5 minute read
Castle takes the crown
Multiple award-winner capitalises on enviable location.
Nestled atop a hill in the suburb of Yarrawonga sits Gedoun Constructions’ award-winning Castle Hill Home. The masterful renovation swept the pool at the North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards, taking out six gongs including the prestigious House of the Year , as well as Best Residential Kitchen , and Home Renovation Project over $1 million
The original property was constructed in the 1970s, with some renovations completed over the years - but the partial demolition and substantial renovation the Gedoun team was called to undertake was nothing short of a reimagining.
With 45 years’ experience building in North Queensland, they were well and truly up to the task - and the result is nothing short of a triumph.
The vision
“The clients employed the services of an interior designer and becoming aware of their superb taste, we were in for a project that ended up well and truly exceeding the initial brief,” Gedoun Constructions Director, Joe Gedoun, said.
“Modernising the home involved demolition of the existing upper level of the home to the floor, including the internal staircase, increasing the floor area, and renovation of the pool and its surrounds. Once demolition was completed, work started on realising the clients’ dream.”
However, the original home, and its surrounding environment, had other ideas.
Overcoming challenges
“It was soon discovered that elements of the existing home were not compliant with the current building codes,” Joe said.
“We had to alter the new design and undertake problem solving on the fly to ensure that the completed home was compliant and structurally sound. There was a level of complexity building on a sloping site surrounded by established homes, with traffic management required at different stages of the build.”
The high wind category area the property stands in also posed some issues, with a Performance Solution required to comply with the Australian Standards for Water Penetration.
The team also encountered rock while digging footings for the pool gazebo, and following an onsite meeting with structural engineers, redesign and modifications were made for the gazebo structure to be cantilevered to suit the windy locale.
“We collaborated with all stakeholders to find a solution. Every element of the build saw us problem solving to marry the constraints of the existing dwelling, retaining rockfaces and wind speed challenges to relevant building codes and Australian Standards, not to mention the clients’ and interior designers’ vision,” Joe recalled.
“Our experience as open builders saw us draw on our knowledge across all levels of construction to deliver outstanding outcomes to meet with the requirements for the building codes, as well as the architects’ and interior designers’ challenging concepts.”
Embracing nature
Orientated overlooking The Strand, Magnetic Island and Pallarenda, with 270-degree views, the design takes full advantage of the home’s incredible vantage point.
It also accounts for the harsher elements of its unique environment, delivered in a stylish manner which maximises comfort for its occupants.
To capture the northern breezes, the living areas completely open, by virtue of pocket sliding glass doors, wide Jalousie louvre windows in the raked ceiling, and a glazed wall that fully encapsulates the spectacular views. The living area seamlessly transitions to the balcony, with level flooring creating a smooth flow from indoor to outdoor living space.
The main bedroom and living areas face the west and take advantage of the view while also providing respite from the harsh afternoon sun. Cyclone shutters have been installed on all glazing on the western side of the structure for added safety, while glass balustrading to the front façade creates an invisible barrier that further draws the outside in.
Steel columns and beams have been used to increase the upper-level floor area to include an extended balcony to the front of the home, larger bedrooms, play space for the clients’ children and an external door to allow access to new external stairs and the pool area at the rear.
“This home was designed to dovetail into its surrounds whilst also standing out with great form and finish,” Joe said.
“Every element is custom-made to intertwine with the slope of the land; from the oversized custom garage sectional door to the pool balustrading being incorporated with the existing rock retaining walls.”
Creature comforts
The home is completely smart-wired, while energy-efficient LED lighting has been used, and strip lighting placed throughout the home to create an intimate evening aesthetic.
Additional little luxuries include a dumbwaiter from the garage directly to the pantry and integrated appliances in the award-winning kitchen, which also features Talostone benchtops and splashbacks, with the craftsmanship evident in the flowing marbled veins, while custom-made pantry doors deliver a seamless finish.
Exterior excellence
Outside the home, a large steel-framed cantilevered gazebo and motorised sunshade provide privacy and protection for the new outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. This area features a 40mm benchtop including a curve at one end, a teppanyaki plate, a dishwasher, and dual bar fridges, with storage for gas bottles built into the cabinet for a neat finish.
A combination of external finishes from Colorbond MATT Enseam through to James Hardie claddings, creates a visual aesthetic that provides texture and appeal with added low maintenance benefits.
The suburb features beautiful homes that are cutting edge in design, street appeal and innovation, and Castle Hill Home fits seamlessly into its surrounds.
