CIVICSTEELHOMES Residential Architecture
Living Greensmart Why good design doesn’t cost the earth
Issue 02
RRP $ 5.95
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Homes with a conscience
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A stunning re-build at Noosa
Learn about sustainable design features that can be incorporated into your home
Some of our recent projects
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Designing to perfectly suit the natural environment
24 An out-of-the-box re-build at Noosaville
21 A design to capture the Harbour lifestyle
Why good design doesn’t cost the earth
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Contents
FEATURES 4 30 32 36 37
Our Process What is good design The Greensmart Checklist Small Lot Solutions Create Stunning Architecture
PROJECTS 6 12 18 24 21 28 34
Our Recent Projects Contemporary River Living Beachfront Simplicity Sanctuary in the Tropics Harbour Views Living Greensmart Homes with a conscience
CIVICSTEELHOMES
Rebuild at Noosa River Coolum Rebuild at Noosaville Manly Redlands HIA Greensmart Designs
Residential Architecture
Our Arch i t e c t s a n d B ui l d e rs Make your project a reality Our creative hub of experts is one of our key points of difference. Our architects, estimators and builders work in close consultation to ensure that there are no surprises for you at the end of the day. Our simple but effective four-step process combines the skills of each member of our team to provide you with the best possible design to suit your budget.
Step 1 Free On-Site Ideas Meeting Our professionals: • Meet you on site to discuss your brief and budget. • Initiate searches to establish all site restrictions including; town planning, covenants, services, soil conditions and site surveys. • Prepare a preliminary estimate in response to your brief. • Establish the feasibility of your project.
You get: • Advice on the best possible design features to suit your block, your budget and your lifestyle requirements. • Critical Information on how to get your project to proceed. •A realistic time frame for your project from concept to living.
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Step 2
Design
Having established the project feasibility our professionals: • Present architects initial concept and budget estimate in response to your brief. • Revise if necessary conceptual design and estimate. • Develop 1:100 plans and elevations. • Design your cabinets and help you select your inclusions and fittings. • Inspect and complete a full report of your site. •With our architects and in house estimators, we take responsibility to keep your project on budget. •Prepare real project pricing.
You Get: Real project pricing that reflects your requirements including all the realities of your site.
Step 3 Contracts & Approvals Once you have approved our design and estimate, we: • Prepare industry leading contract documentation including engineering. • Meet with you to finalise colours, inclusions and electrical layouts. • Preparing the HIA fixed price contract. • Secure building approvals. • Schedule the work to commence on site.
You Get: A fixed price contract that reflects your requirements and includes all fees and insurances.
Step 4
Construction
Once you have your finance approval and we have building approval we: • Meet you on site to discuss your building program. • Establish regular site meeting format. • Commence Construction.
You Get: A trouble free building process under an experienced team who keep you informed every step of the way.
With Civic Steel Homes, you’ll quickly see the difference our creative hub makes. Call us today, and let us take a walk around your block.
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Parkside Residence
Upon consultation, the clients couldn’t bear the uncertainty, confusion and cost blowouts of renovating. A new build was the best solution. Their brief was to create a contemporary family home in a character code zoning, capturing the beautiful parkside location whilst providing a protected outdoor entertaining area all year round, and still keeping the home energy efficient.
Lower Level
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Hillside Residence
The challenge here was a very steep block falling away from the road. The owners brief was to design a modern 3 storey home with all the rooms taking advantage of the magnificent city and bushland views.
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Hillside Residence
Hillside land, often offering views and treetop outlooks, is a popular choice throughout greater Brisbane. What is required is a design solution that both captures the panorama and deals with the sloping site. Civic Steel Homes offers a variety of solutions to any sloping site with extensive use of raised floors, split level systems and both structural and landscape retaining. The importance of capturing natural light and prevailing breezes remains a focus with a goal of always trying to build with the contour. Civic Steel Homes can show you how to manage all the issues with hillside building including foundations, drainage, height restrictions and town planning requirements. Regardless of the slope on the property, a modern cost effective architectural solution is achievable with Civic Steel Homes. The void over the open plan living and dining area allows natural light to flood the interior and induce cross ventilation through the house. Full height and horizontal windows and louvers allow the house to engage with the garden and street without compromising privacy.
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So how can we help you?
Inner City Residence
At Civic Steel Homes we have experience to help you with any type of building you require. • • • • • •
Demolitions & Rebuilds Rural & Acreage Blocks Small Lots Sloping blocks & Difficult sites Steel or Timber Frame Collaborations with other Architects
Rural Residence The clients for this property wanted to make the most of the magnificent views to the glasshouse mountains. The design incorporates a main wing with a separate guest pavilion, joined by a covered summer room. This design capitalises on breezes and sun due to the correct orientation and use of skillion roofs.
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A City Collaboration This project was developed from a design provided by the client. Through our cost management process we were able to help the client evaluate each part of the building so they could prioritize their goals and remain on budget. Budget management remains the benchmark of the Civic Steel Homes process. Successful design decisions within the development of a home can only be made when there is a cost component made available.
Have you had an Architect draw up plans and need a quality builder to estimate and construct. Our team will work with you to get your project on budget and on time.
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Beachside Residence
The brief for this home was to create a contemporary family holiday home by the beach that would truly reflect the beachside lifestyle. The rear of the home incorporates an exterior two storey summer room and BBQ area for entertaining. The master bedroom overlooks this area while at the same time being a private retreat, with surrounding bays of louvres providing ventilation. Because of it’s proximity to the coast, timber frame was used and the extensive use of silvering cedar cladding suited the coastal dune environment.
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River Breezes, open living, elevated river vistas and private courtyards. Living areas are light and airy and all take in the magnificent river views. A perfect solution to a perfect location.
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Contemporary River Living Noosa River Residence
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Noosa River Residence
The external staircase from the deck allows connection between the upper level and the courtyard through to the family room, thereby enhancing the relaxed sub tropical lifestyle. The private courtyard is the visual oasis of the home whilst allowing northern light to fill the clean interiors.
Upper Level
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“Living areas are light and airy and all take in the magnificent river viewsâ€? Located just one block back from Gympie Terrace this contemporary home is crafted around a private north facing courtyard whilst maximizing views to the Noosa River. The design concept locates the main living spaces on the upper level to take advantage of the breezes and vistas to the river. The swimming pool in the courtyard extends under the deck to create a vibrant and activated entry façade to the street. The four bedroom home is designed to promote lifestyle flexibility by locating a main bedroom suite on both levels. This spatial arrangement will allow flexibility to cater for varying family structures and an aging population.
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The before construction photo
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A simple and stunning re-build, designed to seamlessly co-exist with the beautiful river location. Catching the cool breezes and river and pool views from nearly every room. Our client loved the property, but they had outgrown the existing home. The built form is expressed as a narrow two storey skillion pavilion running north south with two lean to projections enclosing a central courtyard. The home makes use of a simple but refined palette of materials which are employed in a clean and contemporary fashion to promote a relaxed lifestyle.
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Beachfront Simplicity Coolum Beach Home
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Light, airy and taking full advantage of the dune front location. The beach home looks over the reserve on the property’s rear boundary with the layout grabbing as much northern winter sun as possible. High ceilings and heaps of glass make an all seasons winner.
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“ this unique beach shack nestles perfectly into it’s natural environment.” Traditionally pitched roof and subtle colour schemes in keeping with the exclusive enclaves covenant, were used with natural stone, wide open bi-fold doors, louvres, extensive tallow wood decks and floors make this unique beach shack nestle perfectly into it’s natural environment.
Harbour Views Manly Residence
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Manly Residence
Narrow lot architectural solution focused on the panorama to the North East. A creative split level home following the natural contour with four separate floors and stunningly appointed. Magnificent open plan state of the art house with abundant natural light, cross flow ventilation and privacy from close neighbors, all complimenting the special view. The masterfully designed separate main bedroom is on its own floor with office, while the lowest level has the other bedrooms and rumpus. The main floor is up a small flight of stairs from the formal spacious entrance. The highly appointed kitchen closely linked to the entertainment deck perfect for watching the passing regattas. Even the view hasn’t been compromised from the in ground pool, strategically connected to the deck by a set of external stairs. A perfect example of Civic Steel Homes ability to create a contemporary, executive residence suitable for a modern family, accounting for any challenges such as slope and site width, while embracing any positive features like a view.
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First floor
“a perfect example of Civic Steel Homes ability to create a contemporary executive residence suitable for a modern family�
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Sanctuary in the Tropics Noosaville Residence
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After extensive research into the renovation options, the client decided on a rebuild as a more practical solution. The solution came as an informal approach to living contrasting this home with your standard suburban home. The lack of formal entry, with garages placed at the rear means that this home has an intimate street presence. With a north eastern aspect with views to the Noosa River, the reasonably narrow frontage could not be wasted on formal entry space and garages. The result is a combination of light and airy living spaces, a plunge pool and a linear outdoor deck which doubles as a passageway to garage and upper level visitor’s rooms.
The before construction photo
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The lower level is a single bedroom apartment. The extensive use of glazing means that this living space is in touch with its bird friendly environment. The home functions well in both summer and winter. An external venetian on the eastern windows excludes summer sun without impeding air flow. The northern glazing allows the entry of winter sun to warm the space. Stacking doors and high level louvers allow for cooling breezes in summer and egress for warmer air to escape. The house is positioned as close as possible to the southern boundary with the driveway on the north providing a buffer to any future development on the adjoining northern neighbour’s property.
“the reasonably narrow frontage could not be wasted on formal entry space and garages�
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Living Greensmart Good design doesn’t cost the earth
Civic Steel Homes pride themselves in designing homes to suit a clients needs and budget, taking into account the specific land features, as well as targeting Greensmart principles. Their commitment to sustainable building has been demonstrated in this home which has been specifically designed for the site at Thornlands, incorporating such Greensmart principles as orientation, cross ventilation, and water efficient landscaping. Other Greensmart initiatives include a solar hot water service, energy efficient lighting, use of ceiling fans to improve air quality within the home, ceiling and wall insulation and ventilated roof space to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter, as well as use of overhangs, eaves and summer rooms to shade the home in summer.
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“Good Design doesn’t cost the earth, but poor design does”. The 5-star energy equivalence rating requirement came into effect 1 March 2009. What design options can achieve a 5-star house? As the 5-star housing requirement is performance-based, designers and architects are able to use a range of styles and energy efficient features to comply with the new requirements. This includes: • northern orientation of living rooms • minimising east and west facing walls and windows • wider eaves and awnings for shading • increased insulation • treated glazing, particularly for windows facing west and north-west • light coloured roof and walls • natural ventilation through windows and doorways • ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms. Additionally, new houses and townhouses in sub-tropical and tropical areas that include a covered outdoor living area connected to the building, such as a deck or verandah, can gain a credit of up to 1-star towards achieving the 5-star requirement.
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What is good design? It might be a surprise to learn that many sustainable design features in a home are actually free- if designed from the beginning. In addition, many sustainable solutions, while adding marginally to the initial cost of a house, will save you money in the long term. The most important factor in sustainable design is the buildings orientation on it’s block. Every piece of land is different and the home built there should take full advantage of the path of the sun, slope and breezes and other special characteristics. Strategies for the tropics are different from those used in temperate climates. A home that is well positioned and designed on its site delivers significant lifestyle and environmental benefits. Correct orientation assists passive heating and cooling, resulting in improved comfort and decreased energy bills, in fact most of our clients find they don’t require the use of artificial heating and cooling at all. Our Architects and project managers at Civic Steel Homes are Greensmart Professionals including last years finalist in the Greensmart Professional of the year awards. We can assist you in all areas of making your home enviro-friendly from the overall design right down to the small but vital details.
What is Greensmart? HIA Greensmart is an initiative and brand name set up by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) in 1999. It aims to provide information to building-industry workers (such as architects, building designers, interior designers and related trade and sub-contractors) so they can improve their skills and knowledge of how to create sustainable homes. People who have completed the course are known as Greensmart Professionals and are committed to the Greensmart code of practice. A typical Greensmart accredited team might include an architect or home designer who plans a home that is energy and water efficient and leaves a light “footprint” on the block; and a builder who constructs the home and manages the site to minimise soil erosion and pollution. Simply, for the householder, a home built by Greensmart Professionals will be more livable and economic to run. For more details about Greensmart, visit www.greensmart.com.au HIA Greensmart homes have three important traits. They: •Are designed to be energy and water efficient •Reduce waste during the building process •Have a site management plan to cut soil erosion and pollution
Learn more about Greensmart principles with the Greensmart checklist on page 32.
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HIA GreenSmart house
checklist
GREENSMART MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Greensmart Minimum Requirements ORIENTATION
(TICK)
Living areas are north-facing or within 15oWest – 20oEast of true North.
Are north-facing areas maximised?
Ideally the long axis of the house runs east to west;
(See reverse for more information)
OR large north-facing openings have been included to maximise exposure to natural light, take advantage of winter sun and minimise summer sun.
NATURAL VENTILATION
External & internal openings take advantage of prevailing breezes.
Which direction do breezes come
Louvres or operable windows located opposite each other to allow air to flow through the rooms/house.
from & can air flow freely throughout? Well-ventilated roof space eg. roof & eave vents. (See reverse for more information)
Extractor fans to be sealed in bathroom, laundry and toilet areas and externally flued in kitchen areas.
PASSIVE DESIGN
Clothesline. Draft seals to be placed around windows and doors.
AIR CIRCULATION SHADING
Ceiling fans in at least bedrooms & living room to assist air circulation. Northern windows are shaded from entry of summer sun. East & west facing windows are minimised.
Is it sheltered from the sun?
Eastern and western windows protected from sun by eaves or awnings:
(See reverse for more information)
OR Trees and landscaping; OR windows are tinted. Well-sized eaves & window awnings on north and south facades to provide shade in summer and allow sun in during winter.
INSULATION
Ceiling insulation appropriate to climatic region (see overleaf). next page)
Cool in summer & warm in winter?
Reflective foil (sisilation/sarking) in roof & walls. For rooms with air-conditioning &/or heating, wall insulation min. R1.5.
MATERIALS
WATER
ENERGY
(See reverse for more information)
MATERIALS What is it made of?
Lightweight materials and/or thermal mass materials have been used appropriately to respond to climatic conditions.
(See reverse for more information)
(relevant to the climate zone).
BUILDING STRUCTURE LIGHTING
Exceeds building regulation in your state for energy efficiency. Energy efficient lighting is utilised in at least 50% 80% of light fixtures (includes indoor & outdoor)
(See reverse for more information)
such as compact fluorescents, fluorescent tubes, LEDs etc.
INTERIOR SURFACES NATURAL LIGHTING HOT WATER HEATING
Light-coloured coatings on interior surfaces to reduce dark areas (optional). North-facing openings (windows &/or glazed doors). Skylights (preferably double glazed & vented) &/or light-tubes in dark/shaded rooms (if applicable). Installed an energy efficient hot water service within 1 star of the maximum energy rating as a heat pump or gas system.
(See reverse for more information)
All hot water plumbing pipes to be insulated where appropriate to your climatic conditions. NB Choose a gas boosted SHW service as a better option.
AIR-CONDITIONING & DRAFT SEALS CO-LOCATED SERVICES TAPWARE TOILETS SHOWERHEADS LANDSCAPING ALTERNATE WATER SUPPLY HEALTHY HOMES
Appropriately designed rooms to keep cool air in with draft seals around doors and windows. Seals to roof space openings. Hot water system & wet areas (bathroom, toilet, laundry,& kitchen) grouped to minimise plumbing. Min. 4 star-rated tapware (or are fitted with pressure/flow reduction valves). (NB: installed in accordance with AS3500). 4star rated dual flush systems. 3star rated (NB:minimum 7.5 litre/minute and maximum 9 litre/minute. Waterwise gardens/landscaping eg. mulches/compost, natives/drought tolerant plants, controlled irrigation, timers etc. Alternate water supply systems for garden watering (where legislation allows). Use low volatile organic compound emitting surface coatings. All gas heating & cooking appliances are externally flued (if applicable).
PASSIVE DESIGN
GREENSMART BETTER PRACTICE OPTIONS Options Greensmart Better Practice WINDOWS FIXTURES AND FINISHES Does it reflect heat?
Lighter colours used for external surfaces to reflect heat (roof &/or walls).
Include sealed entry foyer in the design to control heat movement. ENTRY LOCK WHITEGOODS & APPLIANCES Where installed electrical appliances are to be within 1 star of the maximum energy rating. e.g. fridge, dishwasher, washing machine & clothes dryer. (See reverse for more information)
ENERGY
Thermally improved window frames. Installed thermally efficient window coverings.
CENTRAL LIGHTING SENSOR LIGHTING PHOTOVOLTAIC OR RENEWABLE ENERGY (See reverse for more information)
Where installed heating and cooling systems should be appropriately sized and within 1 star of the maximum energy rating. Install a heat recovery ventilation system where appropriate to your climate. Single switch pad installed to control multiple lights. Install sensor lighting to infrequently used areas eg. pathways, outdoors. Photovoltaic (PV) system installed to supplement energy supply. Select the provision of green energy from your energy provider. Install an energy usage meter.
WATER
WHITEGOODS & APPLIANCES Min. 4 stars WELS-rated for washing machine & dishwasher. TOILETS LANDSCAPING ALTERNATE WATER SUPPLY
MATERIALS
HEALTHY HOMES
Greywater system utilised for toilet & landscaping Install hot water reticulation system. Installation of waterless urinals or composting toilets. Timers fitted to external taps. Plumb alternate water supply to toilets, laundry or hot water services (where legislation allows). Install greywater diversion system or rainwater tanks. Install treated greywater system (where legislation allows). Where a pool exists fill the pool with alternative water supply (where legislation allows). Low emission surfaces and materials for cabinetry, floors, walls, doors, architraves and skirting boards. Use low emission products. Include passive ventilation through manually or automated systems. Use surface coatings with low volatile organic compounds emissions. Gas heating and cooking appliances should be externally flued.
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY Environmentally friendly building materials such as recycled timber (floors, doors, window frames) & glazing; bamboo, cork or linoleum flooring used (not including materials that are recyclable). MATERIALS Use building materials that are highly durable and require limited maintenance.
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(TICK)
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Homes with a conscience
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Some of our previous HIA -Greensmart Designs and National Awards.
Civic Steel Homes were proud to add the National Greensmart House of the year award to their collection. An innovative home with solar energy generation, careful site orientation, good rain water storage, cross ventilated pavilions and renewable fixtures. Designed by our inhouse Greensmart accredited Architect, the stunning home demonstrated that a modern contemporary family home with high quality inclusions could be environmentally friendly.
Small lot housing can also be Greensmart. Civic Steel Homes produced a clever split level solution to a small sloping site that also met the highest Greensmart criteria’s. Careful use of sustainable materials, high vaulted and ventilated living spaces, and abundant rain water storage made for another well appointed architectural home with a conscience. With careful planning and innovation Civic Steel Homes created energy efficient home that is environmentally sensitive.
This design explores the most economical ways of achieving an environmentally sustainable home on a sloping acreage site. Two parallel pavilions carefully orientated to capture prevailing breezes and north easterly morning sun. Cross flow ventilation, so important in the Queensland climate, is achieved with careful placement of louvres. The use of light weight and renewable materials carefully coloured to harmonize with the natural bush setting, achieved the final goal of a modern energy smart home complimentary to the environment. Another National award was won for this open plan four bedroom plus study family home. High raking ceilings over open plan Living/ Dining pavilion, separated from the bedrooms by a stunning entry. The homes focus is a well protected outdoor entertainment area where the nearly two storey raking roof acts like a sail in channeling the breezes into the house. The home also included a separate rumpus space off the spare bedrooms, abundant storage, and a spacious ensuite. With this house Civic Steel homes brought innovative, cutting edge architecture within the reach of everyone.
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Architectural Small Lot Solutions Just because a site may be narrow doesn’t mean there isn’t a design solution that is both contemporary and spacious. Our focus is always on natural light and open spaces without compromising on privacy and intimacy. Popular is the use of two storey voids, high and raking ceilings, open tread staircases, and open planning, all of which increase spaciousness. Important is the connection with outdoor areas both in the landscape and entertainment areas. This is achieved by the careful placement of a variety of glazing. With many successful projects already built throughout south east Queensland on blocks as small as 325m2, Civic Steel Homes are experienced to take you through all the design options and town planning requirements of the small lot code.
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Create stunning architecture With multiple outdoor living areas, including the upstairs deck every part of the home connects to the Summer Room bedrooms and living areas all share this focal point on the north. Inside, the void to the living area lets in natural light and adds a generous sense of space as you move throughout the home. The ensuited master bedrooms to both levels and breezeway to the kids bedrooms upstairs allow for many family options. Add to that three large living areas and separate office space and everyone is catered for.
Lower Level
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To be on the mailing list for free subscriptions to our magazines email us at magazine@civicsteelhomes.com.au with your details All plans shown are Copyright (Civic Steel Homes Pty. Ltd) and may not be reproduced in part or whole without written permission of Civic Steel Homes Pty. Ltd. Photographs and floor plans are for illustrative purposes only and do not form any part of contract for sale. In the interest of continual improvement, Civic Steel Homes reserve the right to make modifications to plans, changes to exterior designs, prices, materials and specifications at any time without prior notice. Floor plan measurements may alter from those illustrated.
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CIVICSTEELHOMES Stronger by Design
For further information call 07 3423 8454 or visit one of our displays www.civicsteelhomes.com.au
Visible Splendour Invisible Strength Custom design for every client Passive solar design Natural light and breezes Greensmart design principles Affordable options Sloping and challenging sites Designed individually, built to budget
CIVICSTEELHOMES www.civicsteelhomes.com.au