Home Magazine Oct 23 by PerthNow

October 23-29, 2011

home help Shannon Lushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe for a sweet-smelling wardrobe P10

gardening Trevor Cochrane checks out two new soil improvers P28

photo finish Fashion designer Lara Kovacevich shows us her favourites P32

designers awards

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contents

SANDRA PETERSON home editor

18 18

RE renovation: BEFO

& AFTER

TASTE BLENDED TO

le the owners were the outdoor lifestyaward-winning finish create space for an was filled up to design styles for s, The unused pool Seven.1 blended two different and material bold colours Jason went for and timber decking house seeking and Arc g Bluestone pavers n from the main y wall.

before

transitio s, includin on the boundar Kim says the space is seamles solid dark paint designer Jason space offset alfresco living n to and a HEN building intimate outdoor , to the new meticulous attentio ing. Arc Seven.1 This created an of the landscap Saunders, of thanks to Jason’s the green foliage outdoor space t materials used exposed by reinvented the detail. lot of differen g doors and he gave the all beauti“There are a – but they’re Frameless bifoldin in a “Turkish coffee” of this home a broad palette lifestyle. painted boxes – quite inning alfresco says. timber battens flow, while several were fully detailed,” Kim owners an award-w topped its category in the Paula Aubin which stain enhance n tiles The project, polished porcelai division of the the original and additions floor tiles could Chapter’s of existing the alterations the WA a rs Australi sourced so that outdoor space. Building Designe into the new of contemporary it run a little way features a series to detail made attention 2011 awards, extra “rooms”. that way. Kim says this Building all-weather outdoor always been planned good,” Ogborne Miller rly look as if it had Kim Miller, from who visited to detail is particula “The attention that really of the BDA judges Design, was one of the other things you out Kim says. “One ss home. lines draw was a diffithe Applecro well is that the in that there feel bigger and it works so “It’s a brave design and make it really pulled into that space I think they’ve cult brief, but to the house.” really linked vertical timber off,” Kim says. a new outdoor between the create panels to Glass e was the weather The challeng y with the protection from blended smoothl battens provide to let in the living space that can be opened . but some sections 10-year-old property continuity is always a needed. ion, sea breeze when to work with is a prime “In a renovat you always need says. “This design “As a designer more when completely big factor,” Kim your hand is forced you have two the climate but Kim says. ity there. example of where the elements,” It but there is continu dealing with the elements. different styles one part of the deals well with like you’re in “This project are protected feel you and don’t but “You the door outside n breeze you step through feels as if you’re house and then strong late afternoo of it. separate part.” from that really don’t want all you’re in a totally longer used river when you sun.” the family no an off the to the winter A large pool used to create also have access space you the is predomiAnd and room and was filled in the original house new an outdoor dining The exterior of , the choice of outdoor kitchen, and black so e with a fireplace cream complet nantly details and an outdoor lounge colours was crucial. created after television, ceiling materials and area that was nning alfresco a wall-mounted The award-wi . WKH VZLPPLQJ SRRO feature lighting

building networks A “post” is no longer something that holds up a fence now that WA’s builders have embraced social networking

ÀOOLQJ XS \ ULWFKDUG 3KRWRJUDSK 3LFWXUHV $QGUHZ 3

build Toorak by Plunkett Homes

GET THE LOOK

✱ Building designer: Arc

Seven.1, North Perth, phone: 9349 2195, www. arc-seven1.com.au

expert advice Insulating panel systems are proving popular in the home building market

This home won l the Residentia s Alterations/Addition more than $200,000 Design at the BDAWA Awards 2011.

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home help Keeping your wardrobe bug, mould and odour free is a breeze

building designers awards Feast your eyes on the winners from this year’s Building Designers Australia WA Chapter Awards

at home The breathtaking Bicton abode that received top honours at the 2011 BDAWA Awards

renovation: before & after Building designer Jason Saunders, of Arc Seven.1, has enabled his clients to enjoy an award-winning alfresco lifestyle

How a Mount Pleasant backyard was transformed from a pile of sand and weeds into a multifunctional entertainment zone

26 22

features editor home editor

Sandra Peterson Tel: 9326 9539 / Fax: 9326 9411 email: petersons@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

feature writer

Kristy Symonds Tel: 9326 9549 email: symondsk@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Kim Marocchi

designer Michael Moralee

production Saliya Goonewardene, Martin Saxon

administration Bev Bott Tel: 9326 9452

advertising Jamie Grindley Tel: 9326 9219 email: grindleyj@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Thelma Sims Tel: 9326 9225 email: simst@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

our cover Building designer Jason Saunders, of Arc Seven.1, renovated this Applecross home, which won the Residential Alterations/Additions more than $200,000 category at the Building Designers Australia WA Chapter’s Awards 2011. Photographer: Andrew Pritchard

Creatures of the deep

building design awards This week HOME showcases the winners of the Building Designers Australia WA Chapter Awards 2011. Building designer Don Taylor, of Don Taylor Design Associates, won his first Overall Design Excellence Award – the association’s highest accolade – for creating a majestic Bicton residence near the banks of the Swan River. Check out his award-winning design on Page 16. HOME would like to congratulate all of the entrants, finalists and winners.

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gardening Reduce water consumption and retain the nutrients in your garden’s soil before summer sets in

open for inspection Your essential guide to WA’s display homes

photo finish Fashion designer Lara Kovacevich shows us her favourites

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magazine designer

master builders Master Builders Australia highlighted the link between the taxation system and housing affordability at this year’s Tax Forum run by the Federal Government

Di Sattler Tel: 9326 9559 / Fax: 9326 9411 email: sattlerd@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

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04 0 4

building NETWORKS

NET BENEFITS The rapid growth of social networking has made WA builders jump on the bandwagon to publicise their products and keep in touch with clients

Picture: iStockphoto.cofkocof

ERTH builders deﬁnitely like social media. They’re all of a twitter about blog sites, making friends with us on Facebook and inviting us to “follow”, “chat” and “share”. They’re “online”, “networking” and constantly “updating”. And a “post” is no longer simply something that holds up a fence. “The fact that 73 per cent of online users prefer to engage through social media means that builders cannot afford to ignore this medium,” says Tenille Bentley, managing director of social media advisers Socialite Media. Tenille says the builders she works with use social media to give homebuyers progress updates as their new home takes shape. “Our building industry clients tell us that customers really appreciate the opportunity to observe and share the progress of their home on Facebook walls,” she says. “However, customers will only want to use social media for this purpose if they feel engaged by the builder.” With social media estimated to take up as much as 26 per cent of an employee’s working week, online communication is booming. It’s fast becoming an additional tool for many marketing managers, along with established media such as print advertising in newspapers and comprehensive websites. The consensus of opinion seems to be that social media has three key beneﬁts. It gives the homebuying public a sense of a builder’s character and values, and enables the builder to offer an enhanced level of customer service. It also promotes open and direct communication that can eliminate many of the frustrations that crop up during the building process. The Rural Building Company was among

GUIDE TO SOCIAL NETWORKING ✱ Facebook, the world’s largest social networking

Below, from left: Tenille Bentley; Jay Walter; Scott Quayle; Paul Marshall; Ali Balch; Tim Underwood; and Nick Harvey.

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website, is great for casual conversations. It can also serve as a bulletin board for communities. ✱ Twitter encourages social conversations, such as those that you might have around the barbecue. Users send and receive messages called “tweets”. ✱ YouTube is a video-sharing website. ✱ Blog sites offer an opportunity to share articles

containing information and opinions about what’s new and topical. ✱ Forums encourage conversational discussion and are often used for seeking information and advice from the online community. ✱ LinkedIn is designed for corporate conversations and networking and is widely used by professionals.

the first Perth builders to set up a Facebook page and believes it’s a great way to talk to current clients, past clients and prospective clients about what the company does and how it does it. Jay Walter, general manager at The Rural Building Company, says people like it because they can be very upfront and honest about what they want to know. “We can talk to them and answer their questions without them feeling like we are trying to sell a house to them,” he says. “Facebook also serves as a place for them to ask questions and share their experiences with other people who are going through, or about to go through, the build process.” Jay says clients have been only too happy to share their story with the online community, posting photos and updates from their building site. “We’ve had people upload pictures of their kids walking through what will be their room for the first time.” he says. “One couple took a picture of themselves dancing on the slab with a glass of champagne in hand.” Dale Alcock Homes has recently launched a Facebook page, plus a blog site that marketing manager Scott Quayle says is keeping homebuyers up to date with everything from the latest storage trends to housing industry news. “We can have conversations with people, have some fun, share stories, answer questions and share in our customers’ building journey,” Scott says. “And it’s all on their terms. “It’s completely up to the individual as to whether they want to engage with us or not.” Builders seem to be favouring Facebook, Twitter and blog sites and they are confident that they’re reaching all age groups through these platforms. “It’s not just a young person thing,” Scott says. “Up until recently, the fastest growing segment on Facebook was females over 55.” One of the big attractions of communicating via social media is that it’s informal and frequent. Luxury builder RiverStone plans to tackle some of the hot topics using social media sites. The company has recently established pages on Facebook and Twitter and has launched a blog site with weekly news stories. Paul Marshall, managing director at RiverStone, is confident the site will be useful for anyone building a home, not just RiverStone clients.

Awesome value! “We believe we can better provide information to prospective homebuyers about the processes involved and maybe explain some of the reasons why things are done the way they are in Perth,” Paul says. “In talking to our clients, we often see recurring themes as to changes in taste, style and design features. Feeding this information back to people who have not yet started will assist them to develop their own plans.” For West Australian Housing Centre, part of BGC Residential, sites such as Twitter and Facebook give first-time buyers instant access to advice and information. Ali Balch, marketing manager for WA Housing Centre, says the builder is also on YouTube where it posts walk-through videos of its display homes. “Social media is a great way to connect with and interact with people who want information at their fingertips – without having to leave the house,” she says. “We understand it may be hard for people to visit every one of our display homes, so we’ve made it easy for them to experience the home from their own lounge room in the form of video walk-throughs and 3D floor plans.” Ali says the company’s Facebook page features an interactive home finder and a home loan calculator, both perfect tools to help first-time buyers. “The beauty of the internet is that it’s accessible to everyone, whenever they want to find the information they’re looking for. I think the housing industry is only just scratching the surface of how social media can work for us,” she says. Tim Underwood, sales and marketing manager at Summit Homes, agrees. “Already, our research shows us that Australian web users average the most time on social networking sites and blogs in the world, with just over seven hours per month,” he says. “While it is still relatively young in Australia – and certainly to the home building industry – it has heaps of potential. “Setting up a social media presence that is interactive, easy to follow and easy to engage with is a great way to show clients that we are responding to what they want.” Land developers are also tapping into the power of social media along with advances in smartphone technology. As well as using Facebook, Aspen Living, the developer of St Leonards in the Swan Valley, has recently become the first WA land developer to use Quick Response code technology. Nick Harvey, national sales and marketing manager at Aspen Living, says it’s as simple as downloading the QR code application on your smartphone and scanning the code found in newspapers, online or around the estate for immediate access to up-to-date information. The codes have been used in countries such as Japan, where they were invented, for more than a decade and are now being adopted here. “We understand that today’s consumers expect the information they need to be at their fingertips – when they want it,” Nick says. Paula Aubin

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FARMHOUSE GRANDEUR

T may look and feel very much like an expansive country homestead, but the Toorak by Plunkett Homes will fit happily on a surprisingly small block. Displayed in Baldivis on a standard corner lot, the home is nothing if not adaptable. It will be perfectly at home on a sprawling rural site, but can also be tailored to fit a standard suburban block. “Although this is a large farmhousestyle home, it was also specifically designed so that it would fit a 14m-wide block simply by taking off the veranda along the long side,” says Jeremy Muir, group sales manager at Plunkett. “As displayed, we’ve managed to get a huge home on a tiny block. It shows that this design has many options, whether you’ve got a rural block or are building in a new estate.” Pretty as a picture, the front elevation oozes traditional farmhouse charm, with red brick

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walls, contrasting cream bands, ornate corbelling and bay windows. Jeremy says the Toorak may have a traditional exterior but the interior is certainly contemporary. At the heart of the home is a spacious living and dining area and a glossy kitchen illustrating a contemporary mix of white gloss and grain-effect laminate. There are lots of overhead cupboards, a larder-style pantry and an island bench with nine large drawers and an integrated breakfast bar. Jeremy says keeping the island bench free of sinks and cooktops helps make it a central feature that is supremely functional. “It’s designed for a family so that interaction between areas is seamless,” Jeremy says. A bank of stacker doors opens to a courtyard off the living area.

“Even though the Toorak is a farmhouse design, we’ve incorporated the courtyard so that the home still lends itself to a small lot,” Jeremy says. “It’s something we’ve never done before in a farmhouse design.” On a big block, simply extend the courtyard or add an alfresco or an additional veranda. “When the stacker doors are open, you’ve got one big indoor/outdoor space,” Jeremy says. Instead of opting for a dedicated study, Plunkett’s design team has created a computer hub as part of the everyday family space.

Tucked to one side of the living and dining room, it strikes just the right balance between integration and separation. “It’s a way of interacting, whether you’re studying or you’re working from home,” Jeremy says. For indoor fun and games, the Toorak includes a games room in the minor bedroom wing. A face brick wall adds to the ambience of this cosy, casual space that’s perfect for both kids and adults to hang out in. Installing french doors to the veranda would

TOORAK ✱ builder

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essentials

Pictures: Damien Smith Photography

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bed 2

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veranda

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✱ ✱

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dining

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home theatre

wir wc

comp/ IT hub

ens

bed 1

314.95sq m, including verandas and garage width 14.21m depth 25.85m bedrooms Four bathrooms Two garage 34.92sq m

features

living

entry

open up the room to the gardens, creating another indoor/outdoor connection. There are shades of old-style glamour in the master suite, with its generous proportions, touchable fabrics, smoky colours and openstyle ensuite complete with bath, big shower and square vanity basins. A large walk-in wardrobe leads off the ensuite, creating a dressing room that can be ﬁtted out with custom-designed storage and full-length mirrors. Space-saving double sliding doors with frosted glass inserts lead to the home theatre where there is heaps of room for a modular sofa and a sizeable entertainment unit. Plunkett has developed a version of the Toorak priced from $160,000 so that ﬁrst-time buyers don’t have to miss out on a farmhouseinspired look and layout. Paula Aubin

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expert ADVICE

Using insulating panels for external walls offers numerous advantages, says MasterWall managing director Sandy McPherson

HE Australian housing market is fast coming around to the benefits of using external insulative panel systems for building a home. Panel systems offer a diverse range of benefits to the home builder in addition to delivering environmental benefits. The core material used in the panelling is fire-retardant expanded polystyrene – one of the best insulators available in the world today. One of the most exciting aspects of building with insulative panels is that it gives maximum flexibility around the design process, including the ability to build on challenging blocks – at reduced costs. The panels also come in a stunning range of architectural textures and finishes you can use to create the look you want for your home. The panels offer the ability to design features such as curved walls with different thicknesses, different colours and textures that would be prohibitively expensive in any other material. Today, in the US, panel systems comprise 30 per cent of the commercial building market. Examples include The Bellagio and The MGM Grand-Signature Towers in Las Vegas. The entire external building envelope of these structures is constructed from polystyrene cladding. For finished appearance and durability, the panels rely on being designed and installed

as a system. This includes creating a sealed, weatherproof barrier before the render systems are applied. Unfortunately, there are panels available in Australia that do not meet these minimum requirements and are consequently liable to develop moisture-related problems. Make sure that you check for building compliance before going down this track. MasterWall has accreditation from the Building Commission so the panels are fully compliant with the Building Code of Australia. These systems that are being used overseas have proven to save up to 25 per cent of energy costs, ensuring they are energy efficient with a small carbon footprint. Depending on the design of a home, using a MasterWall system may be more than 25 per cent cheaper than using rendered double brick because it is much quicker to install which means you get to lock-up stage much faster. It is also the perfect material for adding a second storey to a home. Many people ask about the strength of these panel systems. It may surprise you to know that the MasterWall reinforced wall board has achieved a C3 cyclone rating. The secret is in the combination of both flexible panel systems and flexible render systems. ✱ Visit www.masterwall.com.au or phone: 9354 3144 for more information. Picture: Supplied

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home HELP

Shannon’s tip of the week Silicone crystals are very effective in reducing damp smells in wardrobes, but can be quite expensive and smell bad when they have absorbed moisture. A cheaper alternative is to wrap six pieces of white chalk together and hang them in the wardrobe. The chalk will absorb the moisture and can be dried out again in the sun. Keep your wardrobe free of bug, mould and nasty odours with this wardrobe sachet: In a bowl, combine two bay leaves (moth deterrent), five whole cloves (kills mould spore and deters

silverfish), one tea bag (killss dust mites), one or two heads of lavender or half a teaspoon of lavender oil (adds fragrance and deters flying insects), two cedar chips (deters moths) and one tablespoon of bicarb (absorbs moisture and helps prevent mould). Place the mixture in the centre of a small piece of muslin or cotton voile or into the toe of a pair of pantyhose and tie with string or ribbon. Hang it in the wardrobe next to your chalk bundle. There is something very satisfying about a beautifully organised, clean and fresh-smelling wardrobe.

When we built our house in 1996 we covered some 130sq m with natural tterracotta tiles, which the tiler then sealed with R Rain Stop by Industria Chimica. All the wear and te tear areas are clean, but others still have some film on the surface of the tiles (Picture 1). We have not tried to do anything about it yet, but b t wonder if you know how to best get rid of the remaining sealer on the tiles and then possibly have a solution to treat the tiles for a deep, warm and oldstyle waxy finish? Your help is much appreciated.

The product used on your terracotta tiles contains silicone, which is long-wearing but quite difficult to A remove. There are some “partial” silicone solvents available

from hardware stores, but I haven’t had a great deal of success in my testing of them. I find that elbow grease and kerosene is the best solution. It’s easier to remove from such a large area if you use a deck scrubber broom (quite inexpensively available from hardware stores), which has short, very stiff bristles. Place two cups of kerosene and one dessertspoon of dishwashing liquid into half a bucket of boiling water and, wearing gloves, scrub the tiles to get as much off as you can. To remove any last little bits in the corners, roll a pair of pantyhose tightly in a ball and dip it in kerosene before rubbing those bits away. Once you’ve removed all the silicone, you will need to wash the floor with dishwashing liquid and very hot water to remove any excess kerosene. Leave it to dry for at least a week before attempting to re-coat. That lovely, deep, warm and old-style waxy finish is

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achieved with hard work and regular waxing. I have an alternative that is far easier to apply and leaves a lovely sheen. Combine one cup of carnauba wax, two tablespoons of softened beeswax, one teaspoon of lavender oil and half a teaspoon of oil of cloves. You may need to warm the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to aid the blending process. To use the mixture, stuff the head of a soft kitchen broom down the leg of a pair of pantyhose and just brush half a teaspoon of the mixture over the head. All you need do is sweep the floor.

Hi! Shannon here again to help you with your domestic disasters.

The first job is to clean the tiles using bicarb soda and white vinegar. Place your white vinegar into a spray A bottle and your bicarb soda in a shaker. You will need a nice, clean kitchen broom. Sprinkle the bicarb soda lightly over the stained area and then, section by section, spray with a little white vinegar and rub with the broom while it is still fizzing. I notice that in some places the staining is underneath the glaze on the tiles. This is caused by excessive use of rather strong chemicals (strong bleaches left on surfaces come under this category) that have etched into the surface of the tile making it porous. You will need to leave the shower to dry for at least 24 hours after cleaning before you can seal the tiles with a commercial tile sealer available from your local hardware store. And as for the shower screen door, you will need to use black tea and a toothbrush to scrub the corrosion away. Black tea contains tannic acid and it breaks down aluminium oxide beautifully.

Thanks for all your great questions this week. Keep them coming and keep them specific. To work out how to remove a stain, I need three pieces of information. I need to know what the stain is made of; what surface it’s on (Is there a varnish? What is the topmost surface that the stain is affecting?); and what, if anything, you’ve already tried to remove it. Each thing you try changes the chemical composition of the stain. Include a photograph if you can. Photographs really help the stain diagnosis. Don’t forget, alternative recycling questions are also welcome.

Shannon Email your questions to Shannon Lush at spotless@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Shannon will not be able to answer your questions privately. © Shannon Lush 2011.

✱ Spotless, Spotless 2, Speed Cleaning, How To Be Comfy and SAVE, by Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming, and Stainless, by Shannon Lush and Trent Hayes, published by ABC Books, all $19.95.

Celebrate your household bills (because we’re paying them to the value of $10,000)* Build with In-Vogue during October and we'll pay your household bills for a year up to the value of $10,000. Plus, you'll beat the November price rise as we adjust for the government's compulsory 6 Star Energy compliance.

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We’ve just rented a house and the bathrooms are not in a great state (Picture 2). I would lo love your advice so that we can, h hopefully, fix them quickly rather tthan take on a big repair job. The stain around the tiles near tthe drain is rough to the touch and I think the top coating of the a ttile has literally been eaten away. I’ve tried sweet almond oil with no result. n Also, the grout all around the drains seem to be stained while the rest of the bathroom grout is still quite clean. Is this mould or is it just stained? What can I do? I’m not a very DIY person at all and cannot identify what needs to be done to even get someone in to do it.

SHANNON LUSH Queen of clean

I would love to do it myself without causing further damage. I usually clean with bleach and have never had a problem so far, but I’m a bit nervous to use anything else in case it gets worse. The bleach does not help with the grout stain. The shower screen is also the three-door sliding kind and leaves a black coating on the frame below it as it rubs along while the area at the fixed end of the frame is difficult to clean and is black with the rubber scraping against it. There also seems to be rust staining the frame.

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building DESIGNER AWARDS

Winner

Anthony Raso Design

CEMENTED AT TOP

✱ Category: Single

Residences 251sq m to 350sq m

Well-chosen building products, exquisite finishes and meticulous attention to detail have seen Don Taylor Design Associates win the highest honour for design excellence in WA

OSMAN Park-based building designer Don Taylor wowed the judges at this year’s Building Designers Australia WA Chapter awards, winning the association’s top honour for creating a landmark Bicton abode. Don has been a BDAWA member for years, but this was the first time he had entered the awards and he says it was “thrilling” to win the overall Design Excellence prize. His project also won the category for Single Residences with a floor area of more than 450sq m. BDAWA executive officer Rochelle James says the awards were well deserved. “Don addressed his clients’ brief with aweinspiring results,” she says. “The carefully chosen building products were used in an innovative and groundbreaking manner and paired with exquisite finishes. “Painstaking attention to detail was evident throughout the entire home, from its commanding street presence to the way the interior opens up and merges with its stunning, aquatic surrounds.” In an unusual twist of fortunes, Don received a commendation for his design

work on a Mount Lawley renovation in the Residential Alterations/Additions more than $200,000 category that was won by Jason Saunders’ Arc Seven.1 consultancy. Jason was in turn commended for his design of a stylish Waterman home in the Single Residences category won by Don Taylor Design Associates. Jason’s Waterman project went on to take out top honours for best residential interiors. All WA category winners are automatically considered for national awards in equivalent categories. Rochelle says hopes are high that WA’s “best of the best” will once again ﬁgure prominently in the annual National Design Excellence Award, to be judged in Sydney early next year. WA building designers have won the major national trophy nine times in the past 16 years. ✱ The Building Designers Association WA Chapter can be contacted on 9228 3235.

Winner

Arc Seven.1

Continued Page 14

✱ Category: Residential Alterations/

Additions more than $200,000 See Page 18 for Arc Seven.1’s awardwinning renovation

Overall Design Excellence Winner

Don Taylor Design Associates

Winner

Ramm’s Building Design ✱ Category: Residential Alterations/

Additions less than $200,000

✱ Category: Single residences

over 450 sq m See Page 16 for Don Taylor Design Associates’ award-winning home

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building DESIGNER AWARDS Continued from Page 12

Winner

Mikasa Designs ✱ Category:

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Buildings – Residential

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Our 100 years of experience means that you’re building a home with someone you can...

Jeremy Muir Group Sales Manager

For any company to have been in business for over 100 years, they have to be doing things right. At Plunkett that means designing and building homes that, like us, will stand the test of time.

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MODENA PROMO 238m2 total area

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Armed with a simple brief and a flexible budget, building designer Don Taylor put his creativity to the test and came up trumps, producing a home that was judged the best for design excellence

St Leonards Bvd

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Design Associates, Mosman Park, phone: 9286 4911, dtda.com.au

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✱ Building designer: Don Taylor

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Ghost Gum Blvd

but gave him “a long leash” when it came to the design. “The limestone site was relatively simple to excavate, but as the site sloped up to the rear corner of the block, we were able to enter the basement garage from ground level,” Don says. “This level also has two guest bedrooms with ensuites and both enjoy river adjacency.” A lift links all ﬂoors of the 668sq m home. A gym, state-of-the-art kitchen, swimming pool and exquisitely landscaped courtyard are some of the other impressive features. Brickworks Building Products design and development manager Darlene De Jong, a judge at this year’s awards, says she was captivated by the “deceptive simplicity” of the home’s design. “Its simple, clean lines and beautiful detailing perfectly complement its fabulous location,” she says. Sandra Peterson

ve ic A an ot

HOME

Vental blinds to draw breezes into the room, while blocking out the afternoon sun. Don says his clients had lived in Hong Kong for the past ﬁve years and were keen for him to create a home that felt spacious, open and clean. The well-travelled couple also had a fondness for luxurious hotel rooms and wanted their master suite to have a similar ﬁve-star feel. Armed with this brief, Don set about designing a self-contained suite on the top level, which has an ensuite worthy of a day spa – complete with a freestanding stone-clad bath and a “concealed” coffee/tea making area, where a panel-style door glides open to reveal a dishwasher, bar fridge and an instant hotwater outlet. Meanwhile, the main bedroom opens to a covered balcony that takes in majestic views. According to Don, the owners provided a few basic requirements and a rough budget,

Ellery Gate

HE views from this Bicton home are so spectacular that you feel as if you can reach out and touch the dolphins in the Swan River. Its awe-inspiring three-storey design, which practically “bottles” the sights and sounds of WA’s iconic waterway, was cleverly conceived by building designer Don Taylor, who for his efforts won the Design Excellence Award at this year’s Building Designers Australia WA Chapter’s Awards. Don took advantage of the fact that the riverbank is directly across the street by placing the living room and study inside a glass-framed pavilion. Stacker doors open to allow this space to merge with its aquatic landscape and create the sense of ﬂoating above the water. Don installed a steel balustrade to let the living room function as a well-appointed balcony. He also used louvres and automatic

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Watercress Gardens

The Bicton home that won building designer Don Taylor WA’s top award.

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renovation: BEFORE & AFTER

BLENDED TO TASTE The unused pool was filled up to create space for the outdoor lifestyle the owners were seeking and Arc Seven.1 blended two different design styles for an award-winning finish

HEN building designer Jason Saunders, of Arc Seven.1, reinvented the outdoor space of this home he gave the owners an award-winning alfresco lifestyle. The project, which topped its category in the alterations and additions division of the Building Designers Australia WA Chapter’s 2011 awards, features a series of contemporary all-weather outdoor “rooms”. Kim Miller, from Ogborne Miller Building Design, was one of the BDA judges who visited the Applecross home. “It’s a brave design in that there was a difficult brief, but I think they’ve really pulled it off,” Kim says. The challenge was to create a new outdoor living space that blended smoothly with the 10-year-old property. “In a renovation, continuity is always a big factor,” Kim says. “This design is a prime example of where you have two completely different styles but there is continuity there. “You don’t feel like you’re in one part of the house and then you step through the door and you’re in a totally separate part.” A large pool the family no longer used was filled in and the space used to create an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor dining room and an outdoor lounge complete with a fireplace, a wall-mounted television, ceiling details and feature lighting.

Kim says the transition from the main house to the new alfresco living space is seamless, thanks to Jason’s meticulous attention to detail. Frameless bifolding doors and exposed timber battens painted in a “Turkish coffee” stain enhance the ﬂow, while several boxes of the original polished porcelain tiles were sourced so that the existing ﬂoor tiles could run a little way into the new outdoor space. Kim says this extra attention to detail made it look as if it had always been planned that way. “The attention to detail is particularly good,” Kim says. “One of the other things that really works so well is that the lines draw you out into that space and make it feel bigger and really linked to the house.” Glass panels between the vertical timber battens provide protection from the weather but some sections can be opened to let in the sea breeze when needed. “As a designer you always need to work with the climate but your hand is forced more when dealing with the elements,” Kim says. “This project deals well with the elements. It feels as if you’re outside but you are protected from that really strong late afternoon breeze off the river when you don’t want all of it. And you also have access to the winter sun.” The exterior of the original house is predominantly cream and black so the choice of new materials and colours was crucial.

Jason went for bold colours and materials, including Bluestone pavers and timber decking and a solid dark paint on the boundary wall. This created an intimate outdoor space offset by the green foliage of the landscaping. “There are a lot of different materials used – quite a broad palette – but they’re all beautifully detailed,” Kim says. Paula Aubin

before

The award-winning alfresco area that was created after filling up the swimming pool. Pictures: Andrew Pritchard Photography

GET THE LOOK ✱ Building designer: Arc

Seven.1, North Perth, phone: 9349 2195, www. arc-seven1.com.au This home won the Residential Alterations/Additions more than $200,000 at the BDAWA Design Awards 2011.

HOME

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The Lombardo

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The Southport

$217,690

Build with Ross North Homes and you’ll be in with an excellent chance to WIN back the price of your new home* There are a few conditions but there are no tricks. The offer applies to our full range of homes. We haven’t bumped up the house prices to cover it. Nor have we reduced the specification list of our homes. In fact, we have recently added a host of impressive inclusions to our already impressive specifications list, adding even more value to your home. So grab this offer, build with us and you could well wipe off your entire home mortgage. Now that’s a life changing difference! *The winner receives $200,000. Conditions apply. See our website for details or better still, why not visit one of our displays and talk to a consultant about this rare and exciting opportunity?

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www.rossnorthhomes.com.au

HEAD OFFICE 5 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant Telephone 9431 8088 Facsimile 9431 8096 sales@rossnorthhomes.com.au DISPLAY HOME OPENING HOURS Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm, Monday & Wednesday 2-5pm DISPLAY LOCATIONS BALDIVIS Strathmore Close (Strathmore) 0419 048 401 BUTLER Impington Rd (Aspen) 9562 4377 THE VINES Adlington Way (Lexia) 0438 691 037 WANDI Fortis Pass (Honeywood) 0435 081 699 ALKIMOS Topsail Loop (Alkimos) 0401 836 616 PIARA WATERS Mina Close (Minara) 9397 2244 SOUTHERN RIVER Trumpet Way (Churchill) 0411 455 566 WANNEROO Elliot Road (Belvedere) 9206 3845 WEST SWAN St Leonard Blvd (Da Vinci) 0413 758 404

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outdoor LIVING

FAVOURITE ESCAPE The backyard of this Mount Pleasant home was practically useless until the owners called in Denise Staffa of Outside In to create an alfresco area the entire family could enjoy

HE family-oriented owners of this Mount Pleasant home were eager to convert their backyard from a pile of sand and weeds into a multifunctional play area for their children, coupled with an entertainment area for grown-ups. Denise Staffa, managing director and principle landscape designer of Outside In, says the clients’ backyard was a blank canvas with a shed, no cover to the back of the home and “old, tired paving”. The clients, who have a large extended family and love to host barbecues, wanted an outdoor space they could entertain in and also an area where their children could invite friends over to play in. “They basically didn’t have a backyard at all,” Denise says. “They were looking for a large functional space where they could have children over and do their entertaining.” According to Denise, the addition of a large alfresco area with honed, washed aggregate paving to give a smooth ﬁnish and chic cedarlined ceiling provided an escape from the western sun and a place to relax or entertain in. Ceiling fans aid the ﬂow of cool breezes

while downlights and skylights ensure that the alfresco and indoor space do not become too dark, Denise says. “We added all the skylights into the alfresco area to get some natural lighting through there,” she says. LED lighting was used throughout the area, including the deck steps, which were added to solve a levelling problem and replace the old concrete step from the laundry door. “They’re much better on energy, they give a softer glow and you’ll ﬁnd they last much longer,” Denise says. “They probably won’t change a globe in their lifetime.” Denise says a segregated area for barbecuing and preparing and cooking food was incorporated. Raised acrylic rendered planter boxes create a border around the alfresco and provide a backing for the seating, which is hinged to allow for integrated storage boxes underneath. Lomandra Silver Grace and red dwarf mondo grass were used to create a lush foliage and soften the area. Denise says the alfresco colour scheme was matched to the existing colours of the home.

“Originally we were going to do a feature colour but after we saw the colourful wall art we decided to go with that,” she says. A large area of artiﬁcial turf for the children to play on was also added to the yard and is shaded from the summer sun by a cantilevered umbrella to prevent it from overheating and becoming uncomfortable to walk or play on. “There’s no maintenance and it’s green all year round,” she says. According to Denise, the owners say the outdoor area is now the most used space in the home. “They think it is wonderful – for both the adults and the children,” she says. Kristy Symonds

GET THE LOOK ✱ Landscape design and construction: Outside In,

Como, phone: 9450 4922, www.outsidein.net.au ✱ Wall art: The Outdoor Decor Company, Malaga,

phone: 9248 9328, www.outdoordecor.com.au

Thinking of developing? Think Dale Alcock.

At Dale Alcock Developments, we don’t simply promise that your project will be completed on time and on budget. We guarantee it, 100%. We also guarantee to put all our experience and expertise to work for you – through the process of applications, approvals, site preparation, construction and more. And whether you are considering a house behind a house, duplex, triplex or multi-unit strata site, our dedicated team will work with you to create a value-for-money development focused on your individual needs.

2010 HIA - NAB PERTH HOUSING AWARDS WINNER

Perth Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year

WA Townhouse/Villa Project of the Year

We love building.

For an obligation free site assessment, call 9242 9500 or visit dalealcock.com.au HOME

303DALEA0149

Go to 5 Leicester Street, Leederville and see a Dale Alcock development for yourself. This display home is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3pm.

before

The new alfresco area created by Denise Staffa of Outside In. Pictures: Ron Tan Photography

IV • • • • • • • • • • • •

Secure double lock-up garage. 300 litre solar HWU. Premier vinylwrap kitchen cabinet doors. Quality stainless steel 900mm wide cooktop, under-bench oven & canopy rangehood. Stylus Careeba 1500 masseur spa bath to ensuite. Wet bar with sink & plumbing to games room. Paved verandah & 6m drive. Recessed ceiling to home theatre 32c ceilings throughout. Secure store with external access. Low voltage halogen downlights to entry, home theatre, family/meals & kitchen. Private master suite with luxury ensuite.

STHOHP23102011

Modified Loft Version Photo for illustration purposes only

Total Areas 305.70m2

$271,340 Sales Enquiries call Martyn Ferris 0438 389 530 or Adam Calginari 0419 929 961 HOME

master BUILDERS

Picture: iStockphoto.com/3dts

The Federal Government Tax Forum in Canberra this month held out hope for housing affordability in the future. Master Builders director Michael McLean takes a closer look at the prospects

ASTER Builders Australia was one of many industry organisations represented at this year’s Tax Forum. One of the priorities we highlighted was the interface between the taxation system and housing affordability. The Henry Report expressed the situation well when it said: “The affordability of housing in light of housing price rises and increasing rents is a fundamental challenge for all Australian governments.” Housing (un)affordability has increased to a factor of 7.3 in 2011 – meaning median house prices were 7.3 times median income – compared with 4.7 a decade ago. Looked at another way, housing in Australian capital cities, as a whole, has gone from being “affordable” in 2001 to “unaffordable” in 2011.

Master Builders recognises that housing (un)affordability is not wholly and solely a taxation issue, but is a mix of: ✱ Government failure, in the form of insufficient

land supply policies and practices. ✱ Poor tax design, through the imposition of inefficient developer charges and stamp duties. One constructive step the Federal Government could take would be to provide certainty to investors in housing stock, of whatever form, on the tax treatment of such investments – in particular, the preservation

GAVAN FORSTER

Gavan Forster from Master Builders answers readers’ questions about home building issues.

Q A of “negative gearing” of applicable residential housing stock. Master Builders regards “negative gearing” as a vital element in ensuring supply of more affordable housing for lower income earners and for those who elect to rent as a lifestyle choice.

Another constructive step the Federal Government could take to reduce housing affordability pressures would be to restructure the First Home Owner Grant scheme by: ✱ Indexing for inflation the real value of the

FHOG, with regular (annual) adjustments. ✱ Providing transitional assistance for first

homebuyers for the higher build costs of the proposed Carbon Tax – estimated by Master Builders at $5000 for each dwelling. ✱ Compensating first homebuyers for the higher build costs resulting from the move from 5-star to 6-star energy efficiency ratings. The Henry Report also proposed the involvement of the Council of Australian Governments to review building and land use

I’m thinking about installing airconditioning in my home. Any tips? With the warmer weather approaching, now is the time to think about summer-proofing your home. I am not sure whether you are building a new home or simply retrofitting your existing one. With a new home, as it should be 5 or 6-star rated (or higher), airconditioning may not be necessary. However, if you wish to install a system, doing this during construction rather than post-construction is desirable (especially a ducted system). Airconditioning can be evaporative or refrigerated. Evaporative systems are generally less expensive and have lower running costs. My experience is that they are less able to cope on humid days. Whatever system you choose, it is important to select one that suits the size of your home. If you are thinking about a splitsystem, variables such as room sizes and orientation, insulation, window and door sizes and shaded areas will influence the size of the system required. While a 10sq m room may only need a 2.5kw airconditioner, a 25sq m room may require a 4kw system to be effective. Servicing your existing system on a regular basis is also desirable to ensure that your system is ready for the scorching days ahead.

policies and infrastructure charges to ensure they do not unnecessarily restrict the supply of housing. The report identified a number of priorities for this COAG review, such as zoning requirements and processes, approvals requirements, Building Code and other standards impacting building quality. Master Builders sees merit in a COAG review, providing it’s not “paralysis by analysis” – doing nothing while officials prepare their report. Rather, the review should develop effective strategies to repair the FHOG scheme, eliminate stamp duty and abolish inefficient and unjustifiable developer charges. While “conversations” and “discussions” on future priorities for tax reform can be useful, the more important challenge is to deliver a competitive and efficient tax system that facilitates wealth creation and minimises economic distortions in the medium to longer term. We await the outcome of the Tax Forum with interest. Its benefits can then be measured outside the political arena by homebuyers and others.

✱ For more information on building, visit the Master Builders A-Z Building Information Directory at www.mbawa. com. If you have any questions about home building or purchase issues, email gavan@mbawa.com

iStoc Picture: iStockphoto.com/pagadesign

A-Z B BUILDING information Under Understanding the orientation of your property will help you maximise the be benefits, says Master Builders technical adviser Romina De Santis

OOD design considers the orientation of the block and positions the home correctly for maximum beneﬁts in both enhancing the comfort of occupants and reducing heating and cooling costs. The right house on the right block reduces the internal temperature range experienced through summer and winter.

Much is said about “facing north” and the M “n “north sun”, but there are some basic facts about north that you need to understand to ab maximise the beneﬁts. Firstly, you can have too many windows on the north side. It is recommended that only 50 per cent of north-facing areas be glazed and glazing must be shaded to control summer sun, and window treatments installed internally to reduce heat loss in winter. Shading is necessary over your north-facing windows to protect the windows from direct summer sun and allow the winter sun to enter the building and heat up the space. Do not over-shade, as you will lose the

benefit of the warmth in winter. Consider a solar pergola that is angled to block summer sun, and allow winter sun to filter to the building. This may be covered by a deciduous vine or clear roof sheeting. You need “thermal mass” to absorb the heat collected during the day in winter for it to be released at night. The concrete slab of the home is a great thermal mass, as are masonry internal walls. But these also trap heat in the summer, so by installing shading and window treatments, you reduce the heat stored in the thermal mass of your home. Insulation is a must – but not just in the roof. Walls and floors can also be insulated

to improve the thermal performance of the home. Cavity brick may also include cavity insulation installed, or consider reverse brick veneer (light framed external wall and masonry internal wall) for north, east and west-facing elevations. Talk to your designer or builder on ways you can maximise the efﬁciency of your home by designing for the orientation of your block. With 6-star approaching as the new minimum standard next year, simple passive-solar design principles go a long way in achieving the new standard without adding too much to the cost. ✱ More ideas are available on a number of great websites including www.yourhome.gov.au or www.synergy.net.au

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shop FRONT Right: Manager Carolyn Gorman. Pictures: Richard Polden

LOCAL GEMS WA artists get pride of place in a store housed in the same historic building that is home to the Fremantle Arts Centre

ESTLED in a quiet corner in the beautiful grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre, Found showcases an array of artistic and creative treasures with a strong Western Australian vibe. Shop manager Carolyn Gorman says that the shop, which stocks everything from various forms of art to jewellery, textiles, stationery, homewares and giftware, places a huge emphasis – above all else – on supporting local artistic and creative talent. “There’s so much creative talent here. Fremantle is renowned for being a haven for artists and creative people and we want to highlight that,” she says. Carolyn says some of the notable WA artists who have works available in the store include Pippin Drysdale’s ceramics, glass works by Peter Reynolds, textiles by Megan Salmon and wood products by Anthony Docherty. The store also recently began carrying a stunning range of prints sourced from regional

Australia – including some from remote parts of the country – that use a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques and includes many pieces by indigenous artists. A large stock of inspirational books, that tend to tie in with the courses or events being held at the centre, also focus on supporting local novelists, artists and poets. Although the key is to foster home-grown talent, Carolyn says there are also products that have been sourced from around Australia and also overseas. “Anywhere we see a gap in what local artists can provide, we try to source it,” she says. “But, where possible, we try to source it locally because there’s a really good range and selection of work here in WA.” According to Carolyn, with people from all walks of life ﬁltering through the arts centre, the shop aims to cater for the budgets and tastes of tourists, locals and the students who take the art classes. Carolyn, an artist who creates her own line

of jewellery (available in the store), says the jewellery collections and woodwork, because of the use of WA jarrah, tend to be very popular with an array of different customers. There is also a strong emphasis on handmade items. “In this day and age when people are looking online for all different products, we’re offering an experience that is more reﬂective of the handmade experience,” Carolyn says. “It has integrity and it doesn’t relate to the throwaway culture of other products. It’s very unique. “Each time a potter throws a pot it’s going to come out very different.” The old limestone building that houses the centre and the shop is full of history. It was originally built as a

mental assylum in 1864 and opened as the Fremantle Arts Centre in the early 70s. Carolyn, who has played a key role in refurbishing the shop and the style and range of products it stocks since she became the manager in 2007, says the history and the setting of the surroundings create an important atmosphere for shoppers. “The minute you walk through the gate you feel like you’ve been transported to another world,” she says. “People immediately start to relax and take in their surroundings. They can just lose themselves for hours in all the work, feel inspired to take up a course, buy a gift or something for the home.” Away from the hustle and bustle of regular retail shops, shoppers at Found also have the opportunity to grab a bite to eat or browse the gallery. Kristy Symonds

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THE GOOD SOIL

ITH winter and spring rains all but over, now is the time to make sure we keep as much of the moisture in the soil, for as long as possible. Essentially this is done by improving a sandy soil’s ability to retain moisture and, in heavier soils, by mulching the soil’s surface to shade the moist soil below, reducing evaporation and slowing the leaching process into the ground. Sand is a wonderful growing medium, in many ways not dissimilar to hydroponic growing mediums, but its ability to allow moisture and nutrients to ﬂow through it is a problem. So how can home gardeners reduce water consumption and retain nutrients near their plants’ feeder roots longer? I’m a big believer in adding organics into sandy soils. A well composted humus does wonders in changing the soil’s structure and ability to retain moisture longer. This technique of soil improvement is tried and proven and has great impact, albeit short-term, because the organics break down quickly and are absorbed by soil microbes and the plants themselves. Continuously adding an improver does make a big difference long-term and this is very similar to the effect the soil gets in a rainforest

where leaves fall and decay, continuously topping the soil up with more nutrient-rich humus. In a home garden there are a few options you can use and one terrific new product I’ve discovered is called Bioactive Cocopeat. This organic recycled cocopeat is an enhanced soil improver that has the ability to hold eight times its weight in moisture and it’s activated with worm juice, meaning it’s alive with beneficial soil microbes, which are the difference between healthy soil and soil that struggles to sustain plants. You apply this product to the soil’s surface and scratch it into the top 50mm of the soil. It’s spongy in nature, which allows lots of air into the soil making it great for sands but also for heavier soils. What a lot of people don’t know is that air around plant roots is very important to a plant’s health so an open aerated soil will always see plants perform well. If you are laying a lawn, it’s terrific as an underlay, allowing new roots to penetrate it quickly and holding moisture around them helping the lawn to establish quickly. Another use I’ve found this particularly good for is as a potting mixture for hanging baskets. Basically treating the cocopeat as a potting soil and planting straight into it produces

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incredible results. The ability to hold moisture longer means baskets can flourish without the constant drying out experienced in Perth. Another option if you want to change your sandy soil’s structure forever is to add a claybased additive into the soil. Soil Solver is a product developed by farmer Gavin Davis who recognised the benefits of a specialised clay he had in some of his paddocks. Once it’s applied in sandy soil, crop production improves dramatically. You can buy it bulk, which is ideal for new gardens that are being established – especially near the ocean – or in bags if you’re planning to slowly renovate your soil. The important thing to know about this product is that it changes the soil’s structure forever. Effectively adding it into the top 200mm of soil will leave your growing zone a loam instead of a barren sand and this has tremendous impact on a plant’s ability to grow. It also reduces nutrient and water leaching through the top soil, slowing the process down long enough for plants to be able to absorb nutrients and water for their benefits. This is ideal for anyone who is growing exotic plants or highly productive plants such as flowers and edibles. Some natives may not like this, however, as they have adapted to the sandy soil and

the extra moisture and nutrient may be detrimental to it. The application process for Soil Solver is a little challenging. You have to prepare the soil thoroughly and rotary-hoe the clay into the top soil. Once this is done, there’s nothing more to do than to wet it down. By adding a combination of Soil Solver and then a layer of Bioactive Cocopeat, you will be ensuring the moisture you apply this summer stays where it is needed, near the plant roots. If ever you were going to undertake this task, now is the time to do it. This will not only ensure that the existing soil moisture levels remain in the soil longer, but also that all future moisture content lasts much longer and is available for use by your plants. The net effect of this is a lush, healthy garden. Setting your garden’s soil up properly is an investment in its future. Trevor Cochrane

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Improving the soil and ensuring it retains moisture longer is not only a good investment but will also keep your garden looking great

TREVOR COCHRANE the garden guru

Q&A Q A

Julie Skender, of Padbury, has two potted magnolias next to her front door. They constantly flower and she’s not sure when to prune them. They sound like Little Gem magnolias and the best time to prune is during the cooler months. Don’t prune hard, just trim to shape them how you want and then give them a feed with PowerFeed. They will love you for it.

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Deborah Rymer, of Ellenbrook, says her lilly pilly hedges have an infestation of mealybugs. She has treated them with Confidor, but it isn’t working anymore. Deborah would also like to know about feed for golden cane palms. Apply MaxGuard over the lilly pilly foliage now to impact this serious pest. Regarding feed for your golden cane palms, apply Shades of Green garden fertiliser for best results. Trevor Cochrane

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Ellenbrook

Charlotte, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, dc/p, Brookmount Drive, 9297 6978 Florence, by Impressions, S, 3x2, h/t, st, g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6172 Hamelin, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, alf, a/r, Elmridge Parkway, 6296 6086 Armada, by HomeStart, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, dc/p, Pallarup Cres, 9231 4567 Castle, by Aussie Living, 4x2, h/t, g/r, a/r, dc/p, Ewen Pass, 6296 6114 Houston, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, st, alf, d/g, Ewen Pass, 6296 6549 HOME

Mojo, by Aussie Living, 3x2, c/r, dc/p, Elmridge Parkway, 6212 7699 Silverstone, by Commodore, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Ewens Pass, 6296 6345 Imperial Retro, Affordable Living, 3x2, alf, h/t, dc/p, Elmridge Parkway, 9302 4920

Erskine

Quantum, by Domain, S, 4x2, a/r, st, h/t, d/g, Sticks Blvd, 9583 5708

Hammond Park

Onyx, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, st, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 3688 Ramada, by Affordable Living, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9302 4920

Harrisdale

Anchorage, by First Abode, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Rufous Lane, 9397 2342 Vertu, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9393 2019

Lakelands

Good Times, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/cp, Karridale Loop, 9523 1689 Seachange, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, a/r, alf, d/g, Cohen Vista, 9583 4280 Bremer, by WA Housing Centre, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Jasper Way, 9214 1111 Swanbourne, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Jasper Way, 9581 9406

Landsdale

Monaco, by Commodore, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Kingsway, 9303 4361 Lamont, by Impressions, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, Kingsway, 9302 6097 Coronade, by HomeStart, 4x2, h/t, g/r, alf, dc/p, Kingsway, 9231 4567 La Grange, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, d/g, alf, h/t, st, Kingsway, 9303 2019

Inception, First Home Buyers Direct S, 3x2, g, st, Onyx Lane, 9439 2525 Newmarket, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9439 5149 Portland, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, d/g, Ditton Cres, 9419 2574 Savoy, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, a/r, g/r, Esher Lane, 9419 6779 Strand, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, Gemstone Pde, 6461 5200 Zone, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, dc/p, Ditton Corner, 9419 1881

West Swan

Tribute, by Domain, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, St Leonards, 0425 052 196 Plantation, by Content Living, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 5222

Broadway, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0100

Caversham, by Metrostyle, S, 3x2, alf, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 9210

Coastal View, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, c/r, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0100

Ellenbrook

Yanchep

Dayton

Cincinnati, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 9296 6238 Centro, by Ventura Homes, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Elmridge Parkway, 6296 6649 Oasis, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6649 Alto, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6111 El Questro, by Dale Alcock Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Safford Ave, 9242 9200 Luxor Games, by Affordable Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, Ewens Pass, 9302 4920

Hammond Park

Vdara, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Blackwood Meander, 9302 4920

$250,000 to $300,000 Alkimos Nautilus, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, s/t, alf, d/g, Point Link, 0403 260 404 Archipelago, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, t/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9242 9200 Cable Beach, Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, st, a/r, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 0400 704 612

Australind Clifton Retreat, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, Luna Ave, 9796 1639 Pebble Beach, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, t/g, Luna Ave, 9792 0100

$200,000 to $250,000

Chicago, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 3399

Alkanta, by Content Living, S, 4x2, d/g, st, alf, h/t, Point Link, 9202 5222 Alexa, by MyGen Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Leeway Loop, 1800 806 803

Hocking

Australind

Landsdale

Majestic, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Monticello Meander, 6461 5297

Escape, by Ventura Homes, 4x2, alf, d/g, Safford Ave, 6296 7645 Baby Boomer Loft, by Baby Boomer Homes, loft, 3x2, st, d/g, Wesley Way, 9302 2250

Maddington

Baldivis

Alkimos

Abbey View Resort, by WA Country Builders, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Lunar Ave, 9792 0100 Capel Vale, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Lunar Ave, 9780 9300

Aveley

Wesley Cottage, by Ross North, S, 4x2, st, c/r. d/g, Wesley Way, 6296 7215

Valencia, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, alf, d/g, Montreal St, 9405 6794

Breakaway, by TR Homes, 4x2, pre-manufactured home, h/t, alf, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998 Peninsula, by TR Homes, 3x2, pre-manufactured home, st, alf, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998

Aveley

Reflection, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, alf, g, Cape Meander, Settlers Hills, 9242 9200 Strathmore, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, Strathmore Cl, 0419 048 401

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Maddington

Bushland, by TR Homes, 3x2, pre-fab transportable home, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998

Madeley

Location, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Greylock Meander, 9408 1743 Quest, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, alf, Buffaloe Ave, 9409 5010 Albert Park, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, alf, Buffalo Ave, 9408 0273

Meadow Springs

Ontario, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Glendale St, 0401 793 039 Flemington, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4053

www.developwest.com.au To develop your block, ph: David 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au No finance? No worries! Contact us today!

Piara Waters

Colorado, by New Generation, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g, alf, g/r, Highland Rise, 9397 1266 Monza, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1639 Realm, by Domain, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 0576 Soto, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, a/r, h/t, Isla Place, 9397 2413 Cove, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Emerald Park, 9393 2094

Queens Park

Coral Bay, by WA Housing Centre, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Caporn Turn, 9358 4762 Independence, by Aussie Living, S, 3x2, h/t, c/r, d/cp, Karridale Loop, 9523 1689

Quinns Rocks

Sundowner, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Hampshire Drive, 9562 0540

Seville Grove

Corondale, by Complete, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Seville Rd, 9497 2919

South Yunderup

Miami, by New Generation, S, 4x2, g/r, d/g, Bremer Way, 9537 8928

Tapping

Riviera, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g,Tandara Fairway, 9302 4920

Wanneroo

Baltimore, by New Generation, S, 4x2, 2 h/ts, d/g, Montreal St, 9405 1702

Wellard

Abrolhos, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Emerald Park, 0439 990 799 Cable Beach, by Easystart, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/c, Blackwood Meander, 9405 1702 Capel, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9214 1111

Da Vinci, by Ross North Homes, 4x2, h/t, c/r, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 0413 758 404

Ellenbrook

Monarch, by National, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Ewens Pass, 6296 6441 Willows, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g,Adlington Way, 9242 9200 Lexia, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, Adlington Way, 0438 691 037

Erskine

Olympus, by Summit, S,4x2, h/t, alf, g/r, d/g, Sticks Blvd, 9534 8840

Forrestdale

Nautilus, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, cnr Isla Place/Highland Rise, 9242 9200

Hammond Park

Resort, by Plunkett Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9498 5311 Rendezvous, by Ross North, S, 4x2, c/r, alf, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 5061 Cable Beach, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9242 9200 Secret, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, dc/p, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 3060

Harrisdale

Newport, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, st, h/t, a/r, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9242 9200

Hocking

Amari, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Elliot Rd, 9242 9200 Hollywood II, by Highbury, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Elliot Rd, 1800 214 864

Jindalee

RNG 24067

Northern Star, by Highbury, S, 3x2, alf, d/g, g/r, c/r, Safford Ave, 1800 214 864 Trump, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, Safford Ave, 9320 4920 Villa dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Este, by National, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, Safford Ave, 6296 7784 El Questro, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, g, Safford Ave, 9242 9200

Baldivis

Austin, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9524 3082 Executive, by Premiere, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 0425 445 578 Havana, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, g/r, st, alf, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 9523 0694

Madeley Fullerton, by National, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, st, alf, Greylock Meander, 9408 0459 Haven, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Buffalo Ave, 9409 2716 Madeley, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, BelCastro Way, 9408 1305 Ramada Retro, by Affordable Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, s/t, Owen Link, 9302 4920 Treviso, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, d/g, Owen Link, 9408 1189

Mandurah Viena, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9200 5555

Banksia Grove

Meadow Springs

Bunbury

Piara Waters

Aston, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Botanic Ave, 6400 0535 Kasbar, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, alf, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, Millbridge Estate, 9724 1318

Busselton

Colorado, by New Generation, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g, Nougat Cres, 9754 7247

Butler

Vibe, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, st, h/t, dc/p, Impington Blvd, 9562 3383

Caversham

Eagle Bay, by Ventura, S, 4x2, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4003

Rendezvous, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9523 0210 Leeuwin, by Ventura Homes 4x2, h/t, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9241 1400 Sandhurst, by Plunkett, 4x2, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Cape Meander, 9523 0195 Settler, by Highbury, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 1800 214 864 Quay Resort, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9524 2644

Bunbury

Parkdale, by Dale Alcock, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Forrest Estate, 9792 0555

Busselton

Envy, by Summit, S, 4x2, g/r, a/r, alf, d/g, Nougat Cres, 9754 7134 Newport, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9792 0555

Hacienda, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, g, Ditton Cnr, 9419 2104 Resort, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, a/r, st, d/g, Isla Place, 9397 2741 Trump Alfresco, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9302 4920

Butler

Queens Park

Caversham

Frangipani, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Narla Place, 9242 9200

Aspen, by Ross North Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Impington Rd, 9562 4377

Byford

Ecco, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, a/r, d/g, Colesbrook Drive, 9242 9200 Homestead, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Domina Turn, 9242 9200

Watershed, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Colorino Ave, 6461 5200 Champion Lakes Waterside, by Summit, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, St Catherines Prom, 9390 3710

South Yunderup Riverbank, by Ventura, S, 3x2, st, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 8459 Amberley, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Bremer Way, 9537 7325

Champion Lakes

Dalyellup

West Swan

Dalyellup

Sanctuary, by Plunkett Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Koonak Rd, 9780 9333

Darlington, by MyGen, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 1800 806 803

Shenton Lakes, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, alf, d/g, St Catherines Prom, 9242 9200 Luxxe, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, 9795 7167

Alkimos, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g,Topsail Loop, 0401 836 616 Cable Beach, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 9562 0786

Lakelands

Kartika, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9583 4040 La Dolce Vita, by Shelford, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Cohen Vista, 0438 389 530 Sanctuary, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9242 9200 Elanora, by Highbury, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, dc/p, Jasper Way, 1800 214 864 New Dimension, by Ventura, S, 4x2, g/r, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9583 4516 Everest, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9581 6614

Landsdale

Palazzo, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Kingsway Rd, 9303 2573

Madeley

Lexington, by Lifestyle, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, Madeley Rise, 9409 4242 Rendezvous, by Ventura, 4x2, alf, h/t, s/t, d/g, Greylock Meander, 9408 0659

Meadow Springs

Eagle Bay, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4003

Millbridge

Lotus, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, 9725 2852

Piara Waters

Minara, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, c/r, Mina Close, 9397 2244 Bellagio, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, s/t, alf, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1643 Prestige, by Ventura, 4x2, alf, h/t, s/t, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1489

Quinns Rocks

Brighton, by Ross North, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, d/g, Hampshire Dr, 9562 1753

Southern River

Archer, by Dale Alcock Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g,Trumpet St, 9242 9200 Geisha, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9333 0888

South Yunderup

Boulevard, by Dale Alcock Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Byron Drive, 9242 9200 Daintree, by Plunkett Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 7428 Astor, by Summit Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, t/g, Bremer Way, 9537 8481 Amberley, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Bremer Way, 9537 7325

The Vines

Lexia, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g,Adlington Way, 0438 691 037

Vasse

Vasse, by WA Country Builders, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Bridgeview Entrance, 9792 0100

Wandi

Monaco, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, alf, t/g, Lyon Rd, 0412 575 336

Wanneroo

Belvedere, by Ross North, S, 4x2, st, c/r, d/g, h/t, Elliot Rd, 9206 3845 Kilimanjaro, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, alf, d/g, Montreal St, 9206 5276

West Swan

Da Vinci, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, g, St Leonards Blvd, 0413 758 404 Kingston, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, a/r, st, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 1800 643 800 Essence, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9250 2422

over $300,000 Alkimos

Alkimos, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g,Topsail Loop, 0401 836 616

Australind

Boulevard, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Denebola Drive, 9792 0555

Aveley

Shoalwater, by Cedar Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Neary Blvd, 9240 2125 Newman, by Broadway, D, 3x2, st, alf, d/g, Wesley Way, 9302 6161

Baldivis

Sinatra, by Broadway, D, 4x2, Makybe Drive, 9302 6161 Matrix, by Novus, D, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Makybe Drive, 9523 0231 Settlers View, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, a/r, st, d/g, Cape Meander, 1800 643 800 Rochdale, by APG, D, 4x2, t/g, Makybe Drive, 9523 0555 Diva, by Highbury Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, c/r, Makybe Drive, 1800 214 864 Four Seasons, by Shelford, S, 4x2, st, a/r, dc/p,Wanderer Parkway, 0438 389 530 or 0419 929 961

Belmont

Lincoln, by APG, D, 4x2, a/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Vaucluse Circuit, 1800 884 041

Booragoon

Aurora, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, c/r, d/g, Marmion Ave, 9242 9200

Burns Beach

Monterey, by Novus, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Backwater Circle, 9304 7505 Sanctuary, by Peter Stannard, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Backwater Circle, 9304 9822 Asheville, by APG, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g, Backwater Cir, 9304 9562

Busselton

Reflections, by Plunket, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Hawker Approach, 9751 2604 Lamont, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9754 1609

Churchlands

Viento, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, alf, Pinnata Mews, 1800 331 388 Emporio, by APG, D, 4x2, st, alf, d/g, Pinnata Mews, 9284 9013

Cottesloe

Lumiere, by RiverStone, D, 3x2, alf, Lillian St, 9436 9696

Dalyellup

Limelight II, by Highbury, D, 6x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Romanao Cres, 9304 0549 Westmont, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Romano Cres, 9202 9202

Jindalee

Connecticut, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t a/r, st, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 0417 981 911 Integra, by Novus, D, 4x2, h/t, st, t/g, alf, Jindalee Blvd, 9562 5581 Lamont, by APG, D, 4x3, a/r, st, d/g, Santa Barbara Pde, 9562 1155 Heston, by Broadway, D, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 9302 6161

Lakelands

Savana, by APG, D, 4x2, a/r, c/r, g, Cobaki Brace, 9583 3387 Lexington, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9202 9200 Berkley, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Jasper Way, 0429 939 576

Margaret River

Cape Skillion, by Rural Building Company, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Crellin Place, 9758 7058

Millbridge

Woodbridge, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g, Hatfield Way, 9724 1942

✱ $150,000 to $200,000

Plantation by Content Living in West Swan. ✱ $200,000 to $250,000

Caversham by Metrostyle in West Swan.

North Coogee

Studio 78, by Platinum Homes, D/L, 3x3, s/t, h/t, dc/p, Mewstone Cres, 0415 406 820 The Look, by Ross Griffin, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 9444 7965 Port Coogee, by Highbury, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 1800 214 864 Halcyon, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g, Arabella Lop, 1800 331 388

Provence

Bunker Bay, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9571 2604

Southern River

Michigan, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9394 0437 Churchill, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, a/r, Trumpet St, 0411 455 566 Monroe, by Broadway, D, 4x3, h/t, a/r, d/g, Harlequin Pass, 9302 6161 Caulfield, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9398 4544 Ashford, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9202 9202

Stirling

Stanford, by In-Vogue, D, 4x3, st, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Lycium Quay, 9349 7554

Vasse

Nautilus, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, st, h/t, alf, t/g, Bridgeview Entrance, 9792 0555

✱ $250,000 to $300,000

Baby Boomer Loft by Baby Boomer Homes in Aveley.

Wandi

Honeywood, by Ross North, S, 4x2, c/r, alf, d/g, Fortis Pass, 0435 081 699 Woodlands, by Lifestyle, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st. g/r, alf, t/g, Lyons Rd, 0419 049 609

Woodlands

Riviera, by APG Homes, D, 4x2, t/g, alf, h/t, a/r, Granich Gardens, 9204 1843

Yanchep

Sorrento, by Rural Building, D, 3x2, dc/p, Beachhaven Drive, 1800 643 800

Residence, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, a/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0555

Darlington

Argyle, by Rural Building, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, dc/p, Cnr Darlington and Coulston Rd, 1800 643 800

Ellenbrook

Avon Lodge, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, a/r, d/g,Adlington Way, 9366 0000

Erskine

Plaza, by National Homes, S, 3x3, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Sticks Blvd, 9534 7053 Bay Breeze, by Highbury, D, 4x2, g/r, a/r, c/r, st d/g, Sticks Blvd, 1800 214 864

KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS

Floreat

✱ S: single storey ✱ D: double storey ✱ L: loft ✱ 3x2: 3 bed, 2 bath ✱ 4x2: 4 bed, 2 bath ✱ g/r: games room ✱ h/t: home theatre ✱ a/r: activity room ✱ c/r: computer room ✱ st: study or home office ✱ alf: alfresco ✱ sc/p: single carport ✱ dc/p: double carport ✱ g: garage ✱ d/g: double garage ✱ t/g: triple garage

Toorak, by Peter Stannard, D, 4x2, st, d/g, Cnr Dunblane and Pearson, 0417 294 116

Hamilton Hill

Sienna, by Bellagio, D, 4x3, d/g, alf, Annean Lane, 9337 4500

Harrisdale

Colonnade, by APG, D, 4x2, alf, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9397 2439 Shangri-La, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 8459 Vale, by Ultimate Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Foundry Turn, 0417 951 486 Liberty, by Lifestyle Homes, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9393 2544 Avonlea, by Peter Stannard, D, 4x2, st, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9397 2454

Hillarys

Bogart, by Broadway, D, 4x3, g/r, c/r, st, d/g, Seychelles Lane, 9302 6161

Hovea

Murchison, by Benlin, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Mueller Place, 9379 9220

Iluka

Notre Dame, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Burns Beach Rd, 0418 943 549 Cove, by W&B, S, 4x2, g/r, d/g, Burns Beach Rd, 1800 802 636

✱ over $300,000

Four Seasons by Shelford Quality Homes in Baldivis.

opening hours ✱ Display homes are usually open

1pm-5pm on Sunday, 2pm-5pm on Monday and Wednesday, and 1pm-5pm on Saturday and public holidays. Please ring the builder to confirm. ✱ Price categories are correct at time of publication. Please check with the builder as to what specifications are included in the advertised price.

Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography, Stephen Tennent and supplied.

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photo FINISH

Lara

KOVACEVICH

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The fashion designer behind the new Zhivago label shows us her favourites 1

Picture: Stewart Allen

✱ Visit Zhivago at www.houseofzhivago.com.

Family

My family are so supportive of anything I do. Whether it was fashion school or getting ready to launch Zhivago, they’ve been right behind me. When I was pulling allnighters while completing my design qualifications, my aunt Mary was often sewing with me. This photo of Mary, my sister Greta, my nephews, Joel and Wesley, and myself reminds me of the crazy times we enjoy together. Friends My small circle of close friends has been in my life for years. We don’t see each other often, but we always pick up where we left off when we catch up. They’re very understanding of my hectic lifestyle, which is why we remain close. Motorbike This 1981 Triumph was left to me by my late father. As a young girl I rode with my dad on this bike all the time. Much to my mother’s disdain, the bike was kept in the house when I was a kid. Nowadays, I haven’t got the heart to keep the bike in the shed, so the Triumph enjoys pride of place in the living room. Cats Named after The Sopranos characters Pauly and Silvio, they were abandoned five-day-old feral kittens when my friend and I rescued them. They are great characters and are smart and very loving pets. Pauly eats with his paws and uses the toilet like a human. I love them to bits. Zhivago dress I am really attached to this nude mullet dress because it’s the first dress from our label that I wore and originally it was made just for me. Since then, we’ve had lots of interest in the dress from all over the

place. We were rapt to learn that this year’s Perth Fashion Festival face and supermodel Nicole Trunfio loved it so much that after grabbing it off the rack at the end of our first runway show, she took it home to New York. 6 Alexander McQueen He’s my favourite designer and I’m a devotee of everything he did. I love “ghetto jewellery” and this skull ring, bought for me by my boyfriend, Anthony, is another all-time favourite that gets worn a lot. 7 Malt Supper Club This is my favourite place to have a drink or something to eat. On November 12, Zhivago will be holding a pop-up shop at Malt as part of the Beaufort Street Festival. 8 Piano I’ve been playing since I was six years old and learnt to play on thiss 1920s piano. I’m still very attached to it and play as often as I can. 9 Shoes I am always in heels and the higher the better. As a rule, a shoe must have a platform in it and have 15cm-heels. If they have an ankle strap I can get around very comfortably from dawn to dusk. I couldn’t even walk in heels until I wass 25, so I’ve changed a lot! 10 Technology I can’t live without technology. I use my HTC phone for emails and internet on the go. I check my emails first thing when I wake up and last thing at night. I’m also obsessed with forums, which seem to have an answer for everything. I’m a bit of a geek.

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