In Focus August 2023

In Focus

BEHIND THE BUILD: A SUSTAINABLE FAMILY HOME

Sanctum Homes has embraced a commitment to comfort, performance and health with the build of this beautiful family home in Melbourne's East.

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDS ACROSS THE WATER

We sat down with Hand Across The Water CEO, Claire Baines, to talk about her proudest achievements to date and what is next for the charity.

MY NEIGHBOURHOOD: MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

Michael lives, works and plays in the leafy suburbs of Stonnington. We sat down to discuss his neighbourhood and why the area is so attractive to residents near and far.

40 CHOMLEY STREET, PRAHRAN

Defined by a spectacular Biasol Studio architectural transformation and set within stunning landscaped garden surroundings, this unforgettably beautiful Victorian residence impressively showcases lavish proportions, opulent finishes and the latest in sophisticated style.

MALÉA: 94 BURKE ROAD, MALVERN EAST

Enjoying beautiful summer sunsets over Central Park to the west, Maléa offers residents incredible park views in one of the last remaining homes to be redeveloped in this iconic location.

THE REPORT 2023

The Report is Jellis Craig’s exclusive annual insight into Melbourne’s residential property market and all the factors that drive demand, house price growth and long-term trends.

Behind the build: A sustainable family home in the leafy east

Current owners Hamish, Director of Sanctum Homes, and Lucy, Landscape Designer at Platylobium Landscape Design, lovingly rebuilt their family home in Warrandyte, into the sustainable home of their dreams. With a gentle push of tilted windows, the family of four (five if you include Poppy the Staffy) enjoy life with a connection to the outdoor garden.

Sanctum Homes has embraced a commitment to comfort, performance and health with the build of this beautiful family home in Melbourne's east. We sat down with the current owners to learn more about the build of their sustainable family home.

52 Yarra Street, Warrandyte

Tell us about Sanctum Homes and your approach to building beautiful, high-performing, energy-efficient homes. Sanctum Homes specialises in building Passsive Houses and high performance homes. We have a really collaborative approach during pre-construction, where we are involved from the very beginning working alongside our clients, designers and consultants to achieve the best outcome. We have a ‘Fabric First’ approach where we prioritise the building envelope (thermal performance of the building). We also like to fit out our homes with beautiful interiors!

Could you share some insights into the long-term sustainability of the homes you build?

One of the major focuses of our construction method is to protect the structure of the home. We spend a lot of time carefully wrapping and sealing the frame to prevent moisture getting in. This protects the structure from rot and mould over the long term. The homes we build are really well insulated which results in comfortable and healthy homes that are inexpensive to run.

Tell us about the collaborative design process between yourselves as the home builders, and the architect and interior designers. It was fantastic collaborating on our own home with a highly skilled and professional team who are also great mates. The project was interrupted by the pandemic, and so the process was more disjointed than we had planned. However, we were fortunate to have a great team that helped us to navigate this tricky time. We consider ourselves lucky to have a wonderful network of people who we were able to engage at different stages for their help and expertise.

What technologies and materials were incorporated into your home. How do they contribute to the overall performance and energy saving?

We have a 6.6 kilowatt solar system, SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panels) were used on the extension, along with a fully insulated concrete slab, and there are double glazed windows throughout the house. The extension has a decentralised HRV unit which helps with ventilation. The house is really comfortable to live in, and although it does require some heating and cooling, our energy bills are pretty low.

What do you love most about the home’s connection to nature?

We really love that we can be cosy and warm inside and still experience the seasons and the weather outside. It’s amazing to sit at our dining table and watch a storm roll by, the sun set or the moon rise.

It’s also great to be able to watch the kids play outside and still get some housework done!

Yarra Street showcases a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. Could you discuss the design choices and features that contribute to this connection, such as the tilt windows and warm timber cladding?

Originally the footprint for the extension was bigger and incorporated separate dining and alfresco areas. This was going to encroach further on our neighbour, that we would have to take a tree down, and this felt like more than what we needed. Our building designers responded to this with the crazy idea to incorporate the dining and alfresco into one space, an idea that we loved.

The dual dining/alfresco has been achieved through having a huge tilt door, flanked by bifold windows and an internal flyscreen that can be pulled across when we open everything up. It is such a wonderful area to enjoy on a warm summer’s day with friends and family and it is one of our favourite things about this house.

Wereallywantedtousenaturalmaterialswhere possible.Welovethatthetimberandstonehave beautifulcharacterandgivetheinteriorareally calm beautiful vibe.

Yarra Street utilises every part of the sloping block, creating spaces for vegetable gardens, chicken yards, and play areas. Can you describe the thought process behind the landscape design?

As with the house, the landscape design has evolved over time. We never really had an overall plan, which is not the way that we recommend clients approach their landscape! However, we knew that we wanted lots of green, a rolling lawn, a firepit area, a productive garden, chickens and some flat playspaces. All these additions were added gradually as we had some spare time, and with the help of Hamish’s team, family working bees, and with the input of some of our friends in the Landscape industry. We have used a lot of reclaimed materials salvaged from Hamish’s demolition sites in the hardscape construction. Our latest addition is the woodfired hot tub (Nordic Spas) which has just been installed in an area that was previously unused space. We are going to make the most of it during the chilly winter evenings while we can!

Behind the build

52 Yarra Street, Warrandyte

What can we expect to see in terms of future design trends for Passive House?

Passive House has its roots in sustainable design and as such many of the early Passive Houses were fairly utilitarian in their appearance. Now that more architects and designers are seeing the benefits of Passive House and high performance homes, we are seeing more interesting and architecturally inspiring designs.

Are there any upcoming projects Sanctum Homes is excited about?

We currently have a multi-residential high-performance project and another two similar projects which we are working on in pre-construction. It’s exciting and encouraging to see that these types of developments are focussing on comfort, performance and health over profit.

Sanctum Homes Builder

Maxa Design Architecture

Hearth Studios + HeHe Design Interiors

Esjay Landscapes + Platylobium Landscape Design Landscape Design

Marnie Hawson Photography Follow Sanctum Homes & Platylobium Landscape Design @sanctumhomes @platylobium

52 Yarra Street, Warrandyte is on the market with Jellis Craig Doncaster

Danial Broadbent 0424 155 476 Erin McDougall 0439 004 696

Our partnership with Hands Across the Water

The Jellis Craig Foundation is proud to have been a supporter and partner of Hands Across the Water since 2015. We sat down with its CEO, Claire Baines to talk about her proudest achievements to date and what is next for Hands.

Established in 2005, Hands Across the Water (Hands) was originally formed to support 34 children in the small community of Khao Lak in Thailand. Since that time, the charity has grown and the number of children they have been able to care for has increased. Now, through the generosity of the community and their partners, Hands has expanded its reach to care for 350 children across seven projects in Thailand, while at the same time employing over 60 people across the country.

Jellis Craig (JC): Peter Baines started Hands in 2004. What was the catalyst for him starting the charity?

Claire Baines (CB): Many will remember the tragic Boxing Day Tsunami, the deadliest natural disaster in history, that took 5395 lives in Thailand and left 34 children in the Khao Lak area without family, food and shelter. Soon after the tragedy, Peter Baines and Gill Williams travelled to Thailand to help with the identification efforts following the tsunami and had a chance meeting with Khun Rotjana. At this time, Khun Rotjana was caring for 34 children living in a tent. Peter, Gill and Khun Rotjana struck up a relationship and formed

Baan Tharn Namchai, a home built to provide shelter for children left without family in the area. From here, the seed was sown to start Hands Across the Water.

Funds raised for Hands is directed and dedicated to enriching the lives of disadvantaged children and communities in Thailand through building homes, schools and community facilities and assisting young people to gain access to shelter, education and safety. The legacy we hope to leave is to create a life of choice for children in our care, rather than one of chance.

JC: How did you come to join Hands?

CB: I saw Peter speak at a Conference in 2010 and then did a bike ride in 2011. It was my first taste of charity work, and I was hooked. I stayed connected and involved with Hands and Peter and I got together in 2012.

JC: What has been the trajectory for Hands since 2004?

CB: Since our first Project in Khao Lak, Hands has built and supported seven homes and projects throughout Thailand. Across each

of these homes, we now support over 350 Thai children and their communities. The need to support children who haven’t been dealt the best cards in life is very much still there and so Hands is committed for the long term, meaning that all children in our care will live a life of choice rather than one of chance. In 2011, a social enterprise was set up in Australia to generate commercial income to support the administration of the charity. Hands Group’s mandate is to grow the charity and our fundraising activities and be self-sufficient through our own income generation, thereby ensuring 85 per cent of donations directly support the children and communities of Thailand. Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, this unique structure allowed us to send 100 per cent of donations to Thailand, however the disruption to income generation and fundraising caused by the pandemic set us back and we are currently at 85 per cent. Future plans are to return to the 100 per cent position.

Since inception, Hands has raised $30 million, with funds going directly to the children and communities we support.

JC: In 2015, Hands opened PAMA House. Tell us about that Project.

CB: 2015 was a rewarding year for Hands as it was the start of a meaningful longterm partnership with the Jellis Craig Foundation. This partnership coincided with the build and opening of PAMA House – an orphanage that today is home to 25 children from the Chanthaburi area who have been abandoned, neglected or have no known family to care for them.

PAMA House was part-funded by the Jellis Craig Foundation, in conjunction with Hands, and since its opening the Jellis Craig Foundation has made a commitment to sending two staff every 12 to 18 months to spend time at PAMA House and experience all the home has to offer.

JC: The Hands charity bike rides such as the annual January ‘Ride to Provide’ is a unique initiative. Tell us about how this came about.

CB: Since 2009 we have run charity bike rides. Every year, the money raised from these ride experiences provides critical funding to the operations of the seven homes we support across Thailand. At Hands we work on the principle that supporting a charity should be good for you, not just for those receiving the money. Benefiting from your involvement in charity, be it physically or mentally – or both, as we find in our riders’ feedback – creates a profound experience that delivers impact, which will last a lifetime. Our rides provide many benefits to Hands, as well as to our riders and partner organisations.

JC: What are some of the Hands achievements that you’re most proud of to date?

CB: At Hands, we measure our success on the number of kids that leave our homes knowing what they want to do in life and setting out to achieve that. We’ve had 25 children graduate university and we currently have 23 children studying at university. We have also provided children access to vocational programs, allowing them to upskill in specific areas that will then give them the skills to gain employment.

Another achievement we are so proud of and humbled by is our support of Home Hug at Yasothon. Home Hug provides a home for children impacted by the devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic and gives them access to medical attention, food and love. Hands was approached by Home Hug in 2010 and started to provide food and medicine – two essentials that, prior to our support, were not always readily available to the children at Home Hug. Home Hug is now home to over 60 happy and healthy children.

JC: What is next on the horizon for Hands?

CB: Out of the pandemic came the realisation that we needed to have more presence on the ground in Thailand. In July 2022 Hands achieved charity status in Thailand, which allows us to build a team in Thailand and simultaneously develop a social enterprise bicycle touring business. The enterprise will fund the administration of the Thai-based staff that we are looking to hire.

The Jellis Craig Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Hands now and into the future.

Ride to Provide, Home Hug Ride in January 2024

In January 2024, two Jellis Craig team members, Sophie Blay from Jellis Craig Stonnington and Khom Falla from Jellis Craig Boroondara will be participating in the ‘Ride to Provide’ Home Hug Ride, an eight day ride that starts in the city of Nong Khai in Thailand’s northeast, travelling through remote villages and rural communities and finishing at one of Hands’ Projects, ‘Home Hug’ in Yasothon.

Sophie shared her thoughts on why she is taking part in the Ride to Provide with Hands:

“When you are living and working in some of the most privileged areas in Melbourne, it is easy to get caught up in a materialistic way of thinking. I am looking forward to taking part in the Ride to Provide with Hands in January as already the experience has given me so much more perspective and has made me realise how much impact we can have on someone’s life.”

Khom grew up in Thailand and was adopted at age 6, along with his sister, by a family living in Australia. For Khom, taking part in the Ride to Provide is about giving back and doing his part in helping others.

“As soon as I heard about the experience, it really hit home for me. Growing up in an orphanage in Thailand, I know firsthand how drastically your life can be changed for the better through the support of other people. For me, paying it forward and giving back is a big motivation to partake in this experience.”

Funds raised from the annual Ride to Provide experience provides critical funding to the operations of the homes Hands supports across Thailand.

Sophie and Khom are busy fundraising and improving their fitness ahead of the 800km ride, if you would like to donate, please visit this website:

Thelegacywehopeto leave is to create a life of choice for children in our care, rather than one of chance.

My Neighbourhood

with Michael Armstrong

You have been selling homes in Stonnington for 18 years. What attracted you to start a career in real estate?

My father was in Real Estate and his father before him – but that wasn’t necessarily the reason. I had a broad range of interests when I left school and considered hospitality, music and sport but I landed on real estate because I liked the blend of technical / business and social skills that the industry demands. When the dream of playing cricket for Australia didn’t quite launch, I went into full time work.

Stonnington has always been one of the most exclusive locales in Melbourne, with its suburbs regularly featuring in 'Melbourne's most sought-after' lists. Why do you think this is?

It’s all about lifestyle – the ability to access world class restaurants, cafés, sporting events, schools, parks and gardens – the quality of everything is so good that the demand will never go away. South Yarra is almost unique in its “walkability” – all of those lifestyle elements are easily accessible on foot from wherever you are in South Yarra.

What advice would you give to an up-and- coming agent on how to form and maintain great relationships?

To understand trust. Whenever I’ve had any referral or personally connected business through friends or family I make sure everything is done brilliantly – it is amazing how that network looks after you if you look after it!

The quarterly price change for Armadale is up 4%^. Why do you think this is, and where do you see the demand coming from?

Michael Armstrong

With a real estate career spanning almost two decades, Michael Armstrong has spent most of this time selling homes in the leafy areas of Stonnington. The appeal of the area’s proximity to the city, period homes, fantastic hospitality, and world-class sporting and music events, is recognised near and far; attracting families and individuals from interstate and around the globe. Recently awarded Jellis Craig Armadale, Sales Person Of The Year, we sat down with Michael to learn his insider’s perspective on the local real estate market, in this highly sought-after location.

Demand is staying fairly constant – buyers have recalibrated with interest rates, but what hasn’t recalibrated is the supply side – we are still well under long term averages for the number of available homes on the market.

What are your predictions for the premium market in Stonnington over the next 12 months?

The spring selling season has just kicked off and some open for inspections are seeing 30 or 40 groups through. Markets like stability, so if we see rates level out and the Government hopefully provide long term clarity around their policies, we will see the market settle back into a more normal rhythm. I see the very top end getting stronger – the appetite for trophy homes from both locals and abroad continues to amaze – Melbourne has really become a destination in this regard.

Partner, Jellis Craig Armadale

If you had a friend visiting from interstate, where would you take them...

FOR COFFEE

Neds Bake plus pickup a the weekly sourdough loaf.

FOR AN ACTIVITY

It would be a lap of the tan, into breakfast on Domain Road.

FOR LUNCH

FranceSoir (then maybe another lap to burn it off!).

FOR DINNER

Matilda for fine dining, or for something more casual Neighbourhood Pizza, then pop next door for a bottle of wine at Toorak Cellars.

What areas of real estate are you most passionate about?

It’s a cliché, but I like working with great people – whether they be colleagues, clients, developers or architects – amazing things happen when a good team gets together and fires.

Do you remember the first home you sold in the area? Tell us about that.

The first property I ever sold was an apartment in Hawthorn, but I can’t recall the first in South Yarra – to me every time we are asked to represent a great Victorian terrace it is a privilege.

Tell us about ‘home’

I recently renovated a Victorian terrace home only a year ago. However, my family's heartland is down on the Mornington Peninsula, where I spend as much time as possible.

What does a typical Sunday look like for you?

It has turned to exercise these days – a walk or run with my dog Roch and probably a visit to Prahran market and dinner with friends – simple things are the best!

What are your interests outside of real estate?

I go boxing twice a week with a group of friends known as the ‘legends’ which I never miss, food, restaurants, travel and architecture are the others – all in equal parts.

WheneverI’vehadanyreferralorpersonallyconnectedbusinessthrough friendsorfamilyImakesureeverythingisdonebrilliantly–itisamazing howthatnetworklooksafteryouifyoulookafterit!

Michael recently sold 17A Egerton Road, Armadale

Michael

Situated in one of the most coveted addresses in Melbourne, this magnificent custom-built family residence, gracing a prestigious half acre portion of the highest altitude in the area, offers a haven of opulence and exclusivity.

Drenched in sunlight and interacting with its stunning natural environment, this energy efficient home is a striking and unique find for a family or professional couple. Northerly oriented and high set in the heart of award winning Warrandyte, with cafes, bars, bakeries and river walks all only minutes from your front door.

Defined by a spectacular Biasol Studio architectural transformation and set within stunning landscaped garden surroundings, this unforgettably beautiful Victorian residence impressively showcases lavish proportions, opulent finishes and the latest in sophisticated style.

This architecturally transformed Victorian residence epitomises subtle luxury, expertly curated by Selzer Design Studio, emphasising light, space and peaceful park outlooks. An architect’s own home crafted to benefit from a leafy position on the edge of Union St Reserve and located within steps of High St.

An unparalleled creation courtesy of Next Generation Constructions and Vibe Design Group, this state of the art 4 bedroom + study 3 bathroom showpiece raises the bar in poolside entertaining luxury adjoining Camberwell’s iconic Golf Links Estate.

Positioned near Flagstaff gardens and Queen Victoria market 7401 is perched high on the 74th floor with views of Melbourne that will leave you captivated. Looking north down Royal Parade to Princes Park, West to Flemington Racecourse, East to towards Box Hill and South down the Yarra, MCG, Olympic Park and even a glimpse of the Bay.

Simon Gowling 0422 234 644

Max Mercuri 0431 043 723

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

An extraordinary offering in one of Middle Park's most esteemed tree-lined streets, this private singlelevel Edwardian residence is something to behold. Meticulously presented over two titles totalling 748 sqm (approx.) with an extra-wide 20m (approx.) double street frontage, it delivers prestige, tranquillity and absolute convenience, sited between the bay and Albert Park Lake.

Beyond the landscaped front garden and gorgeous facade, this semi-detached Victorian terrace is set to amaze with its double-storey extension designed by Bagnato Architects and built by Sheridan Homes – all perfectly positioned in Moonee Ponds’ exclusive Poet’s Corner precinct.

Jonathon O'Donoghue 0412 745 707

Monique Peeters 0412 603 343

Architect-enhanced and absolutely sensational, this beautiful double-fronted residence opposite Victoria Park projects a picturesque presence at the prized north-end of an exclusive cul-de-sac just footsteps to the tranquil Yarra River.

Beyond a handsome and restored double fronted facade, the architectural transformation of this four bedroom plus study, Victorian residence delivers a state of the art family domain with a symphony of artisan finishes, glorious natural light and captivating designer luxury.

The embodiment of picturesque period elegance, this grand Victorian residence presents unparalleled luxury throughout a meticulous transformation and extension by renowned architect Peter Barton, showcasing a fully self contained guest studio designed by Webster Architecture & Interiors.

DESIGNER BRILLIANCE IN A LUXURIOUS LIGHTFILLED SETTING

Light. Angles. Action. The stage is set in sublime architectural surroundings for a sensational 2-level lifestyle in this state-of-the-art three bedroom, 2.5 bathroom residence. Unfolding with class, cohesion and cutting-edge sophistication, an attractive period profile conceals an extraordinary transformation that elevates this amazing light-filled home into a realm of sheer perfection.

2 a 1 b 1 c

Carla Fetter 0423 738 644

David Sciola 0408 598 242

EXTRAORDINARY LIVING BY WOOD MARSH

Award-winning architecture by Wood Marsh reveals a unique level of restrained sophistication and ingenious design within this two-bedroom residence, where the interplay of light and space is truly breathtaking. Winner of the Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award for best residential project in 1996, this private and secluded residence exudes rare tranquillity, immersed within lush, landscaped gardens.

A statement in modern luxury, this split-level prize delivers superb style, space, and flexibility steps from Essendon’s esteemed colleges and the blissful Maribyrnong River.

Showcasing a striking contemporary transformation and extension catering to modern family entertaining, this picturesque home offers timeless street appeal and exceptional ease of living over two light filled levels.

Carla Fetter 0423 738 644

Kellie O'Neill 0414 652 231

Enduring elegance and romantic glamour are irresistible hallmarks of Edwardian homes, and this illustrious family residence is no exception. Ideally positioned within walking distance to Glenferrie Road, trams and Malvern Station, this beautiful residence presents a gracious reception accentuated by a charming sitting room and formal dining room.

Architecturally designed by Tina Lindner, featuring custom lighting by Japanese artist Kohtaroh Matsuura, European Oak timber flooring from George Fethers and Fibonacci terrazzo tiles, this home is a stunning collaboration of the aesthetic, the artisan and the alluring.

Elliot Gill 0411 863 603

Jodie McCarthy 0438 072 055

Promoting innovation and substance in design, this exquisite Edwardian blends period charisma and architectural flair in the most revered of Richmond’s streetscapes. Unmistakably one of the area’s most impressive residences, a detailed hallway reaches a truly transcendent main area, with a towering, raked

Contact Agent Richmond 9428 3333

With its contemporary design, impressive scale and striking modern features, this architecturally designed home takes townhouse living to the next level.

Superbly positioned between verdant parklands and the Barwon River, this coastal family home in the heart of Barwon Heads presents an unsurpassed location for family life in this tightly held coastal village.

GLEN WAVERLEY 35 JORDAN GROVE

Expertly crafted to encapsulate a strong sense of contemporary easy living, this dazzling three bedroom, two bathroom double-storey residence reflects the perfect balance of intelligent functionality and opulent style. Blending a delightful colour palette, matte gold finishes and designer textures to create a bespoke finish that leaves the most discerning of buyers feeling impressed.

94 BURKE ROAD, MALVERN EAST

With a limited offering of only 7 park fronted luxurious residences, Maléa establishes itself as an exclusive enclave catering to discerning individuals who appreciate top-tier architecture, inviting interiors and spacious floor plans, all situated in a highly desirable location near the vibrant Malvern East village.

Enjoying beautiful summer sunsets over Central Park to the west, Maléa offers residents incredible park views in one of the last remaining homes to be redeveloped in this iconic location.

The interior design philosophy centres around the concept of boutique urban living. The collection has been meticulously detailed to promote a lifestyle of luxury and performance.

To access your copy of The Report, visit www.jelliscraig.com.au/the-report or contact us to have a copy sent to you.