BGC Home Magazine Issue 2. Sustainability Starts at Home by BGC-Housing-Group

ISSUE 2

SUSTAINABILITY STARTS AT HOME

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EDITOR’S

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Sustainability is a word we’re all seeing more and more often – and for good reason. With our growing populations and environmental impact, it’s more important than ever that we all do our bit to create a healthier tomorrow for generations to come. There are three main pillars to sustainability: social, economic and environmental impact. You’ll find examples of these throughout this issue of BGC Home magazine. These include tips and tricks around the home, support for local businesses, and ways to protect our local ecosystems and resources in any way we can. It’s important to focus on all three pillars of sustainability if we want to make a real and lasting change, together. Should one pillar crumble, then the whole structure will fall. By combining our efforts, we can help to create a solid foundation. The good thing is, even the smallest changes can add up to create a big impact. Like swapping single-use plastic bags for reusable shopping bags, taking a Keep Cup with you to work, investing in eco cleaning materials, turning appliances off at the wall – the list goes on. As for our team, we’re always looking for new ways to give back where we can, as well as innovations and ideas that can help create a more sustainable future for all. What are some of the ways you have incorporated more sustainable choices into your day? We’d love to hear them. Share your ideas at bgchome@bgchousinggroup.com

About the cover Building a home with environmentally sustainable features is essential. The Purcell family in Bennett Springs have moved into their TERRACE Homes house that has an impressive 9.1-star energy efficiency rating. This unique home is at the forefront of sustainability innovation. Learn more on page 48. ‘Makuru’ is the winter season in the Indigenous calendar. Styling by Eskay. Photography by Creative.adm.

Acknowledgements BGC HOME MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY BGC Housing Group, 67 Walters Drive, Osborne Park WA 6017 www.bgchome.com.au E X EC UT I V E G E N E R A L M A N AGE R Michael Bartier E D I TO R Katherine Potthoff katep@bgchousinggroup.com MARKETING Shelby Moore, Group Marketing and Public Relations Manager Casey Tate, Group Marketing and Events Assistant P RO D UC E D BY Creative.adm Marty Shearwood, Director Kate Ventouras, Account Manager Erin Lovell, Senior Art Director Cleo Tovey, Digital Content Manager P H OTO G R A P H Y Dear Rabbit Studios, Stocksy, Unsplash, Pexels I L LUS T R AT I O N S James Giddy, Creative Market, IStock, Shutterstock I N T E R I O R S T YL I N G Eskay Design, Studio Cult CO N T R I BUTO RS Aussie Living Homes, Commodore Homes, GO Homes, HomeStart, Now Living Realty, Simply Settlements, Smart Homes for Living, TERRACE Homes, The Loan Co, Ventura South West Thank you to all contributors including; Clear Mind Studio, Urban Revolution, Kilfi Beach House, Cowaramup Eco Studio AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T O F COUN T RY BGC Housing Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past, present and future.

This magazine has been printed on FSC certified paper. An FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

Disclaimer The information contained within the publication is correct at the time of printing. The company has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information is accurate, however it is not intended to be relied on. Aside from where required by law, the company shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or advertisements contained within the publication. Any form of reproduction of any content of the publication without the written permission of the company is prohibited. J-Corp PTY LTD BC 6415. BGC Residential PTY LTD BC 9769. Ventura Home Group PTY LTD BC 10805.

Inside home.

In this issue

9 T H E S OCIAL S Find out what’s been happening at BGC Home 10 FROM TH E H O M E F RO NT Latest news from BGC Housing Group 14 S US TAIN ABILITY STARTS AT HO M E 25 tips to create an environmentally friendly home 20 IN TERN ATIONAL WO MEN’S DAY Celebrating women with BGC Housing Group 22 S POTL IGH T O N AN E XTRAO RDINARY WOM A N Neryl Joyce shares her experience working in a male dominated industry 24 WES T P ERT H WO MEN’S FO OTBALL Tracy Gallagher is helping to transform women’s football 26 BU IL DIN G O N YO U R OW N Shae-lee settled on her perfect first home 30 P ROFILE WI TH DARREN SPRAG G Meet a BGC Housing Group Senior Designer 36 S H ARIN G YOU R B U ILDING J O U RNE Y TERRACE in the trees 38 6-S TAR EN E RGY RATED HO MES Building with the future in mind 42 P ION EERIN G SUSTAINAB ILITY A focus on Jodie Vennitti 48 EXP ERIMEN TING FO R ENERGY E F F IC IE NCY Take a look at TERRACE Homes’ 9.1-star energy rated house 52 ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE FROM BUSHMEAD ESTATE A future shaped by nature 56 T H E LIVIN G LAB Creating a proud legacy for innovation 62 WH AT IS S O C IAL SUSTAINAB ILITY? A focus on one of Perth’s most innovative estates 64 S US TAIN ABLE SAVING IDEAS Tips to help you budget

70 I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R P RO F I L E Refresh your home with Emma Hann 74 M A D E TO M ATC H YO UR L I F E S T YL E Finding a home that suits your family 78 R ECYC L E D PA P E R BE N C H TO PS A benchmark for sustainable design 80 TO P 10 D I N I N G C H A I RS Find the perfect chair for your home 84 C R E AT I N G F LO R A L A R R A N G E M E N TS AT H OME A step-by-step guide with Lulu Cavanagh 88 S US TA I N A BL E BUI L D I N G O P T I O N S Creating green concrete 90 A L L A BO UT H O M E Be inspired by all things home 92 BR I N G A BI T O F F R EO I N TO YO UR H OME Discover a Fremantle inspired design scheme 96 L E A R N I N G A BO UT S E T T L E M E N T A walk through the settlement process 98 M O D E R N I N T E R I O R D E S I G N S Being aware about what you bring into your home 100 G E A R I N G UP FO R A H O M E O P E N Tips on how to prepare your home 102 AWA R D W I N N I N G D I S P L AY H O M E Celebrating The Asana by Commodore Homes

04 03 Leaving home.

Around the home. 134 T H E S US TA I N A BL E ROA D T R I P Where to and what to do on a South West road trip 140 A FO C US O N YO GA AT C L E A R MIN D S T UD IO 108 BES T P LA NTS FO R THE E NVIRO NM E NT

A sustainable approach to wellness

Planting for your new home

146 CA P T UR I N G T H E I M PAC T O F P ERS P ECT IVE

112 CON S ID ERING SUSTAINAB LE B RIC KS

A feature on Perth artist Helen Shearwood

A traditional solution to a modern issue

150 WA’S BE S T FA R M E RS' M A R K E T S

114 BEN EFITS O F KE E PING C HIC KE NS

Where to find the best markets in Perth

Creating a more sustainable lifestyle

152 P E RT H’S CO M M UN I T Y GA R D E NS

120 H ELP IN G TO B U ILD A B E TTE R TO M O RROW

Get involved in garden spaces around Perth

Ways to improve your sustainability at home

154 TA K E A BR E A K - H O M E AWAY F ROM H OME

124 T EACH IN G THE KIDS

Check out great places to stay around WA

Involving kids in sustainability 128 E-T ECH LITE G LASS FO R YO U R HO M E A window into greater efficiency 130 D IY BEESWAX W RAPS

162 BE S P O K E S C E N T I N BG C H O M E

How to create your own wraps at home

A treat for the senses

164 G ROW I N G G R E E N I N N OVAT I O N The benefits of a moss wall 166 BG C H O M E M AGA Z I N E L AUN C H Celebrating the first edition of BGC Home’s magazine 170 W H AT TO E X P EC T W H E N YO U VIS IT B GC H OME 172 E X P LO R E O UR H O M E 174 P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T 175 BO O K A N A P P O I N T M E N T W I T H US 176 H O M E TO T H E BE S T BR A N D S

BGC home.

178 M E E T O UR BUI L D E RS 182 BG C H O US I N G G RO UP

Keep the temperature of your beautiful new home comfortable all year round. Fujitsu General are a leading supplier of air conditioning products in Australia. Focusing all of their research and manufacturing strengths into one core area has resulted in the world-class, market-leading air conditioning products you see today. Fujitsu General strives to consistently provide high quality, energy efficient, reliable products accompanied by superior customer service. To be ‘Australia’s Favourite Air®’ means to be the best air conditioning company to deal with in Australia, not just a leading air conditioning brand.

As well as producing energy efficient and well-designed products, Fujitsu General also offer a comprehensive service network with offices, warehouses and service technicians in all major capital cities across the country. Whether you need a solution for a small bedroom, or large living space, Fujitsu’s combination of technology, insight and design will provide an effective and efficient air conditioning solution for you.

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THE

socials So many people come through our BGC Home showroom every day and it’s great to see the joy this space brings to people shared on social media.

@_abz_

@building.with.rach.and.nick

@emily.rose.homes

@_abz_ got dressed up and joined us to celebrate the launch of the first edition of the BGC Home magazine. It was a fantastic night!

@building.with.rach.and.nick came into the showroom to start their prestart journey and fell in love with their dream bathtub.

@emily.rose.homes sharing a selfie taking her clients Jess and Maitland through the showroom.

Snap your story and tag #bgc_home for your chance to feature in our next issue!

BGC Home 9

FROM THE

home front

LEADING THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION CELEBRATING IN STYLE In March this year, our BGC Housing Group team and suppliers celebrated the launch of our first BGC Home magazine. We held the event at BGC Home, enjoying canapes, drinks and ice-cream while being serenaded by a talented string quartet. Over 100 people attended the launch, with all attendees taking home a copy of the magazine at the end of the festivities. You can see more about our launch party on page 166.

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Last year, BGC Housing Group launched our Apprentice and Traineeship Program to support young people in the building and construction industry in WA. The program offers aspiring tradies an opportunity to learn from experienced tradies onsite while continuing their studies. As WA’s largest builder, we believe it’s important to invest in the future of WA trades.

ADVOCATING FOR MORE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION In May this year, our BGC Housing Group team, along with Master Builders Australia, hosted Senator Michaelia Cash for an important discussion. Senator Cash is a passionate advocate for the employment of women in the building and construction industry, something we proudly encourage throughout BGC Housing Group. As WA’s largest builder, it’s our goal to be leading the way wherever we can, including the push for greater gender equality in our industry. It’s something we will all benefit from, and we thank Senator Cash for her ongoing support.

Don’t worry, Wattyl walls can handle it.

living.wattyl.com.au Protecting Aussie Homes Since 1915.

Wattyl Snow Rose

BGC H O USIN G GRO U P

It’s time to make our actions speak louder Sustainability is a word we’re all seeing more and more these days. The importance of sustainability goes far beyond the word itself, but influences the actions and decisions we all make every single day.

At BGC Housing Group, we work hard to lead by example when it comes to sustainability. As the first home builder group in WA to build six star homes as standard, we understand what it takes to create homes built for the future. We don’t just throw the word sustainability around, instead, we actively come up with new ways to tackle environmental concerns. We make the changes needed in order to preserve our way of life. Our home has always been right here in WA, and we’re proud to do our bit to protect the incredible environment, culture and lifestyle we all enjoy. Whether that’s educating our team,

developing new innovations, or pushing ourselves to think outside the box, we’re always looking for ways to improve where we can. I hope you read this magazine and feel inspired by the stories, information and ideas on offer. Together, we can all make a positive difference on the world – and there’s no better time to get started.

Michael Bartier Executive General Manager

BGC Home 13

FEATU RE

A sustainable lifestyle starts at home Sustainability is about finding eco-friendly solutions to lessen our collective impact on people and the planet, with even the smallest changes having the potential to create a lasting, positive impact. At BGC Housing Group, we’re proud to ensure every home we build has a minimum NatHERS 6-star energy rating, helping to reduce energy costs and offering a number of water-saving initiatives, too. To add on to the benefits of sustainable design, there are heaps of cost-effective and simple ideas you can implement at home to be more environmentally friendly. We have put together this list to get you started.

CLOTH NAPKINS

NO MORE COFFEE PODS

GO GREEN WHEN YOU CLEAN

Reusable is always the more sustainable option. Cloth napkins that you can clean will save you from using and then throwing away hundreds of paper napkins every year.

We can all agree that coffee is a necessity in life, but coffee pods can be incredibly harmful to the environment, adding excessive aluminium and plastic to landfill. To get your hit in the morning, choose ground coffee or beans instead.

Lemon juice, bicarb soda, white vinegar and eucalyptus oil are just a few of the green cleaning products you likely have lying around your home. These pantry staples have the power to cut through grease and other tough stains just as effectively as many of the big cleaning brands. Plus, they are so much kinder to the planet!

USE YOUR OWN CUTLERY

INVEST IN BLOCKOUT CURTAINS OR SHUTTERS

REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS

Take away is sometimes unavoidable, especially after a busy day or big night out. But remember not to use any single use cutlery when you’re at home. Let the restaurant know you don’t need plastic cutlery when you order your food.

Keep out the sun in summer and lock in the heat in winter with quality window treatments. Blockout curtains or shutters can make a huge difference to your home’s energy efficiency, meaning you use far less energy to heat and cool your home.

There’s lots of compact shopping bags you can fold up and keep in your handbag so that you’re never caught needing to take a plastic bag at the shop.

BGC Home 15

GIVE COMPOSTING A GO

UNCLOG DRAINS NATURALLY

KICK OFF YOUR SHOES

Turn your food waste into plant food with help from a compost bin. There are heaps of low-cost options available from garden centres, so just pick a size and get started. See page 114 for more information.

You don’t need strong chemicals or even vinegar and baking soda to clean clogged drains. With very hot soapy water you can cut away at any fats, oils or grease blocking your drain. A couple of tablespoons of your usual dishwashing soap can also do the job if you’re having trouble.

Leave your shoes at the front door to keep out dirt and grime from outside. Research shows that icky materials and dirt from outside spreads germs around your house, which means you have to clean it more often. Less cleaning means less chemicals in your home.

SAVE YOUR PEELS

DONATE

Onions, carrots, garlic and celery all have peels that can be saved to make your own vegetable stock, freeze any peels to keep them fresh until you have enough. Reduce your food waste and save your money by making your own.

Whether it’s spring cleaning time or you just need to declutter, make sure you donate any unwanted clothing or homewares from your house. Look into local charities in your area to find out where you can drop off your pieces.

NO MORE DRAUGHTY FLOORBOARDS

16 BGC Home

Small gaps in wooden floorboards contribute to letting cold air in and warm air out of your home in winter. This can lead to you wasting energy on heating and being uncomfortable at home. Use a non-toxic sealant to cover the gaps and keep warm.

TRY ECO-FRIENDLY DETERGENTS

UNPLUG

STORE YOUR FOOD WITHOUT PLASTIC

Switch up your detergent to find one that uses less chemicals. Eco-friendly detergents are available in most supermarkets now, so you just need to make sure you read the labels when shopping.

Unplug any unused appliances or chargers, or switch them off at the wall. This will save you money, benefit the environment and also make your home safer.

Single use plastics should be avoided as much as possible and plastic cling wrap is definitely not good. Use beeswax wraps or other alternatives instead. See page 130 to learn how to make your own!

CHOOSE WATERWISE PLANTS

MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTS ARE LED

USE A STRING MOP

Forget those water-guzzling tropical plants – it’s time to embrace a waterwise garden! Not only will it save you lots of money on your water bills, but it’s so much easier to look after (so if your thumb isn’t all that green, it’s great news for you). See page 108 for more details.

LED lights are the most energy-saving lighting option, so a good way to boost your home’s sustainability is to make the switch to LED lights. LED lights are reliable, low heat radiating and long lasting, so there are so many reasons to see the light.

A string mop will last longer than a foam mop, and is also easier to clean out between mopping. By buying longer-lasting products, you can help to cut down on waste.

BGC Home 17

SAVE YOUR JARS

SEASONAL PRODUCE

If you love your jam on toast in the mornings, then you’re bound to have glass jars around. Save your jars to use them as storage for leftover herbs and spices in your pantry.

Foods that are in season are generally in peak supply, so the costs are kept low. It also means you’re eating more fruits and veggies, which your body will love. And lastly, you’ll also be supporting local farmers when you choose to eat seasonal foods.

MAKE A LIST BEFORE YOU SHOP

HANG UP YOUR CLOTHES TO DRY

SWITCH OFF THE LIGHTS!

We’re all guilty of getting a bit carried away in the shops and being influenced by the sales. But buying and consuming unnecessary goods creates more waste, so be mindful of what you purchase for your home.

You don’t need a dryer to dry your clothes in Perth. We’re lucky to live in one of the sunniest cities in Australia, so why not put all those sunny days to good use? Dryers can also damage your clothes, so using a washing line instead is a much better option for your clothes and the environment.

18 BGC Home

We’re sure you were sick of your mum telling you this as a child, but mums are wise. Don’t waste your energy by keeping lights on in rooms that you’re not using. This will also help you save on your power bill.

WALK OR RIDE TO WORK

CHOOSE SECOND-HAND FURNITURE

With a strong public transport system, great cycle and pedestrian pathways and sunny weather, you don’t always need to drive in Perth. Consider walking or riding to get to your next destination.

Second-hand furniture in your home is a great way to save on money and choose a more sustainable option. With easily accessible websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, it’s easy to find great deals and sometimes even sought-after vintage pieces for your home.

As you can see, there are so many little ways to do a lot of good for the environment – and it all starts at home. Remember to pat yourself on the back for all the little wins every day, because they really will add up in the long run. Well done for helping to make the world a better place for all!

Illustrations by James Giddy

BGC Home 19

C ELEB RAT I N G WO ME N

BGC AUSTRALIA

International Women’s Day To celebrate 2021 International Women’s Day, BGC Housing Group hosted a breakfast for 250 people at Crown in Perth. The theme was #ChooseToChallenge, focusing on the power of choosing to challenge issues of gender bias and inequality to create a more inclusive world. As the colour of International Women’s Day, purple was everywhere throughout the breakfast, with purple decorations, banners and chocolate giveaways. Guests were also invited to enter the draw to win prizes to Legally Blonde the Musical, a meal at Nobu and a staycation at Crown. The keynote speaker at the breakfast was the extraordinary Neryl Joyce, who spoke of her journey from young mother to Baghdad bodyguard and the challenges of being a woman in a brutal man’s world. There was also a panel discussion with four inspiring women within the building and construction industry: Cath Hart, Rachel Hartwig, Antonell Doyle and Jane Harries. The panel host was Natalie Locke from NOVA’s Nathan, Nat and Shaun, who kept the discussion flowing. The panel tackled topics including advice for women in business (particularly construction),

20 BGC Home

the challenges women face in the workforce, and personal challenges these women have had to overcome throughout their careers. All in all, the panel discussion was incredibly encouraging, and offered a number of insights into what it is like to be a woman within a male-dominated workforce, and how to challenge expectations each and every day. As WA’s largest home builder, BGC Housing Group is passionately committed to gender equality across all facets of our organisation. With gender equality helping to create a happier, healthier and stronger workplace, we’re proud to challenge ourselves to continue moving forward together as a united team. It was an amazing morning at the breakfast, with plenty of food for thought around what we could all #ChooseToChallenge.

If you would like to watch the full panel discussion, visit youtu.be/Wk6EhIo5J_s

BGC Home 21

CELEB RAT I N G WO ME N

SPOTLIGHT ON AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN

Neryl Joyce The world is full of extraordinary women who help to inspire change and challenge existing stereotypes of what it means to be a woman. One shining example of this is Neryl Joyce, the keynote speaker at BGC Housing Group’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. Neryl’s journey has not only encouraged millions around the world, but is currently in talks to be made into a Hollywood production. So, just who exactly is Neryl Joyce, and what makes her story so inspiring? Read on to find out. From her earliest years as a child, Neryl always wanted to protect people. With a love of superheroes, including Wonder Woman, Neryl surrounded herself with strong role models. She joined the Army at the age of 18 and was deployed to Iraq. There, she joined a male-dominated workforce and had to work twice as hard to prove her worth and ability. Neryl Joyce speaking at BGC Housing Group’s International Women’s Day Breakfast

After a successful career in the Army, Neryl then left to become a bodyguard for a private security contractor, a dangerous role that saw her return to Iraq, where she endured many hardships. Neryl’s story is one of strength, perseverance and true courage. As a single mother, Neryl has had to overcome incredible hardships throughout her life. She has written a book, Mercenary Mum, that tells the story of her incredible journey – a story that may yet make it to the screen in time. As BGC Housing Group’s keynote speaker this year, Neryl Joyce helped to embody the theme of #ChooseToChallenge. As someone who has constantly challenged society’s expectations of women, Neryl helped to inspire the audience and set the tone for a highly thought provoking International Women’s Day Breakfast.

22 BGC Home

Neryl’s story is one of strength, perseverance and true courage. As a single mother, Neryl has had to overcome incredible hardships throughout her life.

BGC Home 23

C ELEB RAT I N G WO ME N

Tracy Gallagher is helping to transform women’s football

24 BGC Home

For Tracy Gallagher, football has always been part of her life. Though it helped to shape her childhood and gave her a lifelong love of the sport, Tracy was unable to play football as a young girl at school, because there were no clubs or opportunities for girls to take part. Tracy never gave up though – and today, her hard work has paid off. She has not only played in more than 100 WAFLW games to date, but was elected to the West Perth Football Club (WPFC) in 2020 as Director, with Women’s AFL as her portfolio. On top of this, she’s a busy Mum of four teenagers and Canteen Manager at her local primary school too. In 2020, COVID-19 had a huge impact on the sport, so much of Tracy’s work was in navigating the uncertainty while giving players, coaches, support staff and supporters as many opportunities as possible. However, her main objective was even bigger – to apply to the Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) for a WA Women’s Football League (WAFLW) provisional licence for the WPFC.

Amy Szeliga, Tracy Gallagher, Trish Medwin

The application was a success, with the WPFC now offering a clear pathway for all girls in the district to grow their skills, from Auskick, right through to the AFLW league. So, unlike Tracy who never had the chance to take part in footy games as a young girl, the girls of today will be able to make the most of the opportunities they deserve. It is an incredible achievement – and one Tracy is very proud of. “We have found some fantastic supporters at WPFC in a short time, and are grateful to all those who stood by us during 2020 and the harsh times during COVID. I am driven by the fact that with each baby step we take in helping the players of today, it is laying the foundations for generations of female players to come,” said Tracy. At BGC Housing Group we're honoured to be part of the ongoing growth of the West Perth Women’s Football Team, giving indigenous players the opportunity to play football at an elite level. With dedicated leaders like Tracy at the helm of the club, there’s no doubt talented players of all ages will be given every chance to shine.

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C ELEB RAT I N G WO ME N

PLANK

BARGE & CAPPING

SPANDREL

CEILING 2,435 ( 28c+ PLATE) 25c 90 x 90 POST

RENDER

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F.F.L. 0 ( 0c)

ELEVATION 1

SELECTED CLADDING

SCALE 1:100

20mm PROJECTING 2c HIGH RENDERED SILLS

T.O.F. @ -4c

GAS INST HWU CEILING 2,435 ( 28c+ PLATE) 25c 2c BLOCK F.F.L. 0 ( 0c)

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90 x 90 POSTS

SCALE 1:100

Shae-lee builds her perfect first home CEILING 2,435 ( 28c+ PLATE)

F.F.L. 0 ( 0c)

Shae-lee never thought she’d be building her own home, 25c but at 26 years old she’s made the decision to build with HomeStart. There is an increasing number of successful single women building with BGC Housing Group and Shae-lee is a great example of this.

2c BLOCK

Living in Perth’s northern suburbs and working for the Department of Education, Shae-lee had been saving to buy a new car outright when the 2020 Australian Government’s Homebuilder Grant Scheme was announced. This made her really consider the opportunity to build solo.

ELEVATION 3 SCALE 1:100

After meeting with a few different builders, it was Luke from HomeStart who was the deciding factor for Shae-lee. She says he explained the building process to her and made her feel comfortable in the decision to put the money she’d 250 saved into aO'HANG home of her own.

26 BGC Home

CEILING 2,435 ( 28c+ PLATE) SELECTED CLADDING

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DOUBLE GPO

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BED 4

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PHONE POINT W/CONDUIT

ROBE R'HOOD GPO R'HOOD FLUMED IN ROOF SPACE IN EXTERNAL AIR 1050 ELEC. PRELAY BY PLUMBER

ALFRESCO

DINING

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25c

ROBE

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, Osborne Park, WA 6017 00 Fax: (08) 6461 5304

STORE

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“I have always loved looking at established homes, having 25c moved from rental to rental over the years. The downside ELECTRICAL to that isPLAN I always found areas I would change/renovate. SCALE 1:100 I was apprehensive at the start but now I wouldn’t even consider buying established.”

Shae-lee told us the two aspects of owning a home that she is most excited for is saying goodbye to rental inspections and getting a dog. Two things that are made possible when owning your own home.

“My heart already feels so content visualising the end goal. I feel so grateful and proud of this achievement.” Shae-lee has decided to incorporate the Coastal Hamptons 90 x 90 design scheme POSTinto her house because her new home is within walking distance from the beach, so it’s a perfect fit. Shae-lee’s home design is custom, so she’s been able to If you want some advice about increase the size of a standard master bedroom and added a building your first home too, visit double vanity. “It has never been my vision to do this on my NOTE: homestart.net.au - INTERCONNECTED SMOKE ALARMS IN own but this has been the most uplifting experience to date ACCORDANCE WITH NCC VOL 2 PART 3.7.2 & AS 3786 : 2014 for me. I now have a partner who has made such aNOTE: point to - ELECTRICAL POINTS MAY BE RELOCATED ON - PROVIDE REVERSE CYCLE DUCTED AIR encourage and support from the side-lines with little to no SITE TO SUIT CURRENT STATUTORY CONDITIONING POSITIONS OF VENTS TO BE REQUIREMENTS. DETERMINED BY INSTALLER. input. I feel like this has really helped me grow.” © COPYRIGHT

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25c

BUILDER:

LOT 2198 GADIR STREET ALKIMOS

INDEPENDENCE DREAM HOME 4 x 2 MODEL N°

4780

MAP REF.

SUPERPACK

DATE

04/05/21

WIND RATING

84 /05 /40 N1

COASTAL CATEGORY

ENGINEERS DETAIL

D10V2

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

Wattyl I.D Advanced Range With a proud heritage of innovation, Wattyl delivers high performance coatings to protect and enhance every home from interior, exterior, texture, to protective and specialty finishes.

Environmental safety is just one of the many attributes of Wattyl I.D Advanced interior paint formula, which is available in water-based matt, low sheen and satin finishes plus Ceiling White.

The Wattyl I.D Advanced range, with Total Protection Technology™, delivers a new level of protection. This interior paint resists the growth of mould and fungus and offers advanced cleanability, washability and stain resistance.

Wattyl has developed an extensive range of superior water-based and oil-based prepcoats and enamels. Together with Wattyl’s I.D Advanced finishing coats, these will deliver optimum protection and enhance ANY home.

Ease of application and durability are also key benefits of Wattyl I.D Advanced. With an ultra-low VOC formula at less than 1g/L, Wattyl I.D Advanced far exceeds green building requirements.

For more information visit wattyl.com.au

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PROF I LE

Q&A Darren Spragg Senior Designer

What does home mean to you? Having your own home in Perth, and being able to call Perth home, is like winning the lotto. There can’t be a better place to live, grow up and create memories! More poetically speaking, home to me, means a shelter, a place that is a physical expression of who we are at any given point– a representation of all our peculiarities and individuality. Everything about it says so much about us and/our family - whether it’s as innocuous as the colour of the walls, the arrangement of things across the house, how tidy or messy it is, or the amount of dirty dishes in the sink! Everything is specifically idiosyncratic. I also think the home more psychologically, is a place of contemplation and retreat - a sanctuary where everything that has taken place or will take place is reflected on or planned. It’s at the core of our thoughts and imagination and firmly informs who we are and how we think.

Tell us a bit about your first home The first home I lived in as a kid, was a pretty classic 1970’s brick home in the northern suburb of Padbury. It definitely

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holds a special place in my memory. Whoever decided in 1970 that it was a good idea to design upside-down brick arches into the front entry porch is a legend in my opinion! The combination of upside-down arches and a massive Peppermint Tree in the front yard were a couple of defining features and the centre point for lots of mucking around as kids. The first home I bought and currently live in, funnily enough, is still a 1970’s brown-brick home, but a lot smaller and way less of a yard than I was lucky enough to experience as a kid.

Can you describe your dream home? My dream home would be superexpressive, up-lifting and set among a cluster of trees. I’d probably buy a couple of adjacent lots, amalgamate them, plant a heap of Gums then design a house around them! (I reckon Burke’s Backyard probably planted that idea in my head). My dream home would be unpretentious, less about showing affluence or social standing but more about its relationship to the environment, how it reflects and interacts with the trees, the view, the

The Sarasota, Commodore Homes

topography. I would put emphasis on the quality and phenomenology of the spaces – the size, volume, amount of light and air – and how it makes you feel. A home that makes you appreciate being alive, focusing all your attention on the planting, sky and natural light, less so the building itself. I guess the same kind of feeling you get when you stay in an awesome holiday home somewhere amazing.

My dream home would be super-expressive, up-lifting and set among a cluster of trees.

How long have you been with BGC Housing Group and which brand/ brands do you work with? I’ve been at the company for approximately 6 years and am lucky to have worked across many of the housing brands both historic and active, these days I turn all my attention towards Commodore Homes and collaborating with the awesome team of people within. I feel very privileged in my role, designing Display Homes is both a hugely creative, technical and economically-minded job that provides so much opportunity to engage with great people across all brands and within the industry at large.

What was your background before working with BGC Housing Group? In 2005 I began studying Architecture at UWA and over 5 adventurous and mildly stressful years I worked to obtain my Masters of Architecture and set off as a budding Graduate Architect. Working for a few years before landing at the awarded BGC Housing Group I immediately developed a love and emphatic interest in residential design from working on meticulously detailed high-end homes to understanding the humble, suburban low-cost home.

The Asana, Commodore Homes

Understanding what the driving forces are behind our urban and suburban built-fabric was of huge curiosity to me and learning that the late and profoundly successful Len Buckeridge, founder of BGC, was also an Architect reinforced my inspiration toward designing homes, in particular, low-cost housing.

Where do you get your inspiration from when designing homes? Inspiration is everywhere! You just have to be in the right mindset to activate it, it’s one of those ambiguous, ever-elusive things that comes in waves or it doesn’t come at all. Creativity is definitely hard to conjure up on demand, so I find the natural environment is the biggest source / best way to hit reset on the mind and conjure up some imagination and inspiration. More literally speaking, I’m obsessed with the phenomenon of the suburbs - the history of place, the urban planning, the built-outcome, the embodied memory of a place. It’s a very romantic notion I know, but I love that feeling of driving or walking through a suburb you’ve never been in and trying to understand or appreciate what makes

BGC Home 31

it what it is. What makes it successful and what makes it feel inspiring – I guess it all boils down to community and how we live and it’s the fundamental aspect of residential design.

What was the biggest challenge when designing new homes?

Do you think about sustainability when designing?

The most obvious example that comes to mind is knowing how and when to innovate. At times it can seem that each project has similarities with the one before it and it's hard to truly create individuality. However, constantly reminding myself that each site, and each home is a product of where it is and who it is for and being able to make something that is responsive to that, means each project is valuable. Also reminding myself that each Display Home has real-life, personal influence over people – being able to positively impact through design and help people achieve home-ownership is a huge way I overcome challenging moments.

I think the industry is going through an unprecedented movement now where terms like ‘sustainability’ and ‘energy efficient design’ are genuinely accounted for and have real, tangible built outcomes – whether it’s as simple as the correct passive solar orientation of houses, the complete life cycle and embodied energy of a building product or the technologies that are incorporated into a home. Adapting to how we build, the density we build at, and the attitudes we have in a time of utmost environmental consciousness is something that’s always at the front of my design-mind.

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I think at the very least, a building must be positioned at its best solarorientation, specific to the Perth climate. Its something everyone can achieve with minimal cost effect – the way your home sits on a lot, with regards to how the sun travels across the building, where it gets shaded,

which rooms receive sun and when, all play a critical role in minimising the need for turning on the AC. If you can control the home’s ability to gain or lose heat and create a home that isn’t as heavily reliant on electricity simply by putting rooms and windows in the right places you’re going a long way. Of course there are plenty of intricacies to it as well, understanding the difference between summer and winter sun, the trajectory and duration on the building, the placement of windows in relation to thermal mass (is the window next to an adjacent wall or in the middle of a room?) the depth of shading at alfrescos and eaves – all these things stack up and luckily all our designers work with this insight and knowledge to design the most comfortable building we can, minimising the need for expensive upgrades and excessive power bills.

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The Kaimana, TERRACE Homes

34 BGC Home

To discover more follow Darren on Instagram @darrenspragg_designer

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H OM E J OU R N E Y

TERRACE in the trees terrace_inthetrees

Through her Instagram account TERRACE in the Trees, Catherine has been able to document her build and connect with others. TERRACE Homes customer Catherine has joined our BGC Housing Group customers in starting her own personal Instagram account to share her building journey. Catherine who is a nurse, started the account back in August 2020 so that she could remember the building process for herself, but the page has turned into much more. Her interior styling and accessory choices that are shared on the Instagram page have led to her building a following of over 1000 people. If you have a look on the TERRACE in the Trees page, you’ll see a collection of modern and classic home interiors and exteriors along with unique home

accessories like a gold bumble bee door knocker and stylish flower vases. There’s no doubt Catherine has become a source of inspiration for other people building or wanting to build their own home. The Instagram page is a curation of modern styles that do not stray too far from classic tastes, which can be hard to achieve. The Instagram page is also a place for Catherine to celebrate key milestones in the building process such as receiving building permits and completing her Prestart process. Choosing to build with TERRACE Homes was an easy choice for Catherine. “I had seen quite a few TERRACE Homes be built around me and I was always drawn to the architectural design elements of them, given that they are a part of the BGC Housing Group I knew I’d be getting a quality home in the end.”

You’ll see a collection of modern and classic home interiors and exteriors along with unique home accessories like a gold bumble bee door knocker and stylish flower vases.

Catherine’s home is a mix between The Fairlight design and a custom design. This is the second home she’s built so this time around she is focusing on all the things she wished her last home had. The large windows, the Essastone Unique Calcatta honed benchtop and floor to ceiling tiles in the bathrooms are the features she’s most looking forward to. Her new home is located in the foothills of Perth so there will also be desirable views of bushland from the master bedroom.

TERRACE in the Trees has been a great way for Catherine to share ideas and get more inspiration. “I have people reach out to me a lot, many who I speak to regularly. It has been really fun to see other people’s journeys and have them be a part of mine.”

Follow Catherine’s building journey on Instagram @TERRACE_Inthetrees

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BGC HOUS I N G G RO UP

Built with

THE FUTURE in mind As Australia grows, so too does the need for better solutions to improved household energy efficiency. Currently, energy used at home is responsible for 10% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which will only increase as more homes are built. That’s why new homes are required by The Building Code of Australia (BCA) to be built to a high level of energy efficiency defined by a rating system called the NatHERS energy efficiency rating. Just like household appliances have an efficiency starrating system, homes now have a nationally-rated system to help home owners identify industry best practice home design and construction. The more stars, on a scale of 1 to 10, the more naturally comfortable a home will feel and the less money will be wasted in lost energy.

38 BGC Home

BGC Home 39

BGC HOUS I N G G RO UP

We want the best for our homeowners, as well as the environment, which is why we are committed to delivering homes built to the highest standard at BGC Housing Group. In WA, a 6-Star NatHERS energy rating is now the required minimum energy rating. If current reports are correct, energy usage at home will remain a significant household expense that will continue to rise in the coming years. The 6-Star rating means your home will be 5 degrees warmer in winter and 10 degrees cooler in summer. Your home will be 25% more energy efficient than non-rated homes for heating and

40 BGC Home

cooling, while you save up to $90 per annum on energy bills and these savings will be enjoyed for a lifetime. But cost isn’t the only factor to be positively effected by a 6-Star rating. Studies show that improvements to lighting, ventilation, and temperature control in sustainable homes can increase wellbeing, improve concentration, and boost your energy levels, all while reducing your carbon footprint. Accredited 6-Star rated homes are also found to have a better resale value in the future. So you’ll be future-proofing your investment, while also thinking of

the next generation and protecting the environment. But make sure your builder is actually accredited. Claims of energy efficiency should always be backed up by an official accreditation using the NatHERS scale to ensure you're getting all the benefits associated with a 6-Star rating, for a long time to come.

For more on how to build an energy efficient home visit bgchousinggroup.com.au

Your home will be 25% more energy efficient than non-rated homes for heating and cooling.*

*As projected by the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia in their publication ‘Your 6-Star Guide to building an energy efficient home’ (2011), in comparison to a 4 or 5 star home. This publication is presently referred to by the Building Commission (WA) and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (WA). Also see http://www.vba.vic.gov.au.

S USTAI N A B I L I T Y FE AT UR E

A focus on Jodie Vennitti There’s a lot to learn when it comes to sustainability so we are lucky to have an expert on the topic in our BGC Housing Group team. Jodie Vennitti has been working with BGC for a year and half and personifies important sustainability values. As Training and Change Manager at BGC Housing Group Jodie speaks up and champions people’s experiences. “I’m empowered by BGC’s progressive views to develop strategies to move us through change towards sustainability” explains Jodie. “I’ve worked in IT for over 25 years, as well as returning to study Social and Environmental Change as part of my Sustainability degree. I am passionate about the personal side of change and helping people understand themselves, so we can recognise why we react to change the way we do and ensure that changes cause as little disruption as possible. As an organisation this enables us to be more resilient and agile when faced with change.”

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As well as growing her own fruits and vegetables, she raises chickens, keeps bees, practices composting and teaches sustainability workshops.

When asked why she believes sustainability is important Jodie says, “We always need to consider the environmental, economic and social implications surrounding all aspects of business, home and community. We need to ensure that all of our systems are self-sustaining and not depleting resources, whether that be financial, personal energy, happiness or environmental resources.“ Jodie has carried this invaluable experience to inform everything she does at BGC Housing Group. She shares, “On a grassroots level within BGC Housing Group, there are a few of us who have started brainstorming ways to reduce waste, compost where we can and share knowledge on sustainable topics with the rest of the team.”

Jodie lives her life in line with her environmentally conscious ethos. Her house is an incredible example of how a focus on sustainability can create a captivatingly unique home. Jodie welcomed us into her home which she calls Womble Inn, and took us around her impressive garden to explain how she has been able to implement sustainable initiatives throughout. Growing her own produce is just the beginning for Jodie, as well as growing her own fruits and vegetables like sweet potato Jerusalem artichoke, she raises chickens, keeps bees, practices composting and teaches sustainability workshops.

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The materials she has used to build out her decking and undercover areas have all be recycled or repurposed. Hidden at the back of the garden you’ll find a bright pink caravan that Jodie was given from a family member who no longer needed it. She has converted this into a guest house and added a compost toilet and portable shower room outside so guests are able to live independently.

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It’s hardly surprising that Jodie was nominated as a finalist for the prestigious UN Environmental Action Award in 2018. “I’m proud of this achievement as I was the only individual nominated. The other finalists were incredibly inspiring big organisations, so to be a finalist myself was very flattering. I’m also very proud of my work with community groups and local councils to create awareness and generate solutions for change to social policy, so that we can all work towards healthy and resilient communities.” Jodie’s impressive track record is helping us work towards a bright, sustainable future where local communities and the people within them can live healthy, happy lives in harmony with their environment.

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T ERRACE H O M E S

Experimenting for energy efficiency

It’s often thought that environmentally conscious solutions come with a hefty price tag, but Mirvac’s Affordability Experiment, in partnership with Synergy, Keystart and TERRACE Homes, is out to change that narrative and champion sustainability for families in WA. This industry-leading experiment aims to find out how cutting-edge technology and sustainable design and building principles contribute to affordable housing initiatives. By addressing the initial cost of buying a house, as well as

48 BGC Home

the cost of ongoing bills and running costs, they’re hoping to prove you can help homeowners, while saving the environment. Sustainable elements built into the home include solar panels, energy batteries, automation technology, rainwater tanks, a water-wise garden, environmentally conscious appliances, and thermal efficiency. These elements combined have earned the home a NaTHERs rating of 9.1 stars, an almost unheard of rating for energy efficiency.

Built by TERRACE Homes, at Mirvac’s Iluma Private Estate in Bennett Springs, the two-storey home is now being lived in by a family of four. When asked what she’s noticed about living in this innovative new home, Mum Lisa Purcell explains, “The biggest difference this amazing home has made to our lives is how much we save on bills! We also have an app that monitors the homes usage, so we can constantly keep an eye on what we are using, therefore knowing what we need to adjust to make sure we are always using the home to its full potential.”

“The biggest difference this amazing home has made to our lives is how much we save on bills! - Lisa

Since the experiment started four months ago, the household has been returning a net positive utility usage result, meaning the home generates almost double the amount of energy it consumes each day. The family’s bi-monthly energy bills, which cost them upwards of $800 in their previous home, now average just $40, allowing Lisa and her husband Jackson to save for their deposit and enjoy their life with their children Monroe and Christian. “We didn’t expect our energy usage would reduce so drastically so quickly, but being able to take the money we would normally spend on bills and save it has been fantastic!” says Lisa. The Affordability Experiment and the Purcell family play an important role in the future of net zero housing design concepts. Energy, water, landscaping, technology, automation and finances will continue to be monitored, with the findings forming part of the development plans for future large-scale, energy and cost-efficient developments.

To find out more, visit terracehomes.com.au

The home has a NaTHERs rating of 9.1 stars, an almost unheard of rating for energy efficiency.

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H OM E SW E E T H O M E

A future shaped by nature The multi-award winning Bushmead estate, built by Cedar Woods in the stunning Perth Hills region, is leading the way in setting industryfirst environmental best practice. The estate recently won the 2021 UDIA Award for Environmental Excellence, to add to its already impressive list of accolades.

To date 188 hectares of precious native bushland has been protected.

Designed to conserve and enhance the native bushland and ecological value of the local area, Bushmead achieved the 6-Leaf EnviroDevelopment Accreditation in 2017. This accreditation focuses on how land developments source, use and reuse key materials, as well as how they protect and promote ecosystems, manage waste, boost energy efficiency, utilise renewable technology, save water, and support local communities. The estate has even divided development areas into ‘cells’, enabling construction to be concentrated in the areas that have already been cleared or negatively impacted before, so that healthy natural environments and native landscapes can be saved. To date, 188 hectares of precious native bushland have been protected. This includes 41 hectares of revegetated areas spanning across 30 individual sites, designated conservation trails and the stunning Kadina Brook. In 2019, 93 native species were planted in and around the development, which is three to four times more biodiverse than most revegetation projects associated with land development. The result is that nature has shaped the estate, rather than the other way around. And it doesn’t end there. During the early stages of the project, Cedar Woods partnered with renowned community development specialists, Creating Communities, to focus on building a strong community at Bushmead. Unlike the usual ‘entertainment’ approach to community engagement, this partnership has encouraged an ongoing commitment to working with residents to develop a vision for Bushmead. Over the last 5 years, they’ve worked to co-design community and sustainability initiatives and build custodianship for the natural environment and the neighbourhood.

54 BGC Home

To discover more visit cedarwoods.com.au/bushmead

The environmental custodianship program includes a range of activities such as bi-annual clean ups, tree planting events, sustainability education initiatives and waterwise gardening workshops. As a result, recent surveys show the Bushmead community is environmentally minded, with 75% of residents ranking ‘enjoying and valuing the natural environment’ as a top priority for a great community.

Bushmead is a much needed demonstration of how to successfully integrate a new residential housing development with a surrounding conservation area. Through the retention of natural landscapes and trees, replanting of native species, and advanced water management systems, this development is not only creating a new place for people to live, but a vital haven for native flora and fauna, which plays an important role in enhancing local biodiversity.

The Bushmead estate proves enduring protection and ongoing management of a threatened habitat and the endangered wildlife that call it home, is not only possible, but that it can have positive outcomes for the people who share it with them.

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T ERRACE H O M E S

Creating a proud legacy for innovation East Village at Knutsford in Fremantle is WA’s most sustainable new development, developed by DevelopmentWA and built by TERRACE Homes. If you happen to have paid a visit lately, you may have spotted the Curtin University Living Lab. Known as the Legacy Living Lab (or L3 for short), L3 is a research facility developed by Curtin University in partnership with government and industry partners. From the outside, L3 appears very much like many other modern home designs. However, there’s so much more to the L3 than meets the eye. The facility focuses on the circular economy within the construction industry, showing how components used within its design can be reused indefinitely.

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Every aspect of the design and construction of L3 has been carefully considered. As a prefabricated structure, L3 was built off-site before being transported to East Village at Knutsford for assembly in just one day to avoid excessive demolition waste. The structure sits on steel engineered foundations, a much more sustainable option to traditional concrete. The building methods used for L3 allowed the design team to save nearly 90% of greenhouse gas emissions, helping to pave the way towards net zero carbon living. Inside, L3 serves as a meeting place for innovation, where the industry’s leading minds, students and researchers come together to co-create and share ideas.

A number of other sustainability initiatives within L3 include: • The use of recycled materials, including 18 tonnes of reclaimed steel and sustainable timber cladding. • Thermal insulation to help maintain a comfortable ambient temperature all year round.

L3 will remain within the community for at least the next few years, providing incredible insights into sustainable materials, building techniques and design opportunities. It’s an exciting time to be part of the building industry, with so much innovation waiting to be discovered.

• Single glazed windows are being tested before being replaced with adaptable double glazed windows. • Smart blinds to both reflect heat and offer privacy. •

An 8kW solar system that provides enough energy to power the building, as well as feeding into a communal 670kWh battery. This battery will be used to power 36 new TERRACE homes that will be built in East Village at Knutsford very soon.

Discover a little more about East Village at terracehomes.com.au

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TERRACE East Village, all images are artist impression only

SOCI A L SUS TA I N A B I L I T Y

What is social sustainability? Most conversations around sustainability focus on the environment or economy, but it’s important to consider the social aspect as well. Social sustainability is about satisfying human needs, and in particular the connection we have with the area we live in and people we have around us. Social sustainability is a critical part of a community’s wellbeing and longevity, and the key is creating a lifestyle where there is inclusivity and strong relationships. With the many social changes that have occurred over the last 20-30 years, social sustainability has been difficult to achieve. It’s less common now to know your neighbours and connect with your community because of the way we live now. For example, most families have two parent’s working full time and we’re more distracted with technology. DevelopmentWA’s Allure Estate in Ferndale is a modern development where the focus on social sustainability has been a priority since the planning stages. The development’s ‘Liveable Street’ concept is fresh approach to creating a sense of community with the development’s streets becoming shared outdoor spaces.

All images are artist impression only

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With backyard sizes across WA shrinking, Allure Estate doesn’t want its residents to have to sacrifice socialising and outdoor living. Between the houses and on the side of the streets, there will be designated spaces for children and families to gather and spend time together. Unlike anywhere else in Perth, the streets of Allure Estate will have a BMX track, sun lounges, a ping pong table and other areas for residents to enjoy. These unique additions to the estate will encourage

people to come outside their homes and spend time with their neighbours.

For more information visit allureestate.com.au

Staying engaged with your local community is a way to live a more socially sustainable lifestyle, so this is an important factor to consider when deciding where you want to live. Allure Estate's Stage Two construction is currently under way. Allure is being delivered by project partners DevelopmentWA, Yolk Property Group and Link Residential Group.

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T HE LOAN CO M PA N Y

Sustainable SAVING IDEAS to help you budget

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The journey to home ownership can be confusing at times, especially for first homebuyers. Things like aggressive interest rates, market competition and less than ideal savings can seem like real roadblocks – but luckily, there are ways to get around them. The Loan Company General Manager, Simon Kahl, says first homebuyers have plenty of options. “Saving enough money for a sufficient deposit is achievable with the right guidance and a lot of diligence, making your money work for you so you can land that loan,” he said.

SIMON KAHL General Manager The Loan Company

With that in mind, here are a few of Simon’s top saving tips.

BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET It goes without saying that an airtight budget is key to securing a home loan, with up to 20% deposit usually needed. Don’t forget the other upfront costs too – stamp duty, conveyancing, title search and registration fees, building inspections and insurance. They all add up! “As daunting as it may seem, saving for a home is possible with a sustainable budget. Filtering a percentage of your salary into a specialised savings account can grow into a sizeable amount more quickly than you think. Just avoid dipping into it,” says Simon.

ASSESS YOUR DEBT Whether it’s a credit card, car loan or student debt, eliminating pesky debts hanging over your head will save you money in the long run and make your financial standing more appealing to a lender. “It’s important to remember that eliminating debt is not a quick fix – it takes time and patience. But it’s well worth it,” says Simon.

CUT DOWN ON LUXURIES “Work hard now, have fun later should be your new mantra,” says Simon. That means cutting down on takeaway coffees and lunches, streaming services and expensive cocktails – which can save you up to thousands of dollars each year.

THE PAY-OFF Saving money for a home loan deposit is one of the best decisions you’ll make, and will certainly pay off in the long run. So, start saving and get ready to live it up in the future! The above is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.

For more info on how to make your money work for you, visit theloanco.com.au

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

Quality design takes the floor Creating a strong foundation is an important part of every home build. As WA’s largest supplier of carpets and other quality floor coverings, Trevors Carpets takes the floor when it comes to local expertise. With superior buying power and long-standing supplier relationships, Trevors Carpets helps to boost local manufacturing and recycling initiatives. It’s what makes them such a popular choice with homebuyers of all ages, adding value and style to every type of home build.

LET’S START WITH THE CARPET

DON’T FORGET WHAT’S UNDERNEATH

SEE THE RANGE FOR YOURSELF

Every carpet in the Trevors Carpets showroom is proudly made right here in Australia and New Zealand. As a proudly family-owned and operated flooring company, Trevors Carpets pays close attention to sustainability programs and quality assurance, only sourcing from the very best.

Whether it’s for durability, comfort or acoustics, you’ll find an underlay to suit your needs. Trevors Carpets provides underlay from Airstep Australia as standard, offering some of the most technologically advanced underlays in the world. Better still, every Airstep Australia underlay is made from at least 90% recycled material, and is 100% recyclable.

Keen to find out more about the types of carpets and underlays on offer? Pop into BGC Home or your local Trevors Carpets showroom to get all the expert advice and support you need.

A great example of this is EC Carpets, one of the last family-owned and operated carpet mills based in South Australia. Established in 1963, EC Carpets is currently building a brand-new manufacturing plant in South Australia, which is testament to their hard work and success. You can see their range in person at BGC Home, including the beautiful chunky loop Rosaline.

The Trevors Carpets team also sends all offcuts and old foam underlays back to Melbourne to be recycled by Airstep, helping to reduce landfill and promote industry-leading sustainability practices.

To hit the ground running, head to trevorscarpets.com.au

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Made Made for for everyday everyday living, living, our our focus focus is is on on people people and and creating creating products products that that make make their their lives lives easier. easier. We We invest invest in in the the latest latest technology technology that that makes makes style style and and security security simple simple from from the the first first install, install, to to coming coming home home every every single single night. night. For For over over 50 50 years, years, we’ve we’ve been been proud proud to to keep keep Australian Australian families families safe safe and and secure. secure. It’s It’s aa responsibility responsibility reliable, reliable, secure secure and and trustworthy trustworthy elements elements of of your your home. home. Peace Peace of of mind mind is is built built into into every every product. product.

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Inside home.

PROF I LE

Refresh your home with Emma Hann For over 25 years Perth interior designer Emma Hann has been helping people turn their houses into homes. With a passion for creating beautiful spaces, Emma has a skill for seamlessly blending contemporary and timeless interiors, with beautiful textures and quality finishes. Working with a range of clients across WA, Emma uses her expertise to integrate furniture, architecture and design details into environments that improve people’s living, work and outdoor spaces. Emma says it’s refined, but interesting interiors that make a home unique, so she’s put together her top four tips for creating a space that reflects your personal style, without having to break the bank.

To keep up to date with Emma’s interior style follow her at @emhannid

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Fun Artwork Adding artwork to a room can immediately elevate a space. People often think artwork has to be expensive but that is not true. Artwork created by your children can personalise your home and look outside the box. If you select a nice frame you can actually make something your kids have made look interesting and modern.

Upcycling My family lived in Asia for several years and it was important to us that we kept some furniture from that time in our lives. While living away we bought a Timber Chinese Wedding Cabinet that was Asian inspired with traditional Hardware and finishes. To add some life to it we had it painted a bright yellow, which suits our interior and makes it a talking point in our home. This cabinet is now a unique piece that also reminds us of our time overseas. I find with my clients that it’s often sentimental pieces like this that really make a room.

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Reused Materials

If you wanted to update and refresh your home, you’ll likely be getting rid of a few pieces. Before moving these pieces on, consider what you can reuse. If you have some old linen or curtain fabric you don’t need anymore, could it be used for something else? I had the feather scatter cushions in my living room recovered in a beautiful, discontinued fabric that was discounted. The crisp green and white print gives my interior a fresh new look and suddenly I have a new current/on trend scheme for very little cost.

“It’s always nice to have an element of surprise whether it's incorporating colour, eclectic prints, beautiful fittings or amazing art.” - Emma

Fun Wallpaper Adding wallpaper to your home can be a fun way to show your personality and style. It’s the best way to transform a room since it doesn’t take up any usable space yet instantly injects personal style. This makes wallpaper especially well-suited for a small bathroom where space tends to be limited and functionality is necessary. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impact with wallpaper. In my home, I’ve added paper to one of the bathrooms, there was not a lot of natural light and the room was quite small so it’s somewhere I felt comfortable to take a risk, it didn’t cost a lot either.

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G O HOM E S

Building a home to match your lifestyle There are so many great additions you can add to a home when you are building, but it’s easy to get carried away. It is important that you take a step back and consider your lifestyle before making any big decisions. Make sure to prioritise the features that are the most important to you and your family. For example, if you work from home you might need a bigger office space or if you have a passion for cooking then a home design with a larger kitchen might be better fit for you.

GO HOM E S The Madison, GO Homes

In 2020 the O’Leary family decided to build a new home and as a family of five it was important for them to heavily consider what their family needed. Nicole O’Leary said, “We had actually booked a big cruising trip around the Pacific Islands when COVID hit, it made us re-evaluate a lot and so we thought our dream of having a stable home for our family was even more important.” While Jeremy O’Leary is a FIFO commercial kitchen cleaner, Nicole has her own catering business Gourmet Graze Perth. Nicole works from home, so choosing a home design that gave her the space and freedom to work in the kitchen and also cook for her family was a high priority for her.

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“Our kitchen and scullery were a key element in our design. We wanted it not only to look amazing, but be functional and fit with our family and work life. Being able to separate my work and family meals is going to be incredible.” - Nicole

The O’Leary’s found a home design to match their lifestyle with GO Homes. “Being new to the building game we really wanted to find a team that took the time to sit with us and really work out the best design within our budget,” said Nicole. GO Homes offer a range of home designs to match different lifestyles and Jeremy and Nicole chose a home that had a focus on the kitchen. They said, “Our kitchen and scullery were a key element in our design. We wanted it not only to look amazing but be functional and fit with our family and work life. Being able to separate my work and family meals is going to be incredible.”

To find out more visit gohomes.com.au

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COM M ODO R E H O ME S

LAMINEX TINTED PAPER TERRAZZO

A new benchmark for sustainable design Commodore Homes’ stunning, brand-new Komodo display home in Southern River is packed full of designer features both inside and out. One feature in particular truly sets the home apart – and that’s its clever and stylish benchtops. Created by Laminex, Australia’s leading supplier of benchtops, cabinetry and panels, the benchtops in the Komodo take sustainable design to a new level. Featuring Laminex Paper finish, the benchtops are made from 30% reclaimed materials and have the organic, hand-made appearance of recycled paper. Bringing a terrazzo-inspired elegance to any home, Laminex Paper finish is also built to stand up to the demands of modern living. It is stain, heat, water and scratch-resistant with strength to spare, while being easy to maintain. It is the perfect complement to minimalist design, adding texture and character to help bring the room together. Laminex Paper finish is just one example of how companies are continuously working towards developing more sustainable products that benefit both people and planet. It’s changes like these that can create a real long-term impact – and show how far we’ve come in finding creative ways to minimise waste and recycle wherever possible.

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As part of BGC Housing Group, Commodore Homes already boasts 6-star energy efficiency across all its home designs, helping to reduce the need for additional heating and cooling. Having additional sustainability initiatives throughout each home build offers even more long-term value, while lessening the environmental impact. With technology continuing to evolve rapidly, products like the Laminex Paper finish will become even more widespread across the building and interior design industries. Together, we can all help to do our bit by making informed choices, while getting ready to enjoy all the benefits that a more sustainable way of life has to offer. Make sure to visit the Commodore Homes’ Komodo display today to see the Laminex Paper benchtops for yourself!

To find out more about Laminex Paper benchtop or the Komodo Display home, visit commodorehomes.com.au

The Komodo, Commodore Homes

The Laminex Paper benchtop features here in the study of The Komodo Display Home by Commodore Homes.

S H OP TH E LO O K

ODGER Dining Chair AVAILABLE FROM IKEA

No1

Find your perfect dining chair. There’s no doubt that some items in your home are temporary, but your dining chairs are usually not one of them. Dining chairs can last 10 years if looked after well, so it’s worth choosing something high quality and stylish. We’ve pulled together 10 great dining chairs to make an impact in your home. All available in Perth.

No2 Breuer Side Chair AVAILABLE FROM EMPIRE HOMEWARES

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No4

No3

Tami Chair AVAILABLE FROM INNERSPACE

Weaver Cantilever Dining Chair AVAILABLE FROM ROXBY LANE

No5 Asta Chair AVAILABLE FROM DOMAYNE

N6 o

No8

Malawi Dining Chair AVAILABLE FROM CRANMORE HOME

Wishbone Chair AVAILABLE FROM GRANITE LANE

No7 Tip Toe Chair AVAILABLE FROM � OPENSPACE O

N 10 o

Garrett Eucalyptus Wood Dining Chair AVAILABLE FROM MARC & MAIN

Diiva Dining Chair AVAILABLE FROM LOAM

N9 o

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

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Storage solutions for your kitchen Your kitchen is a highly functional area which means you need to make the most of all available space for storage. From ground level to head height and everything in between, think sensibly about where you put things and how they can be most suitably accessed to eliminate strain, discomfort, and unnecessary accidents.

•

Swap cupboards for full extension drawers. Instead of bending and reaching for the back of shelves, full extension drawers will give you a clear bird’s eye view from front to back. Deep drawers can also make easy work of handling heavy and bulky items.

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Avoid awkward manoeuvring with stacked pull-out drawers. While maximising storage space, tall pull-out units are accessible from both sides, so you can effortlessly see and access your smallest and most fiddly pantry items or gadgets at once.

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Use easy access wall units for lighter items. Heavy and bulky items are best stored below work surfaces, but wall units are ideal for lighter items you’d prefer to browse at head height such as glassware.

•

Be organised with innovative internal fittings. Hettich offers a range of customisable internal storage and waste solutions such as cutlery trays and bins to keep items well organised, saving you time and stress looking for things.

When it comes to your kitchen storage choices, there’s a lot at stake. Your storage solutions can help you work more efficiently and comfortably in your new home for many years to come.

To learn more visit hettich.com/en-au/home

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S M A RT HO M E S FO R L I V I N G

How to create floral arrangements for beginners Are you wanting to add some interest to your home? From an indoor plant to a more considered floral arrangements, there are lots of greenery options you can use to bring warmth and colour to a room. Lulu Cavanagh from Aesthete Collective is a creative with a passion for creating beautiful spaces. With experience creating beautiful homes for clients, Lulu knows how to create a floral arrangement to really get peoples attention.

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Here’s Lulu’s tips to create the perfect floral arrangement. Let’s choose a vase It’s important to have the right size vase. Getting this right can have a real impact on the final result - no pressure. For bigger foliage like the branches, you should use a thinner, taller vase with some height. This will help make a statement. For flowers that are much shorter and delicate, it’s best to use a slightly smaller one, especially when working with hydrangeas.

ARRANGEMENT 1 Producing a stunning floral arrangement Here are some tips to create a simple but beautiful floral arrangement. For this example, you will be working with hydrangeas. A simple trick when working with hydrangeas is to give them a water bath before you use them to keep them hydrated and super fresh.

The Grand Madeleine, Smart Homes for Living

Keeping it tidy

Put your best bunch forward

Make it rain

Starting with the smaller bunches, again, cut all of the stems at a 45° angle. Get rid of any leaves on the stem that aren’t in the best condition to avoid the display from looking messy. Feel free to leave any on that look nice, to give the floral arrangement a bit of extra something.

Depending on where you are going to display your floral arrangement will determine how much attention you will need to focus on getting it absolutely right. If it is in the centre of a coffee table, you will need to spin and make sure that it looks good from all angles. Whereas, if it will be placed in the corner of the room, you can be a bit sneaky and just bring the better-looking bunches to the front. Keep playing around with your arrangement until you’re happy with it.

As florals aren’t too heavy, the vase won’t need to be weighed down with a lot of water. Fill your vase about halfway. This should be just enough that will last, without the hassle of having to keep refilling it later.

Take note of the height and shape of all the stems. You’ll want one that is quite tall and straight to be your star in the middle, this is the one that is the most important to get the height right. Arrange all the others around this one by crossing over the stems so that they hold each other up.

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ARRANGEMENT 2 Creating a beautiful branch arrangement To create a beautiful arrangement using big, beautiful branches follow our top tips and tricks.

Get in touch with nature

Be chill, it’s the FUN part

When it comes to branches, you can get these a few different ways. You can always pick them up from your local florist or wholesaler. However, it’s great to get some fresh air and forage them yourself. You just never know what you can find in and around your neighbourhood, and it’s a great way to save some dollars.

Time for us to start arranging. Take note of the shape of all the branches. Because of the way that they were grown, some of them are going to hang at different angles. Keep an eye out for some nice tall ones, you’ll want one of these to be the hero in the centre and arrange all the others around it.

In this example oak has been used because of its beautiful green, vivid leaves, but other really good alternatives you could use is olive leaf or eucalyptus.

*Snip snip snip* When working with anything a bit thicker, like branches, it is always handy to have some floral snips or secateurs – there is just no way regular scissors are going to cut it. Always trim your branches slightly before you start arranging them in your vase. Don’t just cut straight across, always trim on the angle (around 45°) as it helps the branches to absorb the water just that little bit better. Be sure to remove any small branches that will get waterlogged. We don’t want these going soggy, turning your water a gross colour, and ruining your stunning new display.

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Try not to over-do it and make things too structured. You want it to look more relaxed because it’s nature – even if it wasn’t. For this kind of arrangement, you should place it somewhere like a dining table or a coffee table, or even a kitchen island just to bring some height to the area.

Nothing goes to waste If you have a few little stems left over, there is no need to waste them. So, what you should do is trim and tidy these up and pop them in little stem vases. This is perfect to liven up the space next to your bed, a sweet little display of nature to wake up to every morning. An important tip when working with branches or florals is to fill your vase either half or twothirds full depending on the size of your branches. These oak leaves aren’t too weighty so you can get away with just half – but for ones that are quite heavy, you might need more water just so they don’t tip the vase.

There you have it That’s it! Two super simple floral arrangements for you to try at home. Don’t forget it doesn’t need to be over-complicated for it to have a big impact on your space. If you follow these tips your floral arrangement will last longer and make such a beautiful statement in your home:

1. Always cut your stem on a 45° angle to allow

the water to absorb and to keep your display feeling fresh

2. Weigh down your vases with water so they

don’t tip (usually half to two thirds should do)

3. And, make sure to scale your vases to the items

you’re putting in them (bigger doesn’t always mean better)

Lulu Cavanagh, Aesthete Collective

For more tips head to smarthomesforliving.com.au

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BGC CON C R E T E

Creating Green Concrete Modern technology is helping innovative suppliers create a new version of this traditional material. While concrete is considered versatile, strong, durable and cost effective, it has been branded as bad for the environment thanks to the energy intensive processes required to make it, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. But a rising demand for sustainable building materials, driven by environmentally conscious customers, has helped industry leaders look at reducing the carbon footprint of concrete.

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GreenStar Concrete is setting new standards in sustainability by using recycled water, previously discarded industrial by-products, and carefully designed manufacturing processes to cut greenhouse gas emissions, optimise resources and minimise waste. Because some of the cement is replaced with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), a waste product generated by steel manufacturing, the mix is also finer, creating a building material that is strong, dense and easy to work with.

Refined processes, such as closed water circuits at every manufacturing plant, allow the maximum quantity of waste water to be recovered for reuse. Water reducers and plasticisers are also added to minimise the need for water at the building site, while maintaining the quality of the concrete. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has strict guidelines that determine what constitutes ‘green concrete’. Their Green Star rating system was introduced to encourage sustainable and energy efficient planning, design, construction and

ongoing use of new buildings. As a result, Green Star accredited buildings produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and use less electricity than the average Australian household.

To discover more visit bgcconcrete.com.au

GreenStar Concrete meets the most stringent of these guidelines by using 40% GGBFS. 25% manufactured sand and 50% recycled water, so it has the highest possible Green Star rating of 3 stars. GreenStar Concrete even has mixes for all structural concrete designs including for footpaths, slabs, columns and stairs.

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A LL A B OUT H O M E

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Reusable o rg a

To find these sustainable products head to Urban Revolution in Victoria Park for a browse or visit urbanrevolution.com.au

Hexagon insect hotels

LESS STUFF: SIMPLE ZERO-WASTE STEPS TO A JOYFUL AND CLUTTER-FREE LIFE Lindsay Miles This book is the resource you need to make sure you’re making ethical choices at home. Written by Lindsay Miles, the book takes readers through simple steps they can make to ensure they create less waste. From sorting and cleaning to decluttering and improving your mental health, there are so many things to learn about when trying to live a sustainable life. This book is a great guide to help you stay on the right track. Miles lives in Perth, Western Australia and is a passionate advocate for living a zero-waste, plastic-free life. This book would be the perfect gift for anyone moving into a new home or wanting to learn how to live a more sustainable life.

RESTORATION AUSTRALIA Netflix

A ROOM OF HER OWN Robyn Lea Have you ever wanted to step inside the homes of extraordinary people? A Room of Her Own takes readers into the private spaces of 20 creative women from around the world. From home studios and dining areas to living spaces and bedrooms this book gives you a glimpse into the way different creative people choose to decorate their homes and create an environment that reflects themselves. Each page is filled with beautiful homes and Robyn Lea’s striking photography and emotive text goes beyond aesthetics. Throughout the book, Lea invites readers to explore the ideals and practices of creative women which is encouraging and inspirational.

Designer Sybella Court and architect Stuart Harrison follow people as they restore and transform old, forgotten Aussie houses into beautiful Australian homes. Across the country there are Australians working on restoring iconic Australian gems and this show takes you on their journey. There are challenges and surprises along the way but bringing new life to these historic buildings proves to be rewarding for the homeowners and often the communities as well.

HOME

OH WHAT A WORLD 2.0

THE LITTLE GREEN POD

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Kacey Musgraves

ABC Podcast

A second version of Kacey Musgraves original song from the Golden Hour album, O What A World 2.0 was released on Earth Day 2020 alongside a fundraiser for World Wildlife. Celebrating the planet and its wildlife this song is a feel good, pop song that would be great to listen to on a relaxed evening with friends

Produced by the ABC, this is a podcast for people who want to learn more about environmental sustainability and the changes they can make at home. The show is a judgement free place for listeners to get new tips and encouragement to live a little greener.

Released in 2010 this single incorporates vocals with portions of spoken word and prominent whistling, giving it a unique indie folk sound. Home would be great in a playlist for a road trip or travel adventure with friends.

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H OM E STYL I N G

Fremantle inspired design scheme Fremantle is an iconic Perth location known for its historic buildings, great cafes & bars, and its busy arts and entertainment sector. There’s definitely a noticeable change in the atmosphere when you head over the Freo bridge or jump off the freeway to head into the town centre, Freo has something special. The town has a very clear understanding of the unique style, values and culture that it adds to the city of Perth, bringing people from all over Australia to visit. Along with great entertainment and busy nightlife, Fremantle is known for its approach to environmental sustainability. This corner of Perth has become a hub for local shopping and food that thoroughly considers its environmental impact. Cafes like Mother and Raw Raw Raw offer vegan cuisine, and sustainable clothing shops include The Zero Store and Remedy as well as the many charity shops.

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If you’re wanting to bring a little bit of the Fremantle feeling and aesthetic into your own home, here are some products to help you achieve the eclectic look.

Brewista Hourglass Brewer 3 Cup. Boston Bean Coffee co

Flavours of Australia by Smudge Publishing. Booktopia

Blue Lawn Designs, Grass Trees

Vinyl Browser Clip Crate. Like Butter

HAY, Palissade Dining Armchair. Cult

Marlo, 3 Seater. JARDAN

Sahara Rug. Armadillo

Hand Dyed Woven Vessel, Siãn Boucherd. Fremantle Arts Centre

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

Enter with style Gainsborough™, part of the Allegion™ family of brands, is opening a world of new style possibilities in door and access solutions. For over fifty years we have built our reputation on developing and producing leading-edge door hardware – innovative levers and locks that work silently to reflect your style and needs. With Gainsborough, you don’t need to sacrifice style for security, because we know the most important thing isn’t what’s on your door, it’s what’s behind it.

CONTEMPORARY STYLE

MAKING LIFE EASY

PEACE OF MIND

We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of design trends, consistently ensuring our products use the latest in contemporary materials and finishes.

Gainsborough’s products are made for everyday living. Our focus is on people and creating products that make their lives easier. It’s why we invest in the latest technology that makes style and security simple from the first install, to coming home every single night.

For over 50 years, we’ve been proud to keep Australian families safe and secure in their homes. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and it drives us to develop products that not only look great, but function as reliable, secure and trustworthy elements of your home. Peace of mind is built into every product.

Our products add the perfect finishing touch to any home, from the first impression of the entryway, to small accents of style in any room. And with our finger on the pulse, we’re ready to adapt to the latest trends and continue to bring Gainsborough’s signature style to Australian homes.

Our goal isn’t to complicate our customer’s lives with the latest gadgets, but to simplify and improve their dayto-day through user friendly products, bringing innovation and convenience.

Gainsborough is the experienced and trusted name in door furniture that protects Australian homes and families. Gainsborough is proud to be a market leader in innovation. Our award winning QuickFix™ and Gainsborough Freestyle™ technologies are just another way we make people’s lives more convenient

For more information visit gainsboroughhardware.com.au

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H OM E T RU T H S

A walk through the settlement process Deciding to build a new house can be one of the biggest and most exciting achievements in your life, but the experience can also be incredibly confusing. Making your biggest investment is a special moment but when you’re not familiar with the process, especially when it comes to settlement and finance, it can seem a bit daunting. Often people want to educate themselves before making any big decisions, and Simply Settlements want their clients to be equipped with the knowledge they need to feel comfortable and confident. Take a look at the settlement process with Simply Settlements.

Find more info on how settlement works visit simply.net.au

INITIAL CONTACT

Once we receive a Contract of Sale nominating us as the agent, we will contact the clients to introduce ourselves and provide their conveyancer’s details for any questions.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

We then send out the initial settlement documents, which are to be signed and returned by the clients.

FINANCE APPROVAL

Once formal approval is received, we will liaise with the lender/broker/Council to ascertain the balance of funds required for settlement. Our clients will then receive their unconditional settlement documents via email. These documents will then need to be returned via email prior to settlement.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

We will ensure that all special conditions noted on the Contract of Sale are followed up and completed in time for settlement.

SETTLEMENT STATEMENT

We liaise with the clients and their broker to provide a final statement outlining the settlement figures and any balance of funds payable, approximately one week before settlement.

SETTLEMENT BOOKED

Once settlement has been booked and confirmed, we will contact all relevant participants (other settlement agent, lender, mortgage broker, builder and real estate agents).

SETTLEMENT COMPLETED

We call the clients to congratulate them and confirm settlement has been completed. The building company, mortgage broker and real estate agent are also informed via email. The stamped Contract of Sale and Title Search, confirming the clients as registered proprietors, are then priority posted to them for safekeeping.

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HOME STYLING

Sustainable modern design As Interior Designers, we need to be very aware of our changing world, and how we can play a part in sustainability and the environment. It is very easy these days, with low cost mass produced product, to be part of the “throw away” society. As a community, how do we play a part in protecting the world that we live in? For us this could start right from the beginning, perhaps using “recycled” bricks instead of newly produced bricks. Brikmakers has a beautiful Recycled Face brick, giving old bricks a new lease on life.

The Kadina, GO Homes

The Obsession, Smart Homes for Living

WALLPAPER This is another finish that most Interior Designers love for the inside of the home. Again we can look to more environmentally friendly options. Scandinavian Wallpaper and decor have a vast range of wallpapers that meet the sustainability requirements for eco-friendly products. Producers of wallpaper use electricity from renewable resources, print ondemand (to minimise waste), have a 100% non-toxic product chain and use smart and efficient packaging. The waste from the production at these factories can all be recycled. Leftover colours are reused in production and the energy which is used in the factories is climate compensated. Look for non-woven paper, they are a mixture of materials consisting of synthetic fibres (from recycled materials such as PET bottles) and mixed pulp (from forests with FSC certification).

STAGING YOUR HOME One furniture company who are very aware of the environment and the impact that it can have on the world is Ligne Roset, who have a store here in Perth. From the materials that they use, to the fuel that is consumed, they are constantly introducing new processes aimed at sorting, reducing and recycling all waste. Ligne Roset is all about producing beautiful handcrafted furniture, but at the same time creating products that support a sustainable lifestyle.

ESKAY DESIGN

“Being near to nature leads you to observe it, to love its rhythms and its rites and, because of this, to respect it.”

@eskaydesigninterior Sarah Knox, Heidi Maasikas & Angel the Frenchie! BGC Home Stylists

- Ligne Roset.

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N OW LI V I N G R E A LT Y

You want prospective buyers to feel at home and give them an idea of what living there might be like.

Preparing to sell your home Thinking about selling your home can be a little daunting. While its normal to have a few nerves, here are a few things we recommend considering before listing your home.

STAGING YOUR HOME

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SELLING METHOD

Staging is what real estate agents call styling and organising your space for best effect. Think about how you set up the furniture. You want prospective buyers to feel at home and give them an idea of what living there might be like. Think welcoming, cosy and neat and if you’re at a loss for ideas, hop online and you’ll find plenty of inspiration.

Open Negotiation, Set Date Sale, Expressions of Interest, Off Market Sale; they each have their own place depending on the specific property you’re selling and the current market conditions. Ask your agent to guide you on the best way to sell your property.

PRESENTATION If the walls look a little lacklustre, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way! Make sure you’ve cleaned thoroughly and that clutter is hidden away, as this helps show the space has been cared for and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. If you have a garden, weeding, filling a couple of pots with pretty flowers and arranging some outdoor furniture will help to highlight this important feature.

CHOOSE YOUR AGENT WISELY A good agent will have their finger on the pulse of the current market, let you know how to draw attention to the best bits of your home and work hard to find and secure offers for you. Choose an agent who specialises in the type of property you are trying to sell. For example, Now Living Realty are specialists in marketing and selling developments and brand new homes.

GET THE PRICE RIGHT Your agent is there to get the best price for your home. However, that doesn’t always mean advertising the highest price possible. Sometimes it means not advertising a price at all. Choosing the right price helps to generate quality enquiries for your property and attract strong offers.

DON’T DISCOUNT YOUR FIRST OFFER It is often said that your first offer is your best! Talk to your agent to understand what makes a good offer, so that you can make an informed decision.

Looking to sell? Chat to the team at Now Living Realty. nowlivingrealty.com.au

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COM M ODO R E H O ME S

Award winning display home In May this year, Commodore Homes took out the award for the Best Display Home of 2021 for homes $220,000 - $240,000 at the Master Builders Association WA awards night. This was a fantastic achievement for the brand and a very well-deserved win. The winning home was The Asana in Southern River, WA. This is a four bedroom, two bathroom house with a theatre room, open-plan kitchen and scullery as well as an undercover alfresco. Inspiration for the home came from a combination of places.

The Asana brings together influences from the Australian landscape while also incorporating more high-end Hollywood style features as well. Designed to suit a growing family or couple who like space and entertaining outdoors, The Asana will suit a variety of lifestyles. The open plan living and large alfresco area make the home feel extra spacious and create a place for people to come together. You could enjoy this space with family and friends as the indoor outdoor living suits the Perth climate and relaxed way of life.

The Asana, Commodore Homes

The Asana is an architectural celebration of life, nature, music, entertainment, art and fun. The combination of the feature breeze block wall, Brikmakers masonry blocks and BGC Innova Montage Woodgrain Cladding have created a contemporary design, appealing to young couples. Internally, the kitchen has Smeg appliances and Laminex Stormcloud cabinetry which elevates the interiors. The Asana shines light on the things that bring people together in joy and social cohesion – it’s an architectural celebration of life, nature, music, entertainment, art and fun.

To learn more about The Asana visit commodorehomes.com.au

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Waterwise WaterwiseLandscaping Landscaping

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Around the home.

S USTAI N A B I L I T Y O UT D O O RS

Planting

for your new home An important, sometimes overlooked aspect of home building, is designing your outdoor areas to create beautiful pockets of useful space. Whether you want an entertaining area, some room to play with the kids, or somewhere to sit back and relax, your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home. What you choose to plant has a big impact on the look, feel and sustainability of your home, as well as how much maintenance it requires and the amount of water it needs. In WA, the harsh summer sun and sandy soil means sustainability in the garden starts with incorporating water saving planting into your plans. Drought tolerant trees will provide cooling shade, save you precious water and make a statement in your garden.

When thinking about which trees will save water, it’s worth considering species native to WA. They’re naturally adapted to be drought tolerant, can handle the sandy and sometimes salty soil, and shield against common windy conditions, as well as providing much needed habitat for the local native wildlife. The added bonus of planting trees native to WA is that they often flower, adding an extra feature to your garden. For small spaces, consider species like the WA Peppermint tree. This tree is often planted as a street tree due to it’s high tolerance to a range of harsh conditions and it’s low maintenance nature. This tree has a broad spreading, weeping canopy and produces small white flowers in the spring. If you crush the leaves they give off a lovely

peppermint aroma too. Another smaller tree to consider would be the Willow Myrtle that grows to roughly seven meters and has striking burgundy leaves. For larger spaces the Red Capped Gum tree is another famous WA native. This tree has beautiful smooth, light cream coloured bark and thick, green, crescent moon shaped leaves. Around March each year, they produce an amazing array of yellow flowers with spectacular bright red ‘caps’. One of the hardiest trees, found all over WA and the Northern Territory, is the Snow Queen. Part of the Eucalyptus family, it has a smooth white trunk and flowers through summer. This tree handles the harshest conditions and will tolerate almost anything the climate can throw at it.

Print by WA artist Patterns Hunters, available on Etsy

When thinking about which trees will save water, it’s worth considering species native to WA.

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Having a tree as a focal point in the front garden is a great feature and can provide more privacy to your home. Planting additional greenery around the tree will help retain moisture in the soil so your landscaping isn’t too high maintenance.

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BRI K M A K E RS

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The Lamont, TERRACE Homes

A traditional solution to a modern issue Modern home builders want modern solutions to sustainability concerns. But it’s actually an age old traditional material that is currently delivering on durability, longevity and environmentally conscious best practice performance. When choosing a sustainable building material for your home, consider the humble but mighty brick. Brick has been used for thousands of years to create beautiful buildings. Long before we understood sustainability, builders were using clay bricks, simply because they last forever and require almost no effort to maintain. Some of the worlds most beautiful churches, castles, and historic monuments are built out of everlasting brick, and look as beautiful, if not better, today as they did when they were first constructed. But brick has some seriously good sustainability credentials too. Well made bricks are strong and durable, as well as fire, wind and sound resistant and therefore hold up remarkably well against Australia’s particularly unforgiving conditions. Brick is an affordable, readily available building material, yet it also saves you money in the long run. By using double brick construction in conjunction with solar passive architectural design and quality insulation, home owners can create a house that requires very little artificial heating or cooling in nearly all parts of Australia, significantly reducing both your energy consumption and your bills.

This reduction in energy used for temperature control is due to the fact brick has incredibly high thermal mass. Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat. Materials with high thermal mass, stabilise internal temperatures by holding heat throughout the day and releasing it during the cooler parts of the night. Brick has exceptional thermal mass, which means that in summer it absorbs heat and keeps your home lovely and cool and in winter it holds heat longer to keep your home warm and cosy. Opting for companies who use innovative technology, like WA’s recently merged Brikmakers and Midland Brick, to create well designed, high quality brick, offers home owners unmatched value for money and high performance from their building materials. They have a state-of-the-art brick factory; the largest greenfields clay brick plant ever built in Australia. This ongoing innovation in manufacturing processes means the energy required to make clay bricks is reduced every year. So you can rest assured you’re making the best choice for you, your home and your environment.

To find out more visit brikmakers.com midlandbrick.com.au

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S USTAI N A B I L I T Y O UT D O O RS

Creating a more sustainable lifestyle with chickens Keeping pet chickens in your garden has more benefits than just providing you and your family with delicious fresh eggs in the morning. Chickens are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and maintain an organic lifestyle. They’re also very independent and eat a variety of foods, so they’re a low maintenance choice of pet for any family. For anyone with a backyard wanting to improve the sustainability of their lifestyle, chickens are the perfect choice.

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COMPOST & FERTILISER

PEST CONTROL

There are many compost recipes, but most include chicken manure as a key ingredient. Composting chicken manure is a simple process because the bedding from your chicken can be used. Get your gloves on, mix in some extra plant waste like grass and fallen leaves to activate its fertilising properties and there you have it. Your compost can now replace synthetic fertilizers and other chemical products.

Many people don’t know that keeping chickens is a great method of all-natural pest control. It’s not uncommon to turn to strong chemical products when treating pest control issues in your home, however using chemical sprays can be extremely harmful to the environment. Chickens actually have a strong appetite for bugs, insects and other small pests in the garden. These pests that can eat away at your plants are in fact high nutrients for chickens so this can be the perfect pest control option.

LESS WASTE

Sunflower seeds are Babes favourite treat! She also loves foraging the garden for tasty worms & insects

Along with small insects and bugs, chickens will enjoy any leftover food scraps from inside your home. This is important for sustainability because minimising the rubbish from your home, means reducing landfill. Feeding your chickens scraps also means you won’t need to spend money on any fancy pet food, unlike you would for other pets – chickens are super low maintenance.

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

Why Waterwise Landscaping is the builder’s choice Waterwise Landscaping is the builder's choice for landscaping services in Perth, Western Australia. Since 2007 we have taken our innovative approach to irrigation and landscape design earning a reputation for creating inspired, cost-effective and sustainable landscaping packages.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY

WHEN TO CONSIDER LANDSCAPING

Up to 50% of your home’s water consumption can take place in your irrigation. However, with Waterwise Landscaping we specialise in developing efficient irrigation systems that save you money, without compromising your design. It’s one of the reasons we are a preferred partner for new home builders.

Waterwise Landscaping should be engaged at the start of your home build. Determining budget for your home’s landscaping, before you build, will provide peace of mind, allowing you to move into your brand-new home with a beautiful garden on display. When you work with Waterwise Landscaping, we maximise your return on budget by working with your builder to determine the allowances required, and we negotiate on materials in advance.

We work closely with our customers, applying our talents to bring your ideas to life.

For more information visit waterwiselandscaping.com.au

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AUSSI E LI V I N G H O M E S

Helping to build a better tomorrow As WA’s first home buyer specialists, Aussie Living Homes have created thousands of award-winning home designs for people across WA. Over the years, our team have also increased our sustainable focus, helping to provide real long-term benefits for both people and planet alike. With that in mind, here are a few of our top tips for creating sustainable home designs.

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The Indiana, Aussie Living Homes

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The Indiana, Aussie Living Homes

LET THERE BE (NATURAL) LIGHT

KEEP THINGS LIGHT AND BREEZY

Natural light in a home adds a sense of welcome and also helps to drastically reduce the reliance on artificial lighting.

Cross ventilation helps to make the most of the cooling afternoon breezes, helping to keep your home comfortable all year round.

Aussie Living Homes helps to amplify available natural light through the orientation of each home build. The right orientation also takes into account how the sun moves during the day throughout the year, helping to lower your household heating and cooling bills.

Aussie Living Homes takes care to create open-plan spaces that allow breezes to flow more effectively. Again, this helps to keep cooling costs down, benefitting both the environment and your back pocket.

MAKE THE MOST OF THE SUNSHINE

IT’S RAINING SAVINGS

WA gets its fair share of sunshine all year long – so why not put all this energy to good use? Solar hot water systems and solar system units both use the power of the sun to create energy.

Rainwater storage is a fantastic way to keep your gardens lush and green without having to drain your savings to do so. Aussie Living Homes offers water tanks with specific home designs, helping to store vital rainwater for later use in the home (such as flushing toilets) and garden. These are just a few ideas to promote a more sustainable way of life.

For more tips and info visit aussielivinghomes.com.au

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FU N AT H O ME

Involving

KIDS

IN SUSTAINABILITY It’s important to teach kids sustainable habits from a young age and modelling these behaviours is an easy way to get them on the right path. Once your littlies are old enough, there’s an opportunity to educate them on why keeping a sustainable home is important and even get them participating. There are heaps of fun activities you can do with your kids that will teach them about sustainability and the environment. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some useful ideas to help you get started.

Recycling

Worm Farm

Recycling is an easy way to get kids thinking about sustainability. You can start by getting them to help create labels for the different bins in your home and explain to them why it’s important rubbish is separated into different categories. Start teaching the kids to use the bins correctly and they’ll be proud to be contributing.

Creating a wiggly worm farm is another fun way to get kids thinking about sustainability at home. Worms aerate soil and stimulate root growth, consume leftover household scraps so there’s less for landfill as well as leave castings (or worm poo) that improves the texture and fertilising power of soil. Worm farms are easy to care for and everyone will love getting their hands a little dirty in the process.

Nature & Gardening

Recycled Crafts

It’s natural for kids to love outside play so let them enjoy it. There’s so much to learn about their backyards or local parks and by explaining the different plants, the care they need and purpose they serve gives kids a stronger appreciation for the planet. This gives your family an opportunity to pass on some responsibility as well. For example, fertilising or watering the plants in the backyard can become part of their weekly routines.

Kids love arts and crafts, there’s no doubt about it. It can also be a valuable tool for entertainment and distraction after a long day. Rather than opening a new blank book to paint and draw in, consider using things you already have around your home instead. Empty cans, toilet paper roles and cereal box can all be the canvas your kids need to make their latest masterpiece. Your kids will enjoy the challenge or making do with different shapes and this can also inspire creativity, an added bonus!

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

How Jack Darling gained power over his energy When building their dream home, Jack and his wife Courtney knew they wanted to power their home with renewable energy. However, when the time came to decide, they were overwhelmed with the options available that didn’t quite tick all the boxes...

the state’s energy industry. They’re empowering everyday Australians to take control of their energy through affordable Solar Battery Solutions – state-of-the-art solar panels, battery and inverter technology that allows Members to create, consume and store their own energy, day and night.

As a young family, the Darlings are aware that small actions can make a difference. That’s why they wanted to ensure their family home in Karrinyup was capable of installing solar energy…even if, when the time came to handover the keys, they didn’t know what kind of solar to get.

All from $36.90 per week, a low once-off Membership fee and $0 upfront installation costs.

It was a chance conversation with a friend that introduced Jack to Plico Energy: a WA company that is revolutionising

Joining the Plico community in late 2020, the Darlings are already seeing huge results in their energy use – including massive savings on their bills, without having to turn off appliances. We sat down with Jack to find out about Plico Energy.

When you’re building a new home, it can help to know that a Plico system with no upfront installation costs means you don't have to compromise on the little extra touches in order to get a Solar Battery System.

When did you build your home? We moved in early 2018 when our eldest son, Max, was only 8 months old. It was a real passion project because we knew we were going to be in it for a long time. Even though we designed it before we became parents, we always saw it as our family home and wanted to make sure we future proofed it so. For us, that meant including a sustainable energy solution.

What were you looking for in your dream home? We designed it to be the family home, so it needed to have enough space for kids to run around and all the things that kids love. Swimming pool, backyard, storage for all their toys. Importantly, we wanted it to feel like our own space – for us, that meant being comfortable and adding all those finishing touches that made it uniquely ours.

What surprised you about building? I don’t think it surprised me as much, but rather I underestimated how much attention to detail there is in building. Door handles, skirting boards, surfaces and cabinetry. It’s a lot to think about. Thankfully Courtney has a great eye for this, so I was happy to let her take the lead in the design decisions.

When and why did you consider solar energy? Solar energy was always something we wanted to have in our home, so we ensured it was part of the design conversations. Courtney and I are pretty environmentally minded and understand there are choices we can make to help minimise our carbon footprint. Plus, in one of the sunniest places on earth, solar energy and battery storage just makes sense!

Once the plans were finalised and construction commenced, we began shopping around for the right solar option for us. To be honest, it was something we stopped and started a number of times – we were so overwhelmed by the choices! I don’t think I realised just how many solar companies were in market and, to be honest, we couldn’t find the right option that spoke to us. Before we knew it, we had moved in and we still hadn’t decided.

When and why did you decide on Plico Energy? It was a chance conversation with a friend who put me onto Plico Energy. We were having a chat about my solar research and he has a Plico Solar Battery System, so he asked me if I had heard about them. It didn’t take him long to convince me to look into Plico, and I’m so glad he did. For us, we loved the fact that we didn’t have to buy the system outright and that we could join Plico as a Member for a low weekly rate. After the initial site visit with Plico’s Project Manager, we were recommended the Energy Booster system that was installed in December 2020. Since then, we’ve regularly run on 80-90% renewable energy, which has seen our energy bills drastically reduced without having to sacrifice using our appliances, like the air conditioning, which is usually a big part of our energy usage.

maintained and serviced by Plico Energy, so if anything goes wrong they’re on hand to help.

Has having a Plico Solar Battery System changed your energy habits? To be honest, not really – but that’s what's really awesome! We’re still using the same amount of energy but it’s costing less. We’re also using fewer fossil fuels because we’re not pulling energy from the grid. I know this because Plico Members get access to an app, which shows real-time data on how our system is working for us. I’m a visual guy, so it’s great to see how we’re performing and it’s also really easy to use.

Would you recommend Plico Energy to BGC homebuyers? 100% – it’s a no brainer! Not only will you feel good about minimising your carbon footprint and doing your part for the future of our planet, you can also save money. When you’re building a new home, it can help to know that a Plico system with no upfront installation costs means you don't have to compromise on the little extra touches in order to get a Solar Battery System. What more can you ask for?

For more info on Plico Energy and their Solar Battery Solutions visit plicoenergy.com.au/power-your new-home

That’s because our Solar Battery System includes state-of-the-art solar panels, battery and inverter technology, allowing us not only to create and consume our own energy, but also store energy from the sun to use at night. Plus, the system is 100%

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A F F I N I TY WI N D OWS

A key consideration, sometimes overlooked, is the type of glass you choose for your windows.

A window into greater efficiency If you’re a home owner researching all the ways to make your home a comfortable, welcoming haven this winter, you’ll know that energy efficiency and temperature control go hand in hand. Heating and cooling solutions, like air conditioners, fans and heaters, can become one of your biggest ongoing household costs, thanks to WA’s harsh climate, if you haven’t considered innovative ways to reduce the need for them. A key consideration, sometimes overlooked, is the type of glass you choose for your windows. According to recent studies, over 87% of the heat in your home during summer comes from your windows. In WA, where we enjoy over 250 days of sunshine a year, that’s a lot of unnecessary heat to combat. But now there’s a way to improve the energy efficiency of your home while enjoying natural light and reducing heat from the sun. Affinity have recently launched a specially designed glass for your windows that offers you the perfect solution.

Their market-leading new E-Tech Lite glass, has a revolutionary coating that allows natural light through your windows, without emitting radiant heat. This low-e glass maximises light, reduces the need for artificial cooling systems and improves energy efficiency at the same time. Yet E-Tech Lite glass also keeps you warm in winter. Windows are responsible for 49% of heat loss from your home in winter, but with E-Tech Lite you can save that heat and stay cozy, while reducing the money you spend on your heating bill and boosting your home’s energy efficiency rating. Proudly Australian made, suitable for both single and double glazed glass and available in Grade A safety glass, E-Tech Lite glass is the perfect way to protect your home from the increasingly hot summers and chilly cold snaps over winter, so that you can enjoy being at home in comfort.

Learn how you can add value to your home today affinitywindows.com.au

The Delilah, Ventura South West

D I Y SUSTA I N A B I L I T Y

DIY

Beeswax food wrap Beeswax wraps are a fantastic alternative to cling wrap. Reducing waste in your home can be difficult but a few small changes can make a difference. Cling wrap is used in most households daily, so removing the need for it will save you money and make a positive impact on the environment. You can buy beeswax wraps from many kitchen and eco-friendly shops, but if you’re wanting to find wraps in specific sizes or just enjoy some DIY, you can easily make your own at home.

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Choosing your own fabric patterns makes them a great gift idea.

Follow these instructions to create the perfect beeswax wraps.

Ingredients & tools 100% cotton fabric Beeswax block or pellets Scissors Oven mitt Paint brush Grater Baking tray Baking paper

Method 1

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius or 130 degrees fan forced.

Take your fabric and use your scissors to cut it into the shape you want your wrap.

Leave the tray in the oven for 2-3 minutes – keep an eye on them and using an oven mitt, take the tray out once the wax has melted.

Place baking paper onto your baking tray and place your fabric on top of the baking paper. If you have beeswax pellets you can sprinkle them on top of the fabric – if you have a beeswax block, you’ll need to use a grater to shave pieces of beeswax onto the fabric.

Make sure the pieces of beeswax are evenly spread out on the fabric then place in the oven.

Use a clean brush to gently spread the melted wax across the fabric so that it is completely covered. Remove wraps from tray and allow wraps to dry for 24-48hrs.

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Leaving home.

FEATU RE

The

sustainable road trip with Ventura South West

We have all done the road trip on a Friday arvo, set off with the city in the rear view mirror, excited for a weekend of exploration and adventure, but are you doing the South West road trip as sustainably as you could be? Follow our top five tips to make your next Douth getaway as sustainable as possible!

V ENTU RA S O UT H W E S T

The Cow Bombie, Ventura South West

Pack

the sustainable staples When packing for the road trip do not forget to include your city sustainables! Beyond the perfect outfit to wear at your winery brunch, be sure to include these items to ensure you avoid using single use plastics on your weekend away;

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KEEP CUP There is no shortage of fab coffee places in the South West; Benesse in Bunbury, Baked in Busselton or Merchant & Maker in Dunsborough. They will all be stoked to see you bring your own keep cup in for filling. Or if smoothies are more your vibe, make sure you’ve got the stainless-steel straw packed.

YO U R OWN SUSTAI NABLE WATE R BOT T LE Fill it up before you leave and avoid having to buy any plastic ones at the servo on the way! YO U R BAM BOO C U TL E RY S ET Forecast for South West weekends; high chance of picnics. Don’t be forced into plastic cutlery use through forgetting your own set!

Pick your

THE C RO O K E D CAR ROT

pit stops wisely

Next time your headed down South, be sure to get your supplies from somewhere that is serious about sustainability. Our two favourites are The Crooked Carrot in Myalup and The Bunbury Farmers Market.

The Crooked Carrot, located on the Forrest Highway, specialise in fresh food with a 'paddock to plate' ethos. Using freshly sourced ingredients, including some from the Crooked Carrot's own kitchen garden out the back! There is a bush tucker garden onsite and the produce is used in their cooking. What’s even better? They have a massive nature play playground complete with vintage tractors to keep the kids entertained.

THE BUNBURY FAR MERS MARKET The Bunbury Farmers Market has become somewhat of an institution and essential stop on your way South, and it is easy to see why. It has all the fresh produce you need for your weekend away. What’s more is the Farmers Market guarantees 90% of the fresh fruit & veg you see was in the ground 2 days beforehand. Also, depending on the season, between 70% and 90% of our fresh produce comes from local growers – in the South West.

Pick

somewhere sustainable Eco friendly accommodation does not have to mean swagging it under the stars. There are now options a-plenty for those looking to stay sustainably in the South West. We have listed a few faves for you.

B USSE LTO N

DU N S BORO U GH

MARGAR E T R I VE R

FE RGUS ON VALLEY

Tree Chalets in Busselton offers a one-of-a-kind accommodation option in the events capital of the region! Busselton Tree Chalets offer simple luxury, with a focus on sustainability. The chalets have been custom built using Aussie timbers that were grown on the property’s farm. The water filtration system is powered by the sun (filled with rainwater of course), and what’s more there is even Tesla charging stations on site!

Dunsborough Rail Carriages and Farm Cottages. The repurposed rail carriages have been converted into short stay accommodation options to make for a unique stay! The units are set on a 100 acres of farm and bushland, but only 3km to Dunsborough town centre! The property has various accommodation options all set right on natures doorstep.

Yelverton Brook Eco Chalets, who just celebrated 20 years with the highest ECO certification providing secluded private studios (hot tubs on patios inclusive!). Set among a 100 acre predator free conservation bush land setting, all the units are nestled within the wildlife sanctuary and are the perfect place for some R & R.

If you wanted to be closer to the region’s largest city, Bunbury, and still want to get back to nature, we’d recommend somewhere in the Ferguson Valley, namely the Ferguson Farmstaywhere you can even participate in the running farm activities each morning.

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Wine & dine sustainably

What is a trip down South without a winery visit? Our picks of the wineries ticking the sustainability box are listed here:

M CHE NRY H OH N EN, M A RGA RE T R I V ER McHenry Hohnen’s vineyards are managed using 100% biodynamic methods which are designed to improve the vitality and health of the soil. What’s biodynamic mean you say? Well it is just like organic farming and takes place without the use of chemicals. Instead it leverages the idea of a vineyard as it’s own ecosystem and accounts for astrological & lunar cycles. Cool hey?

G L EN A RT Y ROA D W I N ERY, M A RGA R ET R I VE R

BL I ND CO R NE R O RGANI C WI NE RY, Q U I NDALU P

The vision of Glenarty Road is to deliver sustainably farm fresh produce, make creative wines that are an honest reflection of the land and encourage people to share, enjoy and celebrate life. What’s not to love!

At Blind Corner they design their wine to reflect the land that grew it in, which means they only use all-wild ferments and minimal additives. They also have a biodynamic veggie garden onsite, bee-hives to keep them stocked with honey, and free-range chooks to scratch out the bugs in the vineyard!

You’ll note when visiting that sustainability is at the core of everything they do, which includes sustainable grape growing and wine making, with minimal intervention during the process.

Leave it better

than you found it

Don’t forget the old saying, take only photos and leave only footprints. There is so much natural beauty to be seen in the South West, from sweeping coastal landscapes to towering forests. It’s important that everyone does their part to keep the region clean & stick to the designated walk trails when visiting the region to ensure it is kept in its natural beauty for years to come.

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For more local info on the South West visit ventura-homes.com.au

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S USTAI N A B L E FI T N E SS

A sustainable approach to wellness Clear Mind Studio is an urban wellness retreat located in Inglewood. The retreat opened in June 2019 with a focus on providing a relaxing space for people to enhance their sense of wellbeing and experience new ways to deal with stressful situations in both life and work. With services including floatation therapy, massage, Yoga and Pilates classes, meditation and an infrared sauna, Clear Mind Studio offers a true urban retreat for the mind. Open every day of the week other than Tuesday, it has a loyal customer following thanks to its strong focus on calm, balance and happiness.

Sustainability plays a big part in dayto-day operations at Clear Mind Studio, from the building design through to available products. Just a few of these sustainability features include: • Solar panels to decrease electricity usage. •

Eco flooring made from natural raw materials such as linseed oil and wood flour, together with repurposed cocoa shells.

• Recycled paper used for gift cards and other communications. • Bamboo eco towels used, rather than cotton blend. • Filtered water to avoid reliance on single-use plastics. • Locally-made and sourced products (including teas and shampoos).

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“We believe that having sustainability as a core foundation for any business results in a frame of mind that produces the biggest results from the least amount of resources. Our clients really appreciate our steps towards making our studio a better place, too.” - Craig, co-owner at Clear Mind Studio. It’s fantastic to see so many local businesses across Perth adopting such powerful sustainability initiatives for the good of both customers and community alike. With even more growth planned in the future, Clear Mind Studio is set to continue its eco-friendly operations, creating a number of lasting benefits and helping to create a true sense of wellbeing and harmony.

“We believe that having sustainability as a core foundation for any business results in a frame of mind that produces the biggest results from the least amount of resources.” - Craig

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From the ground up sustainable choices have been made where possible at Clear Mind Studio. The flooring itself is made from 43% recycled content and 72% renewable raw materials including repurposed cocoa bean shells, a waste product from a chocolate factory next door to the flooring manufacturer right here in Perth. These natural raw and recycled materials give the flooring its beautiful speckled texture. Another little fun fact is the decorative screening poles in the relaxation area is actually repurposed pipes painted white. They have a great effect while using a product that may otherwise have ended up in landfill.

For your dose of wellness head to clearmindstudio.com

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Clear your mind Give this yoga sequence a go at home. Remember if you don’t have yoga props, look around your home for what you do have, books and cushions make great substitutes for a yoga block or bolster!

SIDE BODY STR ETC H

WARRIO R II

RE VE RS E WA R R I O R

Step 1

From standing, bring the right foot to cross the left, both feet flat on the floor. If you’re wobbling, bring the right foot a little further forward.

Bring your feet wide. Turn front toe to face short edge of your mat, have back toes turned in at around 45 degrees. Front heel is in line with the arch of the back foot.

From Warrior 2 position, turn the front palm to face the sky.

Step 2

Reach the right arm up to the sky on an inhale.

Press the outside edge of back foot down to gently lift the ankle.

Step 3

Exhale, and side bend to the left, continuing to stretch to the tips of the fingers.

Bend your front knee so it stacks right over the front ankle.

Step 4

Maybe turn the head to look to the sky if it feels good for your neck.

Turn the torso to face the long edge of the mat and lift the arms into a T shape. Shoulders over hips.

Hold for 2 - 3 long breaths. Feel the breath in the right side of the chest. Step 5 Unwind and repeat on the other side.

Step 5 Extend both arms long, reach to the sides of the room, turn the head to face the front hand. Hold for 2 - 3 long breaths. Step 6 Unwind, step the feet back together. Repeat on the other side.

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Step 2 Lift the front hand to the sky as you inhale, tip your head to look up as you gently stretch the arm upwards. Step 3 Allow the back hand to rest gently on the back leg. Step 4 Take 2 - 3 long breaths into the lifted area of the chest. Step 5 Release the arms back to Warrior 2, step the feet back together. Repeat on the other side.

For more yoga by Sophie follow or visit @t0bewell tobewell.com.au

LOW LU N GE

S U P P O RT E D BRID G E

RECLINE D B UT T E R F LY

Step 1

From kneeling, step your right foot forward, knee stacks over ankle. Back toes can be tucked or toenails to the ground.

Have a yoga block or a large hardback book (Harry Potter is a good size) by your side to use as a support.

Sit at the short end of a yoga bolster or a couple of stacked firm bed pillows.

Step 2

Lie on your back, heels as close to your hips as you can.

Engage your right glute (bum) to open the front of the right hip and gently bring your weight forward to stretch the thigh. Step 3 Lift the hands to the sky on an inhale. Step 4

Step 2 Remember to keep the head still once you lift your hips to protect the neck. Engage your glutes, press down through the feet and lift the hips.

Sink a little lower on the exhale.

Step 3

Step 5

Bring the block/book under your back to support your lower back – place it under the flat part of your lower back.

Repeat for 2 - 3 breaths. Change sides.

Step 4 Allow your hips to rest back down onto the support, move your arms to the sides, palms face up.

Step 2 Bend your knees and roll your spine out along the support using your hands to support you as you move back. Step 3 Bring the soles of the feet together, draw the feet towards the hips, and allow the knees to fall gently open. Use cushions under the legs to make this more supportive. Step 4 Bring the arms away from the body, palms up. Release the muscles, and feel the space open across the chest. Step 5 Rest in this restorative calming pose for as long as you need.

Step 5 Rest here, maybe close your eyes for a few minutes in this restorative calming pose.

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‘Art in Motion’ (lamppost)

FEATU RE

CAPT URI NG the impact of

P E RSPECT I VE

Though sustainable design takes many forms, one of the main elements is being able to see the possibility of objects or materials beyond their everyday function. Things like using recycled paper for benchtops, creating running shoes from plastic bottles and using recycled fishing nets for clothing and furniture alike. One designer with a passion for viewing things from a different perspective is Helen Shearwood. A Fremantle-based artist, designer and photographer with 25 years’ experience, Helen has a talent for seeing the potential in everything. Helen photographs ordinary, everyday things in celebration of the beauty she

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believes can be found in everything – if only we looked a little more closely. From lampposts and letterboxes to paint palettes and skip bins, her photography transforms forgotten and neglected items into vibrant abstract life.

Helen’s work is exhibited and sold in the UK and she recently published her first book, 'Infinite Beauty', to showcase her artwork alongside answers to a thought-provoking question she posed on social media: ‘What is beauty to you?”.

By doing so, she helps to demonstrate the power of questioning labels and judgements, and how keeping an open mind can lead to new discoveries.

Throughout her journey, she has had to overcome several significant health adversities, including two battles with cancer and a bone marrow transplant. Despite these, Helen continues to focus on the beauty and good in the world – and the importance of sharing this with others.

“I now believe at the core of everything, of everyone, lies infinite beauty. Beauty is our essence. It is the heart of who we are. I have created collections to remind ourselves of the inherent beauty that we are, and that we are surrounded by - sometimes hidden, always here,” said Helen.

Find ‘Infinite Beauty’ on helenshearwood.com and at the Fremantle Arts Centre

The discovery of beauty where I least expected to find it allowed me to see it has been here all along.

‘Expressive Green’ is another hidden beauty found on a Fremantle door shown opposite.

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‘Colour Explosion I’ (skip bin) ‘Electricity’ (skip bin)

Helen is currently in the process of creating collections of prints, homewares, stationery and more, while working towards her first solo exhibition. With so many inspiring lessons to be learnt from Helen’s work, one of the most profound is the importance of keeping our eyes open to what everyday life has to offer. From hidden beauty to hidden possibilities, potential is everywhere – we just have to be willing to see it.

To see more of Helen’s art you can follow her on Insta @helen_shearwood

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WH AT’S O N

WA’S BEST

Farmers’ Markets There’s no doubt that WA has some incredible farmer’s markets to visit. Choosing to buy your food locally isn’t just good for WA businesses it’s also a fantastic way to reduce your environmental impact and connect with WA communities. Whether you're keen to go for a drive and discover a new suburb or just walk down to your local market on a sunny weekend, the farmer’s markets around WA have a lot to offer. From fresh fruit and vegetables, to a hot coffee and crepe, you know you’ll be taking home some delicious produce. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites so you can grab your reusable bag and shop local this weekend!

KYILLA COMMUNITY FARMER’S MARKET SAT 8 - 11:30AM, NORTH PERTH Located in North Perth, the Kyilla Community Farmer’s Market is another great market for kids. Founded by the Kyilla Primary school’s P&C Association this market has range of fresh breads, smoothies, meats and fresh vegetables as well as plants. Additionally, there’s some great chocolate sweets that are very hard to pass by!

KALAMUNDA FARMER’S MARKET SUN 8AM - 12PM, KALAMUNDA The Kalamunda Farmer’s Market is one to check out if you’re visiting with children. The market has a delicious range of hot foods, and fresh produce but what makes it stand out is the large bouncy castle, face painting and live entertainment. A true experience, a visit to the Kalamunda Farmer’s Market will entertain the whole family.

THE FARMER’S MARKET ON MANNING

@kalamundafarmersmarket

SAT 7:30AM - 12:30PM, WATERFORD

@kyillafarmersmarket

The Farmer’s Market on Manning located in Waterford offers farm fresh produce such as fresh fruit, veggies, meet and fish. Also popular at the market are the delicious hot food options on sale. It’s difficult to choose between the pizza, bacon rolls, gozleme and bratwurst options. You should definitely arrive on an empty stomach. farmersmarketonmanning.com.au

SUBI FARMER’S MARKET SAT 8AM - 12PM, SUBIACO Located at Subiaco Primary School on Bagot Road, Subi Farmer’s market is known for its fresh bread and live music. As one of WA’s oldest farmer’s markets, it has strong ties to the Subiaco community and as a not-for-profit organisation all of its profits go towards Subiaco Primary school. @subifarmersmarket

BUNBURY FARMER’S MARKET MON - FRI 7.30AM - 6.30PM | SAT 7.30AM - 5.30PM | SUN 8AM - 5.30PM, GLEN IRIS Bunbury Farmer’s Market has become a well-known destination for people around south-west WA. Just off Forrest Highway, the farmer’s market has customers who are travelling through Bunbury as well as locals. Along with its large range of fresh produce, the market is also well known for their prepared meals and hot pies. @bunbury_farmers_market

WH AT’S O N

PERTH’S

Community Gardens If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in gardening or growing your own produce but simply don’t have the space, then you should check out a community garden or social farm near you. There are loads of impressive community gardens around Perth that bring people together for the purpose of growing beautiful plants and delicious produce. Visiting or joining a community garden is a good way to get outdoors, learn how to care for outdoor plants and contribute to a sustainable environment. Here are a few community gardens in Perth that might just inspire you to get involved.

JOONDANNA COMMUNITY GARDENS The Joondanna Community Gardens are a not-for-profit organisation in the City of Stirling. This community garden is a place to share organic practices with like minded people as well as develop friendships. There’s a range of activities available for people of all abilities.

MCDOUGALL COMMUNITY GARDEN Located in Como amongst a local park, the McDougall Community Garden is definitely one to check out. Open to volunteers and members the garden is a place for people to learn about seeding, composting, mulching and much more. This is a great place to meet new people and develop your skills. mcdougallfarmcg.weebly.com

jcfgarden.weebly.com

NORTH FREO SOCIAL FARM Founded in 2019 the North Freo social farm is a place for people to connect, learn about nature and get a chance to be a farmer in the city. As a member you’ll get access to pick your produce from the farm, volunteer access and produce discounts. @northfreosocialfarm

PERTH CITY FARM City Farm is a community garden in East Perth that’s situated between inner-city apartment buildings. The beautiful garden is a refreshing green oasis hidden away, but it’s there to bring people together and get there hands dirty to learn about organic growing and healthy eating. @perthcityfarm

KILIFI BEACH HOUSE

TAK E A B R E A K

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Gnarabup 6 guests

3 beds

Kilifi Beach House is located in Gnarabup, a coastal town in the South West. With incredible ocean views, this holiday house is an ideal location to relax and watch the sunset. The rustic Mediterranean style house would be great for anyone conscious of their environmental impact. Over the last five years the owners have made large efforts to focus on sustainability, adding 21 solar panels to the house, a charger available for owners of electric vehicles and eliminating single use plastics from the home. There are also biodegradable coffee pods on offer for guests, so there’s no doubt you’ll have an enjoyable stay. If you’re wanting a weekend break lots of swimming and sun, this could be the place for you.

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Cowaramup 2 guests

1 beds

This Cowaramup studio is the perfect stay for a couple needing a getaway. Just 2kms from town, guests are minutes from the fantastic coffee at Gourmet Food Merchant. With a kitchenette and Weber available, guests can enjoy meals in the private courtyard surrounded by herbs, passionfruit vine, pomegranate and lemon trees. All produce is welcome to guests. This studio is a sustainable retreat. The home was constructed with the environment and its surroundings in mind from the very beginning. Materials used include low VOC and natural paints, hemp and timber. There is filtered water, solar passive heating/cooling via ventilation, double glazing, composting on the property as well as hemp sheets and flax bed linen. This home is a great example of a stylish sustainable WA property.

C O WA R A M U P E C O S T U D I O

To book your stay head to airbnb.com.au

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IN PARTN E RS H I P WI T H

Air Conditioning Battery Storage Ceilings Drywall Hot Water Insulation Solar Power

Home energy solutions Consolidated Energy is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of products and services to builders across Australia. We currently service over 500 customers from office and warehouse locations around Australia. Our Western Australian office, warehouse and builders Prestart selection centre is located in Balcatta. Our product supply and installation services cover all types of leading brand air conditioning systems, ceilings and drywall, insulation and thermal products, hot water solutions, and solar power systems along with battery storage solutions. Our business works closely with many of Australia’s leading residential builders delivering and installing premium products and services through our national network, and by partnering with major local and overseas manufacturers. Our goal is to be all builders supplier of choice by consistently providing outstanding service, the best products, reliable and on-time installations and most of all a mutually beneficial partnership to help us all achieve our goals.

For more information visit consolidatedenergy.com.au

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A buyer’s guide to gas appliances Gas appliances come with a range of benefits, including instantaneous heat and ease of control, plus cheaper ongoing running costs when compared to electricity sourced from the grid. But you want to make sure you’re buying the right product for your needs – and you’re staying safe and compliant with installation.

Gas ovens

Gas home heating

When it comes to gas ovens, it all comes down to size and features.

Home gas heaters come in portable and flued models. Portable gas heaters are cheap, fuel efficient and can be moved to any room with a gas bayonet. It’s important to choose the right size for the area as they push combustion emissions into the room being heated.

Most standard domestic gas ovens are 600mm wide, though there are 700mm and 900mm options for larger families or those who spend heaps of time in the kitchen. Depending on your needs and preferences, look for features like in-built thermostat, fan-forced functionality, rack and tray placement options or self-cleaning capacity.

Gas cooktops Cooking over a gas flame offers instant heat and the flexibility of better heat control when compared to electric or convection models. Gas cooktops generally come in sizes between 60 – 90L and are available in a range of easy-clean materials and visually appealing styles including stainless steel, ceramic, enamel and glass. Stovetop size will determine burner numbers and variety, which should ideally involve larger burners to the back and small burners to the front to avoid having to lean over larger pots to stir sauces.

Flued gas heaters are often installed in fireplaces with a chimney vent or they can be installed as a fire box as long as a there’s a flue to extract emissions from the area being warmed. Look for features like a thermostat, child lock or cleaning alerts to ensure winters are safe, warm and energy-efficient.

Gas hot water systems Heating water accounts for around 25% of home energy costs, so it’s worth shopping around for the best appliance. Gas systems offer a reliable supply of hot water, even in a blackout, and help keep household bills in check. There are two main designs to choose from – storage or continuous flow (instantaneous). Storage hot water systems store heated water in a tank ready for use, but you’ll need to choose the right storage capacity for the available space. Continuous systems are smaller and heat water only when required which means you’ll save energy by not warming your water around the clock.

For big energy savings, switch and save with Kleenheat, WA’s truly local supplier, visit kleenheat.com.au

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M M I N I UM

6-STAR R G Y R AT I N

We’re leading the way to build a better future. At BGC Housing Group our range of quality home builder brands offer something to suit every taste and budget, in some of Perth’s most sought-after areas.

bgchousinggroup.com.au | 9261 1866 J-Corp PTY LTD BC 6415. BGC Residential PTY LTD BC 9769. Ventura Home Group PTY LTD BC 10805.

BGC home.

BGC HOME

A TREAT for the

SENSES Quality and sophistication are both defined by detail. Everything in BGC Home has been carefully considered to create the ultimate showroom experience and there’s one aspect of the showroom in particular that is especially innovative and unusual; a specifically designed signature scent.

different scents. Interestingly, people are more likely to remember a smell, than they are something they see or touch. This knowledge has lead to a new understanding of scent as part of designing memorable customer experiences, called ‘atmospherics’.

Studies have shown that smell can play a significant role in the recollection of memories, how we feel and how we behave. Unlike sight and sound, smells travel directly to the brain before being processed, giving them a powerful connection to our state of being in certain moments and in how we remember those moments.

While awareness and knowledge of atmospherics is still limited in Perth, BCG Home is leading the way in creating the ultimate customer experience for their clients. Working with World Environmental Technologies in Welshpool, the team have developed a scent for the showroom as part of the unique experience they want to provide for visiting homebuyers.

With over 40 million olfactory receptors in the brain, it’s estimated people can recognise about 1 trillion

Everything in the showroom was designed to be tangible, with visitors able to feel different finishing touches

like taps, bricks and handles, as well as use virtual reality headsets to ‘walk through’ 3D floor plans. Scent is often a forgotten part of the journey. Notes of sandalwood, cinnamon and vanilla are designed to help you feel at home while you explore the possibilities for the future of your own home building project. Our signature scent is designed to further enhance the experience around the showroom in a subtle, refined way. We’ve even created candles with the intention that clients can take them into their new home with them, so that their journey can continue. If you’d like to experience the industryleading showroom for yourself head to the BGC Home.

To discover more visit bgchome.com.au

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BGC HOME

Growing Green Innovation If you’ve visited the state-of-the-art BGC Home Showroom you might have noticed our beautiful moss-covered green wall. Lending our contemporary space a touch of green and freshening the air around you, the MOSSwall® is a one-of-akind design installation with a difference. Environmentally conscious, 100% natural, antibacterial, air purifying and zero maintenance, the MOSSwall® brings a beautiful natural element to interior design with none of the hassle of traditional green walls. Whether you wish to simply fix panels to the wall or have a modular, freestanding wall there is a system designed to accommodate your design aesthetic. Castledex is the distributor of MOSSwall® in WA, which is handmade in Italy and shipped globally. Each piece of MOSSwall® is carefully processed by hand, as the basal section is removed and recycled for future use. It is then carefully placed, piece by piece, into the innovative tray. Once finished, the trays go to quality control, before being packed for shipping. The ultimate synergy of nature, sustainability and design, MOSSwall® has many unique features but perhaps the most important is that it requires no maintenance at all. Due to the organic preservation process, your beautiful green wall

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doesn’t need watering, trimming, or dusting. The lichen used for your wall, undergoes an anti-static treatment to repel dust, is naturally anti-microbial and doesn’t attract or encourage insects. And the benefits don’t stop there. This sustainably sourced lichen is acoustically absorbent, helping to remove reverberation and echo from large spaces. MOSSwall® is guaranteed for 5 years from the date of purchase, is fully quality tested and is certified to fulfil fire, acoustic and antibacterial control regulations. Available in 23 colours (ranges include: Ocean, Forest, Desert, Black, White and Grey), MOSSwall® can be utilised in a number of ways for corporate branding, unique interior design, sound control, light solutions, furniture, or simply to bring nature indoors. Visit the showroom today to experience the wall for yourself and find out how you might enhance your space with nature.

To discover more visit bgchome.com.au

AIR AIRCONDITIONING CONDITIONING

HOT HOTWATER WATER

INSULATION INSULATION

CEILINGS CEILINGSAND ANDWALLS WALLS

SOLAR SOLARPOWER POWER

BATTERY BATTERYSTORAGE STORAGE

Consolidated ConsolidatedEnergy Energyis isone oneofofAustralia’s Australia’sleading leadingsuppliers suppliers ofofproducts productsand andservices servicestotobuilders buildersacross acrossAustralia. Australia.We We currently currentlyservice serviceover over500 500customers customersf rom f romoffice officeand and warehouse warehouselocations locationsaround aroundthe thecountry. country.Our Ourproduct productsupply supply and andinstallation installationservices servicescover coverallalltypes typesofofleading leadingbrand brand airairconditioning conditioningsystems, systems,ceilings ceilingsand anddrywall, drywall,insulation insulation and andthermal thermalproducts, products,hot hotwater watersolutions, solutions,and andsolar solarpower power systems systemsalong alongwith withbattery batterystorage storagesolutions. solutions. Western Western Australia Australia Office, Office, Warehouse Warehouse and and Builders Builders Pre-Start Pre-Start Selection Selection Centre Centre 11 11 Cressall Cressall Road Road Balcatta Balcatta WA WA 6021 6021

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MAGAZINE LAUNCH ISSUE 1 HEART OF THE HOME

Summer 2021

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In March this year, the BGC team and their suppliers celebrated the launch of the first BGC Home magazine with a fantastic launch party of course held at BGC Home. The team at BGC Housing Group pulled out all the stops creating a memorable night for everyone attending. With about 100 guests in the showroom, BGC Housing Group staff, suppliers and friends enjoyed a night of good food, entertainment, and celebration.

Some of the highlights of the night included the talented string quartet who performed a range of modern songs, an ice cream cart and the signature cocktail inspired by an article from the first edition of the magazine. There was also a large photo box for all guests to jump in to get a pic.

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The BGC Home team welcomed guests with a speech and read out one of the articles from the magazine, giving guests a taste of what the magazine is about and what to expect when they sit down and start reading.

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@handbrakeart

When entering the showroom all guests received a raffle ticket and the prize was an artwork created live by Handbrake Art at the event, so one lucky attendee took home a new piece of art, along with their goodie bag that all guests received. The event was a huge success and a great way to showcase what the new BGC Home magazine is all about.

Head to our socials to see more @bgc_home

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BGC HOME

What to expect when you visit BGC Home DO YOU NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT? The Showroom is open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm with no appointment necessary. If you would like someone to provide assistance, consider booking in a Hub appointment with one of our Style, Build or Finance specialists.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO VISIT BGC HOME? Plan to spend between 1 and 3 hours in the Showroom. We have thousands of samples on display for you to explore.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE? Visitor parking is available within the building. Please drive in the main car park entrance and you can park in the Visitor Bays on level 1.

WHAT IF YOU HAVEN’T CHOSEN YOUR BUILDER YET? You can still visit BGC Home. The showroom is full of inspiration and products that will help you make the best choice for your home.

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EXTERIORS

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KITCHEN

Explore our home BGC Home not only offers an immersive experience to help you bring your home vision to life, but it also helps you feel right at home every step of the way. Enjoy a coffee in our state-of-the-art cafe zone, where you can relax and refuel before heading back for more inspiration.

BATHROOM & LAUNDRY

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Points of interest Make sure to see every opportunity during your visit.

1 BUT FIRST, COFFEE

CREATIVE HUB

EXTERIORS

Our BGC Home offers a state-of-the-art cafe zone that will help to kick-start your visit and give you all the fuel you need.

Create your own personal mood board a collection of finishes and furnishings that make up the vision of your new home.

You’ll find everything you need to help your home make a stunning first impression at BGC Home, with a huge range of exterior designs available.

BATHROOM & LAUNDRY

KITCHEN

INTERIORS

From the ultimate relaxing bathroom space, to clever laundry layouts, explore plenty of options that add value to your home.

The kitchen is the hub of the home where people come together. We’re proud to bring together amazing designs and inspiration to get you excited.

BGC Home takes the guesswork out of finding the right finishes, fixtures and materials, with hundreds of products to look at, touch and experience.

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SUSTAINABILITY

ENTERTAINMENT

TECHNOLOGY HUB

Good for the environment and good for your back pocket, sustainable design just keeps on getting better – and it’s on display at BGC Home.

From modern alfresco designs, through to the ultimate open-plan living areas, clever features and much more, we’ve made it easy for you to create the perfect entertaining space.

Prepare to geek out in our technology hub, where you’ll find all the latest innovations and ideas to create a truly smart home on every level.

Book an appointment with us To ensure you receive all the attention and expertise you need during your visit to BGC Home, we recommend you book an appointment with us. We have three separate hubs you can book into depending on what stage you are at in your building journey.

To book your appointment visit bgchome.com.au

BUILDING HUB Our BGC Home building team will be happy to talk you through the building process and make sure you are aware of what’s involved at every stage in a one-on-one session.

FINANCE HUB Finance plays a major role in the home building journey, but it can get confusing at times. Our in-house finance experts, The Loan Company, can help make things a little clearer. No obligation, just good advice.

STYLING HUB Home styling is forever evolving, and it can be hard to navigate the world of interior design. That’s where our BGC Home Stylists come in. BGC Home welcomes you to a private styling session to help you with interior styling and product selection advice.

Home to the best brands BGC Home is proud to partner with some of Australia’s leading manufacturers so you have the best choice of finishes, fixtures and materials for your home.

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ABC Blinds

Blinds

Affinity

Window Frames

Air Force

Air Conditioning

Alder

Plumbing

Balustrades WA

Balustrades

Brikmakers

Bricks

Blue steel

Colorbond

Centurion

Garage Doors

Cabinets - Precision

Cabinets

Centurion

Garage Doors

Consolidated Energy

Energy

Corinthian

Doors

Crosby Tiles

Flooring

Fisher & Paykel

Appliances

Fujitsu

Air Conditioning

Gainsborough

Door Handles

Harmony

Roof Tiles

Hettich

Accessories

Laminex/EssaStone

Finishing items

Miele

Appliances

Precision Cabinetmaker

Cabinetry

Seima

Plumbing

Smeg

Appliances

Steeline

Garage Doors

Trevors Carpets

Flooring

Tufftex

Render

Wattyl

Paint

New home, new savings. Switch and save 38% on natural gas usage charges for 2 years* when you choose Kleenheat.

BONU S

Bunnin voucheg^s r

BONU S

Bunnin vouchegs r*

It’s the same gas, just better value from WA’s local energy provider - with no account establishment fees or new connection fees. Gas supply ready at move in# No set up fee, termination fee or lock in contracts Earn Flybuys points with every bill^ To get Kleenheat into your new home go to kleenheat.com.au/bgchousinggroup or call 13 21 80.

Open your camera and scan to save.

Less talk more energy

Less talk more energy *38% off the usage component of the standard tariff for 2 years when selecting the Monthly Smart Saver plan. Offer is only available to new customers and existing customers who are arranging a new gas connection for a new residential home. To receive the 38% discount and a $50 Bunnings gift card you must sign up with Kleenheat as your residential natural gas provider and use the promo code BUILDERS during the sign up process, and your application must be accepted by Kleenheat. Visit kleenheat.com.au/ bgchousinggroup for full terms and conditions. #To ensure supply on move in date, Kleenheat must be notified of your move 2 business days prior to the move in date. ^To be eligible to earn flybuys points, Kleenheat residential natural gas customers must have an active flybuys membership. Visit kleenheat.com.au/bgchousinggroup for full terms and conditions.

Meet our leading home builders Every homebuyer is looking for something different, which is why we’re proud to make it easy for our WA buyers to create the home of their dreams. BGC Housing Group is home to some of WA’s biggest and most awarded home builder brands, ensuring we really do accommodate all lifestyles, budgets and tastes. BGC Housing Group also boasts finance and settlement expertise, which allows us to make the homebuying process as easy and stress-free as possible.

GO HOMES At GO Homes, we create beautiful single-storey homes made to match your lifestyle – and we’re here to help you GO for it, every step of the way. As part of the BGC Housing Group for over 20 years, GO Homes has the experience needed to guarantee our quality and attention to detail. From the floorplan, all the way to the final finishes, every aspect of your home is carefully considered to create the ultimate in family living.

gohomes.com.au 6555 7510

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AUSSIE LIVING HOMES Since 2008 we have made it possible for over 3,000 West Aussies to finally ditch renting and get into a home of their own. We do this by building quality (and beautiful) homes, but without the hefty price tag. At Aussie, we are different to others. We genuinely care about what you want in your first home, we tailor it suit your lifestyle and make sure it’s all within your budget. So pretty much, we take care of all the big stuff, so you can enjoy the little stuff! Like making a Pinterest board filled with all your favourite home decor.

aussielivinghomes.com.au 9241 4911

Owning your first home is a massive milestone, we’re proud to be part of the journey.

COMMODORE HOMES Commodore Homes has been helping thousands of families for over 25 years build a home of their own. It’s our commitment to deliver bigger value and bigger homes at an affordable price. We believe that sets us apart. It’s not just about saving you money on construction. A quality build saves you in the years to come. And our 6-Star energy rating will keep your living costs to a minimum. A good home stands the test of time. Our Lifetime Structural Guarantee* means true value never comes at the cost of quality. Please see our website for further details.

commodorehomes.com.au 6555 7522

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HOMESTART Since 1988, HomeStart has proudly helped thousands of Western Australians achieve their dreams of home ownership. Over these 30+ years, we’ve been dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for first homebuyers. From finance to finish, we'll guide you through every step of the process. We’ll help you apply for government grants, source land in an area you love and obtain a finance package that’s right for you. Whatever you need, HomeStart is here to help! We are the first homebuyer specialists.

homestart.net.au 9231 4567

SMART HOMES FOR LIVING There was a good reason we chose the name Smart Homes for Living when we opened our doors in 2011. We were (and still are) determined to do things differently: To work smarter, design smarter, finance smarter and connect with customers in a smarter, more considerate way. We set out to put our management team’s 118 years of industry learnings to the best possible use, developing homes people can be truly proud of with processes they actually enjoy.

smarthomesforliving.com.au 9241 1311

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TERRACE TERRACE Homes is the leader in clever homes, designed and built by people with a passion for every little detail. At TERRACE an incredible amount of effort and energy goes into making every home feel modern, spacious and unique. Every TERRACE offers a real sense of luxury, from designer appliances, to eye-catching exteriors and clever functionality that brings so much enjoyment to the smallest things. We can build your TERRACE standalone or as part of a stunning streetscape in a house and land package.

terracehomes.com.au 6461 5461

VENTURA SOUTH WEST We love living and building in the South West so much, that we don’t build anywhere else. When you create your new home with Ventura South West you’re building with a proudly local team who craft your home like it’s our own. From Augusta in the south to Waroona in the north and Harvey in the east, we’re here to help you make the South West even more special, because it’s our home too.

ventura-homes.com.au 9792 2322

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Meet the faces behind our name

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We’re big believers in diversity at BGC Housing Group. Not just in the home designs and products we offer, but the people who bring them to life, too. With over 2000 talented team members and counting, our organisation celebrates diversity and the strengths that each and every person brings to the team. There’s a real sense of togetherness and belonging within BGC Housing Group, as well as fantastic opportunities to pursue new challenges and contribute to our organisation’s award-winning success. Together, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.

Proud to be the biggest (and best) in WA As WA’s biggest home builder, we’ve helped make home ownership a reality for more West Australians. We’ve held the title of WA’s biggest home builder for more than 10 years, while offering the tailored knowledge, support and understanding our customers deserve. Our size and scale also gives us the confidence to provide a Lifetime Structural Warranty on every home we build, together with a minimum NatHERS 6-star energy rating that provides ongoing value through energy-efficiency and water-saving properties.

WA owned

2000+

$2 billion+

AND OPERATED

EMPLOYEES

BGC GROUP REVENUE

Over 50%

Lifetime

OF OUR BUILDING MATERIALS MANUFACTURED HERE IN WA

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY

DISPLAY HOMES THAN ANY OTHER WA BUILDER

The Grand Bianca, Smart Homes For Living

Award-winning expertise BGC Housing Group isn’t just WA’s biggest home builder – we’re also one of its most awarded. Whether it’s awards for energy efficiency, innovative home design, construction excellence or everything in between, we’re proud to create award-winning homes that offer lasting value for homeowners. Our homes have been regularly recognised across all of WA’s major industry awards, including the prestigious and highly coveted Master Builders Western Australia: Excellence in Construction Awards.

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New home, new savings. Make the move to real value and local support. Visit kleenheat.com.au/bgchousinggroup or call 13 21 80.

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