into the design. The highgloss finish of the benches and cupboards carries through to the heated floor tiles, ensuring the sleek design extends to every inch of the home.

The drop pendants are yet another subtle addition, especially prominent in comparison to the LED lighting featured throughout the rest of the house.

Turquoise cushions add freshness and a pop of colour to the space, referencing the 15m-long lap pool just beyond the glass wall. The pool area incorporates the same clean architectural features scattered throughout the rest of the home, ensuring a seamless transition between indoors and out. The perfect balance of practicality and style, Starr Constructions has once again created a space that ticks all the boxes. BH

more info?

Starr Constructions Pty Ltd 02 9822 7799 starrconstructions.com.au

SHOOTING STARR

LEFT There are plenty of luxury additions in this two-storey design.

ABOVE The pool is the perfect spot for relaxation.

BELOW An open-plan kitchen offers plenty of space.

Natural light is enhanced by floor-toceiling windows in the family living areas.

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Seamless sanctuary The perfect retreat

50 | BEST HOMES

IDEAL GETAWAY This classic country home sets a high standard for luxury residences.

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H

edger Constructions has revamped a classic country home in Marysville that not only sets a high standard for luxury homes, but also reflects the town’s unique geographical setting.

The clients were intent on maximising the tranquil environment of the local area and wanted to construct a home that had the dual purpose of acting as a retreat from their hectic work lives, while also facilitating a short-term holiday rental, the “Amazing Bush Accommodation”, for guests.

Hedger Constructions implemented these components by integrating a sloping block and an external cladding of spotted gum and stone. The finishing touch was a rooftop garden that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings of the home in a seamless fashion.

Attention to detail was very important to the clients and as the building progressed, so did their innovative ideas. A recreational area that included a fireman’s pole, climbing wall, an

52 | BEST HOMES

in-ground trampoline and a multi-purpose room for yoga classes or other similar activities was added to enhance the overall family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring all occupants stayed entertained and energetic.

Internally, the home was modular in design, utilising its spacious environment with a stunning modern kitchen, fully appointed bathrooms, and a double-storey formation that allowed for maximum privacy when required. An underground storage area meant items could be obscured from view, preventing any clutter or mess.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were integral to the client’s brief. To achieve this, recycled ironbark was subtly incorporated into the construction of the home. Its distinctive qualities helped it attain an 8.4 energy rating, particularly through its reinforced double-block concrete walls, ceiling insulation, and the thermal abilities the rooftop garden provided.

Double glazing was also incorporated on all windows for added temperature control.

External cladding of spotted gum and stone enhances the seamless integration of the home with its surrounding landscape.

IDEAL GETAWAY

Sweeping landscaped gardens enrich the beauty of the property and assist in linking the sloping block to the home.

ABOVE The home has an 8.4 energy rating.

BELOW The recreational area includes a fireman’s pole for climbing, an in-ground trampoline and a multi-purpose room for yoga classes.

With a specialty in hills and sloping blocks, Hedger Constructions, in conjunction with designer Darren Cooney from Earthculture, finished the project with sweeping landscaped gardens that were significant in both their complexity regarding the slope of the block, and their linkage to the building.

This home exemplifies the importance of adhering to the client’s vision and expectations, going above and beyond with unique features that would cater to everyone. It is the perfect getaway from the daily stresses that life throws at you, promising a relaxing environment that will help you stay cool, calm and collected. BH

more info?

Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd 03 5772 2750 hedgerconstructions.com.au For booking enquiries at the Amazing Bush Accommodation, visit 55fallsroad.com.au BEST HOMES

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HEDGER

CONSTRUCTIONS

Innovative Design, Sustainable Building Practices Outstanding Craftmanship, Professional Client Relationships.

These are the corner stones behind the success of Hedger Constructions.

With over 24 years of experience in the building industry, the multi-award winning team at Hedger Constructions offer the total package in residential and commercial construction on all types of sites. Fully affiliated with the Master Builders Association we look forward to growing our reputation as a company that goes the extra step to create something special. “We invite you to share in our experiences�

PO Box 343 Alexandra VIC 3714 Email: info@hedgerconstructions.com.au Telephone: 03 5772 2750

www.hedgerconstructions.com.au

aspirations in design Designing and building your dream home is a very personal and rewarding experience.

We encourage you to be as much a part of the journey as you wish.

Your involvement increases your enjoyment from original design lines through to construction and beyond – we are with you all the way.

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L Graeme Alexander Homes P/L 1 Albany Way, Mornington Vic 3931 P: 1300 301 055 I F: (03) 5976 2380 I www.gahomes.com.au

HIA member No. 520358

award winning designs

AESTHETIC APPEAL

Cleverly built A light, airy, easy-living home that takes full advantage of its stunning block

T

his half-hectare, west-facing block with expansive bay views is located in Victoria’s picturesque Mount Martha.

The block is surrounded by large two-storey homes of five neighbours so privacy was an issue, which presented some interesting problems for Graeme Alexander Homes.

As the block maximises views, the home required no additional elevation when built.

Graeme Alexander Homes focused on maintaining privacy by using the block size and manipulating ground levels. Digging in the extended-family-accommodation living

56 | BEST HOMES

areas gives the illusion of a single-storey home from the front, as well as providing privacy to the west-facing pool and outdoor living areas.

A separate garage was also incorporated, and the extended walkway leading up to the main entrance adds a touch of class while helping with excess bulk.

An expansive native garden, which incorporates natural rock, earthy tones and timber, helps settle the home into its newly created natural setting, fulfilling the owner’s request of a light, airy, easy-living residence that takes full advantage of the stunning block and views.

ABOVE The owners wanted a light, airy, easy-living home.

BELOW The house contains plenty of space to accommodate a growing family.

As the block maximised views, the home required no elevation when built.

The digging in during the building stage helps to provide privacy to the west-facing pool.

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Picture perfect This home nestles beautifully into its scenic block

T

he owners of this home used to live in Mount Martha but they moved away due to work commitments.

However, their love of the area prompted their return.

The home they originally owned required a considerable amount of work to bring it up to a comfortable living standard. However, there was a beautiful 1099m² front-row block at the end of a neighbouring court which had been vacant for years that was just waiting to be built on.

The owners asked Graeme Alexander Homes to design and construct a light, airy house on this block, with interesting lines, easy access and extra room for their extended family and guests. Some

58 | BEST HOMES

slight elevation was required as the home needed to be well balanced and functional, as well as make the most of its prominent bay views from the north-west through to the beach in the north-east.

In order to accommodate this, Graeme Alexander Homes designed the home with a walk-up with no stairs, ensuring easy access to the entry. The upper level contains the lounge, dining area, kitchen, pantry, study, powder room and master bedroom with private deck.

Internal stairs also provide access to the lower level. Here, Graeme Alexander Homes placed the three-car garage and extended-family and guest accommodation. A bathroom and ensuite opens up to a separate living area where guests

The home was built with interesting lines, easy access and extra room for extended family and guests.

can enjoy a tree-lined view to the bay. A hidden cinema entertainment area is also positioned under the entry.

With its light, simple colour palette complemented by natural timber and stone, this home nestles beautifully into the picturesque block it’s on.

LEFT The light, simple colour palette is complemented by natural timber and stone.

BELOW The home has beautiful bay views.

AESTHETIC APPEAL

Seaside delight Building a home by the sea was a dream come true for this homeowner

A

n opportunity to build a house with direct access to the beach was the fulfilment of this homeowner’s dream. The owner was so passionate about the design process that the project was put on hold for seven years so that it could be built to its fullest potential. The original concept stacked up well and only required a few modifications by Graeme Alexander Homes.

The 907m² odd-shaped site has a shared right of way down the northern side of the street. This makes the home appear more like a stand-alone town house. The views are to the south-east of the home, so Graeme Alexander Homes elevated the major living areas in order to maximise views and accommodate the demands of the floorplan.

On the upper level you will find a spacious living area, kitchen and the master bedroom with ensuite and a powder room. The lower level contains an additional living area as well as

a bar and kitchenette that opens to the pool space. A guest bedroom with an ensuite as well as spare family bedrooms, a study and a garage that doubles as a rumpus room can be found on the lower level of the home.

The front deck and the rear sun deck overlook the northern-aspect swimming pool. Large windows were used extensively on the lower level in order to provide unimpeded views of the sea from within the home.

With its simple, classic roofline, cedar windows, SHADOWclad facing and rendered brickwork, this home blends beautifully into its natural setting. BH

ABOVE Glass WRC windows provide unimpeded views.

BELOW Building a home with direct access to the beach is a dream come true for this homeowner.

more info?

Graeme Alexander Homes Pty Ltd 03 5975 4561 gahomes.com.au

The home blends beautifully into its natural setting.

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The 19m infinity-edge pool overlooks bushland.

A new era This five-bedroom home in Sydney’s north-west has a strong connection to its bushland backdrop PHOTOGRAPHY Jesse Luke Photography

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STYLE MEETS NATURE

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STYLE MEETS NATURE

A

ustralia’s bushland, while beautiful and picturesque, can be unforgiving and building in it often comes with hurdles, as this property in Sydney’s leafy north-west proves. The land was almost impossible to walk on before this family’s fivebedroom home was built. “Rocks and shrubbery everywhere meant we faced challenges from the beginning,” says Jesse Kassis of builder Kassis Classic Homes.

The home’s design was inspired by a new era of build and the need for an abundance of

light and high ceilings. “We wanted to prevent disruption to the bush and find middle ground between style and nature,” says Jesse. “We tried to keep the connection between the home and the existing bush, so all focal points lead to the beautiful bushland backdrop. When standing in the backyard, it’s almost impossible to see where the landscaping ends and the bush begins.”

The stunning new family home, built for a father, mother and their three teenage children, is extremely generous in size and accommodates an incredible six bathrooms, three garages,

ABOVE AND BELOW An abundance of light is a strong characteristic of the design.

High ceilings are a prominent feature throughout the five-bedroom home.

a study, and even a home cinema for the ultimate in home entertainment.

“This young family had plenty of great ideas as well as a lot of trust in us,” says Jesse. “They purchased this property in its early stages and were very much on board with our concepts.”

Kassis Classic Homes and the homeowner worked on the interior design ideas together, and chose timeless colours that aren’t going to go out of fashion. “When it came to colours and finishes, that’s when the creative flair really shone through,” says Jesse. “As they are quite a young, modern, entertaining family, we were not surprised when they wanted to redesign the entertainment area and make the most out of the large property.”

The finishes chosen throughout the interior and exterior are far from ordinary, from the 600mm x 600mm porcelain floor tiles, 50mm-thick granite in the kitchen and marble and tiled feature walls, to the 19m infinity-edge pool and teppanyaki cooker outside. “There is a lot of attention to detail in this home, and it really shines through in the final product,” says Jesse. BH

more info?

Kassis Classic Homes 0419 479 479 kassisclassichomes.com.au

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Perfect combination An exciting new display home where privacy and open-plan living go hand in hand

T

he Erskine 290 display home from Hotondo Homes is designed for larger families who require the perfect combination of privacy and open-plan living and features everything one could ever need in a family home.

“The Erskine offers the benefits of both open-plan living and more enclosed living spaces, where family members can enjoy each other’s company or their own privacy at the same time,” says Natalie O’Shea, building designer at Hotondo Homes.

The large open-plan kitchen/dining/family

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area with alfresco is positioned at the back of the house. “Providing seamless living at the rear of the home was an important design factor for the Erskine 290,” says Natalie. “The kitchen, living and dining areas all flow in one direction and there is a direct view to the backyard — it is a very ‘clean’ floorplan.” The kitchen stands out in this home with its essastone benchtops.

Most homeowners know trying to keep a kitchen perfectly clean is difficult, however you can keep it pretty close with this design.

The fridge alcove is at the side of the kitchen, which almost hides it from view. The white,

minimalist Snowdrift cupboards provide plenty of space, but the real standout is the exceptionally large walk-in butler’s pantry. It offers lots of bench space and storage to keep the kitchen everyone sees almost spotless and hides the real mess behind closed doors.

Another appealing aspect of this home is the massive outdoor alfresco space that spans both the kitchen and part of the living area, allowing the creation of a servery window directly from the kitchen or walk-in pantry. With its beautiful backlit water feature, direct access to the kitchen and plenty of floor space, this area is perfect for those

SEAMLESS LIVING The Erskine 290 is a contemporary design with a relaxed, luxe ambience.

ABOVE An inviting alfresco space extends from the home, providing additional shading.

BELOW Finishing touches such as this water feature add to the home’s elegance.

who like to entertain and enjoy summer outdoors.

“The Erskine 290 really makes use of the outdoor area with its massive alfresco,” says Natalie. “It adds a great amount of space to the home and makes it appear much larger.”

The interior of this display home is clean and modern, with bright white flooring and lightcoloured finishes that add an open and spacious feel. In particular, the TV alcove in the living area provides a modern touch. Here, the builders have cleverly created a timber-look feature that draws the eye and adds warmth to the otherwise pure white space. The same timber panelling BEST HOMES

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SEAMLESS LIVING

The open-plan kitchen and dining room turn the heart of the home into a social hub.

RIGHT A large walk-in pantry provides ample storage and extra work space.

BELOW Contemporary fittings and finishings facilitate an easy lifestyle in the bathroom.

features on the doorways, media room doors, study nook and kitchen shelving to help unify the spaces and provide consistency.

Offering another living spot to enjoy, the separate semi-private lounge area is versatile and can be turned into a rumpus or home theatre to suit a family’s lifestyle needs.

The master bedroom retreat is located at the front of the house, with two large walk-in robes and a spacious ensuite. Meanwhile, the other family members can enjoy a choice of three bedrooms that sit in their own wing and feature their own bathroom, which also contains an amazing feature wall of BR2 Dulux Domino and built-in shelving. The pattern not only stands out

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and creates a unique look for the space, it also complements the charcoal floor tiles.

Outside, the facade is a unique blend of predominantly dark bricks, combined with Scyon Linea board and a light cement render finish. This type of facade is perfect for those who want a home that stands out.

The Erskine 290 design, set over 318.33m², is also available in smaller 202 and 290 versions. BH

more info?

Hotondo Homes 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

HOTONDO HOMES 3D EXPLORE

E EW R D N TU E TE A CK SI FEPA EB W

FINDING YOUR NEW HOME JUST GOT EASIER

HOTONDO HOMES HOME NAVIGATOR

Get the full picture with an online virtual tour of every one of our display homes.

Find the home that matches your needs and personality in less than two minutes!

HOME PLANNER

HOTONDO HOMES HOME PLANNER Change the floor plan, add a bedroom, make your garage bigger the choice is yours!

Call 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

T

The 3m-high ceilings create a sense of spaciousness for the interior spaces.

Embracing the new A young family gets their dream home with a knock-down-rebuild that offers everything they wanted and more PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell

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he homeowners bought the property, originally a run-down block that housed a dark and claustrophobic double-storey rental home, with the intention of knocking it down and rebuilding their dream home. After attending a dinner party at Lubelso’s Spring Road project, they fell in love with the company’s design aesthetic and knew it was the style they were looking for.

The brief was to create an architecturally designed contemporary home for a young growing family on a unique sloping block. “On the back of the success of the Spring Road home, our objective was to develop a similar family-friendly home that was more accessible to a larger client base. We developed a cost-efficient floor plan that reduced the purchase price by 20 per cent without compromising the luxurious feel, sophistication and craftsmanship that is synonymous with the Canny name,” says Damian Canny, founder of Lubelso, a division of the award-winning design and construction firm Canny.

The result is a sleek, contemporary home that looks and feels luxurious. From the street, the sharp lines and monochrome facade appear bold and daring, while the neutral colour palette of the interior with grey and timber accents creates a sense of warmth and comfort. The luxurious 3m-high ceilings throughout the home provide a grandiose effect.

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY DESIGN Built-in appliances and handle-less cabinetry provide a seamless finish in this contemporary kitchen.

ABOVE From the street, you already get the sense that this is a designer home with a contemporary feel. The architectural facade is certainly eye-catching.

LEFT Large, vibrant artworks add character and colour to the open-plan living/dining area, while an impressive television unit hides all media and associated wires and cables.

CENTRE AND ABOVE The minimalist style of this home’s interior is continued outdoors, creating a sense of cohesion.

RIGHT This bedroom continues the home’s minimal interior style but feels cosy and warm with the addition of sheer curtains, plush carpet and darker-toned bed linen.

With the sleeping quarters upstairs comprising the master bedroom on one side and three generously sized bedrooms to the other, the ground floor is where this thoughtfully designed home really shines. “The home carefully arranges the spaces to provide a connected mix of private and living zones,” says Damian. “The family is able to spread themselves across the open-plan kitchen/dining/living areas, accommodating a number of varying activities in the one space.

This large living space is also connected to the alfresco area via floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.

The ground floor includes a separate formal living

room that is connected to two private courtyards along with a study, which offers isolation via a full-height pivot door. It was specifically important for the work-from-home client that this room was located near the entry.”

With 22 years’ industry experience, the Lubelso and Canny teams have produced a home that requires less investment and time while still achieving a design with architectural merit. “It is the first Lubelso home priced under a million dollars,” says Damian. And with extras including a six-star energy rating, double-glazed windows throughout and internal wall insulation, it is no

wonder the homeowners are thrilled with the result.

Canny has received industry recognition on numerous occasions, including winning the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Home of the Year (Victoria) in 2006, HIA Project Home of the Year (Australia) in 2013, and Overall Renovation/ Addition of the Year (Victoria) in 2013. BH

more info?

Lubelso by Canny 0429 496 244 canny.com.au

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FINDING YOUR NEW HOME JUST GOT EASIER HOTONDO HOMES 3D EXPLORE Get the full picture with an online virtual tour of every one of our display homes.

We have sales offices and display homes around the Sydney region.

Visit our website for your nearest location.

Builder licences 142748C, 156727C, 230626C, 278570C

E EW R D N TU E TE A CK SI FEPA EB W

HOTONDO HOMES HOME NAVIGATOR Find the home that matches your needs and personality in less than two minutes!

HOTONDO HOMES HOME PLANNER Change the floor plan, add a bedroom, make your garage bigger the choice is yours!

HOME PLANNER

Call 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

An elegant pergola extends from the home, enabling additional shading.

Room to move If it’s a modern home with a country flavour you’re after, look no further than the Highlander 329, which exudes a sense of country charm

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MODERN COUNTRY

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“

The inspiration behind the Highlander 329 design was practical elegance,” says Michael Renwick, managing director of Hotondo Homes. “It’s a home designed for the everyday Australian family, but it also has a sense of class.”

The brief for Hotondo Homes’ Highlander 329 was for a home with a modern yet country feel to it, hence it is wonderful for towns that still boast country charm and are located close to metropolitan areas. As the home is quite wide, it requires a block of land large enough to accommodate it.

The family-friendly four-bedroom residence was designed for those who like to entertain, aren’t afraid to get their kitchen dirty and love the feeling of space and room to move.

On paper, the Highlander is a double-storey home; however, when viewing it in person, it appears to have only one roofline. Dormer windows feature on the facade with its mix of brick and weatherboard.

Inside, angled ceilings are an exciting design element of the entry and top floor, as is the clever The Highlander 329 is a contemporary design with a countryside feel.

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MODERN COUNTRY and practical floor plan, and the separate and private spaces such as the study, sitting room upon entry and upstairs multi-purpose loft, ideal as a rumpus or kids’ playroom, home theatre or office.

“The loft is the perfect addition to the Highlander design because it can be morphed into whatever suits the homeowners,” says Michael. “Whether it be a playroom for small children, a study, a home theatre room for a family of movie buffs or a home office for somebody who works from home, it really is a versatile space. The home was designed to take advantage of local views and to create as much space as possible without the significant cost increases generally associated with doing this,” explains Michael. “For this reason the home was built as a loft design to increase floor space.”

In the open-plan kitchen with raised cathedral ceiling, the butler’s pantry is a smart and welldesigned addition that’s hidden in the kitchen cabinetry, which enables the mess of preparation and cooking to be hidden from guests — “perfect for those who love to cook”, adds Michael.

The master bedroom offers parents the luxury

of a spacious walk-in robe and ensuite, while for the rest of the family and guests there are two bathrooms and a powder room.

The 35.37-square (322.28m²) Highlander is complete with an alfresco area, study nook, double garage and ample storage. “It offers an expansive outdoor space that showcases indoor– outdoor living at its finest,” adds Michael.

“The alfresco features an outdoor kitchen with barbecue, sink and bar fridge which connects directly to the living area, instantly expanding the available space. A pergola is situated directly next to the alfresco, which is accessible via the dining area, creating an overall ultimate entertaining area with a beautiful flow between indoors and out that encompasses the entire back half of the home.” It’s country living with a modern twist. BH

more info?

Hotondo Homes 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

Angled ceilings are an exciting addition to the home, giving the homeowners extra space to use as they wish.

ABOVE A large dining space makes for a welcoming meeting place for the family.

BELOW The bathroom is adorned with a selection of contemporary fittings and finishings.

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INDUSTRIAL CHIC

Got it all The combination of a clever design team and a centrally located block results in a building that provides for its residents while also complementing its environment PHOTOGRAPHY Reg Blunt of EMB Photographics

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Skylights were added in the top two units to make full use of natural light.

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The block has an incredible street presence and is perfectly located in the heart of Enmore.

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INDUSTRIAL CHIC

K

nown for its vibe and restaurant culture, Enmore in Sydney’s inner west offers a unique display of elements both young and old. The streets are lined with quaint heritage-style homes while the walls of buildings are covered in graffiti — a characteristic that has been turned into a feature of this new development.

Inspired by the vibrancy of the graffiticovered walls and the retro feel of the surrounding area, ACG Building, together with Alec Pappas Architects, transformed a neglected commercial building into a multifunctional, four-storey hub in Enmore’s town centre. With commercial spaces on the ground floor, the top levels host one- and two-bedroom apartments that evoke a modern, industrial feel with lightfilled interiors and contemporary furnishings.

Bold accent pieces pay homage to the graffiti that now marks the walls of this new block.

ABOVE The apartments look out over Enmore, a vibrant Sydney suburb.

BELOW Double-glazed windows contribute to each apartment’s insulated qualities.

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The open-plan living area creates a spacious, bright and comfortable environment for the whole family to enjoy.

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INDUSTRIAL CHIC Not only are the apartments’ interior finishes something to rave about, but the building materials and fixtures are first class. The building’s concrete-constructed walls look exquisite from street view and complement the building’s industrial style.

On the inside, heavy-duty insulation was added to soundproof each apartment from the noisy streets, as well as to help maintain the temperature of the interior. Double-glazed windows also contribute to each apartment’s insulated qualities and skylights were added in the top two units to make full use of natural light.

While Peter Phokos of ACG Building admits there were numerous challenges to overcome during the building process — such as the need

to strengthen the building’s foundations, run gas, electricity and water lines to the new floors, and ensure the retro, industrial style was maintained throughout the block — he and his team are incredibly happy with the end result. The building suits its location yet reflects the modern era in which it was built and, most importantly, provides a light, bright, comfortable home for the new residents in the centre of a vibrant Sydney suburb. BH

more info?

ACG Building 0412 861 393 acgbuilding.com.au

The top levels host one- and twobedroom apartments that evoke a modern, industrial feel with light-filled interiors and contemporary furnishings.

ABOVE The apartments contain either one or two bedrooms.

BELOW The bedrooms feature a neutral colour palette with vibrant accent pieces that pop.

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Bream Unique Lighting

A room is like a stage. Without lighting, it can be the coldest place in the world.

breamuniquelighting.com.au Handcrafted in Australia

We don’t just build, we create a lifestyle For years we’ve built beautiful homes around Sydney for people who desire perfection.

We’re driven to always deliver the perfect project for every client and that’s the reason we’ve won the Master Builders, Building Excellence Award for three years in a row and Housing Industry Association, 2015 Australian Regional Apartment of the year. So if you’re looking to build, why not speak with the Award Winning Team at ACG Building or visit our website to see more of our work at acgbuilding.com.au

acgbuilding.com.au

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Maintenance

Still going strong More than a decade ago, the Gunyang Ski Lodge at Thredbo received a new lease on life thanks to Parkwood Modular Buildings. Years later, this exceptional build is still as good as new

Gunyang Lodge needed an impressive redesign — architect David Law was commissioned to rebuild this historic building.

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DURABLE DESIGN

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DURABLE DESIGN

Gunyang Lodge is now a stunning architecturally designed lodge with six bedrooms.

LEFT The new, fitted-out Gunyang Lodge was transported in 14 sections from Somersby to Thredbo.

BELOW The state-of-the-art lodge was built in an extreme environment and looks as good today as when it was first built.

“

Originally located next to the tragic Thredbo landslip site, Gunyang Lodge needed an impressive redesign so architect and avid skier David Law was commissioned to rebuild this historic building.

The project represented a fresh and positive start for the lodge. Cost was a major consideration and building the lodge off-site was not only the quickest way to see the job completed, but also the most cost-effective solution.

“Extreme challenges face anyone who builds in the winter months at Thredbo, but back in June 2005, building commenced in the comfort of our NSW Central Coast construction site in Somersby. Everything came together in November 2005 when the new, fitted-out Gunyang Lodge was transported in 14 sections from Somersby to Thredbo. Then the 14 sections

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on two levels were craned carefully onto the prepared foundations, bolted, weatherproofed and secured. During the following weeks, the site’s plumbing, electrical and fire services were all connected, and the driveways and final painting, along with the stone exterior, were finished.

“Gunyang Lodge is now a stunning architecturally designed lodge with six bedrooms each with individual balconies and ensuites, two lounge rooms, an impressive stone fireplace, a double kitchen, dining room, laundry and drying area, including an extra overflow bathroom.

“As a lodge takes the knocks from an ever-changing occupancy of luggage and ski equipment coming and going — maybe six new families twice a week — the original brief called for a strong, durable design with the best materials and finishes available on the market.

While we are well established as market leaders in transportable homes, the Gunyang project gave us the opportunity to expand our horizons and demonstrate our ability to create and complete a state-of-the-art lodge on time and on budget despite the challenges of this extreme environment.

“Owing to the good-quality inclusions integral to this build, the result is it looks as good today as when it was first built.” BH Designer and builder John McDougall, Parkwood Modular Buildings

more info?

Parkwood Modular Buildings 02 4340 4077 parkwood.com.au

Had a look at factory built modular housing lately?...

IT MIGHT SURPRISE

YOU !

SWISS GRAND ROOFTOP PENTHOUSE DISPLAY - BONDI We build a range from standard Granny Flats to luxury Architectural Designs.

Delivered to you throughout NSW. Installed, secure, ready for you to move in within days. Leading edge designs, hassle free and minimum impact to sensitive sites.

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The clever, practical solution to building your home, granny flat, B&B, anything!

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PARKWOOD MODULAR BUILDINGS 02 4340 4077 Kangoo rd. Somersby NSW www.parkwood.com.au

MO D U L A R

B U I L D I N G S

Better Design - Better Built

The latest Sony VPLVW500ES 4K projector is used to create stunning and immersive images.

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TIP-TOP TECH

On top of the game There are countless ways to improve your home with the latest technology WORDS Holly Cunneen

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TIP-TOP TECH

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Cleverly concealed speakers and subwoofers sit behind the screen and in-wall for an incredible surround-sound experience.

T

he modern home is becoming increasingly tech-savvy, and not solely for entertainment purposes.

Convenience is a huge drawcard, too. Whether you’ve got a spare room by way of the basement or have a full house and hectic schedule, decking out your house with the latest tech solutions can create flow and make life more enjoyable.

This existing 6.9m x 3.9m basement room in Sydney’s Bexley North was once an unloved junk room for a family of six. But it was always the homeowner’s dream to have a home cinema equivalent in sound and picture to that of a commercial one. Not only has Len Wallis Audio combined forces with builder/theatre designer Andrew Fenton of Trade A Management to turn this dream into a reality, but it’s big enough for

the whole family to enjoy.

To get the most out of the space, Andrew and Alberto Vangi from Len Wallis Audio removed the existing kitchenette and decided to rotate the room and change the entrance, still allowing for staged, comfortable seating. The new entryway maximises the usable space while still accommodating a large screen that takes into account viewing distance. Four false walls were created to soundproof the room, and the original doorway was converted into a cabinet for the equipment to be neatly stored. And in spite of the ingenious design, we just can’t get over the statement starlight ceiling! BH

more info?

Len Wallis Audio lenwallisaudio.com BEST HOMES

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FUNCTIONAL AND AFFORDABLE This latest display from Trevelle Homes is in the new Willowdale Estate at Sydney’s Denham Court.

Family focus A new display home cleverly demonstrates how families can enjoy a luxury lifestyle at an aordable cost

LEFT The large open-plan kitchen and family living area opens via sliding doors to a generous alfresco with 300mm x 300mm porcelain floor tiles, the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining.

ABOVE This single-storey home creates the feeling of a custom home design with all the trimmings.

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FUNCTIONAL AND AFFORDABLE

B

uilt in the new Willowdale Estate at Sydney’s Denham Court, this latest display from Trevelle Homes is an excellent example of a large, functional home built on an average-size block of land at an achievable cost, yet with many extra inclusions.

“This single-storey home is typical of Trevelle Homes’ style, which creates the feeling of a custom home design with all the trimmings, but it’s designed and built to be within the average family’s budget,” says Eddie Treffiletti, director of Trevelle Homes.

Created with young families in mind, the display home is set over 28 squares and offers four bedrooms, a separate kids’ area and an abundance

of entertaining spaces so that all members of the family have plenty of room to enjoy themselves.

However, the major centrepiece, or hub, of this home is the large open-plan kitchen and family living area with high raked ceilings and skylights that inject the space with light. This area then opens via sliding doors to a generous alfresco with 300mm x 300mm porcelain floor tiles, the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining, regardless of the season. In addition, this family living area also has stacker doors that lead outside to a timber deck — another option for alfresco dining or relaxation.

A cleverly positioned study nook is located in the corner of the family living area. This makes homework supervision easier as parents

A neutral palette adorns this bathroom, ensuring it will never go out of style.

The centrepiece of the home is the large open-plan kitchen and family living area with high raked ceilings and skylights.

RIGHT AND LEFT BELOW One of four bedrooms in the Willowdale Estate home.

can prepare dinner in the adjacent kitchen while keeping a watchful eye over their children.

Trevelle Homes has incorporated numerous luxury finishes into this home, such as Caesarstone benchtops and a walk-in pantry in the sleek kitchen, plus 600mm x 600mm porcelain floor tiles throughout numerous rooms.

With its sophisticated neutral palette, this display home is waiting for families to add their personal touches to make it their own.

This 28-square home sells for $249,000. BH

more info?

Trevelle Homes 02 9773 8700 trevelle.com.au BEST HOMES

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KNOCKDOWN & REBUILD

Trevelle Homes’ fresh approach to design leads to quality award winning homes.

www.trevelle.com.au ph. 02 9773 8700

Our aim is to offer and combine our experience and expertise with your vision to guarantee the utmost satisfaction by dedicating quality, diversity and value in all the homes we build.

Visit one of our Display Homes: Homeworld South Gledeswood Hills • Willowdale Estate Leppington (Denham Court)

NARROW BLOCK SOLUTIONS The Derwent 27 with Elite facade — one of Rawson Homes’ newest designs. It was selected to be a display home and is due to open in September 2016 in Elara.

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The way A forward Meeting the high demand for narrow lot designs

s the Sydney population grows and land becomes more expensive, the block sizes in new land releases across Sydney are shrinking, with many frontages having widths of 7.5m to 12.5m. There is now a change in buyers’ perceptions of what they can afford for a desirable home. Affordability is a major factor in the decision process for potential buyers as the land price per square metre is so expensive.

The smaller the block, the smaller the house, resulting in a more affordable property. Narrow lots really are the way of the future.

It’s a misconception that a narrow lot doesn’t allow for a good-sized house. A narrow residence can still feel very spacious inside — it’s all about the design. Rawson Homes has responded to the demand for smaller lots with floorplans that suit the block while keeping in mind clients’ lifestyles and practicalities.

Rawson Homes already has 13 designs that fit 12.5m-wide lots and its latest range, launched in October 2015, added another 12 (each with one to six floorplan variations and three to five facade options), fitting lots as narrow as 7.5m.

Eleven of these 12 new designs are double-storey, including the Mayfield, a 6.5m-wide home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an alfresco area included. More than 50 per cent of the company’s published designs fit narrow lots and it has focused on making the most of every square metre with its new designs.

Rawson Homes’ four-bedroom Huntley design has taken out both HIA and MBA awards and is the company’s most popular design for narrowlot building. There are four floorplan options; the Huntley 24 is the narrowest with a width of 7.68m including a single garage.

“Because the blocks are getting so small we’re basically setting the parameters based off the block of land and we’re filling up the full footprint to get a bigger house on the block,” says Rawson Homes procurement and innovation manager, Paul Callaghan. “You can’t afford to lose even a few square metres of usable space on blocks of this size. Finding a block that can still house a four-bedroom house with a double garage is the optimum house and land package. I think anywhere in Sydney, if you can get a house and land package around the $700,000 mark, you will sell it well and sell it fast.” BH

more info?

Rawson Homes 1300 223 345 rawsonhomes.com.au

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THE AURORA

THE WYOMING

THE BENTON

ANY STYLE, ANY DESIGN, ANY SIZE.

Buildcraft Constructions have the expertise to design homes of any individual taste and style.

Buildcraft constructions are deďŹ ned by their commitment to client focused innovative design, coupled with the awareness of current and future residential building trends.

Visit the Display Home - The Aurora 46 Bruhn Circuit, Kellyville NSW 2155 02 8814 7701 buildcraft.com.au

CUSTOM DESIGNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

Design evolution A spectacular modern home designed for the Australian family today and into the future

T

he Aurora, Buildcraft Constructions’ latest display home in the new HomeQuest Village, is a bold, contemporary and functional home that pushed the boundaries for the builder and the designer.

The brief was for a contemporary home to suit the requirements of the modern Australian family.

It needed to be able to evolve with time and naturally change and adapt to different conditions.

The brief was met by allowing the architectural elements of the house to shine in their own right, and also to integrate them in the interior through the use of shapes, colours and materials.

“The inspiration behind the Aurora came from keeping many successful elements of the floor plan from Buildcraft’s previous display home, The Sterling, and introducing new elements,”

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says Buildcraft Constructions.

The external colour scheme emphasises the minimalist design, with a modest palette of materials and colours applied to key areas to highlight a feature or form on the building.

Render to the main body of the house creates a crisp, clean canvas to emphasise the dark window frames, dark stone-look tile cladding and feature timber as the hero elements.

Timber cladding adds warmth to the otherwise monochromatic palette, which is then echoed through the landscaping.

The Aurora is minimalist in design, with clean lines, square shapes and sharp angles that combine for a dramatic statement both externally and internally, yet it sits comfortably in its surrounds.

The challenge for Buildcraft was to create a warm and cosy feel while still allowing for

the open-plan, easy flow of the layout. This was achieved with timeless Italian porcelain floor tiles, which combine with oak tones in the timber staircase and joinery. This has created a contemporary home with internal decor able to adapt to a variety of individual design styles.

The external colours and materials flow into the interior and are used on a larger scale for warmth and to add interest and texture throughout the space. Oak timber tones, concrete, stone and dark-charcoal feature colours are used in the flooring and joinery throughout the house and offer contrast and warmth against the crisp white canvas of the walls.

The company opted for a blend of elements and interiors, with a nod to Scandinavian style which fits so well with the Australian way of life, adding subtle industrial detailing in a minimalist

FOR THE FAMILY The external colour scheme of the home emphasises the minimalist design.

sink and an area for tea, coffee, toaster and kettle, appliances and generous bench space.

The beautifully crafted joinery features the textured feel of the oak and dark charcoal, complemented by the soft marble-like tones in the stone benchtops.

There are four bedrooms in the main body of the house. The master bedroom was designed with both luxury and comfort in mind, and with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe it’s the ultimate retreat for adults. The master ensuite features a double shower, double floating vanity and a luxurious freestanding bath with a view.

To suit the modern family, there’s a fifth bedroom/guest room in the generous cabana, plus an ensuite and a large open-plan living area. This well-appointed additional living space is linked to the main home by a spacious covered alfresco, for entertaining or intimate family gatherings. You can also directly access the generous alfresco dining area which links the cabana to create a variety of living options.

Both the main home and cabana, as well as the alfresco, flow out to the lush landscaped gardens and pool, helping to blur the lines between inside and out. This adds to the holiday resort feel of this generous-sized family home.

These elements combine to create a stunning modern home designed for the needs of the Australian family today and into the future. It is a forward-thinking design that focuses on family living, integration and adaptability. It sits perfectly on its corner site, maximising natural light and providing environmental benefits through simple but effective design.

The Aurora Display Home is at 46 Bruhn Circuit, Kellyville, in the HomeQuest Village. BH

more info?

Buildcraft Constructions 02 8814 7701 buildcraft.com.au

ABOVE The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area is a standout, with views out over the landscaped gardens and stunning in-ground pool through full-height windows.

BELOW The main home and alfresco flow out to the lush landscaped gardens and pool, helping to blur the lines between inside and out. context. The interior concept provided a strong focus from the beginning, with layers added through the materials and furnishings for warmth, character and personality.

A striking formal living room with a fireplace greets you when entering the home. The large open-plan lounge also has a fireplace, plus there’s very generous additional living space upstairs.

The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area is a standout in this design, and with views out over the landscaped gardens and stunning in-ground pool through full-height windows, it is definitely the heart of the home. The dining area is framed by three skylight windows above, which allow natural light to pour into the room and provide a striking feature to define this stylish and relaxing space.

The large galley-style kitchen is a chef’s dream, with ample storage, open pantry with BEST HOMES

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The house was inspired by the couple’s wedding venue, which boasted classic styling and country charm.

American design A country home in a city setting PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Turner

I

t was an “American dream” come true for professional couple Heidi and Alan when their knock-down-rebuild delivered their ideal home. Working closely alongside Farm Houses of Australia during the nine-month project, the pair transformed their run-down Blackburn property into the home they had always longed for.

“It was a dream of ours for seven years to have a home like the one chosen for our wedding venue,” says Heidi. “We interviewed a shortlist of builders who were building homes like these and found Farm Houses to be the best match for us.”

Situated on a 895m2 sloped rectangle block, the property features a garage, porch and verandah.

Both Heidi and Alan had a clear vision of the elements they wanted to include in the design.

The home has a “New American” style with

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a recessed front porch, arched colonial windows on the top floor, two bay windows at the front, and a mixture of materials in the facade.

“I still pinch myself (figuratively) six months later in our new home and marvel at the fact we get to live here, that this is our home,” reveals Heidi.

“I feel so grateful that we found Farm Houses to help us translate our dreams of what constitutes our perfect home, and brought it to life.”

Traditional internal features such as dado wall lining, plaster arches and ceiling roses, Victorian ash timber flooring and bespoke fittings and cabinetry were critical elements in the design, bringing a taste of the American countryside to Melbourne.

Internal flexibility was a high priority for Heidi and Alan, with many rooms in the home easily

AMERICAN FLAVOUR

ABOVE Traditional internal features, including beautiful ash timber flooring and dado wall lining, add a taste of the American countryside to the home.

BELOW Bespoke fittings and finishes shine in the spacious kitchen.

The American-style home features beautiful bay windows.

The residence’s exterior includes porch and verandah.

transitioned for multi-purpose living. For example, the third bedroom — which is used as a home gym — has been designed so that it converts into two bedrooms by simply adding an internal wall.

Similarly, a raised seating platform in the home theatre room is freestanding and covered in carpet to match the floor, so re-purposing the room can be achieved by simply removing the platform.

It was a love of location that prompted Heidi and Alan to choose to rebuild on their existing block. The pair recognised the benefits of a knock-down-rebuild as they say it allows you to continue to reside in an area where you have established networks — friends, schools, doctors, workplace and family.

The Lakeburn property was listed as a finalist in the 2015 HIA CSR Victorian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards: Custom Built Home — $500,001–$700,000 division, achieving third in Victoria. BH

more info?

Farm Houses of Australia 03 5975 7289 design@farmhouses.com.au farmhouses.com.au BEST HOMES

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“Ferny Hill Merricks”

Our design focus is always on what you wish to achieve – we design to suit your land, your personal requirements and your preferences.

Our goal is to start with a blank canvas and create for you a clever and functional design whilst making the most of the attributes of your land and maximising your energy efficiency.

“Kilmurray”

Farm Houses of Australia are a premium boutique design and construction company providing an exceptional level of service for clients ready to build an individually designed home of the highest (award winning) quality. We pride ourselves on the innovation and practicality inherent in our designs and our genuine, friendly service.

“Hershey Heights”

“It is obvious that the Farm Houses builders take pride in their work and genuinely enjoy building homes for their many satisfied clients. The close communication, fine workmanship, attention to detail and their outstanding customer service and assistance made our first home building experience enjoyable and extremely satisfying.” S & R “Hershey Heights”

“Everyone took ownership of the job – making suggestions on how to improve things as they cropped up and finding ways around any problem that arose. Nothing was too big or too small for any of the trades people working on the house.”

B & S, “Kilmurray”

Contact us now for your free information pack ...

(03) 5975 7289 | design@farmhouses.com.au | www.farmhouses.com.au

ELEGANCE AND COMFORT The Bowral, part of the Victorian Homestead series.

Time-honoured designs These beautiful homes pay tribute to the stunning architecture of the Victorian and early-Federation periods 108 | BEST HOMES

VICTORIAN HOMESTEAD SERIES Featured above is the Bowral, from Harkaway Homes’ newest range, the Victorian Homestead Series. The 298m² (32-square) home is priced at $154,781 for the deluxe lock-up package, including GST. The home comprises four bedrooms with built-in robes, a study, living room, rumpus room, meals area/family room, two bathrooms, walk-in linen cupboard, a kitchen with walk-in pantry and a laundry.

This design captures the best elements

of yesteryear, with tall, external walls, high ceilings, leadlight-topped box-bay windows and French doors. The completely stabilised, prefabricated frames and trusses are kilndried and termite-resistant. Full-frame erection is included, as is a choice of brick or weatherboard, Victorian hardware and fixings, Colorbond roofing and Victorian ash windows.

Optional extras include a verandah, 3m ceilings and a feature entry door frame.

Internal linings, plumbing, electrical, kitchen and floor are not included in the price.

RIGHT Floorplan of the Bowral.

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ELEGANCE AND COMFORT

The Caulfield, part of the Fair Dinkum Federation series.

FAIR DINKUM FEDERATION SERIES Featured here is the Caulfield, from a range of seven different sizes and floorplans. The 24-square (223m²) home is only $124,985 for the deluxe, lock-up package, including GST. Inside the home you will find four bedrooms, a living room, meals area/family room, kitchen with walkin pantry, laundry and two bathrooms. When built on a project-managed basis, the home takes approximately 16 weeks to construct, with a choice of weatherboard or brick.

As the name suggests, the Harkaway Homes Fair Dinkum Federation Series Caulfield is an authentic reproduction Federation home with a wide range of traditional features. These include high 3.6m external walls, 3m ceilings, a Federation roofline, integrated verandah, leadlight-topped box-bay windows, leadlight front-door frame with cricket-bat-entry door, Federation-line casement windows, Federation friezes and French doors.

The completely stabilised, prefabricated wall frames and trusses are kiln-dried and termiteresistant. Full-frame erection is included, as are Federation cappings and fixings, Colorbond roofing and Victorian ash windows. Internal linings, plumbing, electrical, kitchen and floor are not included.

110 | BEST HOMES

ABOVE Floorplan of the Caulfield.

VICTORIAN TRADITIONAL SERIES Pictured below is the Seddon, with a range of six different sizes and floorplans, from the Victorian Traditional Series. The $109,942 deluxe lock-up package provides four bedrooms with built-in robes, a living room, family room, dining room, two bathrooms, a kitchen with walk-in pantry and laundry, across 204m² or 22 squares.

When it is built on a project-managed basis, construction takes 16 weeks. The fully stabilised, prefabricated wall frames and trusses are kiln-dried and termiteresistant. Full-frame erection is included, as is Colorbond roofing, Victorian hardware and fixings, Victorian ash windows and a choice of brick or weatherboard finishes.

Four different package options are available for an additional verandah and 3m ceilings.

Timber-block front facade and assorted leadlights are other optional extras. Internal linings, plumbing, electrical, kitchen and floor are not included in the price.

RIGHT Floorplan of the Seddon.

BELOW The Seddon, part of the Victorian Traditional Series.

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ELEGANCE AND COMFORT

LEFT Floorplan of the Rokeby Pavilion Courtyard.

ABOVE The Rokeby Pavilion Courtyard, part of the Pavilion Roof Series. including high exterior walls (12ft or 3.6m), a period roofline, old-world cappings and finishes, high ceilings, casement windows and French doors. The home takes approximately 16 weeks to construct in either brick or weatherboard, with roofing of Colorbond or old-fashioned galvanised iron.

The home is enhanced with Victorian ash windows as well as Victorian dress accessories, hardware and fittings. Optional extras include a verandah, 10ft (3m) ceilings and assorted leadlights. BH

more info?

PAVILION ROOFLINE SERIES Featured is the Rokeby Pavilion Courtyard, from a range of seven different sizes and floorplans.

The 24-square (223m²) home is priced at $111,120 for the deluxe lock-up package. The

112 | BEST HOMES

home includes a family room, lounge room, dining room, rumpus room, kitchen with a walk-in pantry, two bathrooms and a laundry.

This authentic-reproduction Victorian home features a wide range of traditional features,

Harkaway Homes Melbourne sales and display centre: Cnr Princes Highway and Station Street Officer Vic 3809 03 5943 2388 1800 806 416 harkawayhomes.com.au

Storybook will tailor designs to suit the individual needs of homeowners.

A class act Established for more than 20 years, this dedicated building company has reached a new level of design excellence 114 | BEST HOMES

DESIGNER SOLUTIONS

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DESIGNER SOLUTIONS The homes are state-of-the-art, high-character designs.

116 | BEST HOMES

ABOVE Clients have the option of choosing traditional, classic, beach or modern styles regardless of the building site — level, sloping or narrow.

BELOW Homes can be built on all site types.

S

torybook Designer Homes is dedicated to producing beautiful residences. These projects are stateof-the-art, high-character design solutions at extremely competitive prices.

Clients have the option of choosing traditional, classic, beach or modern styles and regardless of the building site — level, sloping or narrow — Storybook will create something special. Pictured are a few of the 2000 individual designs Storybook Designer Homes has created recently for its ownerbuilder clients.

The process of individual design does not depend only on the floor plan and external shape of the house. Rather, it is the total desired impression inside and out. Storybook Designer Homes started out by providing products to satisfy the cottage and traditional market, but quickly realised there was a demand for more contemporary and coastal looks. Today,

Storybook is proud of its enthusiastic team and the beautiful homes it creates.

“Our clients come to us with a vision of the ambience they are hoping to create,” says founder Phil Malcolm. “It’s the driving force of our business to see that their vision is realised.

However, total involvement and commitment from the client is also appreciated because only they have the detailed understanding of the colours, textures and furnishings that will excite them. Our owner-builder system ensures this personal involvement, creating a greater likelihood of an exciting outcome.”

Storybook Designer Homes’ services are available in most areas throughout Australia.

Visit the website for your nearest office. BH

more info?

Storybook Designer Homes storybook.com.au

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by

Diversify Your Design By Mixing Materials In architecture and design we’re often told consistency is key, and while that may be true in most cases, sometimes it’s just as important to stand tall and break away from the crowd. One of the biggest trends in homebuilding is mixing — or clashing — materials on the exterior facade. The natural look of timber panels contrasted against the urban jungle aesthetic of Scyon™ panelling, for example, brings a welcome contrast to spark the interest of guests, neighbours and passers-by. The further apart on the spectrum the two materials, the better.

James Hardie’s Scyon™ panels bring a contemporary and fresh way to approach the exterior of your home. But as with most things, it’s not as easy as it looks, which is why consulting the professionals is essential. You need to have a firm understanding of the size of your exterior cladding, the visual ratio between the two or more materials, and the geometry of how and where they will meet to achieve the best results.

Ultimately, mixing materials fosters design diversity in the industry and gives floor plans a greater opportunity to create an architectural talking point. But best of all, it allows homeowners and designers a greater degree of personalisation.

This house mixes a rendered wall base with a timber feature and three types of Scyon cladding.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE A Resort-Style Sanctuary In Your Backyard In this first case study we see a new build in Harrington Grove on the outskirts of Sydney as a perfect example of how to mix materials. Setting a house price record in the area, this modern luxury home uses a carefully considered blend of traditional and modern materials to deliver seamless indoor/outdoor living. The homeowners couldn’t be happier with their new home, which has a street presence that stands out as a beacon of style.

The weatherboard look of Scyon™ Linea™ defines the upper level of the home, with large Scyon™ Matrix™ panels featured on the lower level to complement the massive cedar columns supporting the front foyer and balconies. The crisp and elegant white highlights seen in the soffits and eaves above the balconies and the pool bar are created using the tongue-and-groove-style finish of HardieGroove™ panelling.

The contrast between dark timber and a clean finish at the home’s entrance is just one example of how the overall design creates a strong impression of luxury and balance, although the bedroom overlooking the lap pool and spa does tip the scales towards luxury.

A bold mix of cement render, express joint Matrix panels and Linea weatherboards with timber features.

Matrix panels BEST HOMES

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A mix of vertical and horizontal Scyon cladding styles.

Heritage Renovation To Stunning Architectural Home Scyon™ isn’t just limited to new builds and ultra-modern renovations.

This heritage-listed property located in rural New South Wales proves just the opposite.

Builder and Toowoomba local Stuart Valdal teamed with David Melloy of Building Design Professionals (BDP) to respectfully reconstruct the front facade of a classic heritage-listed worker’s cottage. The end result is an elegant and contemporary two-storey home toeing the line between past

After

and present.

For the front of the cottage, Scyon™ Linea™ was chosen not only for its authentic weatherboard look, but because it’s a lightweight, robust and hardwearing cladding suited perfectly to withstand the weather conditions of the area. Despite the moisture and humidity in Toowoomba, Scyon™ won’t shrink or warp over time.

Before

linea weatherboards

AXON CLADDING 120 | BEST HOMES

ADVERTISING FEATURE Building A Modern Custom Beach House With A Mix of Scyon Scyon™ does well not only in rural weather conditions, but in coastal ones, too. This north-facing custom home sitting just 50m up from the beach in Gerringong, New South Wales, is the perfect example.

With glorious views of the sun and surf below and the surrounding countryside behind, the homeowners can focus on those rather than maintenance issues.

Dark Scyon™ Matrix™ panels clad the eaves and soffit lining of the home as well as the angled and cantilevered box which frames the master bedroom — a design feature in itself. They also provide a tonal contrast to the lighter tones of the Scyon™ Stria™ cladding, which is featured on the front and back of the home and is laid in the traditional horizontal manner.

In addition to establishing a unique and upmarket aesthetic, the Scyon™ Matrix™ panels are perfectly suited to wet and windy coastal conditions, effectively minimising mildew and cracking issues.

The horizontal Stria boards can be run vertically to break up long walls and add interest.

stria CLADDING

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Four materials mixed with the on-trend colour palette of cool greys and whites warmed with a timber feature.

The Green Appeal In Limited Space In addition to stylish good looks and added protection, Scyon™ has environmental benefits, too. That is why it was a chosen material for Hamilton Reach, formerly home to Brisbane’s working wharves and now Queensland’s largest urban renewal project.

Echoing the character of its historic past, the development will ultimately incorporate 7500 homes over 304 hectares of prime riverfront real estate.

Inspired by the shift towards sustainable living, The Green Quarter, situated 6km from the Brisbane CBD at the eastern end of the anticipated $400 million development, embraces the concept of Ecologically Sustainable Development and boasts significant green attributes.

James Hardie’s Scyon™ building products contributed to the delivery of these objectives by optimising the limited space and working effectively within the angular lot arrangement. Clever application and unique product combinations, particularly evident in the use of feature batons over Scyon™ Axon™ cladding, created a bespoke design aesthetic that increased the appeal of the dwellings. Not to mention that James Hardie’s cement composite products are lower in embodied energies than some other building products and very low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

122 | BEST HOMES

ADVERTISING FEATURE With so many building materials on the market these days, it can be very confusing

GRAINED AXON CLADDING

trying to decipher exactly what they all are and often a lot of research leads to little reward. But that’s simply not the case when it comes to Fibre Cement, or Scyon

Reinforcing Materials Are Just As Strong As Wood Fibre Reinforced Cement, or simply fibre cement, is a popular building material developed by James Hardie, a company known for pioneering the use of alternative reinforcing materials to create cement-based building products.

In short, fibre cement is a mixture of cellulose fibre from plantation-grown radiata pine trees, Portland cement, sand and water. There are also trace amounts of other chemical additives which are used to help the process, or provide products with particular characteristics.

Extend The Lifespan Of Your Cladding If you have a specific look in mind that you’re aiming for, a fresh lick of paint might be all you need to achieve it, and painting your Scyon™ panels isn’t a problem. However, the blazing Aussie sun can be relentless on home surfaces, especially exterior walls, decks and roofs, so if you are thinking of painting your panels, it’s imperative to choose good-quality paint that will last. This initial investment of time and money will pay off in the long run as your walls set the tone of your property by being the first thing you see when you enter the yard or a room. They also act as a base to set off plants and furniture.

Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/scyonwalls/

Pin our designs au.pinterest.com/scyonwalls/

scyon.com.au

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DESIGNER FIREPLACES

ABOVE The Bordelet Tatiana 997.

BELOW Seguin Visio 8 Plus Freestanding Fireplace.

The Axis H1600.

Hot designs in heating Make your fireplace a focal point

N

othing is more hypnotising or comforting than the flickering flames of a fire in winter.

Australian-owned company Sculpt Fireplace Collection combines luxury and comfort with its aesthetically pleasing fireplaces by French manufacturers JC Bordelet, Axis and Seguin. Sculpt Fireplace is intent on providing Australians with a dynamic collection of designer fires, broadening the market for people who want an interior that is finished with a high-end design aesthetic.

Handmade in limited quantities, awardwinning JC Bordelet fireplaces are dramatically suspended from the ceiling and aim to enhance the ambience and warmth of any living space.

Crafted in the south of France, the contemporary new-age design of the Bordelet Tatiana 997 hanging wood fire is constructed from handshaped and spun steel. With a 180-degree viewing area and 360-degree pivot rotation option, this artisan-engineered fireplace is highly sought-after by designers and architects alike. Some of the

124 | BEST HOMES

JC Bordelet range can also be customised, with an array of colours and finishes available.

Prestigious fireplace manufacturer Axis is ranked number one in France for its high-quality steel, energy-efficient technology and panoramic fireplace designs. The Axis H1600XXL is a contemporary inbuilt wood heater that takes the title for being Australia’s largest inbuilt wood fireplace, with an unbelievable 1.7m glass viewing area. Able to be used as an open fireplace or slowcombustion wood heater, this designer statement is sure to be a focal point in any grand space.

Based in the heart of Auvergne, France, Seguin has been renowned for producing some of Europe’s most revolutionary and sought-after elite fireplace products for more than 30 years.

Now you can light your fire as normal and let the wood heater take care of the rest with the only remote-control wood heater in Australia, the Seguin Visio 8 Plus IHS Cheminee fireplace.

This patented revolutionary device will control the combustion inside of your wood heater and adjust the volume of air in the firebox, enabling

you to set a desired room temperature and optimise the fire term. The remote control will even beep when you need to add more firewood.

Sculpt Fireplace Collection is an Australianowned company that exclusively supplies some of Europe’s most sought-after, high-end luxury fireplaces. Intent on providing Australians with a dynamic collection of designer fires, the company has strategically gathered not only award-winning fireplace designs, but also fireplaces that have quality materials and the best raw steel that is built to last. The strength of Sculpt Fireplace Collection is that it now houses manufacturers JC Bordelet, Axis and Seguin, which all share the same fireplace philosophy: “To combine quality craftsmanship with exquisite design at the forefront.” BH

more info?

Sculpt Fireplace Collection 1300 851 304 sculptfireplaces.com.au

Exclusive award winning wood fireplaces hand-made in the heart of France - Now available in Australia & New Zealand.

Offering Australia’s first remote control wood fireplace and the largest wood heater in Australia

For more information about Sculpt Fireplaces call 1300 851 304 or visit sculptfireplaces.com.au

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1 Siran Encaustic Feature Tile in Black 2 Boston 3 Seater Leather Sofa in Vintage Cigar 3 Naraina Round 150cm Cotton Hemp Rug in Multicoloured 4 Napier Pedestal & Basin Set in White 5 Replica Metz Dining Chair in White/Timber Seat

6 Avanti 120cm Concrete Shelf in Dark Grey 7 Akira Wooden Block Print Coffee Table in Black 8 Tall Bordeaux 3 Panel 82cm Door in Vintage Oak 9 Paula Wood Hat & Coat Stand in Natural 10 Rosei Wooden Framed Mirror in Rustic Stain 11 Genoa Concrete Bar Table in Dark Grey 12 Club Leather Armchair in Vintage Cigar 13 Mini Lantern Sheet Tile in Matte Red

14 Laurel Hexagonal Sheet Tile in Matte White 15 Cadiz Brushed Tumbled Travertine Tile in Beige

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16 Hugo Pendant Light in Natural Wood/Clear Glass 17 Lunel Pendant Light in Natural Wood/Clear Glass 18 Tamara Pendant Light in Matt White 19 Montel Pendant Light in Distressed Grey 20 Fiesta Cast Iron Chiminea in Black 21 Morden Armchair in Antique Ebony Leather 22 Capri Entry Doors (Right Hand) in Black & Gold 23 Hand-painted glazed ceramic tiles in EWWSVXIH HIWMKRW ½ RMWLIW 24 Recycled Timber Hook Board with 3 Hooks in White 25 Lages 7Lt Cluster Pendant Light in Solid Copper 26 Canteen Vintage Dining Chair in Natural & Gun Metal 27 Carina Dining Chair in Ash Walnut & Dark Blue 28 Barkly Ceiling Rose in White Primed 29 Louis XV Provincial Marble Mantle in White 30 Zara Basin Tap Mixer in Chrome

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Flawless kitchen sink integration imagine it with Corian ®

Ready-made sink and basin shapes are a fundamental element of the DuPont™ Corian® range.

For decades, the seamless integration of Corian® shapes and sheets has provided a superior and reliable combination of beauty, quality and hygiene to residential and public spaces across the globe.

Corian® Arrowroot benchtop paired with Corian® Glacier White Spicy sink.

To find out more about the endless applications of Corian®, call 1300 267 426 or visit www.casf.com.au.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM DESIGN Projects and products for the heart of your home PROJECT Designer Kitchens

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FULLY FUNCTIONAL

Everything in its place A functional bathroom and laundry feels absolutely natural, with all elements positioned how they should be 130 | BEST HOMES

“

The best measure of whether a design works or not is how the finished composition resonates with the space.

Does it feel natural and right, as if all elements are placed as they should be? I think this design achieves that, which is all the more of an accomplishment considering the narrowness of the space and the requirements of the brief. We needed to include all the aspects of a fully functional bathroom and laundry. Given the limited width of the area, it was quite a challenge to install both a bath and a shower. By placing them side by side and using the shower screen as the divider between wet and dry areas,

Given the limited width of the area, it was quite a challenge to install both a bath and a shower.

Custom-made cabinets around the washing machine allow for storage.

this hurdle was stylishly cleared. Extending the bath shelf to run through the shower area, above the toilet to the vanity top, ensures the division isn’t terminal, lending continuity and flow across the entire design. Another win was being able to install custom-made cabinets around the washing machine, allowing for storage of towels, two washing baskets, and even an internally divided clothes hopper.� BH Designer Garrett Hebden for Better Bathrooms & Kitchens Vanity Custom design in Laminex Polar White Silk finish Vanity top Caesarstone and HanStone quartz in Aurora Snow Basin Ideal Standard Active undermount

Bath Decina Carina acrylic Shower Stepless with tiled base, fixed panels in clear toughened glass Taps Milli Edge bath mixer, Milli Edge Swivel, Mizu mixer Mirror Custom four-door cabinet front Toilet suite Life P Pan soft-close with Caroma under-counter cistern Lighting LED Accessories Architect towel rails

more info?

Better Bathrooms & Kitchens 03 9370 7288 justbetter.com.au

LEFT The bath and shower were placed side by side.

ABOVE The shower screen divides the wet and dry areas.

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member2016

The proximity to the outdoor entertaining area creates a sense of airiness and vibrancy.

Rich and raw Marble, stainless steel, timber and unique appliances combine to form a dramatic kitchen design

LEFT The kitchen’s position near the outdoor entertaining area cleverly brings the outside in, flooding the room with natural light.

BELOW The dramatic island bench boasts a mix of marble, timber and stainless steel.

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A TOUCH OF DRAMA The mountain ash natural timber breakfast bar adds a social element to the zone.

The unique tubular Smeg rangehood.

“

Proving that family-friendly doesn’t have to be understated, this lush kitchen is equal parts stylish and practical. The eye is instantly drawn to the dramatic island bench which boasts a mix of marble, timber and stainless steel to create an elegant look with an industrial twist. The combination of such durable materials also makes this kitchen incredibly easy to clean, an essential for the owner’s growing family. The breakfast bar adds a social element to the zone, while the open-plan layout maximises every centimetre of space. The proximity to the outdoor entertaining area cleverly brings the outside in, flooding the room with natural light and creating a sense of airiness and vibrancy.

Black appliances reaffirm the element of modish sophistication, which is upstaged only by the unique design of the tubular Smeg rangehood.

Abundant storage was also a major design consideration, with the Polytec cabinetry stylishly hiding all the kitchen essentials.”

Designer Phil O’Brien for Designer Kitchens BH

Cabinet doors Polytec Char Oak in Ravine finish Panels Black Wave marble and Polytec Char Oak Hinges and drawers Blum white Intivo soft close Pull-out bins Two 32-litre Häfele bins Benchtop Stainless steel with mountain ash natural timber breakfast bench Handles Shadow handles with stainlesssteel accents Splashback and wall tiles Black Wave groove tile Kickboards Brushed aluminium Flooring Polished timber Oven Gaggenau 200 Series combi-steam Cooktop Siemens 90cm induction Rangehood/canopy Smeg wall-mount Dishwasher Siemens integrated Refrigerator Liebherr fridge/freezer Sink Integrated stainless steel

more info?

Designer Kitchens 07 3844 1500 designerkitchens.com.au

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FREE GIFT WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE The interiors of our homes can influence our health and wellbeing.

Creating light-filled rooms with good thermal qualities, superior air quality, clever space planning, choice of materials and furnishings can make the difference between an average interior and an excellent interior.

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Through the use of curves and glass, there’s a view throughout almost the entire residence.

Living in paradise Transforming a simple beach house into a breathtaking Balinese resort-style residence, this multi-award-winning design proves innovative use of materials can achieve awe-inspiring results 138 | BEST HOMES

Corian adds dramatic effect in the kitchen, thanks to carefully integrated illumination. A dazzling aquarium was also created here.

SHOWSTOPPING DESIGN New Guinea rosewood was used for the flooring.

T

he brief to designer Mark Gacesa of Ultraspace was to create a home that would make the clients feel as if they were on a permanent vacation. The design needed to combine showstopping looks with highly robust qualities.

The combination of beauty, flexibility and strength made DuPont Corian the compelling choice for surfaces throughout the project.

Corian Lava Rock was chosen in the master bathroom to create seamless harmony with the charcoal stone flooring and Lava Rock woven wall panelling. Its lightweight properties were ideal for essential practical details, such as concealing the laundry chute flap.

In the office, the curved desk inlays in Corian Rice Paper accentuate the beautiful organic lines of the rosewood desktop and flow harmoniously into the lower-floor joinery, visually connecting the desk to the travertine marble floor.

And when day turns to night, the home is transformed into a real showstopper. The magnificent backlighting of Corian Witch Hazel creates a striking illusion of onyx marble, while perfectly complementing the contemporary elements during the day.

The result is a sleek and sexy residence that has won multiple awards, including the Queensland Interior Design Award and the Corian Design Awards. But, most importantly, it is a home the owners say no holiday destination can match. BH Designer: Mark Gacesa for Ultraspace, ultraspace.com.au Fabrication: Minka Joinery

more info?

DuPont Corian Solid Surface by CASF Australia 1800 267 426 casf.com.au

ABOVE The illuminated Corian congregation bench from CASF. RIGHT Corian Lava Rock in the master bathroom creates seamless harmony with the Lava Rock woven wall panelling.

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Bathrooms • Ceilings • Walls • Restoration Kitchen Splashbacks • Cupboards • New Buildings AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED Ph: (02) 6332 1738 Fax: (02) 6332 1896 Email: amanda@pressedtinpanels.com 22 Vale Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795 For more information and to find our stockists in Australia and New Zealand, visit our website:

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Modern industrial A unique, functional space with a standout commercial look The Belvedere granite benchtop is a superb addition to the space.

144 | BEST HOMES

“

This stylish kitchen in a beautiful Sunshine Coast home was individually designed for the taste, lifestyle and needs of the owners. The materials used in the design make it a unique space that is functional and perfect for entertaining. The clients wanted a commercial look that wouldn’t take over the kitchen but would stand out enough for it to be a feature of the home. The stainless-steel island on castors, with its distinct industrial appearance, balances out the room nicely. The Belvedere granite benchtop is a superb addition to the space, with its visually striking granite pattern.

LED sensor lights were placed under the wall cupboards for a high-tech twist, allowing for subtle bench lighting with the wave of a hand.

We installed a walk-in butler’s pantry hidden from view for meal preparation and cooking, which was very important for our clients’ love of entertaining. All in all, the owners had a brilliant concept and knew exactly what they wanted, and we converted that into reality.”

Designer Alan Schull for Kitchen Shop QLD BH

CONCEPT INTO REALITY The stainless-steel island on castors has a distinct industrial appearance.

Cabinet doors and panels American oak veneer, clear two-pack Kickboards Black recessed Internal hardware Blum drawers, inner drawers and hinges, Vauth-Sagel pull-out pantry Handles American oak recessed Benchtop Belvedere granite Splashback Toughened glass Oven and cooktop Siemens Refrigerator Samsung Taps Abey TINK kitchen mixer Accessories Domayne Lighting Stefano Orlati LED light strips in warm and cool

more info?

Kitchen Shop QLD 07 5491 6999 kitchenshop.com.au

ABOVE A walk-in butler’s pantry is hidden from view for meal preparation and cooking.

LEFT LED sensor lights under the wall cupboards add a high-tech twist.

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A grate selection for a grate match.

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Manufactured in Australia from marine grade stainless steel, Stormtech systems bring the perfect balance of style, durability and sustainability to both indoor and outdoor environments.

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For the love of coffee A Shaker-style kitchen with curves in all the right places

The coffee machine is an integral part of the kitchen.

148 | BEST HOMES

IMAGINATIVE DESIGN

The modern Shaker-style kitchen incorporates curved features that blend beautifully with the rest of the Art Decoinspired apartment.

“

This imaginatively designed kitchen blends generous functional workspace with storage, yet could be described as an elegant artwork in itself. Taking on a modern Shaker style, the kitchen incorporates curved features that blend beautifully with the rest of the Art Deco-inspired apartment. The curved corner benchtops, cabinets and doors invite your eye to wander freely around the space and appreciate all the subtle touches. We embraced the owners’ desire for their smaller stainless-steel appliances and coffee machine to become an integral part of the kitchen so they could explore their love of coffee. Centre stage, the beautiful

LEFT The generous functional workspace offers an abundance of storage.

ABOVE Calacatta Oro marble features to the island facade. veins of the vertical Calacatta Oro marble on the island facade are juxtaposed by the stainlesssteel island benchtop, which in turn makes the modern stainless-steel appliances unobtrusive and complementary to the overall feel. A discreet and intimate space, with separate sink and pull-out bin, has been added to encourage the owners’ barista-style passion for good coffee.”

Designer Juliet Black Interior Designs Builder Max Saliba for Gallery Co BH

more info?

Gallery Co 02 4577 3190 galleryco.com.au

Cabinet doors and kickboards Dulux Manorburn polyurethane recessed in Shaker style Internal hardware Blum hinges, Grass drawers Benchtop 20mm Corian to main kitchen, stainless steel to island, Calacatta Oro marble to island facade Splashback White tiles Oven and cooktop 120cm ILVE cooktop and oven with teppanyaki plate Rangehood Miele Refrigerator Liebherr Dishwasher Miele Mouldings Traditional concealed rangehood cabinet with timber bead features Flooring Original timber floorboards with black stain

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IMAGINATIVE DESIGN

The beautiful veins of the vertical Calacatta Oro marble on the island facade are juxtaposed by the stainless-steel island benchtop.

150 | BEST HOMES

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BEST HOMES

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This period-style home on Sydney’s lower north shore now has a garden that reflects its unique character.

154 | BEST HOMES

PERIOD-STYLE EXTRAVAGANCE

Sophisticated setting A luxurious garden adds the ďŹ nal touches to this period-style mansion

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PERIOD-STYLE EXTRAVAGANCE

ATC designed and integrated the spaces and assimilated the pool, tennis court, cabana, formal lawn and maze garden to seamlessly work with the residence.

A

ABOVE Formal planting avenues of the entry path have been installed using traditional-style paving materials to complete the property.

156 | BEST HOMES

Total Concept designed the extensive external areas of this large Sydney lower north shore estate to incorporate a swimming pool, tennis court, poolside cabana and courtyards, all set within traditional lawns and gardens.

Together with the renovations of their home, the homeowners wanted the exterior to provide the finishing touches to this quality periodstyle residence and offer a stunning outlook.

“The external areas of this property were very dilapidated, which allowed us to start the project from scratch. We were able to design and integrate the spaces and assimilate the pool, tennis court, cabana, formal lawn, maze garden, water court, covered entertaining decks, entry paths and driveway to seamlessly integrate with the architecturally designed residence,” says John Storch from A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers.

“The entire rear of the property fell away from the residence and was an unusable space, so we proposed to level this area to create functionality and make it relate to the home’s main structure by incorporating key design elements into the exterior spaces.”

A Total Concept’s team was able to negotiate this controversial proposal, which included elevating the levels approximately 3m onto neighbouring property boundaries, through local

council, saving the homeowners money and time, as well as the uncertainty of the Land and Environment Court.

“We undertake a lot of large complex projects where negotiation is needed with local authorities and our success rate for approval is high due to this experience. Often lateral thinking is needed to simply get the project built due to unusual site constraints such as bad access,” says John.

The main external complex consists of a cabana, swimming pool and tennis court, and is utilised for entertaining friends and family.

The traditional-style cabana, together with the integration of the extensive paved entertaining areas, formal poolside lawns and specifically chosen plants ensure the overall project is in keeping with the stately home.

At night, this garden comes to life as the tennis court is lit with spotlights, the poolside cabana offers LED downlighting in the ceiling, and energy-efficient LEDs illuminate the swimming pool and garden areas to create an exquisite light show and a montage of dancing shadows. A quality internal and external sound system and all electrical components including lights, irrigation plus swimming pool heater and spa jets are linked to the residence’s smart home system and add to this entertainer’s oasis.

The formal lawn areas create a soft transition

ABOVE AND RIGHT The garden ornaments, such as the rustic urns, archways, patterned paving and decorative fencing, and the overall design of each exterior space reflect the style of the home.

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The crystal-blue water shimmers against the surrounding greenery.

158 | BEST HOMES

PERIOD-STYLE EXTRAVAGANCE from the residence to the tennis court and swimming pool. The traditional maze garden entertains both children and adults alike while the water court provides a quiet, reflective space for those seeking some time out. The lighting and formal planting avenues of the entry path and driveway have been installed using traditionalstyle paving materials to complete the property.

Traditional garden plants suitable for use in the Australian environment have been utilised throughout the garden, each with its own individuality. They include formal hedges of Buxus japonica (Japanese box), Michelia figo (port wine magnolia) and Buxus sempervirens (English box), plus Cupressus torulosa (pencil pine), Cerastium tomentosum (snow-insummer), Clivia, Salvia ‘Spires’ and Gardenia magnifica ‘Professor Pucci’.

A Total Concept is an established awardwinning design and management practice specialising in the integration of beautiful and functional swimming pools, gardens and cabanas for all styles of homes. John Storch and his team have achieved a beautiful external environment for the homeowners of this residence, enhancing the functionality of the home and, inevitably, the value of the property. BH

more info?

A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers 02 9957 5122 atotalconcept.com.au ABOVE The traditional maze garden entertains both children and adults alike.

BELOW Traditional garden plants suitable for use in the Australian environment have been utilised throughout the garden.

The poolside cabana has been designed with builtin cabinetry, including a sink, wine fridge, bar and a bathroom facility with shower, toilet and basin.

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The sparkling water of the Italian glass-tiled swimming pool contrasts beautifully with the surrounding sandstone paving, as well as the porcelain tiles utilised inside the poolside cabana.

160 | BEST HOMES

PERIOD-STYLE EXTRAVAGANCE

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SERENE SCENE A lush lawn and steps lead up to a deep-blue glass mosaic-tiled pool and comfortable casual seating.

162 | BEST HOMES

Contemporary classic A calm, serene and completely private space has been created for this northern beaches family, who now enjoy a visually connected pool and outdoor entertaining area PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Busch

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T

his project on Sydney’s northern beaches was all-important to the family who lives here. Ten years earlier they had filled in a pool and made way for a cubby house, but now that their family had developed and changed, they wanted an amazing new pool to better fit in with the landscape that sloped dramatically from one side to the other. A pool and outdoor entertainment were now their highest priorities.

“I wanted to create a calm, serene and completely private space that had an element of style which was very suited to the owners,” says Matthew Leacy from Landart Landscapes + Pools, who was entrusted with the design and construction of the space.

However, the backyard presented to Matthew featured a huge eucalypt raised about 2m above the rest of the levels in the garden. From the

ABOVE The outdoor kitchen/dining area has an automatic retractable awning, and a mirror above the servery enables vision of the pool from inside the house.

BELOW Scala travertine paving from Eco Outdoor is an elegant touch for the long, wide steps leading up to the seating and pool surrounds.

A feature wall of rendered steelreinforced blockwork in a bespoke colour created especially for this project is positioned behind the barbecue.

164 | BEST HOMES

SERENE SCENE base of the tree, the land dropped away and was completely unusable. There was also a hidden pool underground that had to be completely removed before anything else could happen. “Access was tight but we built bridges and found a way to get a small excavator in there,” recalls Matthew.

The updated backyard now accommodates a sophisticated outdoor kitchen/dining area, lush lawn and steps leading up to a deep-blue glass mosaic-tiled pool and comfortable casual seating. “All the areas we’ve created are visually connected but feel separate and private when you are in them,” says Matthew. “I love the way the design invites you out into the space and entices you to explore your way through it. It’s a bit of a contradiction but contemporary classic is definitely the way I would describe it — beautiful, clean lines complemented with soft, green gardens.”

The outdoor kitchen/dining area has an automatic retractable awning, and a mirror above the servery enables vision of the pool from inside the house. A feature wall of rendered steel-reinforced blockwork in a bespoke colour created especially for this project features behind the barbecue. Frameless glass pool fencing ensures the beautiful view of the pool is not impeded from any angle.

The use of Scala travertine paving from Eco Outdoor is an elegant touch for the outdoor kitchen/dining area, the steps leading up to the seating, and pool surrounds. The long, wide, inviting steps adjacent to the lawn and dining area have strip lights underneath them for added appeal at night.

For the all-important plant selection, a lilly pilly hedge provides privacy, while pleached pear trees offer scale to the house without

boxing in the garden. Box hedges and mass planting of jasmine groundcover were also used, while in the feature pots there are Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’ balls with Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ spilling over the edge.

The reinvented space that Landart Landscapes + Pools created now suits the family and their northern beaches lifestyle perfectly and is the peaceful haven they dreamed of. “The clients are really special; the dynamics of the project followed their lead and the end result is a product of their trust and enthusiasm,” says Matthew. BH

more info?

Landart Landscapes + Pools 02 9958 0462 landart.com.au

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168 | BEST HOMES

AWARD-WINNING BEAUTY A feature wall that sits at the back of the pool includes LED lights to bring the pool to life in the evenings.

Luminescent marvel This award-winning design is perfect all year round

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Built to be both functional and beautiful, the spa is set partially under cover so that it can be used even when raining.

170 | BEST HOMES

AWARD-WINNING BEAUTY

T

hese days, award-winning pools need to be more than just beautiful. Although this featured design by FreeStyle Pools won the 2014 MBA Excellence in Pools award for Traditional or Geometric Concrete Pool over $100k, it is so much more.

Built for a busy family with three children, the pool was created to accommodate all family members while being a standout feature in the backyard. The large structure was built on the irregular-shaped rear boundary of the home so that it nests into the “kink” along the fence line. This placement ensured there is a sizeable grassed area for the children to play and parents to entertain.

The pool itself is rectangular in shape and was designed to be long enough for lap swimming.

A feature wall that sits at the back of the pool includes LED lights to bring the pool to life in the evenings. Pedestal stepping stones sit at the base of the feature wall, which acts as a barrier for little kids in the shallow play area. Two

underwater speakers are also included, which are synchronised with the home’s music system.

From a maintenance point of view, the pool looks after itself with a water-management system that regulates the pH and chlorine levels to avoid stinging eyes and a chemical smell. Additional features include a Paramount PV3 in-floor cleaning system, swim jets for swim training and for the children to play, as well as gas and solar heating to keep the pool warm year-round.

With so many different functions included with the pool, turning on each item had to be simple enough for the children to do. This was easily achieved with the in-house touchpad on the automation system. It takes the complexity out of the pumps, valves and plumbing so that it automatically activates each function and avoids potential damage due to incorrect sequencing. It is simple enough for anyone to use.

A stunning glass wall separates the pool and spa to create a luminescent fishbowl-type feature that

ABOVE The pool itself is rectangular in shape and was designed to be long enough for lap swimming. glows at night while the lights and jets are running.

The pool’s interior is fully tiled with Ezarri glass mosaics and metallic-look Ezarri Space Capricorn tiles in the spa. Built to be both functional and beautiful, the spa is set partially under cover so that it can be used even when raining.

The cabana is set outside the pool area for fencing compliance, but works so that the space can be accessed easily even if the pool isn’t being used. An extended paved spot for sunlounges is set out of the way so children can play and adults can supervise while relaxing. BH

more info?

FreeStyle Pools 02 9875 1122 freestylepools.net.au

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AWARD-WINNING BEAUTY

172 | BEST HOMES

The pool’s placement ensures there is a sizeable grassed area for the children to play and parents to entertain.

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Luxury outdoor living A host of grand touches combines to create the ultimate statement in alfresco luxury PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Brennan

T

he finishing touch to a knock-downrebuild project, this landscape was, quite simply, designed to be the ultimate in luxury outdoor living.

The home has a classic French vibe with a contemporary edge for modern living and was appointed to a very high standard, so the landscape also had to reflect and complement that brief.

“We sought to create a series of outdoor living spaces which can be used for both quiet contemplation and effortless entertaining — a luxury outdoor living environment,” says Adrian Swain, director of ecodesign.

The team designed the garden, swimming pool and external features, and also selected and specified the materials for construction, providing a comprehensive landscape design package to tender stage.

174 | BEST HOMES

FORMAL FLAVOUR A formal water feature bowl takes pride of place in the front of the classic French-inspired property.

ABOVE A key attraction of the project is the pool with its water jets, large swim-out area and stepping pad pathway, plus the pergola with modern integrated laser-cut screening.

BELOW The home was appointed to a very high standard.

They created the beautiful formal garden layout, with white crepe myrtles and ornamental pears planted as feature trees. For hedging they incorporated Buxus sempervirens, plus Waterhousea screening to the rear and Pyrus lusitanica to the front. The garden also features a selection of liriope evergreen giant, lilly pilly topiary and Rhaphiolepis indica alba.

In the front garden, one is welcomed by the articulated front boundary fence with entry

gates. A formal water feature bowl also takes pride of place in the front of the property.

At the rear, one encounters the impressive winter courtyard and the swimming pool, which was to be integrated into the internal and external living spaces. As the property is located on a corner block, privacy for the pool and entertaining areas was of great importance.

A key attraction of the project, according to Adrian, is the pool with its water jets, large BEST HOMES

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FORMAL FLAVOUR The swimming pool was integrated into the internal and external living spaces.

BELOW AND RIGHT The outdoor and indoor spaces seamlessly merge in this property.

swim-out area and stepping pad pathway, plus the pergola with modern integrated laser-cut screening. “I love the pool and the picture window to the lounge room,” he says.

Now the homeowners have a host of outdoor urban havens to choose from regardless of the season — whether it’s for moments of quiet contemplation or entertaining family and friends. BH

more info? ecodesign Pty Ltd 02 9680 7703 ecodesign.com.au

176 | BEST HOMES

178 | BEST HOMES

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

A new outlook This reimagined rear garden has given a growing family a fresh perspective and a new lease on life PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Turner

Inge came up with a design that is contemporary and pared-back, with a formal English undertone that references the home’s brick exterior.

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FRESH PERSPECTIVE

T

Bifold doors open the home to the rear garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

180 | BEST HOMES

he owners of this home in Box Hill North, east of Melbourne, turned to Inge Jabara of Inge Jabara Landscapes to design a multifunctional, multi-generational garden that would give the family a fresh perspective and an enhanced outdoor lifestyle.

Wide bifold doors opening the home to the rear garden created a seamless indoor–outdoor flow, an essential element for the homeowners.

Ensuring the outlook from inside the house was something special was just as important, as was designing spaces that could cater for small children and adults alike.

More specifically, the brief called for a garden that was easy to use. There was to be a swimming pool and spa area, a lawn where the children could play, a stylish deck for entertaining and, overall, a greater degree of privacy from neighbours. The style was left to Inge, who came up with a design that is contemporary and pared-back, with a formal English undertone that references the home’s brick exterior.

The fully tiled, solar-heated pool, designed

by Inge Jabara and built by Access Pools, is

controlled by a Wi-Fi pad inside the house and stands 1.2m above the original ground level. It includes a raised spa, also solar-heated, with a polished concrete seat on two sides. The pool surrounds are paved in bluestone, its sophisticated grey tones complementing the concrete seat and contrasting the warm hues of the spotted gum decking at the far end of the pool area.

A feature screen of treated pine slats extends part way along one side of the pool; on the other side, and along the section that connects with the elevated deck at the rear of the residence, glass fencing keeps the area protected while ensuring unobstructed views.

The other part of the garden is taken up by an expanse of lawn that provides the children with a soft and safe surface for outdoor games. Access to the lawn and the pool is via a set of concrete steps that lead down from the covered deck that flows from the rear of the house, giving the family the quintessential indoor–outdoor living space.

Newly created garden beds border the lawn.

There is bamboo to screen the boundary, a Japanese maple as a feature tree, a box hedge by the steps that will be tiered as it grows,

jasmine as a fragrant border, and feathery miscanthus for interest and softness. In choosing the plants, consideration was given to the existing brush fence and the need to integrate it into the new design.

The existing deck was revitalised, with the Inge Jabara Landscapes’ construction team sanding back and restaining the original decking boards and extending it out to the boundary to maximise the space and create a new outdoor entertaining area.

Landscape lighting, sourced by Gardens at Night, was placed in the garden beds and alongside the steps, and the pool lighting was upgraded to be multi-coloured. This works in harmony with the deck lighting to make this garden an inviting space to use at night, as well as a beautiful vista to behold when looking out from the house. BH

ABOVE The pool surrounds are paved in bluestone, its sophisticated grey tones contrast with the warm hues of the spotted gum decking at the far end of the pool area.

BELOW A feature screen of treated pine slats extends part way along one side of the pool.

more info?

Inge Jabara Landscapes 03 9046 1966 ingejabaralandscapes.com.au

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The recycled hardwood pergola is designed to fit in with the woodland forest and allows for one person’s small getaway.

Sense of calm An award-winning natural woodland forest with a beautiful rocky stream provides a relaxing retreat from daily life PHOTOGRAPHY Giulia Giannini McGauran

E

ach year, Landscaping Victoria hosts a boutique gardens competition in conjunction with the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Finalists are given a modest 5m x 5m space in which to build a garden that pushes design boundaries and showcases innovative ways to maximise small outdoor spaces.

Ben Harris Gardens was awarded first place with the lush Calming Waters garden, which Ben designed and constructed.

“The boutique garden needed to be 5m x 5m

182 | BEST HOMES

but apart from that there was no brief given,” says Ben. “Calming Waters is a healing garden designed to nurture contentment and peace of mind by capturing the relaxing nature of moving water.”

Calming Waters provides a retreat from daily life, allowing visitors to be distracted from everyday problems, reconnect with nature and be restored. Central to the densely planted, woodland-inspired garden is a natural rock stream that meanders around a glade of graceful silver birches, widening as it approaches a

secluded rustic timber pergola. This provides a quiet space for contemplation and is a perfect spot to unwind at the end of a stressful day.

The soothing sound of running water evokes tranquillity and peace, while the movement provides constant interest.

“The natural stream was a key design feature,” explains Ben. “It twists and turns through the forest, starting slowly and speeding up. The sound of the water is designed to be calming, hence the name Calming Waters.

The pergola is made from recycled Australian hardwood (a mix of red gum and spotted gum), to complement the woodland and stream. It is designed to fit in with the woodland forest and allows for one person’s small getaway. “A stream that looks as though it has always been there needs a pergola that looks like it has been there forever, too,” says Ben. “I wanted the pergola to look as though it had been there for a long time.”

Silver birch trees (Betula pendula ‘Moss White’) provide the main upper storey of the woodland, creating the forest atmosphere.

They were chosen for their height and beautiful white trunks, and also because their foliage is relatively sparse, which gives the forest an open

SERENE WATERS feel. Their graceful weeping habit creates restful lines over the running stream. Yellow leaves in autumn also provide seasonal interest.

The understorey includes plants with a mostly analogous green colour scheme to induce a serene feeling. Hostas, sweet flag and hellebores are among the plants that create a palette of yellow-greens, blue-greens and deep greens.

A variety of foliage textures combine to create an interesting scene, from the small leaves of box next to the toothed leaves of hellebores, and the fine dainty fronds of maidenhair ferns against the large foliage of the hostas.

Woodland underplantings complete the theme, with maidenhair ferns, liriope, Korean box, plectranthus and hydrangeas. Camellia sasanqua form the back screen. All plants were chosen for their interesting foliage and form. For example, the soft, fine foliage of the maidenhair ferns is accentuated next to the strong, bold foliage of the hostas.

Outdoor lighting from Gardens at Night uplights several of the silver birches and the pergola. Several lights shine on the water surface to accentuate the ripples of the stream.

“This garden was about replicating the very best of nature, with a light human footprint, rather than entertaining,” says Ben. “So there were few bells and whistles.” BH

more info?

ABOVE The natural stream was a key design feature.

BELOW Central to the densely planted, woodland-inspired garden is a natural rock stream that evokes tranquillity and peace.

Ben Harris Gardens 0408 902 573 bhgardens.com.au

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YEAR-ROUND ESCAPE The decks beside the pool provide plenty of room for lounging in the sun, relaxing with the family or entertaining friends.

Laidback luxury Summer through winter, this chic rustic garden makes entertaining a delight PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Redmond

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YEAR-ROUND ESCAPE The paved area adjacent to the outdoor room provides an additional space for entertaining.

It sits beneath an open-roofed pergola and features comfortable lounge furniture.

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e expect a great deal from our outdoor spaces. Not only do they need to look good, they need to be just as enjoyable to use on a chilly winter’s night as they are on a hot summer day. In this alfresco retreat, designed by Chris Weiss, director of Formation Landscapes, we see the ultimate year-round outdoor living space.

Every effort was made to maximise the family’s trans-seasonal entertaining opportunities. It was also important that the space complement the architectural style of the house and provide areas where adults and children alike could gather and play outside.

The overall feel is one of laidback luxury. The look? Chris describes it as “rustic chic”. While the end result may radiate an aura of relaxation and effortless elegance, creating the family’s

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dream entertaining space was not without challenges for the Formation Landscapes’ construction team. The rear garden had a slope that needed to be tamed and access could only be gained via adjacent parkland.

The outdoor room is perfect for entertaining and contains everything the family needs to cook, dine and unwind … plus a great deal more. There is an outdoor kitchen equipped with a barbecue, wood-fired pizza oven and double bar fridge, and next to that, a dining area. The lounge, just a step or two away from the dining space, is oriented towards a feature wall boasting a stone-clad surface, a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor television.

For added winter warmth there are two column heaters and to cool things down in summer there are ceiling fans. Less obvious but no less important, the outdoor room has a speaker system

and a hidden bathroom/change room.

The creation of a fully tiled swimming pool with an integrated spa and poolside decking was part of the design brief. The decks beside the pool provide plenty of room for lounging in the sun, relaxing with the family or entertaining friends. The elevated spa is perfectly positioned so that when you’re ensconced within its warm, bubbling water you can chat with people sitting in the outdoor room.

There is a paved area adjacent to the outdoor room, providing an additional space for entertaining. This sits beneath an openroofed pergola and features comfortable lounge furniture along with an outdoor shower. Sawn bluestone was used for the paving in this area and the pool surrounds. This is complemented by grey ironbark decking around the pool.

The mix of materials gives the garden its

The garden has a modern rustic aesthetic, enhanced by the use of large recycled ironbark beams and Alpine stone cladding.

ABOVE The lounge is just a step or two away from the dining space.

BELOW A feature wall boasts a stone-clad surface, a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor television. modern rustic aesthetic, an effect especially enhanced by the use of large recycled ironbark beams, radial sawn timber screening and Alpine stone cladding. To soften the hardscaping materials and give the garden a lush green feel, the planting palette includes cycads, frangipani, magnolias and bamboo. To keep the plants well watered, a drip irrigation system was installed and a 22,500-litre water tank placed under the rear lawn.

To light the garden, Formation Landscapes turned to Gardens at Night. Between them, they devised an extensive lighting plan that truly brings the garden to life after dark. BH

more info?

Formation Landscapes 03 9044 7910 formationlandscapes.com.au

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FAMILY RETREAT

The fun factor A superb Sydney pool and spa project that offers something for everyone in the family, regardless of their age 190 | BEST HOMES

ABOVE The amazing fake rock water feature is great for the kids to jump off or swim underneath.

BELOW LEFT The pool was built on a large, flat block.

BELOW RIGHT The 9m-long pool is a key design of the family’s entertaining area and is an amazing focal point when viewed from within the luxurious home.

A

Travertine features to the pool surrounds.

good pool design is one that not only looks great, but is also functional, according to Aquastone Pools & Landscapes co-owner, Gavin Bazley. “This pool in Sydney’s Strathfield ticks all of those boxes,” says Gavin.

The homeowners have two young children and wanted their pool to complement their modern new home. They also needed it to incorporate a fun factor for their children and friends.

“It really has something for everyone,” says

Gavin. “There’s a spa that both the adults and kids can enjoy, and an amazing fake rock water feature that is great for the kids to jump off or swim underneath. The fun doesn’t stop there, however, as there’s also a fantastic waterslide that will keep the kids entertained for hours.”

The 9m-long pool is a key design of the family’s entertaining area and is an amazing focal point when viewed from within the luxurious home. The contemporary residence is on a large, flat block so the pool could have been positioned BEST HOMES

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The pool was built close to the house so it becomes a feature of the entertaining area.

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FAMILY RETREAT

The proximity of the house to the pool allows parents to watch the children swim from inside or outside the house.

BELOW The waterslide keeps the kids entertained for hours.

anywhere, however, it was built close to the house so it becomes a feature of the entertaining area.

This allows parents to watch the children swim from inside or outside, as frameless glass fencing ensures an unimpeded view.

“It is an extremely beautiful and stylish space with its fully tiled interior and choice of travertine for the surrounds,” says Gavin.

Complemented by LED lighting and pool heating, this design perfectly demonstrates that good looks and functionality can go hand in hand — with a touch of fun thrown in for good measure. BH

more info?

Aquastone Pools & Landscapes 02 9679 0752 aquastone.com.au BEST HOMES

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Truly captivating Whether sitting amid the treetops or resting in the tropical outdoor space, the eect of this garden is mesmerising WORDS Chris Slaughter, Sydney-based landscape designer and founder of Scenic Blue Design

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WATER’S EDGE

The cantilevered lower deck provides a serene view of the surrounding landscape and the nearby river.

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WATER’S EDGE BELOW The outdoor kitchen has a brightly coloured splashback set at a height that allows a view of the river.

RIGHT The transition from the waterside residence to the dining area and outdoor kitchen is seamless.

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his is a garden of true absorption, which is why I was so captivated when I first met the owners, heard their wish list and saw the property’s hidden potential.

Walking through the home you catch glimpses of the water, its surface glistening in the sun.

Drawn closer by this, you quickly realise the newly designed upper garden is woven into the fabric of the home, with a seamless transition from inside to out.

As soon as you step outside, the outdoor dining room stands before you. To one side of that is a large outdoor kitchen with barbecue, wok, stone worktop and a brightly coloured back wall set at a height that allows you to see the estuary of the river below. Allowing in dappled sun, there is a bespoke pergola, slowly being canopied by an ornamental vine.

Sitting in this space, you are amid the treetops at a level only experienced by the local fauna.

As you walk towards the trees, you look over the balustrade and spy another level, which cantilevers over a lush garden below. This level has a lounge area which is within touching distance of one of the large angophora trees.

How can I get there, you wonder? A flowing set of shallow steps melting around the stone wall beckons you. With the size of the steps, the journey feels more of a glide down than a stomp, and the steps are wide enough for you to stop, sit and savour the view of the tree canopies and river beyond.

The outdoor lounge setting lets you absorb the unique experience of being in the treetops and enjoying the rustling of the breeze-tickled leaves and the whispering trickle of the water feature.

Curiosity kicks in again and you find yourself reaching out to touch nearby tree branches. You also find yourself looking down on the tropical garden below. Wondering how you can get there,

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you follow the outer edges of the lounge area until you find a path tucked away on the side.

The path beckons and slowly you start descending into the tropical garden. Passing large, sun-kissed paddle plants of many colours, you travel along a rustic path whose course is dictated by large natural bedrock outcrops.

Before you know it, you’re in a completely different world — a lush, cool, totally consuming place that takes you down to the water’s edge and past benches positioned so you can sit and take in the view.

Looking back up at the house, you can now appreciate just how impressive the cantilevered outdoor lounge area really is. While this paved outdoor space is actually easy to access, it seems an almost untouchable area due to the overhang.

This is a garden of many spaces; from the one that takes you down to the water’s edge to the upper outdoor dining and lounging areas, each provides a totally different set of experiences.

With 48 years of collective experience, The Scenic Iconic Landscaping Group has all the skills to handle the entire project to ensure your dream at concept stage is obtained and delivered in a timely manner and at a known cost before the ground is cut. The team is able The custom-built pergola will soon be covered in an ornamental vine to provide shade in summer.

On the next level down you can savour the experience of being among the treetops.

to provide you with a program of works for the entire project very early in the creative process. This is one of the company policies and allows the team to ensure the project is moulded to your personal desires.

Working in simple stages allows results to be achieved at a speed that suits you, along with any circumstances that need to be considered when designing, programming

and delivering such high-quality and attentionto-detail projects. BH

more info?

Scenic Blue Design 0405 663 222 scenicbluedesign.com.au

Before.

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Heart of glass With a glass wall at the end of it, this magniďŹ cent pool and spa design blends superbly into the backyard 198 | BEST HOMES

MODERN TOUCH The pool works well with the house design and there is circulation between the two.

ABOVE The real standout of the design is the glass wall at one end of the pool.

BELOW The spa is located at the opposite end to the glass wall.

T

his family with three young children who love swimming required not only entertainment from their pool, but also a space that interacts with the rumpus area of their modern contemporary home.

Faced with an 800m² block with a gentle slope, Design Pools created an eye-catching, 8m x 4m-long, mosaic-tiled pool plus spa, and a feature wall to hide all pool equipment from view. But the real standout of the design is the glass wall at one end of the pool.

“This project really makes excellent use of the land and space,” says Brian Formosa of Design Pools. “There was good use of the

ground levels, where the pool is out of the ground on the eastern end. The pool works well with the house design and there is circulation between the two, with some great landscaping and ideas to bring the two structures together.

The separation of the house and pool is ideal for entertaining.” BH

more info?

Design Pools 02 9546 1330 0418 212 993 designpools.com.au

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LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR LIVING

THE NUSA DUA OUTDOOR FURNITURE COLLECTION EXCLUSIVE TO BALI REPUBLIC

1300 430 809 I BALIREPUBLIC.COM.AU

MODERN ZEN Kihara Landscapes designed outdoor spaces to complement the very modern, somewhat imposing two-storey residence.

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Touches of tranquility Simple and serene, the Japanese gardens that embrace this home are elegant and relaxing PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Redmond

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MODERN ZEN

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hen designing the outdoor spaces around this residence, Moto Kihara of Kihara Landscapes worked directly with Rex Lin Architects, the firm responsible for the design of the house. This was a very close, collaborative effort, with the architect valuing Moto’s vast experience in the creation of authentic Japanese gardens and Moto respecting the various material selections that had been made and seamlessly integrating them into his design.

Kihara Landscapes was engaged by the architect to design outdoor spaces that would complement the very modern, somewhat imposing two-storey residence. The brief was for a simple, contemporary, Japanese-style outdoor design that would have a modern Zen feel in one area and a more traditional, but still pared-back look in the other. Both areas needed to complement the grand scale of the house.

The courtyard-style outdoor entertaining and living space which flows off the kitchen and is accessed via massive glass doors is minimalist.

Kihara Landscapes installed two low-lying ponds along the large white feature wall and paved the space in large-format Aland slate by Cave, supplied by Rock & Stone. The ponds were fitted with bubblers so you can both hear and see the water moving, which adds to

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the tranquility of the space.

A single honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’) stands in the centre of the courtyard, chosen by the architect for its bright green colour and the shape of the branches. Adjacent to it stands an elegant, minimalist bench that conceals a slimline barbecue.

The second area, which can be seen from the living area and is located at the front of the house, is based on the more classical gardens typically seen in traditional ryokanstyle accommodation in Japan. The planting is the feature of this space and includes Acer palmatum ‘Ichigyoji’ surrounded by large sawn honeycomb rocks from Rocks Plus.

This part of the garden also features Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’. These are both striking Japanese maples that colour at different times and bring more interest to the garden in autumn when they produce a variety of reds and golds.

They also complement the spectacular autumn foliage which can be seen from the street.

Azaleas play an integral role in the front garden, as they do in most traditional Japanese gardens.

They have been planted along the boundary wall and provide a beautiful spring display of floral colour and a vista of rich green foliage all year round. To break up the white expanse of the wall that leads along the side of the garden and the

The planting includes Acer palmatum ‘Ichigyoji’ surrounded by large sawn honeycomb rocks and striking Japanese maples.

ABOVE To break up the white expanse of the wall that leads along the side of the garden and the house, inbuilt planters feature star jasmine.

The second area, which can be viewed from the living area, is based on the more classical gardens typically seen in traditional ryokan-style accommodation in Japan.

house, inbuilt planters feature star jasmine.

The house has massive glass windows so the outdoor spaces were designed to present a peaceful outlook day and night. After the sun sets, a well-considered LED lighting scheme, which includes the strip lighting underneath the star jasmine, the uplighting under the maples and the pond lighting, transforms the gardens into places of enchantment. BH

more info?

Kihara Landscapes 0424 982 876 kiharalandscapes.com.au Home design Rex Lin Architects 0412 036 595 Paving supplier Rock & Stone 03 9571 6266 rocknstone.com.au Rock supplier Rocks Plus 03 8761 6930 rocksplus.com.au

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Stepping out Wherever you step outside, here you are greeted by lush gardens and welcoming spaces PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Turner

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FOCUS ON QUALITY Fifteen large gum trees are dotted around the lawn, while bluestone-clad walling and granite paving feature in the outdoor entertaining area.

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FOCUS ON QUALITY

T

his property demonstrates what can be achieved when quality design and construction are teamed with quality materials and plants. “The owners asked us to design and build for them a garden that would reflect the architectural style of the newly constructed house, work in harmony with the natural surrounds, have a functional layout, and offer the occasional focal point that would provide something special” says Darren Wilmott of DJ Landscapes.

Given the significant size of the project, different garden styles were used in different areas.

The two internal courtyards have a very modern feel, with clean-lined timber decks, laser-cut Corten light boxes and climbing frames.

The rear garden has a warmer look and a more natural feel due to the 15 large gum trees dotted around the lawn, as well as the bluestoneclad walling and granite paving in the outdoor entertaining area. This entertaining space, with its outdoor kitchen with built-in barbecue and sink and stand-alone pizza oven, captures pictureperfect views of the landscaped rear garden.

“The front garden is slightly more traditional, although the hero of the space is a contemporary 3m stainless steel and Corten sculpture that emerges from a band of Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’.

The two-toned aggregate driveway leads to the garage.

ABOVE The front garden is slightly more traditional, with a contemporary 3m stainless steel and Corten sculpture.

RIGHT This entertaining space, with its outdoor kitchen with built-in barbecue and sink, captures picture-perfect views of the landscaped rear garden.

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BELOW The internal courtyards have a very modern feel, with clean-lined timber decks.

From the front garden you cross the two-toned aggregate driveway to the garage,” says Darren.

“Chris Horowitz from Metromix not only supplied the aggregate concretes, which had to cover a space of more than 600m², he also guided us through the selection and implementation processes.”

More than 300m² of ebony flamed granite was used in this project (for the porches, drop-down faces and feature stepping pavers) and more than 100m² of sawn bluestone (to clad the retaining wall/seat around the rear of the property and the feature steps leading to the lawn). Darren liaised with Tim Finocchiaro at Pavers Plus and he used their new display centre, located in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood, to help with product selection.

Warners Nurseries provided the plants for the garden. The arresting palette of plants includes maples and ‘Teddy Bear’ magnolias with underplantings of Murraya paniculata, Gardenia florida, Liriope muscari ‘Elmarco’ and ‘Red Wing’ azaleas. In the courtyards, the feature elements of the planting are Ligustrum indica, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ and large cycads.

Stormwater from the property is pumped into two large water tanks at the rear and is used for irrigation. The irrigation system, supplied by Smart Water, has a Hydrawise controller that uses realtime sensors, via a smart device, to control water patterns with economical distribution to the dripper pipe in the garden beds and pop-ups in the lawn.

At night, the garden takes on a new look thanks to the 50 Brilliant LED stainless-steel bollards and spotlights, also supplied by Smart Water. BH

more info?

Landscape design and construction by DJ Landscapes 0408 998 594 djlandscapes.com.au Plants by Warners Nurseries 03 9796 9422 warners.com.au Concrete by Metromix 1300 925 859 Irrigation and lighting by Smart Water 03 9800 2177 smartwatershop.com.au Natural stone by Pavers Plus 03 9870 0900 paverplus.com.au

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Working the angles No matter what the viewing point, this Sydney garden has all the angles fully covered PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Brennan

The sculpture garden is delineated by white gravel and studded with decorative topiary balls of clipped Japanese box and silver berry.

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EASY FLOW

E

nsuring an easy flow from inside to out is always a priority when designing a garden, as is capturing pleasing vistas that can be enjoyed when looking out from the home. Such was the case with this renovated Californian bungalow, the rear wall of which featured expansive bifold glass doors.

“The garden can be viewed from almost anywhere in the house, chiefly the kitchen, lounge room and central corridor, as well as from different points within the garden itself,” says landscape architect Nick Kennedy from Art in Green. “The goal was to make the rear garden design work from all those different angles.”

Starting with the space directly outside the lounge room, there is a minimalist central courtyard complementing the modern interior.

The courtyard boasts mounded beds of Korean temple grass and a feature honey locust tree.

Adjacent to the master bedroom is a sitting area with a “floor” of concrete pavers broken up by geometric channels planted with an ornamental grass. “This area features a series of white custom-made steel lamp posts,” says Nick.

“These add a sense of enclosure and intimacy; they also act as an open screen that allows a clear view to the sculpture garden.”

The sculpture garden is delineated by white gravel and studded with decorative topiary balls of clipped Japanese box and silver berry. Here the focal point is the Sphere metal sculpture

ABOVE The courtyard boasts mounded beds of Korean temple grass.

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EASY FLOW

A wall of recycled sandstone was added along the rear boundary.

from Lump Sculpture Studio, which boasts a red powder-coated finish to match the carpet inlay of the lounge room. This is embraced by a softly curved, rendered garden seat, painted white to reference the white powder-coated finish of the angular lamp posts.

A mix of materials was employed for textural interest. A wall of recycled sandstone was added along the rear boundary, which references a sandstone path and pillar in the more traditional front garden. “This wall links the two sitting areas at the back and is a feature that is visible not just from the courtyard, but also from the kitchen at the front of the house,” says Nick.

“We used recycled sandstone because it is a natural material that contrasts with the manmade pavers, rendered bench seat, steel lamp

ABOVE The recycled sandstone references a sandstone path and pillar in the more traditional front garden.

RIGHT In the sculpture garden, the focal point is the Sphere metal sculpture from Lump Sculpture Studio.

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posts and rendered house exterior.

“The biggest challenge was that so many areas were viewed from so many different angles and had to look great from all those angles. For example, the sculpture garden is viewed at one angle from the inside of the house when walking down the corridor, from another when in the lounge room, and from another when sitting in the paved area outside the master bedroom.” Clearly, he was able to work all the angles to perfection. BH

more info?

Art in Green 02 9807 2677 artingreen.com.au

Bamboo -

A soft green alternative How does Red Cloud Bamboo do business?

Red Cloud Bamboo stocks up to 20 different species of bamboo in various container sizes – from 20cm to 500lt pot size.

Red Cloud Bamboo can advise you on what species will best suit your needs, whether it is a 20m-high green windbreak or an individual single stem. A wide range of bamboo can be successfully grown in Melbourne and it offers a spectacular opportunity in

Courtesy of Jack Merlo Design

landscape design.

For the widest selection of quality Bamboo in large container format, please

Landscape architects, designers, builders and nurseries can contact Red Cloud Bamboo direct to order or discuss their requirements. Red Cloud Bamboo will grow project quantities upon request and/or seek out specific requirements. All product is healthy, disease free and well maintained. Plants are available for inspection and selection at Red Cloud Bamboo’s Heatherton property.

Courtesy of Creative Outdoor Solutions

contact Red Cloud Bamboo and discuss your needs.

116 Old Dandenong Road Heatherton VIC 3202 Phone 03 9551 8559 Mobile 0418 552 170 sales@redcloudbamboo.com.au www.redcloudbamboo.com.au

Coastal classic This award-winning water’s-edge garden is an inspiring example of construction excellence PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Brennan

Large bottle trees, mature frangipani, Kentia palms, kangaroo paws, Mauritius hemp, cordylines and lomandra were all chosen to add colour while able to withstand the harsh harbourside conditions on a north-facing cliff.

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WATERSIDE BEAUTY

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WATERSIDE BEAUTY

W

hen you are blessed with such a breathtaking waterside location, you need to do everything you can to maximise the view and ensure a seamless connection between house, garden and water’s edge. While this property overlooking Sydney’s Middle Harbour has amazing views, turning the site into an easy-to-navigate landscape wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

The brief from the owners appeared straightforward enough to begin with: they wanted to be able to get from their house located at the top of the site to the boat shed and shoreline at the bottom as comfortably and safely as possible. What evolved over the 18 months it took to complete the project was nothing short of a masterpiece in modern landscaping — and a lesson in ingenuity.

The sheer scope of the project meant the design had to be constantly adjusted and the construction processes regularly reassessed by John Storch from A Total Concept and Nick McCarthy from Urban Escape Landscapes and Pools as they worked their way down the precipitous site.

Sandstone was extensively used for the hardscaping elements, chosen because it is a hardy material that will survive, despite the harsh, exposed conditions.

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With a breathtaking waterside location, everything was done to maximise the view and ensure a seamless connection between house, garden and water’s edge.

ABOVE The beautiful award-winning garden effortlessly links the house with the shore.

BELOW The landscape was basically built from the top down, with steps, pathways and landings evolving to suit the contours of the site.

“The scope and detail of this project are what make it special,” affirms Nick. “Being 1800m² and an incredibly rocky and steep waterfront site meant that access and manoeuvrability were always going to be issues. Barges were organised to remove waste and bring landscaping materials such as bricks, sandstone, soil and cement to the site. One crazy day in Urban Escape’s history of landscaping saw a barge in Middle Harbour being held in place by a tug boat with a helicopter hovering above.

The helicopter placed the large mature trees, which included frangipanis and palms, in the prepared spaces on site.”

The landscape was basically built from the top down, with steps, pathways and landings evolving to suit the contours of the site. Sandstone was extensively used for the hardscaping elements, chosen because it is a hardy material that will survive, despite the harsh, exposed conditions, for many generations to come.

“The plant choices also needed to reflect the site’s location and climate,” adds Nick. “They needed to be as hardy as possible, given the fact that the site was on a north-facing cliff

by the sea. We introduced large bottle trees, mature frangipani, Kentia palms, kangaroo paws, Mauritius hemp, cordylines and lomandra, all chosen to add colour while still being able to withstand the harsh conditions.”

Urban Escape’s final task was to restore and extend the seawall and boat ramp. This involved manoeuvring a 1.5m palm out of the way so the final set of stairs could be installed. Now, not only do the owners have a beautiful garden that effortlessly links the house with the shore, they have a garden that is an award-winner. In the LNA Master Landscapers Association Landscape Excellence Awards 2015, Urban Escape won the Residential Over $300,000 category and received the Graham Ross Residential Landscape Award for the construction of this coastal classic. BH

more info?

Urban Escape Landscapes and Pools 02 9417 8004 urbanescape.com.au

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Light Up Your Night Continue to enjoy your outdoor living space long after the sun goes down, with Australian made LED Landscape lighting. The ‘Light This Light That’ landscape lighting range uses solid copper or marine grade stainless steel, engineered to withstand Australia’s climate.

1300 781 601 sales@ltlt.com.au www.ltlt.com.au

This classic and luxurious pool blends effortlessly with the grandeur of the house.

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OCEAN-FRONT ELEGANCE

Where the city meets the sea An ocean-front property with unobstructed views has been maximised with this magniďŹ cent pool PHOTOGRAPHY Emma Saunders

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Warm white underwater LED lights cast a radiant glow over the water, for a magical ambience at night.

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OCEAN-FRONT ELEGANCE

An infinity edge towards the ocean allows the pool to harmoniously blend with the harbour beyond.

O

n a stunning property on the tranquil Sydney foreshore, this pool seamlessly blends with the home’s natural surroundings. Its timeless design represents the expertise of Pride Pools’ signature range.

In conjunction with building project manager Doug Ditchfield, Pride Pools was able to present a classic and luxurious pool that blends effortlessly with the grandeur of the house. Each element was chosen with meticulous care to embody a natural flow to suit the remarkable location.

Unique luminous blue tiles by Bisazza, laid

by Pride Pools’ own tilers, cover the entirety of the pool and spa. Warm white underwater LED lights by Aqua-Quip were installed to cast a radiant glow over the water, creating a magical ambience for those swimming at night. Gas heating by Astral Viron keeps the water at the most inviting temperature, ensuring the pool can be enjoyed year-round.

An infinity edge towards the ocean, in conjunction with near-invisible glass fencing, allows the pool to harmoniously blend with the harbour beyond. It grants an unobstructed view

of the harbour and serves as a safety barrier.

Timber decking and a custom-designed outdoor shower provide convenient accessibility.

The pool features a PCC2000 in-floor cleaning system with chlorinator, which helps to distribute clean, recycled water to the entire pool and guarantees minimal pool maintenance. BH

more info?

Pride Pools 02 9436 2711 pridepools.com.au

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LORNE LIVING Feature gabion retaining walls have been used throughout the property. Bluestone rock ballast was used in the gabions.

Surfside beauty A sloping block with a superb water view is skillfully transformed into a family wonderland PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Redmond BEST HOMES

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LORNE LIVING The design provides opportunities for all ages with the inclusion of a cubby and fire pit.

W

hen you’re blessed with a stunning water view, you need to do everything you can to enhance it, which was precisely what the owners of this property in Lorne, a seaside town on Louttit Bay in Victoria, did.

Working to a design by Tim Nicholas of TNLA Landscape Architects, Aus Scapes built a beautiful garden that doesn’t just maximise the view out to the bay, it nestles into the contours of the site and complements the architectural style of the house.

Comprising a rich tapestry of textures, forms and shapes, the new garden makes the most of the sloping block, providing the family with a variety of outdoor spaces, complemented by feature gardens. “Ultimately, it is a place of fun and relaxation,” says Mark Stanesby of Aus Scapes. “The design provides opportunities for all ages with the inclusion of a cubby, fire pit, hammocks, ample lawn space and a large level section of concrete for skateboarding, cricket or other activities.

“The garden design is a contemporary reworking of the beach house garden,” he continues. “Stylistically, it borrows from mid20th-century Californian modernist design in its forms and structure while being site-specific to Lorne with the use of materials, plant stock, and the way these are combined to deal with the challenging topography.”

Both rear and front gardens were transformed.

The rear, north-facing garden is deliberately informal with a series of interconnecting rooms

The rear, north-facing garden has a series of interconnecting rooms on four different levels.

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ABOVE Aus Scapes built a beautiful garden that doesn’t just maximise the view out to the bay, it nestles into the contours of the site and complements the architectural style of the house. on four different levels. The front garden design is more formal, creating a strong presence on the street and a definite sense of entry into the house.

“The home is set in the bush surrounds of the Angahook State Forest so the planting scheme, which includes many indigenous species, allows the garden to forge a seamless connection with its natural environs,” explains Mark. “At present the vegetation is locally sourced tubestock and is still in its first growing season. In the next few years the true spirit of the design will emerge to create a series of intimate spaces below the house.”

Feature gabion retaining walls, with gabion cages supplied by Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions, have been used throughout the property.

Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions supplies a large variety of natural stone along with the gabion cages that are so essential to this design.

Bluestone rock ballast was used in the gabions, basalt rocks in the embankments for slope control, and sawn bluestone was used for the paving.

Feature elements play an equally important role and reflect the owners’ contribution to the design process. “The bespoke fire pit draws its inspiration from a nautilus shell they found on the beach and the hammocks were bought in Mexico. In the end, these elements became integral parts of the design,” says Mark.

Australian-made LED lights, supplied by Ian McKenzie, whose company Green Southern Lights provides quality custom-designed LED lighting, give the finishing flourish. Lighting has been used extensively throughout the garden and is connected to the home’s automatic operating system. BH

more info?

Landscape construction Aus Scapes P/L 0412 046 747 ausscapes.com.au Landscape design TNLA Landscape Architects 0407 534 840 tnla.com.au Lighting supplier Green Southern Lights 0409 707 227 greensouthernlights.com.au Gabion retaining wall cage supplier Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions 03 9535 1500 yarrabee.com.au

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The wading pool adds serenity to the space.

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SERENE SPACE

Falling water A spectacular pool and water feature add a tranquil touch to this backyard

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SERENE SPACE

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hen you first feast your eyes on this pool, it is hard to look away from the spectacular water feature. The water cascades into a carefully placed wading pool, delicately adding serenity to the space.

Built by Artesian Pools and designed by the homeowners, this pool makes perfect use of all available space. At a convenient 9m x 4m with an additional wading pool, it offers just the right amount of space for family fun and exercise.

The water feature contains a Perspex window which runs along the front of the pool.

A blower at the bottom of the window and strategically placed jets in the wading pool

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below guide the water elegantly from the main swimming pool into the wading pool.

To ensure the space is family friendly, the wading pool can be seen from any part of the backyard. This allows parents to easily supervise young children who are frolicking in the water.

Artesian Pools works with clients to achieve the look and finish that was envisaged. This ensures the final pool is functional and blends beautifully with the rest of the property. BH

more info?

Artesian Pools 02 9534 4736 artesianpools.com.au

ABOVE The water feature contains a Perspex window which runs along the front of the pool.

BELOW The 9m x 4m pool offers the right amount of space for family fun and exercise.

Building & Designing Exceptional Concrete Swimming Pools & Spas for 20 Years Artesian Pools is a local Sydney Company specialising in the design and construction of concrete swimming pools. We offer the most sophisticated range of finishes, detailed workmanship and quality equipment. When you deal with Artesian Pools you deal directly with the builder, from the quotation through to the construction. Our standards are the highest, we are totally committed to your new pool or renovation.

Showroom: 3/55-59 Norman St Peakhurst NSW 2210 Phone: 02 9534 4736 | Mobile: 0418 465 222

info@artesianpools.com.au | www.artesianpools.com.au

CHALLENGING CONSTRUCTION

Curved beauty A beautiful pool that’s one with the landscape

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ABOVE The pool is fully tiled in glass mosaics by Trend Tile.

BELOW This project was built into the side of a steep, sloping property.

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The pool was curved to match the shape of the sandstone wall.

urving beautifully into an embankment, this stunning swimming pool is an example of the work carried out by the award-winning KMD — The Outdoor Construction Company, owned by Kieran Devlin.

From construction to the renovation of existing pools, Kieran and his dedicated team can tackle any pool or landscape project with ease, even the more challenging ones, such as the featured pool.

Each part of this project, built into the side of a steep, sloping property, was a challenge. From access to the site through to the completion

of the project, every step had to be carefully planned to ensure a high-quality finish.

Retaining walls were designed to level the area for the pool, which was curved to match the shape of the sandstone wall. An infinity edge, fully tiled in glass mosaics by Trend Tile, adds a contemporary touch, while timber decking creates an extra area for the family to enjoy. BH

more info?

KMD — The Outdoor Construction Company 02 9664 6600 0418 688 324 kmdoutdoorconstruction.com.au

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Beauty on the bay Natural, sustainable materials enhance a futuristic design on Sydney’s harbour and help merge the building with its natural surroundings PHOTOGRAPHY Huw Lambert

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NATURAL TEXTURES The steel structure that tethers the pavilions morphs into an aesthetic, natural dramatic canopy, protecting the outdoor entertaining area from sun and rain.

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his stunning futuristic home, designed by Michael MacCormick of MacCormick-Simonian Architects, consists of two living pavilions resting above a stone podium housing five bedrooms, and providing magnificent views of Middle Harbour.

The steel structure that tethers the pavilions morphs into an aesthetic, natural dramatic canopy, protecting the outdoor entertaining area from sun and rain, while also realising an inner area of landscaped garden. The use of open space and geometrically arranged natural cane reed under polycarbonate roofing creates a seamless ambience of natural light, harbour views and nature, blended with superb modern artistry.

House of Bamboo® supplied the cane reed and continues its tradition of providing natural, sustainable materials that are highly practical and versatile for imaginative shading and cladding projects. Here, cane reed, as with other House of Bamboo products, provides natural filtered light that’s ideal for daytime shading, but

it also enables a soft and natural textured setting when lit from above at night.

The Bantry Bay home, at Beauty Point, Mosman, is an excellent example of the modern trend to use sustainable, natural materials to help merge a building with its natural surroundings.

House of Bamboo is proud to be associated with projects of this calibre and offers a comprehensive range of bamboo, reed and related products, all sustainable and suitable for imaginative outdoor and indoor projects. These are relevant to projects of shading, screening, fencing, wall and fence cladding, indoor wall or ceiling cladding. They lend themselves to small or large projects in architecture, landscaping, special events and general home and garden renovations. BH

more info?

House of Bamboo 02 9666 5703 houseofbamboo.com.au

ABOVE The use of open space and geometrically arranged natural cane reed under polycarbonate roofing creates a seamless ambience of natural light, harbour views and nature.

BELOW Cane reed provides natural filtered light that’s ideal for daytime shading, but also enables a soft and natural textured setting when lit from above at night.

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Eye-catching design The perfect balance of function and beauty

I

n collaboration with A Total Concept, Jade Swimming Pools has created a stunning yet functional masterpiece. When selecting their pool, the homeowners wanted a design that would complement their new home while ensuring the backyard was utilised effectively.

An award-winning company, Jade Swimming Pools has won numerous accolades including the SPASA 2014 Gold Medal for innovation. This particular pool is a testament to the company’s amazing ability to create pools that are both original and eye-catching.

Surrounded by lush green lawn, the 9m x

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4m rectangular layout of the pool is the central feature of the backyard. The designers at A Total Concept took advantage of the backyard slope by cleverly incorporating the travertine coping with integrated steps.

The striking glass window in the front of the pool, partnered with the clear-glass fencing, not only creates a continuous slope, but also allows a seamless flow-through effect from the interior to outdoor areas.

The dark rich timber decking surrounding the pool is perfect for use during the warmer months and contrasts beautifully with the Aristone

“brilliant blue” pool interior. The rock wall cladding with off-centre waterfall is a standout feature, creating stunning visual impact that ties in beautifully with the colour palette of the timber and coping to ensure a classic aesthetic all year round.

Jade Swimming Pools included smart green features such as solar heating with flat matt returns, as well as Waterco’s MultiCyclone pre-filter device. A Dolphin Swash automatic pool cleaner, coupled with LED lights for evening use, ensures the owners have minimal maintenance and can spend most of their time enjoying their new backyard haven. BH

PURE PLEASURE Surrounded by lush green lawn, the 9m x 4m rectangular layout of the pool is the central feature of the backyard.

Pool designed by A Total Concept Pool built by Jade Swimming Pools Construction Concrete and reinforced steel Heating Sunlover solar heating with flat matt returns Cleaning Dolphin Swash robotic cleaner Filtration Davey twin 1000 cartridge filters and a Davey SLL200 Silensor pump Coping Travertine Lighting Aqua-Star EVO2 white LED lights with stainless-steel trims Sanitisation Aquajoy saltwater chlorinator Pool interior Aristone “brilliant blue” Special features Glass window by oZsea in front wall of pool

more info?

Jade Swimming Pools 02 9686 6000 jadepools.com.au

ABOVE The dark rich timber decking surrounding the pool contrasts beautifully with the Aristone “brilliant blue” pool interior.

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BUSHLAND OASIS

Those blue hues An oasis in the middle of Australia’s bushland

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estled in green bushland, this pool emerges like a tropical oasis. Designed by Jade Pools in conjunction with the owners, the featured pool takes full advantage of the sloping backyard, with a raised spa spilling into the pool and a spillway over the pool flowing into a catch tank, acting as a natural waterfall.

The pool was built into the slope, appearing to be elevated from the ground. Dark-timber decking lines the perimeter of the pool and provides enough space for entertaining as well as relaxing. A small cabana is located at the rear, next to the raised spa, adding a touch of luxury.

Built by Jade Swimming Pools, this sleek and modern design features a Polaris 280 pool cleaner, Thermo solar heating panels and a Davey CC28 sand filter, as well as a Davey

Dark-timber decking lines the pool’s perimeter and provides space for both entertaining and relaxing.

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Surrounded by bushland, the pool takes advantage of the sloping site.

The fully tiled pool and spa interiors are highlighted by Ocean Blue Ezarri tiles.

Silensor pump for both the pool and spa. The EasyTouch Pool and Spa Control System allows the owners to enjoy the pool without having to worry about any complex pool technology.

The fully tiled pool and spa interiors, highlighted by the Ocean Blue Ezarri tiles, add that pop of colour to the backyard that consists predominantly of nature’s greenery and the brown of the timber decking. This

truly calming and expertly designed pool incorporates all the features a pool needs for enjoyment and entertaining. BH

more info?

Jade Swimming Pools 02 9686 6000 jadepools.com.au

ABOVE The backyard consists predominantly of nature’s greenery.

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HS

EWNSTONE H Natural & Architectural Stone

Specialising in Cast-Stone, Natural Stone and Lightweight Composite Stone.

www.hewnstone.com 08 8359 6366

DESIGNER FLAIR

A cut above Add a dash of designer flair with exquisitely crafted outdoor metal art

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aser-cut outdoor metal art brings warmth and textural beauty to any exterior space — and if you’re looking for a focal point to enhance an outdoor design, a beautifully crafted wall plaque, light box, sculpture or planter is a stunning addition.

An undeniable leader in the field is the multiaward-winning studio Entanglements. All pieces are designed in the Melbourne studio and the extensive range includes metal outdoor wall art, free-standing sculptures, light boxes, seating, decorative screens, privacy partitions, letter boxes, screen doors, planter boxes, garden edging, pergolas, patio heating and firepits.

You can choose from Entanglements’ off-theshelf collections or commission a custom-made piece — and the choice of styles is just as diverse as the range of products. Design themes range

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from contemporary, coastal and resort living to Moroccan, geometric and industrial. And, to make the selection and buying process even easier, the company has a fully fledged online store with shipping Australia-wide.

Entanglements’ wall art collection is one of its most popular. Adding to the ambience, the wall art can be backlit by LED strip lighting to enhance the mood after dark. The company’s decorative screens are equally in demand and can be used to provide a tasteful privacy partition or mask an unsightly area.

Committed to innovation, Entanglements regularly releases new products and one of the latest is a collection of eye-catching, designinspired sculptural wire art. These unique, organic forms are available in stand-alone or wall-mounted styles in classic Antique White, or Chocolate and are sure to enhance any decorating theme.

Whilee Entanglements’ stockk range is ex extensive, xtensive, its ability to customise pieces is one of the things that sets the company apart. Designs can be tweaked to suit your needs and Entanglements regularly works alongside architects and landscape designers looking for tailor-made solutions.

However, customising is not limited to size, installation design, materials and colour finishes.

If you need a design consultation for advice on a suitable decorative element, style and concept for your project, you can speak with one of Entanglements’ in-house designers. BH

more info?

Entanglements 1300 886 811 entanglements.com.au

• metal garden art • garden sculptures • outdoor wall art • privacy screens

• backyard furniture • fire pits + burners • pergola designs • letter boxes

342 Jasper Road, Ormond VIC 3204 I Ph: 1300 886 811 I sales@entanglements.com.au I www.entanglements.com.au

DISTRIBUTORS AUSTRALIA WIDE Here’s an easy way to make a statement in your landscaped garden or outdoor living space.

Architects, Interior Designers, Landscapers, Retail & Domestic Home Owners turn to Entanglements, where professional metal art is designed, manufactured and delivered from our Melbourne studio showroom. Incorporate our fire burners & backlit lighting for night time entertaining.

Choose from our existing ranges or send us your image and let our expert designers and Metal Workers help you create your vision.

We operate Australia wide and can ship around the world.

Despite their sloping block, these homeowners were able to achieve the swimming pool they wanted.

True vision Exceeding every expectation, this modern multi-level garden is a dream come true PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Redmond

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or an experienced landscape designer like Anthony Bennett of ABS Landscape Services, a sloping garden isn’t a problem — it’s an opportunity to create something unique.

The owners of this property in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills wanted a swimming pool, but as the block was quite steep they worried this might not be achievable. Also on their wish list was a sizeable lawn, a place for a table and chairs so they could dine alfresco, and the creation of as much useable space as possible.

Knowing they needed professional help, they put their trust in Anthony to design and build their dream garden.

Anthony’s vision was for a modern landscape that would have a subtle Japanese flavour, make the most of the backdrop provided by the nature reserve it backs onto, and allow the family to enjoy their new pool and outdoor entertaining area in comfort and style.

To help the owners visualise the end result,

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The paving (sawn granite) and feature wall stone (quartz) were chosen because they don’t absorb too much heat.

DESIGNER LANDSCAPE Anthony prepared a sketch of how he envisioned the completed garden. This is a service he provides for all of his clients as he feels it is the best way to ensure they know exactly what the garden will look like.

Because it has a north-west aspect and gets a lot of afternoon sun, the paving (sawn granite) and feature wall stone (quartz) were chosen because they don’t absorb too much heat. Honed bluestone, which also stays cool to the touch, was used for the capping on the feature wall as well as the small walls, and for the capping around the outdoor entertaining area.

For the decking at the rear of the house, Anthony used merbau timber and for the outdoor shower and screening beside the pool he used spotted gum. The spotted gum panelling acts as the backdrop for the stainless-steel shower; it also hides the pool equipment. The plants are a well-considered mix of shrubs and trees that includes camellias, conifers, Japanese maples, lilly pillies and a jacaranda. BH

more info?

ABS Landscape Services 0419 881 970 abslandscapes.com.au

ABOVE The sizeable lawn allows a place for a table and chairs so that the owners could dine alfresco.

BELOW The modern landscape makes the most of the backdrop provided by the nature reserve it backs onto.

Spotted gum panelling acts as the backdrop for the stainless-steel shower; it also hides the pool equipment.

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P: 1300 631 130

All year HIGH PERFORMANCE

ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you are a budding Olympic aerialist or just someone who loves a bounce, our high performance trampolines are great fun and suitable for backyards anywhere in Australia.

Olympic Standard Trampolines E: info@mrtrampoline.com.au W: mrtrampoline.com.au

PH: 1300 631 130

The outdoor living space maintains the natural light of the family’s home.

Light and bright T This fresh outdoor room provides a multi-functional, airy space for the family to enjoy all year round PHOTOGRAPHY Open2View

This outdoor space allows the family to make the most of their backyard.

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his young working family of four asked for more space for outdoor living as they enjoy being outside and wanted to maintain the natural light of their home. They needed protection for their young children from harmful UV rays, especially as the area has quickly become the most lived-in part of the home on weekends.

Whether it is for entertaining family or friends, or enjoying the outdoors, this space ticks all the boxes for the family. They wanted to add value to their property and improve their lifestyle, so taking advantage and making the most of their backyard was important.

DECKED OUT

ABOVE The area has quickly become the most lived-in part of this home on weekends, allowing entertainment of family and friends.

BELOW SolidGlaze Polycarbonate roof sheets were selected for their flat, stylish finish and the light and heat transmission properties of the sheet.

Richard Nitarski, senior design consultant for Hi-Craft Home Improvements, scheduled an appointment with the family and during this consultation he measured the location and asked vital questions. A drawing was created and presented to the customers and a quote generated.

Once the quote was accepted, Hi-Craft managed all council requirements and the project manager allocated a schedule for the building team. SolidGlaze Polycarbonate roof sheets were selected for their flat, stylish finish and the light and heat transmission properties of the sheet. BH Flooring Ceramic tiles with a timber-look finish Roofing Colorbond Sunset roof sheets to the skillion section and Silver Ice SolidGlaze roof sheets to the gable section Pergola/shades The design is a skillion gable combination with stainless-steel rope balustrade Special building products used SolidGlaze polycarbonate is a glass-like roof sheet that offers 99 per cent protection from harmful UV rays while enabling natural light to permeate the attached living areas

more info?

Hi-Craft Home Improvements 1300 659 276 hicraft.com.au

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Tropical twist A sloping garden is transformed into a contemporary, tropical-style showpiece PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Brennan

Shade-loving plants with bright-coloured foliage give the feel of a subtropical rainforest.

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VISUAL INTEREST

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ABOVE AND BELOW The multi-tiered water feature was custom built and collects the flow from the water window built into the house wall.

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he brief was to design and build a stylish, visually interesting garden to complement the recently renovated home in Sydney’s Roseville. The new garden was to include a water feature near the front entrance and provide safe pedestrian access as an alternative to the dangerously steep driveway, which was a hazard, especially during wet weather.

Manna Landscapes’ design is contemporary with a tropical twist. It incorporates multicoloured plant foliage for year-round interest and a multi-tiered water feature. The custombuilt water feature collects the flow from the water window built into the house wall and is positioned so that it can be appreciated from the home’s internal living areas.

To provide safe entry for pedestrians, Manna Landscapes built a stylish set of stairs with gentle risers. These stairs are separated from the driveway by a narrow Buxus sp. hedge and a reinforced concrete block retaining wall was built next to it with integrated lighting for night use.

The rendered reinforced concrete blocks were painted in Pascol colours to match the house and limestone pavers were chosen for contrast. These hard surfaces all work beautifully with the plants,

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a mix of native and exotic species chosen to blend with the natural bush surrounds and the street-level drystone retaining wall.

Manna Landscapes used mainly shade-loving plants with bright-coloured foliage to give the feel of a subtropical rainforest. Pittosporum ‘Golden Sheen’ was used as a privacy screen along the front fence while variegated native ginger, yucca and dracaena add a lush tropical effect around the water feature. As a groundcover in the shady areas, native violet was planted.

The success of this project isn’t just about what you can see on the surface. The drainage culvert at the entrance had been a hazard for years, with many car wheels going down into it. To remedy the situation, Manna Landscapes filled it in with rubble, laid down a 150mm pipe and concreted over it. The garden is now as safe to use as it is beautiful to look at. BH

more info?

Manna Landscapes 02 9453 0037 0425 202 307 mannalandscapes.com.au

A stylish set of stairs with gentle risers provides safe entry for pedestrians. A reinforced concrete block retaining wall was built next to it.

VISUAL INTEREST

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SMOOTH AS A BABY’S BOTTOM THE CHOICE IS CRYSTAL CLEAR

Specialising in the supply and manufacture of crystal aggregate pool linings, Jewels 4 Pools offers a wide range of vibrantly-coloured finishes that are soft to touch and guaranteed to not fade.

The crystal pool lining requires minimal maintenance, is smooth on your feet, non-toxic, inexpensive and simply stunning. The company’s innovative geopolymer is a polymer additive designed specifically for pool renders containing glass or crystal and only sold through Jewels 4 Pools. When used as directed, geopolymer can greatly increase the strength and workability of your pool’s render, while also reducing its permeability.

Backed by more than 30 years of industry experience, Jewels 4 Pools knows that a rough, pool surface can lead to sore feet and ruined swimsuits. The company is committed to providing its customers with a product that is not only gentle on skin but is also aesthetically beautiful to look at.

Unit 3/6 Enterprise Close, West Gosford 2250 Mobile: 0447 459 269 Email: crystal@jewels4pools.com www.jewels4pools.com

B3

BL4

FBC50

FC50

FI50

FLG50

FLO50

PEARL

www.jewels4pools.com

SHADE SOLUTIONS

Outdoor oasis Create an extra living and dining room with outdoor sunshade blinds that lock at the press of a button

Zipscreen blocks the sun’s heat from reaching your window.

Z

ipscreen has been specially designed to transform any undercover alfresco space, including pergolas, verandahs, balconies and decked areas, into an additional entertainment room for your home.

By installing Zipscreen blinds you can take advantage of the Australian climate and maximise the use of your outdoor space all year round. Zipscreen provides comfort, privacy and protection by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays as well as wind, rain and insects.

Zipscreen can also be used as an external window covering, providing a sleek and durable alternative to traditional canvas awnings or roller shutters. Through the installation of external window coverings you can stop the sun’s rays from directly hitting the glass, thus reducing your overall energy consumption during the warmer months.

The latest development to improve the usability of Zipscreen outdoor blinds is the revolutionary Ultra-Lock, which features inbuilt technology which tensions the blind for increased stability and only requires one step to manually lock the blind. When the Ultra-Lock

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Zipscreen is specially designed for alfresco living areas such as pergolas, verandahs and balconies.

is coupled with Rollease Acmeda’s Automate FT motor, you are provided with the ultimate operating solution — a blind that can be automatically closed, locked and tensioned with one simple touch of a button.

To find out more about these exciting developments in outdoor sunshade blinds, visit the

website to locate your closest Zipscreen supplier.

Zipscreen is available Australia-wide. BH

more info?

Zipscreen zipscreen.com.au

BRING INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT OUTDOORS SUN/UV PROTECTION

Rollease Acmeda’s Zipscreen external shade system provides an inside feel for any outdoor entertaining area. Ideal for pergolas, verandahs and

INSECT RESISTANT

balconies, Zipscreen turns alfresco areas into a comfortable new room and offers protection from the elements without interrupting the view.

WIND RESISTANT

Easy to operate, Zipscreen can be opened and closed manually or PRIVACY

automatically - offering motorised control at the touch of a button.

COASTAL APPROVED

Zipscreen external blinds can be custom made up to 7 metres wide, in a colour and fabric to suit your outdoor design.

(Zipscreen Extreme only)

Visit zipscreen.com.au for further details, or contact Rollease Acmeda on 9355 0100 to become a Zipscreen reseller.

WALLS OF WONDER

Turn to stone To make the most of any gabion wall or structure in your garden, you need the right stone

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ock-filled gabions are quickly becoming a must-have in residential gardens. They’re being used to build retaining and garden walls, and incorporated into myriad design elements, ranging from seating and water features to planters and fire pits. Often they’re teamed with garden beds mulched with pebbles or graveltopped paths, ensuring a coordinated look and giving the garden an appealing natural feel.

A company with an enviable reputation as a specialist supplier of feature rock and river pebbles, Mawsons has branched into the gabion market, providing 60/100mm pebbles and 150mm spall feature stone for use inside gabions. Mawsons can also supply the metal baskets (gabions) with a range of sizes including 300mm x 300mm x 1000mm, and 500mm x 500mm x 1000mm.

Mawsons owns a variety of quarries from which it sources its feature rock, gabion stone and pebbles. This enables the company to produce a wide range of natural stone products and ensures consistency of supply and quality.

The pebbles, which range in size from 7mm to 100mm-plus and come in a plethora of colours, are a great addition to a drought-tolerant garden and can be used in many decorative ways, such as the creation of a dry creek bed or as mulch on a garden bed or in a planter. Mawsons also

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supplies its own range of pathway toppings, which are another practical and attractive addition to a water-wise garden.

Mawsons operates six garden centres throughout northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, and it supplies its river pebbles to numerous retail outlets throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. In addition, the company owns more than 30 concrete plants, producing specialised exposed aggregate and polished concrete mixes.

As a business of more than 100 years

Rock-filled gabions teamed with garden beds ensure a coordinated look and give the garden an appealing natural feel.

standing and the owner of multiple hard rock quarries, premixed concrete plants and garden centres, Mawsons has the expertise, resources and product range to cater for all your hard landscaping needs. BH

more info?

E.B. Mawson & Sons Pty Ltd 1800 423 456 mawsons.com.au

BELOW The pebbles come in a plethora of colours and are a great addition to a drought-tolerant garden.

Feature Stone / Gabion Stone River Pebbles / Exposed Aggregate

• A large range of colours • Sizes from 7mm to 100mm plus • Quality stone always available • Stockists throughout Metro Melbourne & Country Victoria

Ph 1800 423 456 www.mawsons.com.au

COOKING ALFRESCO

Boutique barbecues A great barbecue choice for the outdoors

The sleek Capital barbecue range is handcrafted in California.

B

arbecues are tricky appliances; a wise choice makes for a gorgeous centrepiece for outdoor entertaining, while a poorer selection can quickly become a rusting hunk of junk. Thankfully, the Capital barbecue range is a worthy pick if we’ve ever seen one.

Handcrafted in California by a dedicated boutique specialist, these sleek models suit any outdoor space and make it incredibly easy for even weekend chefs to grill something truly mouth-watering.

Features include 30Mj zone burners, which allow for fast heating and reduced cooking times, as well as auto re-ignition and flame failure for safety. A halogen lighting system helps to provide great visibility when cooking at night, while a spring-assisted 304-grade stainless-steel lid allows for smooth, easy usage of the hood. Stainlesssteel-encased ceramic rods help to provide even heating and channelled grates allow for simple, safe drainage of grease and oils.

All models come with more than $1700 worth of accessories for free, including a vinyl cover, birchwood chopping board, smoker box and a 10mm-thick stainless-steel teppanyaki grill plate.

Four- and six-burner models also include a 25kg rotisserie with recessed motors and are available in both natural gas and LPG. BH

more info?

Arisit Pty Ltd 1300 762 219 capitalbrand.com.au

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ABOVE A halogen lighting system helps to provide great visibility when cooking at night.

BELOW A spring-assisted 304-grade stainless-steel lid allows for smooth, easy usage of the hood.

Seamless in both its form and function, providing a cooking experience with superior construction. :H SULGH RXUVHOYHV RQ FUHDWLQJ VW\OLVK DQG HIĆ“FLHQW American made barbecues and ovens of the highest quality that perform consistently time and time again.

Handcrafted with Precision in California www.capitalbrand.com.au

STRONG AS STEEL FormBoss™ edging systems allow you to create curves and angles with ease. Shown is Jamie Durie’s backyard,

by Durie Design.

ABOVE Greenlines Gardenware offers a large array of easy-to-install domestic and commercial-grade steel edging solutions ranging from flush edges to 400mm-high retaining walls.

BELOW The FormBoss range of low-maintenance steel garden edging is strong and durable.

Get the edge With a flexible steel-edging product, you can give shape and definition to any garden

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hen it comes to garden edging, you need a product that is strong, versatile and weather resistant — and you can’t get anything that fits the bill better than steel. Greenlines Gardenware’s FormBoss™ range of lowmaintenance steel garden edging lets you be the boss of your own garden design.

Greenlines Gardenware offers a large array of easy-to-install domestic and commercial-grade steel edging solutions ranging from flush edges to 400mm-high retaining walls. You also have a choice of galvanised steel, ZAM® (exclusive looking and ultra durable) or Corten steel (the latter boasting a weathered finish), and various gauges to ensure the edging is of the appropriate strength for your project.

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FormBoss edging systems allow you to create curves and angles with ease, and thanks to the rounded top edge and hidden stakes and connectors the finished result is elegant and clean. For a fully coordinated look, FormBoss tree rings and pre-made raised planter beds are ideal for vegie or herb gardens.

Once installed, FormBoss edging stays where it is put. Its strength, durability and longevity make it ideal for every application, from family gardens and urban outdoor living spaces to commercial projects, and it comes with a 10-year replacement warranty.

So impressive is the FormBoss range that it is often employed by leading Australian garden designers participating in the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. FormBoss

FormBoss pre-made raised planter beds are ideal for vegie or herb gardens.

edging has played a key role in a wide variety of display gardens, including the 2013 winner of Best in Show. In recent shows, FormBoss edging featured in multiple gardens, many of them award winners.

Greenlines Gardenware offers a full range of services, including free quotes, pre-curving of edging products and Australia-wide delivery.

Buy direct from the Melbourne factory or from one of the ever-increasing number of resellers all over Australia. BH

more info?

Greenlines Gardenware 1800 367 626 formboss.com.au

Your Complete Steel Edging Solution

Picture: Groundswell Landscape Design

Picture:

DIY installation

We make custom rings!

Seamless connections & corners!

Picture: Vivid Green Landscaping

Picture:

Wiley & Co.

Create any shape you can imagine!

Stays in shape with guaranteed results.

Multiple heights, gauges & finishes.

Delivery Australia wide.

GUARANTEED FOR

~10 YEARS~ Structural Guarantee See website for T & C’s

Get those old edges replaced! 1800 852 672

SHADE SOLUTIONS

Custom creations When you want to shelter an outdoor space from sun or rain, you need a tailored solution PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Brennan

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f you want an outdoor living space you can use year-round, you need the experts from Outrigger Awnings & Sails. Outrigger specialises in the creation of customdesigned shade and rainproof fabric structures for domestic and commercial applications.

Designs include retracting, batten and cantilevered awnings and awnings for carports and pergolas, as well as sails and outdoor blinds.

Designed for strength and longevity, Outrigger awnings are the ideal choice when you want year-round coverage in a high-wind area.

Outrigger retracting awnings can withstand winds up to 80-100km/h, depending on the design, while the company’s fixed awnings are rated for winds up to 140km/h.

All awnings are custom designed and engineered by company owner Andrew Perry and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be specifically tailored to your site and your preferred design. In addition, all awnings are made using the highest-quality fabric and fittings so will last 18 to 25 years.

ABOVE Outrigger retracting awnings offer aesthetics, strength and flexibility.

BELOW The sleek, modern look of Outrigger retracting awnings will complement any architectural design and they can be extended or retracted with ease.

Outrigger retracting awnings, like the stylish examples shown here, are a popular choice as they offer aesthetics, strength and flexibility.

They have an exceptionally robust design, which means they can be left out in reasonably high wind and heavy rain. The sleek, modern look will complement any architectural design and they can be extended or retracted with absolute ease.

Installation can be arranged within a 200km radius of Sydney (by Outrigger employees, not subcontractors) and a free quotation and design service is available for clients anywhere in Australia, or the world. You just need to supply photos, sketches or drawings of the area to be covered and the design process will be conducted by phone, fax or email, after which you will receive a written quotation and a drawing.

Outrigger Awnings & Sails has designed and installed close to 3000 awnings over the past 22 years, so contact the experts today to create the perfect shade or rain solution. BH

more info?

Outrigger Awnings & Sails 02 9905 8473 outriggerawnings.com.au

264 | BEST HOMES

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS ALL YEAR ROUND WITH A CUSTOM DESIGNED AWNING

OUTRIGGER CUSTOM DESIGNS awnings and sails to virtually any shape, size or colour – to create a functional and stylish outdoor living area for your home or business. Whether you need privacy, rain or sun protection, our factory in Sydney will design and manufacture an awning to suit you. No matter what the weather, an Outrigger awning will have you covered. Designs include retracting awnings (manual or motorised), sails, batten awnings, stylish carports, outdoor blinds and cantilevered awnings.

Call us now or visit our website for your free design consultation.

Tel. (02) 9905 8473 www.outriggerawnings.com.au

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www.oztrampolines.com.au

The new set of three square planter pots are made from upcycled 44-gallon drums.

FUNCTIONAL ART

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The hanging Hot Air Balloon can be used as a planter or a bird feeder.

Sleek meets unique Whether your living space is big or small, make it unique with one-of-a-kind art PHOTOGRAPHYJames Domingo

268 | BEST HOMES

hink Outside’s remarkable sculptures have graced countless Australian homes and gardens over the years. Whether your space is a multi-million-dollar property, an apartment balcony, a townhouse courtyard or nanna’s backyard, Think Outside has original designs and signature pieces for a perfect match.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards high- and medium-density housing driven by empty-nesters downsizing, first-home buyers getting into the market, and Australia’s new love for apartment living. The space restrictions that come with this style of living haven’t diminished the need for sculptural pieces. Rather, the demand for unique decor that fulfils both an artistic and practical function has increased.

Think Outside’s new set of three creative planter pots combines art and functionality. The pots, available in either round or square styles, are made from upcycled 44-gallon drums. At home on a balcony or patio, the pots can be left outside, regardless of the weather, to create a colourful, growing piece of art — just add succulents, herbs, topiary or any plant of your choice. Then there’s the hanging Hot Air Balloon that can be used as a planter or a bird feeder and Think Outside’s newest addition to the ee-i-ee-i-o collection, Rock Around the Clock. This handcrafted outdoor wall clock will keep even the most time-poor householder on track.

Think Outside’s My Piece of Africa collection has its roots in the culture of Africa but, over time, has come to include Australian wildlife and cast-iron bowls. Recent additions include hanging butterfly spheres that can accommodate either a candle or an optional electric light fitting, and butterfly and dragonfly wall panels that can be

ABOVE The round pots can be left outside, regardless of the weather, to create a colourful, growing piece of art.

BELOW The Doolittle Biplane Drinks Tub.

used as single panels or combined to create an amazing feature display on a large wall.

With so much sameness in the world, it is important to express your own personality when decorating an outdoor or indoor space. Although the iconic quarter-acre block is fast becoming a rarity, the opportunity to express your personality is not. Think Outside not only provides that opportunity, it ensures sustainability and quality through the use of upcycled 44-gallon drums and handmade craftsmanship.

Known for their distinctive approach, Aaron Jackson and the team at Think Outside remain dedicated to bringing colour and quirkiness into people’s lives, as well as the creation of decor that is sleek and unique, making it possible to transform any space, big or small.

Think Outside products are sold in garden and gift retailers across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the United States. BH

more info?

Think Outside 02 8824 4488 thinkoutside.biz Key stockists NSW: Four Seasons Nursery, Belrose, 02 9450 1606 Qld: Annerley Glassworx, Annerley, 07 3892 5352 Vic: Aussie Heatwave Outdoor Fireplaces, Oakleigh, 03 9569 1003 SA: Classic Timber Furniture, Keswick, 08 8293 8966 WA: Guildford Garden Centre, Guildford, 08 9279 8645 NT: A Home Like Alice, Alice Springs, 08 8953 4666

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making space for life

In every markilux blind and awning \RXȻOO ʨQG RYHU \HDUV RI VKDGLQJ H[SHUWLVH DQG LQQRYDWLRQ )URP WKH IDEULF WR WKH IUDPH HDFK FRPSRQHQW LV FDUHIXOO\ HQJLQHHUHG ZLWK VXSHULRU IXQFWLRQDOLW\ DQG WLPHOHVV VW\OH LQ PLQG WR HQVXUH WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ VRODU SURWHFWLRQ IRU \RXU IDPLO\ DQG KRPH 'HVLJQHG DQG PDQXIDFWXUHG LQ *HUPDQ\ IRU WKH KDUVK $XVWUDOLDQ FOLPDWH \RX FDQ H[SHFW D ORW PRUH IURP D PDUNLOX[

markilux.com.au | 1300 654 469

Made from exclusive fabrics, each Markliux awning offers a sun protection factor of 50+.

Entertaining in style Energy-eďŹƒcient awnings that complement outdoor living and create additional space for your home

272 | BEST HOMES

OUTDOOR OPTIONS OUTDOOR LIVING If you’re looking to add extra living space to your home, Markilux has the solution. The company’s awnings are ideal for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors, while effectively protecting you and your family and friends from the sun. Made from exclusive fabrics, each awning offers a sun protection factor of 50+. When entertaining at night, take advantage of Markilux innovations, including awnings fitted with ambient strip lighting or LED spotlights and radiant integrated heating.

DESIGN AND DURABILITY Designed to complement the interior and exterior of your home, Markilux folding-arm and conservatory awnings can be used on their own or combined with existing structures to create extra living space for your deck, courtyard or conservatory.

The range of more than 35 awning systems, 285-plus fabric colours and patterns, remote controls, sun or wind sensors and optional accessories such as integrated lighting uses the best materials and comes with a guarantee of up to 10 years.

ABOVE Markilux awnings can be used on their own or combined with existing structures to create extra living space.

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OUTDOOR OPTIONS AWARD-WINNING DESIGN Markilux has more than 40 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of the highestquality awnings. German manufacturing with cutting-edge technology ensures Markilux awnings are extremely strong and durable.

What’s more, Markilux has won numerous European design awards, including the coveted Red Dot design and IF award. BH

more info?

Markilux 1300 645 469 markilux.com.au ABOVE Operate your Markilux awning with ease via remote control.

Markilux awnings are ideal for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors, while effectively protecting you from the sun.

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markilux 970 compact cassette

Aesthetics and technology rolled into one

Introducing the markilux 970 compact folding arm awning with a square cassette and concealed brackets that create a seamless interaction between home and awning.

Designed with pure clear straight lines the markilux 970 compact folding arm awning was created to enhance your modern lifestyle with it’s peaceful simplicity. Incorporating a new patented tilt device with wind lock mechanism, bionic tendon arms and pitch adjustment from

5 to 30 degrees we have blended cutting edge technology with world renown German quality.

Optional extras include dim-able energy efďŹ cient LED mood lighting technology for entertaining during balmy summer and autumn evenings.

Straight lines, a clear-cut design, no frills to be seen. Nothing distracts the eye!

Yours with a markilux 970.

markilux.com.au | 1300 654 469

Outdoor heating, anywhere, anytime Spend time outside all year with these energy-efficient outdoor heating solutions

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ith HEATSTRIP’s innovative heating solutions, there’s no need to abandon your outdoor area in the cooler months or compromise its style with bulky freestanding heaters.

HEATSTRIP Classic is a stylish electric radiant heater that provides even and comfortable heat.

With a unique slimline shape and black facade, the unit blends elegantly into any decor. It is one of the most energy-efficient heaters available in Australia, with running costs starting from just 30 cents per hour, a fraction of the cost compared to gas-bottled patio heaters. This cutting-edge heater can provide comfort heating within undercover alfresco dining and barbecue areas, patios, verandahs, courtyards and balconies.

HEATSTRIP Max is suitable for difficult-toheat exposed outdoor sites and areas with high ceilings such as pergolas, and balconies and

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indoor spaces such as garages. Using unique low-glow heating technology, the heating element provides a mild and unobtrusive glow and energy is directed towards producing heat rather than unwanted light. The dual-element design allows for a very compact unit while maintaining maximum efficiency.

Using the latest material coating and heating element technology, Thermofilm has introduced the first off-white outdoor heater. The new HEATSTRIP Elegance series blends seamlessly with most white ceilings of alfresco, patio and verandah areas, and is available in three different sizes: 1800W, 2400W and 3600W. The shorter, more compact design will aim to transform any area into a stylish, vibrant and sophisticated space with less surface area than competitors, providing more effective heating comfort.

Designed, engineered and assembled in

Australia, the HEATSTRIP range is built from corrosion-resistant alloy and is suitable for use in most applications, including harsh environments such as coastal areas, outdoor kitchens and around saltwater pools. All HEATSTRIP heaters come with a two-year full-replacement warranty for residential applications.

With several mounting options available, the HEATSTRIP range can be tailored to your individual space. The standard bracket will allow both ceiling and wall mounting at various angles as well as suspension by chains, wires and metal rods for use with higher ceilings. Optional flush mount enclosure is also available. In addition to trade outlets, HEATSTRIP heaters are available nationally at Bunnings, as well as specialty outdoor living, electrical and heating stores.

Strip heating allows you to enjoy the outdoors year-round in style.

INNOVATIVE HEATING

HEATSTRIP Elegance

HEATSTRIP Max.

HEATSTRIP Classic.

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INNOVATIVE HEATING

Touch of a button Modernise your home with this smart, energy-saving lighting and appliance control system

W

ith electricity prices at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to minimise and be mindful of your energy use. The new Envirotouch energy timer switches range gives you the power to control the usage of energy throughout the home and workplace, with a simple point-of-use control and convenient countdown options. You can select a time or cycle on the Envirotouch for automatic turn

278 | BEST HOMES

off, and it can even be used as a normal on/off switch, too, helping you reduce energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions and product burnout.

Suitable for use with a large number of different features, the Envirotouch works with products including indoor and outdoor lights, small appliances, heated towel rails, fans, air conditioners and heaters.

Envirotouch can be retrofitted and the installation is the same as a standard switch in

new projects. The system also features imminent turn-off technology to warn you when the light or appliance is about to turn off. BH

more info?

Thermofilm Australia 03 9562 3455 heatstrip.com.au envirotouch.com.au

Elegance Introducing

After many years of developing, researching and working in partnership with coating technology experts, Thermofilm, a world leader in electric heaters, has utilised a unique composition to produce the new generation in outdoor heaters.

HEATSTRIP® Elegance comes in an ‘off white’ colour which blends in seamlessly with most white ceilings in alfresco areas.

This innovative, world first heater comes in 2 easy DIY models (1800W or 2400W) or a hard wired 3600W version.

For more information go to www.heatstrip.com.au

Heating with Style...

...For 75% LESS vs cost of bottled gas.

HEATSTRIP ® by Thermofilm is the cost effective electric radiant heater that unites efficiency with style.

Ideal for your alfresco and outdoor entertaining area, pergola, patio, balcony. Even your garage, shed or hard-to-heat indoor space.

HEATSTRIP runs at a quarter of the cost of bottled gas, is more efficient over a larger area and won’t corrode.

It’s easy to install and operate, an optional controller adjusts the timer and warmth levels. For more information go to www.heatstrip.com.au

Classic

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Shimmer and sparkle Not only is this pool interior lining durable, it also creates a spectacular diamond-like clarity 280 | BEST HOMES

ENDURING BEAUTY

The Islands range in colour Capri.

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ENDURING BEAUTY

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magine your swimming pool shimmering with the sparkle of a thousand flawless diamonds, adding elegance to your pool and surrounding area. For style, quality and entertainment value, it’s hard to go past the enduring beauty of Designer Beadcrete.

With its patented glass bead technology, Designer Beadcrete adds a diamond-like shimmer and clarity to pool water. Designer Beadcrete contains a mixture of coloured irregular glass spheres and clear glass spheres. These are embedded in a unique cement mix that contains a number of patented additives. The result is a pool interior of absolute durability, which reflects sun and artificial light throughout the water, bringing a spectacular and elegant look to any concrete shell pool. Whether a pool is recently built or has become old and tired and could use a much-needed facelift, Designer Beadcrete offers a wide range of contemporary finishes.

The options will satisfy customers with young families or grandchildren, and those who are happy with standard pool aesthetics but want durability, performance and safety. Designer Beadcrete’s softness and smoothness will leave you without the worry of bleeding fingers and toes often associated with standard pebble pool

282 | BEST HOMES

finishes. Instead, enjoy a relaxing carefree swim.

Designer Beadcrete is easily installed by an experienced pool interior applicator and suited to any concrete pool or spa, regardless of shape or size. When manufactured in pre-mixed bags, Designer Beadcrete patented pool interiors come with a seven-year written materials warranty for residential use. Commercial warranties are also available on a project-specific basis. Quality assurance includes testing by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for durability and performance with proper installation in compliance with the Designer Beadcrete specifications.

Designerite, the Australian supplier of Designer Beadcrete, also provides a wide range of pool interior supplies and caters for builders and applicators who prefer to mix their own materials on-site. Coloured and clear glass beads; Sky Pebble; white and off-white cement; and finishing tools are available through Designerite outlets and distributors.

Designer Beadcrete also has a brand-new, 100 per cent glass bead range, the Crystal range, to complement its existing Islands range.

The new Crystal range has many years of development behind it and is believed to be the only patented, 100 per cent glass interior on the

ABOVE Close-up of the Islands range in colour Hamilton. BELOW Crystal range in colour Corfu.

market and creates a pool finish with quality, elegance and durability.

The Designer Beadcrete Crystal range will satisfy all pool owners’ dreams. BH

more info?

Designerite designerite.com.au

Designer Pool Coatings are beautiful, different and personal.

Imagine your swimming pool shimmering with the sparkle of a thousand flawless diamonds, adding an unsurpassed elegance to your pool and surrounding area. For unmatched style, quality and entertainment value, the enduring beauty of Designer Beadcrete, will satisfy your every want and need.

Designer Beadcrete has revolutionised the “pool interior finishes” industry, with its patented glass bead technology that truly adds a diamond-like shimmer and unrivaled clarity throughout your pool

NSW INGLEBURN 19 Liverpool St Ph: 02 9829 3311 sales@designerite.com.au

PADSTOW 17b Arab Rd Ph: 02 9771 4846 sales@designerite.com.au

water. Designer Beadcrete contains a mixture of coloured irregular glass spheres and clear glass round spheres. These ‘spheres’ are embedded in a unique cement mix that contains a number of patented additives. The result is a pool interior of absolute durability, which reflects sun and artificial light throughout the water, bringing about a spectacular and elegant look to any concrete shell pool.Whether it is recently built or has become old and tired and could use a muchneeded facelift, Designer Beadcrete offers a wide range of contemporary finishes to match your own desires.

KIRRAWEE 5/100 Bath Rd Ph: 02 0521 3899 sales@designerite.com.au

www.designerite.com.au

Bamstone bluestone was used extensively throughout The Greenery Garden, designed for the 2016 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) and winner of the Award of Excellence for Best in Show.

Truly timeless Natural Australian bluestone oers unparalleled strength, sophistication and style 284 | BEST HOMES

LASTING APPEAL

LEFT Bamstone’s bluestone brings classic natural beauty to your garden or outdoor space.

ABOVE The Bamstone product range includes paving and stepping stones.

BELOW Bamstone bluestone is of the highest quality, offering superlative strength, durability and style.

T

he enduring beauty of bluestone has been celebrated around the world for centuries, but when it comes to purity, nothing surpasses Bamstone bluestone. This 100-per-cent Australian bluestone contains no secondary minerals, making it the purest bluestone in the world. As a result, Bamstone bluestone is not susceptible to rusting, discolouring, warping or bending — it only improves with time.

There are myriad uses for Bamstone bluestone, as the garden featured here attests. Bamstone bluestone was used extensively throughout The Greenery Garden, designed by Vivid Design for the 2016 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) and winner of the Award of Excellence for Best in Show.

Bamstone’s natural Australian bluestone products have featured in several award-winning MIGFS gardens, as well as many residential and commercial projects around Australia and overseas. Such prestigious projects have included GPO Martin Place in Sydney and the Crown Metropol, Southern Cross station, and various other Melbourne CBD locations.

The Bamstone product range is diverse and includes paving, capping, stepping stones, cladding, pool edging, walling, cobblestones, kerbing and channelling. Proving particularly popular at present is Bamstone’s random tumbled bluestone walling (as seen in the 2015 awardwinning MIFGS garden, Quietude) and its large stepping stones, both of which add a sophisticated and timeless look to any garden. For those

seeking a unique feature, Bamstone also produces custom-made artisan stone furniture — you can be assured no two pieces will be alike.

All of Bamstone’s 100 per cent Australian bluestone is extracted from the company’s two quarries in the south-west of Victoria using soft blasting methods, which are approved for dimension stone applications. Having withstood the elements and the constant motion of the Southern Ocean washing against the shores for thousands of years, Bamstone bluestone is of the highest quality, offering superlative strength, durability and style.

Bamstone’s bluestone will not only bring classic natural beauty to your garden or outdoor space, it will also give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment will stand the test of time. This means your Bamstone bluestone will look just as good after 40 years as it did the day it was installed. BH

more info?

Bamstone 03 5568 2655 bamstone.com.au

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sentrel Vertical Cable Balustrades and Pool Fencing

www.sentrel.com.au sales@sentrel.com.au 1300 658 330

Modern Design Solution: Stainless Steel and Australian Hardwood or Aluminium

Strong, light gauge cables: Maximise view and airflow, without compromising strength

Vertical cable orientation: Children unable to climb, ensures safety and peace of mind

Indoor and outdoor use: For balconies, pools, decks and lofts

Engineer certified: Compliant with strict Australian standards

Australian product: 100% designed and manufactured in Australia

Pre-made panels: Fast and easy installation

Seamless, stylish and safe Practical balustrades and pool fences to suit the most luxurious pools and balconies

W

hether you have a young family or are adhering to building regulations which require a pool fence or balustrade, these products need to enhance your outdoor environment rather than detract from its elegance. Sentrel Australia offers a unique, functional and highquality range of vertical cable balustrades and pool fences that fit seamlessly and stylishly into most poolside spaces.

Previous cable balustrade systems used horizontal cables, which continue to be a major safety concern, especially for children. Inspired by the horizontal cable systems that have been popular and effective for many years, Sentrel balustrades utilise a vertical orientation of the

288 | BEST HOMES

cables. Consequently the company has produced a barrier system that not only looks great, but cannot be climbed by children. This satisfies strict new safety legislation for balustrades more than four metres off the ground, where horizontal wire is illegal.

Sentrel’s unique barrier system and subtle cables virtually disappear against the backdrop of natural environments, as opposed to other popular products that may detract from the beauty of the backyard space.

The company has recently introduced aluminium balustrade and pool fencing to the range, which can be complemented with a timber or aluminium handrail. The fences are made of thin, vertically oriented cables

tensioned between either beautiful hardwood timber or extruded aluminium, providing a sleek finish to pool areas and natural environments.

Unlike glass fences, Sentrel’s fencing does not require cleaning to be at its most visually appealing, and it doesn’t prohibit airflow either, allowing for a natural and airy pool environment.

With Sentrel’s product line, it’s easy to achieve a seamless finish and the aluminium system can be enhanced by under-rail lighting for a luxurious look at night.

Sentrel Australia manufactures pool fencing in pre-assembled panels at its factory on the NSW mid-north coast and ships Australiawide for simple on-site installation by a carpenter or competent handyman. Matching

SAFETY FIRST Sentrel’s unique barrier system and subtle cables virtually disappear against the backdrop of natural environments.

ABOVE Sentrel balustrades utilise a vertical orientation of cables.

BELOW Sentrel’s pool fencing can be complemented with a timber or aluminium handrail.

balustrades are available. Aside from fulfilling visual and practical needs, the company’s balustrades and fences are easy to install and require little maintenance. Moreover, a Sentrel pool fence is an innovative safety product that enables cable barrier systems to be used around pools for the first time.

Sentrel’s high-quality vertical cable balustrades and pool fences fulfil customers’ desires for practical, affordable, safe and sustainable products. BH

more info?

Sentrel Australia 1300 658 330 sentrel.com.au BEST HOMES

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S

AINLES ST D

ESIG

Specialists In Unique Stainless Steel Designs

NS

Also available for purchase on eBay. Unit 3, 28 Jones Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Tel: (02) 6925 9334 Email: craig@cravedesigns.com.au

www.cravedesigns.com.au

Crave Stainless Designs is an Australian owned business which supplies to both stores and homes with high quality stainless steel products. With the unique and clean look of stainless steel our water features include stacked stone, slate tile, glass, mirrored stainless steel, patterned stainless steel and mirrored glass. Crave also manufactures sheer descents and sheer descent kits for projecting and cascading waterfall effects. Crave specialises in other stainless steel products such as indoor and outdoor tables, splash backs and handrails.

WORLD LEADING IMPREGNATING SEALERS For natural stone, brick, pavers, grout and concrete

Premium Sealer • Permanent protection • Deep penetration • Water & oil repellent • Breathable • Natural Look

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Consolidator • Permanent protection and consolidation • Deep penetration • Water repellence • Breathable • Natural Look • Recommended for softer, more porous materials

For more information: AU Free Call: 1800 675 119 Email: marketing@drytreat.com

STRESS-FREE SWIMMING

Clean while you swim Save time as well as energy and maintenance costs with an in-floor cleaning system that cleans the entire pool, even while you swim

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re you sick of wasting time cleaning your pool? Don’t spend precious leisure hours doing maintenance work for your new pool when Waterco’s Q360 in-floor pool cleaning system can do it for you. It automatically cleans most of the pool, even while you swim.

Virtually invisible, the Q360 system is fully automatic and can handle high debris levels, so there is no need for an additional cleaner with hoses and cords that tangle. The Q360 also circulates water through the pool, resulting in less algae growth and better heat and chemical dissipation, with increased operating efficiencies and reduced chemical and heating costs.

Though in-floor pool cleaning systems have been around for years, the Q360 system has fewer moving parts and a valve design that propels

water more effectively through the system.

“This in-floor cleaning system has been aerospace-engineered to provide an effective and efficient clean of the whole pool,” says Adam Shelley from Waterco. “It’s designed for maximum flow rate and to enhance circulation and evenly distribute water, which is great for heated pools in cool climates. Not only that, overall energy savings are enhanced.”

An in-floor cleaning system is designed prior to the pool being constructed or manufactured, depending on the pool interior, and must be designed individually as each pool is usually a different shape and size.

The cleaning system consists of a series of heads that pop up in the pool’s floor and steps.

Similar to a pop-up garden sprinkler, the Q360 system includes 360-degree, 14-point rotation in-floor-mounted cleaning jets.

These rise successively to sweep debris from the pool floor and steps, becoming virtually invisible when they lower to flush when finished. The rotating jets evenly distribute cleaning power and increase the circulation of pool water.

An in-floor cleaning system drives dirt and debris towards an in-floor drain point, most commonly located in the deep end of the pool.

Once the dirt is removed from the drain point by the pump, it usually passes into the filtration system, where it will get trapped.

In leafy pools there is an additional Waterco Leaf Trapper, which catches the heavy leaf matter before the filtration system; this will free up the skimmer box and enable leaves to be skimmed from the pool surface. This system also aids in chemical distribution and heat circulation throughout the entire pool.

Cleaning jets for the Q360 are available in five colours to allow pool owners the flexibility to coordinate with their pool’s finish. Replacement heads are easy to remove and install. BH

more info?

Waterco 02 9898 8686 waterco.com.au

292 | BEST HOMES

EASY-CLEAN SOLUTION

Untreated glass

Treated glass

Indoor-outdoor glass protection Keep glass features throughout your home looking like new with this amazing protector

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oday, glass is used extensively in many of Australia’s best homes. Whether it be in stylish bathrooms, glass wall feature windows or aesthetic glass fencing for pool safety, glass features create a spacious lightfilled home. But how do you keep glass looking like new?

EnduroShield creates a protective coating that stops contaminants from etching into the porous glass surface. Instead, water and contaminants bead on the protective coating and are easily wiped off with a damp microfibre cloth and a mild detergent.

In the bathroom, glass shower screens are protected from a build-up of soap scum and grime, decreasing cleaning time by up to 90 per cent.

Glass pool fencing allows uninterrupted views, but is susceptible to chlorine, salt and pool chemicals, salt spray from nearby beaches, or general air pollutants. EnduroShield-protected pool fencing dramatically reduces the time needed to clean outdoor glass, and also saves on cleaning and maintenance expenses.

Exterior feature windows are a stunning design feature in many homes, but can be difficult to clean.

EnduroShield-coated glass repels water and keeps maintenance and cleaning costs to a minimum.

294 | BEST HOMES

Untreated glass Suitable for new and old surfaces, EnduroShield comes with a 10-year warranty. Glass is available pre-coated with EnduroShield for new builds, can be applied by a professional team of applicators for existing glass features, or for small glass areas such as glass shower screens you can use the company’s easy-to-apply DIY kits for glass.

EnduroShield is used in many sustainable homes as it reduces water usage and eliminates the use of

Treated glass harsh toxic cleaning chemicals.

For peace of mind, get your feature glass protected with EnduroShield. BH

more info?

EnduroShield 1300 720 050 enduroshield.com

The Australian Barbeque AUSTRALIAN MADE | BBQS & OUTDOOR KITCHENS | FACTORY DIRECT | 25 YEAR WARRANTY

Alfords Point

The Lifestyle Modular Outdoor kitchen range Visit our website, www.lifestylebbqs.com to see videos of our BBQs in action and get detailed information on how to specify your ideal Outdoor Kitchen. We manufacture in Australia and you buy direct from the factory. Lifestyle BBQs can be shipped Australia wide.

Built-in and mobile BBQs also available.

Avalon

113A Fairford Rd, Padstow (Just off the M5 Motorway) SYDNEY PLEASE CALL: (02) 9773 6245 AUST WIDE CALL TOLL FREE: 1300 849 790

www.lifestylebbqs.com Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm

Greenhills Beach

INDEX

Index PROJECTS ACG Building .......................................76 Buildcraft Constructions .......................102 Farm Houses of Australia......................104 Graeme Alexander Homes ....................56 Harkaway Homes ..................................108 Hedger Constructions............................50 Hotondo Homes NSW ..........................72 Hotondo Homes Victoria.......................64 Kassis Classic Homes ...........................60 Len Wallis Audio...................................88 Lubelso by Canny .................................68 Parkwood Modular Buildings ...............84 Rawson Homes .....................................96 Starr Constructions................................42 Storybook Designer Homes ..................114 Trevelle Homes .....................................92

ADVERTISERS ABS Landscape Services ......................244 ACG Building .......................................83 AEA Constructions ...............................38 Aquastone Pools & Landscapes ............190 Architectural Design Products ..............36, 142 Arisit .....................................................260, 261 Artesian Pools .......................................228, 231 Art in Green ..........................................210 A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Swimming Pool Designers ......................................23, 154 Aus Scapes ............................................224 Australian Barbecues ............................296 Bali Republic ........................................200 Bamboo Habitat ....................................166 Bamstone...............................................284 Ben Harris Gardens ...............................182 Better Bathrooms & Kitchens ...............30, 130 Buildcraft Constructions .......................100 Ceerose..................................................16 Cinajus ..................................................OBC

Clipper Island ........................................IBC, 298 Crave Stainless Designs ........................290 De Dietrich ...............................................6 Design Pools .........................................198 Designerite ............................................280, 283 Designer Kitchens .................................132, 134 DJ Landscapes ......................................206 Dowell Windows ...................................24 Dry Treat ...............................................291 DuPont Corian Solid Surface

by CASF Australia ................................128, 138 E.B Mawson & Sons .............................258, 259 ecodesign...............................................174, 177 Electrical By Design .............................82, 141 EnduroShield.........................................294, 295 Entanglements .......................................242, 243 Farm Houses of Australia......................106 Formation Landscapes ..........................186 FreeStyle Pools .....................................168 Gallery Co .............................................148, 151 Graeme Alexander Homes ....................55 Greenlines Gardenware .........................262, 263 Harkaway Homes ..................................113 Hedger Constructions............................54 Hewnstone.............................................241 Hi-Craft Home Improvements ..............247, 248 Horizon Homes .....................................10 Hotondo Homes NSW ..........................70 Hotondo Homes Victoria.......................67 House of Bamboo .................................12, 234 ILVE ......................................................14 Inge Jabara Landscapes.........................178 Jade Swimming Pools ...........................236 James Hardie .........................................8, 118 Jewels 4 Pools .......................................254 Kihara Landscapes ................................202 Kitchen Shop QLD ...............................144 KMD – The Outdoor Construction Company .........................232 Landart Landscapes + Pools .................162

Len Wallis Audio...................................26 Light This Light That ............................218 Limetree Alfresco..................................184 Manna Landscapes ................................250 Marble & Ceramic Corp .......................39 Markilux................................................271, 272, ...............................................................275 Melbourne Brick ...................................107 Modulnova Sydney Studio ....................18 Mr Trampoline ......................................246 Outrigger Awnings & Sails ...................264, 265 Oz Trampolines .....................................266 Parkwood Modular Buildings ...............87 Pressed Tin Panels.................................140 Pride Pools ............................................35, 220 Rawson Homes .....................................98 Red Cloud Bamboo ...............................213 Rivas Design .........................................240 Sanctum Design ....................................20 Scenic Blue Design ...............................194 Schots Home Emporium .......................126 Sculpt Fireplace Collection ..................124, 125 Sentrel Australia ....................................286, 288 Sovereign Interiors ................................IFC, 4 Starr Constructions................................33 Stormtech ..............................................146 The Vignette Room ...............................22 Thermofilm Australia ............................276, 279 Think Outside........................................268, 270 TMA Corp.............................................40 Tombo Design .......................................28 Trevelle Homes .....................................94 Urban Escape Landscapes and Pools ....214 Waterco .................................................292, 293 WK-Quantum Quartz ............................147 Yardware ...............................................167 Zipscreen ...............................................256, 257 Zodiac ...................................................152

BEST HOMES

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Sandstone

Limestone

Granite Bluestone Travertine Basalt

Beachwood Stone

DISPLAY, SALES & WAREHOUSE – SYDNEY 32 Bryant Street, Padstow NSW 2211 Ph: 02 9773 5677 Fax: 02 9773 5644 Email: info@cinajus.com Online Catalogue: www.cinajus.com