Home Magazine Apr 29 by PerthNow

April 29 - May 5, 2012

expert advice MyGen Homes Ian Anthem on the 6-star energy rating P10

gardening Trevor Cochrane faces up to a vertical challenge P29

photo finish WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert shows us her favourites P32

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ARYLENE WESTLAKE home editor

green living WA builders have invested heavily in staff training, redesign work and computer software to be ready for the new 6-star mininum energy-rating

market place Dale Alcock Home Improvement has switched to a sustainable, thermally efficient cladding product for home extensions

build Ashwood by National Homes

expert advice Conforming to the 6-star energy requirements can be tricky when the block orientation is less than ideal

display home of the week The Retro by Summit Homes

build The Viento by Residential Attitudes

master builders How building your dream green home can give you a good return on your investment

26 18

features editor

green living Eco-friendly and energy-efficient home products are affordable and easy to find

Di Sattler

HOME editor Arylene Westlake 9326 9451 email: westlakea@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

design

most wanted Recycled and sustainable home ideas

Kim Marocchi, Michael Moralee

advertising

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

my style Clayton Chipper and Kellie Bennett’s family home in Samson is lean and green

our cover

The Jurien Bay beach house designed by Michael Yurisich of Yuro Building Design. Photography: Supplied

at home A green seaside escape

shopfront It’s Soy easy being green

A house of hay that you won’t be able to blow down

The 6-star minimum energy rating for new homes will finally come into play on Tuesday and it’s good to see builders tackling the new demands head-on. Turn to Page 4 to find out what this means to you and how it will benefit your family in the long term. In fact, learn from example and find out how Clayton Chipper and Kellie Bennett overcame the rising costs of electricity, gas and water with their new family home in Samson on Page 22.

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trends

gardening Make your walls come alive

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

photo finish WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert shows us her favourites

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BUILDERS SEE STARS

ISN’T COMPLEX ISN

DEVELOPING AD DUPLEX OR TRIPLEX

Opinions still differ on the merits of making the 6-star energy rating on all new homes mandatory from Tuesday, but builders have shown they are ready, willing and able to face the challenge, say the experts in the field

NEW 6-star minimum energy rating on all new homes in WA came into effect on May 1 last year, but a 12-month phase-in period means this Tuesday is the critical date for homebuilders to adopt the changes. A year ago, the housing industry was divided over the new rating requirements, which have been introduced to the Building Code of Australia. While many builders openly embraced the changes, others were branding 6-star as problematic, unnecessary and over the top. Twelve months on, with 6-star here to stay, you’ll still find debate about the pros and cons but WA builders are now ready, willing and able to meet the challenge. They’ve invested heavily in staff training and computer software, drawn up plans for new homes that achieve a 6-star rating or higher, modified existing designs so that they’re 6-star compliant, sourced new products and materials, and showcased energy efficient display homes. They are tuned in to passive-solar design, orientation and thermal mass; offer energyefficient features as standard; and are determined to make the transition to 6-star as smooth as possible for WA homebuyers. Although Garry Baverstock, solar architect at Ecotect-Architects and adjunct professor at Murdoch University, believes 6-star is still not enough, he says it is a welcome step forward. “The very introduction of the 6-star requirements will make designers and builders – as well as homeowners – more aware of how important it is to save energy and achieve natural comfort in our homes,” Garry says. Aside from smaller energy bills, he says there are health and environmental benefits to be gained. “For far too long, builders in WA have been able to wriggle out of delivering cost-effective, energy efficiency features in our homes,” Garry says. www.developwest.com.au Industry bodies Contact David on 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au

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such as Master Builders and the Housing Industry Association have been running training programmes for the housing industry to help make sure builders are 6-star ready. Romina De Santis, technical adviser at Master Builders, says there have been record attendances at its 6-star briefings, training sessions and events. “We have had an extra 12 months to prepare for the requirements and we are in a much stronger position now than we were 12 months ago,” Romina says. Since August last year, Master Builders has been represented on the Building Commission’s 6-star committee, which Romina says has delivered checklists for builders to demonstrate 6-star compliance, consistency for housing energy-rating software tools and further training for builders. The HIA supports energy efficiency design elements in new homes but it remains cautious as to whether the benefits of 6-star over the previous 5-star-plus system will outweigh the extra costs involved. Describing 6-star as “a slight step ahead of where it should be”, John Dastlik, executive director at the HIA, says the move to 6-star is forcing builders towards computer software modelling systems and away from the “deemed to satisfy” checklist approach. “Deemed to satisfy” worked well under the old 5-star-plus system, but is now impossibly complex under the new regulations, yet the computer software systems have been criticised for being inconsistent. “Some of the computer rating tools have been modified to be more conforming with one another – to produce closer results,” John says. “Previously the rating tools were producing substantially different results on the same house.” Homebuyers have certainly become more aware of energy rating on new homes, with many builders using “stars” to great effect when marketing display homes and off-theplan designs. Summit Homes proved to be ahead of the

game when it introduced 6-stars in March, more than a year before this Tuesday’s deadline. David Hunt, general manager new homes at the Summit Homes Group, says there’s a greater appreciation of passive-solar design and sustainable thinking among homebuyers who are realising they can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 78 per cent, add to the resale value of their home and enjoy year-round comfort. “Homebuyers are motivated to embrace sustainability and understand that a ‘green’ home no longer means an ‘ugly’ home,” David says. Using a government-approved rating tool, the Summit group, which includes Summit Homes, New Generation Homes, Easystart Homes and Lifestyle Homes, has given each of its display homes a star rating. Affordable Living Homes, Ideal Homes and Broadway Homes, which are project homebuilders within the Delstrat group of companies, have also been gearing up for change. Alicia Gangemi, general manager at Delstrat, says there will be immediate changes designed to create long-term sustainability for WA communities. “A focus on items such as products and materials, and the position and orientation of the home on the block will play a major part in the 6-star minimum rating and can be ﬁrst addressed during the initial design process,” Alicia says. The BGC group of homebuilders agrees. Encompassing WA Housing Centre, Commodore Homes and National Homes, the group has been proactive in implementing 6-star requirements ahead of time. It now offers energy-efﬁcient features such as gas-boosted solar hot-water systems and 1.5kW photovoltaic solar energy systems as standard. But Anthony Staltari, general manager at BGC Residential, warns that homebuyers need to pay close attention to the orientation of the block they choose to build on and the design they choose to build. “In some cases selecting a better-orientated

lot or alternate house design will achieve a 6-star rating with little or no amendments,” Anthony says. Ken Nair, sales and marketing manager at Ross North Homes, says much of the work needs to be done at the planning stage to keep costs down. “The simple rules such as window sizing and north-facing living areas are applied to all preliminary sketches so that when our assessors get the final working drawings most of the hard work has been done,” Ken says. While Ross North Homes is fully supportive of the move to 6-star, Ken says it’s probably come at the wrong time. “With a depressed market, high cost of land and the impending carbon tax, it just makes housing affordability for the first homebuyer even more unaffordable,” he says. Dale Alcock, managing director at the ABN Group, which includes brands such as Dale Alcock Homes, Webb & Brown-Neaves and Homebuyers Centre, also has reservations about the regulated increase. He’s also concerned that the rating system focuses on the way in which a house heats and cools itself and that a computer calculation of a design may not actually translate into a 6-star house once it’s been built. “The other point that needs to be considered is that this kind of rating system doesn’t alter people’s behaviour,” Dale says. While homeowners have the potential to make some energy savings if they use their new home as designed, 6-star only takes into account the building fabric. It doesn’t take into account owner behaviours or a range of “green” technologies. Jay Walter, general manager at The Rural Building Company, part of the JWH Group that includes In-Vogue, WA Country Builders and Plunkett Homes, also doubts whether the new mandatory minimum will bring the desired results. He argues that increasing a home’s energy rating will not affect how people live in the home and says we should be placing more focus on items such as sensor lights, draught stoppers for doors and enclosing living spaces for more efficient heating and cooling. “Some homeowners will be affected more than others,” Jay says. “They need to pay consideration to the block they build on and which design they choose. Changing the size of a window or adding a door to a hallway can affect an energy rating.” Things are not much different at the top end of the market, where there are more dollars to spend on one-off custom-designed homes that often have vast windows to take in views. Paul Marshall, director at luxury homebuilder RiverStone, says buyers need to be aware that views to the south and west can cause significant problems, adding as much as 15 per cent to the cost of the home if they want to retain large areas of glass. “In practical terms, the homeowner is going to notice that there are far more design restrictions on new home designs,” Paul says. “All land buyers who are considering a block with its backyard to the south will have to consider the need to reduce glass areas, add insulation cost or move outdoor areas to the front of the block.” On the flipside, don’t be surprised if blocks with north-facing backyards start carrying a premium price tag. Paula Evans Pictured from top: Garry Baverstock; Romina De Santis; John Dastlik; David Hunt; Alicia Gangemi; Anthony Staltari; Ken Nair; Dale Alcock; Jay Walter; and Paul Marshall.

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With 6-star energy ratings compulsory from this week, Dale Alcock Home Improvement has taken a great leap forward in reducing the environmental footprint with the use of the thermally efficient Greenboard cladding system for external walls

ENOVATORS adding extra space to their home could be accused of “double-dipping” on the sustainability front by using NRG’s thermally efﬁcient Greenboard expanded foam cladding system for external walls. Not only does the system offer great insulation properties, but it also requires less energy to produce than traditional building materials and contains no ozone-depleting substances. Dale Alcock Home Improvement made the switch to Greenboard last year and is believed to be the only WA renovation company using the product. The renovation and home extensions specialist had already been using a similar thermally efﬁcient expanded foam cladding system after moving away from the old blueboard cladding system that offered no insulation properties. “When we went to a foam cladding system as our standard product, we could get R2.8 in the walls without insulation and then add another R1.5 if the client wanted to upgrade with insulating batts to take the R value up further,” says Steve Grehan, general manager at Dale Alcock Home Improvement. “The system gives us far greater R values that are just huge compared with what you could get before.” The company then went one step further, changing to the “greener” Greenboard version of the system at no extra cost to its clients.

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Steve says the insulating properties are the same but Greenboard is manufactured without CFCs and does not contain or emit any poisonous gases. What’s more, any waste product can be recycled. Made from 98 per cent air trapped in a closed cellular structure of polystyrene, Greenboard can be used for single-storey extensions as well as two-storey additions. “With the 6-star minimum energy rating upon us, the system allows design flexibility and helps us achieve our R values as required,” Steve says. He says the move to Greenboard shows Dale Alcock Home Improvement is ahead of the game, sourcing products that will help homebuyers reduce their environmental footprint, and offering them as standard. Each of the company’s projects is designed with passive-solar design principles and crossventilation in mind. Items such as WELS-rated tapware, smart-flush waterwise toilets, weather seals on external doors and R3.0 insulation batts are also offered as standard. The company also works with local specialists Instant Waste Management to make sure construction waste is sent for recycling. “Every item that is removed from site, whether it’s sand, bricks, concrete, rubble, wall tiles or floor tiles, all goes to recycling,” Steve says. “Sand is sold as fill and bricks are crushed up and used as road base.”

Behind the scenes, at its ofﬁces within the Dale Alcock Central building in Osborne Park, the company has also introduced a number of initiatives to make sure it keeps its own environmental footprint to a minimum.

Its ofﬁces use 25 per cent GreenPower accredited renewable energy, more than half of its supervisors’ vehicles run on gas, and the company takes part in a tree-planting initiative to help offset vehicle emissions. Paula Evans

Greenboard building products are being used by Dale Alcock Home Improvement. Picture: Supplied

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lifestyle and luxury many of today’s buyers demand. National has also developed a more budgetfriendly version of the Ashwood that has a streamlined speciﬁcation and can be built from $209,465. Paula Evans

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ATIONAL Homes is encouraging homebuyers to use the free heat of the sun to generate electricity and produce hot water. With a view to cutting household electricity bills and creating a more sustainable environment, the builder is including a 3000-litre gas-boosted solar hotwater system and a 1.5kW solar power generation system as standard in all its display home specifications. Part of BGC Residential, National Homes is also making sure that all its home designs capitalise on the natural heating and cooling powers of the sun and the wind by making passive-solar design and cross-ventilation top priorities. “With energy costs continuing to rise, an improvement to a home’s energy efficiency is a good thing,” says Anthony Staltari, general manager at BGC Residential. The Ashwood, on display in Ellenbrook, carries the builder’s full list of energy-efficient and resource-saving standard features, including R3.0 insulation batts to the ceilings, solar-efficient eaves to the living areas, 4-star WELS-rated Smart Flush toilets by Caroma, weather seals to all doors and windows, and draught stoppers to exhaust fans. A supremely stylish family home, it also has big, beautiful north-facing living areas that are flooded with natural light and designed to take advantage of warming winter sun. Raking ceilings emphasise height and volume in the kitchen and dining room, flowing out to the alfresco via double sliding doors for effortless indoor/outdoor living. “The Ashwood is a home that reflects the social side of the Australian lifestyle,” Anthony says. A low-line pebble fireplace accentuates the relaxed resort vibe of the display home, which features interiors by Coco Republic. “The home has a distinct resort-style feel and the furnishings, as well as the design, will be certain to attract attention from discerning buyers,” Anthony says. Close to both the living area and the alfresco, the kitchen highlights smooth contemporary styling, with 900mm-wide appliances, an island bench with integrated breakfast bar, a built-in wine rack, a double-door laminated pantry, stone benchtops and lots of pot drawers and overhead cupboards.

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expert ADVICE

Even display homes have to conform to the new 6-star energy requirements, though the blocks allocated to builders in a display village may not have the ideal orientation, says MyGen Homes sales and marketing manager Ian Anthem

N Tuesday, WA joins other states in mandating a 6-star energy rating for all new homes. Although this has been on the horizon for quite some time, there is still confusion as to exactly what it means for visitors to display homes.

Essentially, the energy rating of a new home takes into account: The location of the block The orientation of the home on the block The design of the home The materials and methods used in the construction ✱ Insulation ✱ The number and size of windows and their position ✱ Ventilation and shading ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

Builders face the same sort of choices when they come to build a new display home in a display village. It may surprise some new

homebuyers to learn that we don’t always have ﬁrst choice of block and, in many cases, the solar orientation of a block we are allocated is less than ideal. Despite this, the builder must still produce a home that meets 6-star requirements, is attractive and presentable to the buying public, and ultimately comfortable for the people who move in once the home’s display days are over. In this regard, our position is similar to everyone building a new home. The ﬁrst thing to consider is the geographical position of the block, with Perth being divided into four zones by rating software. Each climate zone presents its own challenges and, in fact, more effort is devoted to making homes warmer in winter without the use of heating than making them naturally cooler in summer. Since our decision to build in a new display village is based on much more than its climate

zone, we are again in a similar position to the general buyer, who will be paying greater attention to things such as lifestyle, and closeness to family, friends, work, school and amenities. Orientation of the house on the block and its relationship with the sun is very important. For many current designs, the ideal block is probably one with its front to the south and rear to the north, but numerous blocks don’t ﬁt this scenario and good design and common sense must be applied in meeting the energyrating guidelines. In general, we seek to place living areas to the north with non-habitable rooms such as bathrooms and laundries preferably to the west, but we’ll take into account things such as views and the types of housing that might be to either side. Builders of new display homes face something of an additional challenge here in that, like everyone else, we’ll be seeking to limit

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our use of artiﬁcial light but we’ll also want to show the living areas of the house to good advantage in the mid to late afternoon, which is when display homes are open for viewing. The same consideration must be given to glazing – the size and position of windows is important. We are seeking to increase natural light, while still remembering that a better energy rating will be achieved by maximising windows on northern elevations and reducing them to the west and to the south. A question we’re often asked by clients in designing their new homes is: “What if I really want it this way, even though that’s not the best option for its energy rating?” Again, builders sometimes are faced with a similar problem because we might have a particular well-proven house design that we really want to display in a given village. But what if it doesn’t suit our block? The answer is that most designs can be made

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$328,272

Smeg stainless steel kitchen package • 900mm Hotplate • 900mm Oven • 900mm Rangehood

Build a two-storey home with In-Vogue or Renowned Homes this month and you’ll receive a Smeg stainless steel kitchen package. For more visit in-vogue.com.au or renownedhomes.com.au

Ph: 0431 176 825 | Mandurah, Cobaki Place, Lakelands (Lexington) Ph: 9583 3743.

Visit rbwa.com.au or call 9202 9274 HOME

Proud builder of the Telethon Home since 2006

GC_JRW117

Display homes open Sat & Sun 1-5pm, Mon & Wed 2-5pm | Churchlands Green, 2 Priornotes Corner (Luna) Ph: 9202 9263 all hours | Port Coogee, Draper Street (Korda) Ph: 0416 112 277 | Iluka, Romano Cresent (Westmont) Ph: 9202 9262 all hours | Wandi, Bruny Meander (New York) Ph: 9202 9348 | Southern River, Aldenham Drive (Ashford)

to suit most blocks, but at a cost. If we use the example of a coastal home with stunning sea views to the west, we face the thorny issue of needing to minimise glass to the west to help our energy rating. In fact, there are types of glass and window designs that will help us achieve our views without the same energy premium – but they cost more. Likewise, the use of different types of pergolas with mechanically adjusted shading, additional insulation, roof venting that can be switched off in winter and other products can be used in different situations, but all at a price. In short, the best way to approach the 6-star energy-rating requirement is to pick your block and design your house accordingly, but there are very few situations that are perfect in every detail and there are ways around most problems. Talk to your builder – they’ve faced the same problems themselves.

GC_JIV464

Picture: Theo Fakos

Renowned for turning narrow lots into stunning homes. WM

BED 4

3320 x 3430

BONUS Smeg Stainless Steel Kitchen Package VALUED $5,500

WIL

WIR

L'DRY

REC

EN ENS

MASTER SUITE

• 900mm Hotplate • 900mm Oven • 900mm Rangehood

3800 x 4190

ROBE

ENS

BED 3

GUEST SUITE WC

3310 x 3810

3020 x 3300

OFFICE 2600 x 3500

WIL FR

VERANDAH

KITCHENETTE

4040 x 4810

LIVING 4840 x 5000

raking 13

BIN STORE

11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ENTRY

raking

14 15

DINING 3550 x 4690

KITCHEN

LOUNGE

GARAGE

LAM PTY GAS HP

UBO

BALCONY B PORCH

REMOTE CONTROL SECTIONAL DOOR

raking

Build a Renowned narrow lot two-storey home in April and you’ll receive a bonus Smeg stainless kitchen package. View our range of 10m and 12m designs at renownedhomes.com.au

raking

HENLEY | $417,972

AWARD WINNING TWO-STOREY NARROW LOT DESIGNS FROM $254,715 Displays Homes Open: Sat + Sun 1-5pm, Mon + Wed 2-5pm Churchlands Green - 2 Prionotes Cnr, phone Travis: 9202 9263 all hours Port Coogee HIA Award Winner- Draper Street, phone Craig: 0416 112 277

9202 9255 | sales@renownedhomes.com.au | 65 Walters Drive, Osborne Park | renownedhomes.com.au HOME

display home OF THE WEEK

EFFICIENT MOVE

OING the extra mile meant this Margaret River display home was a clear winner for a coveted industry award for energy efficiency. The Retro by Summit Homes took home the Master Builders Bankwest South-West Building Excellence Award last month, boasting an 8.2 energy rating based on climate zone 52 (Swanbourne) with an eastern orientation. It also received an independent 6-star energy rating certification for a number of features that support sustainability and meet current building code standards. The Retro, which costs just under $330,000 in the South-West, features a striking yet simple design. The skillion roof gives the facade a timelessness, while the bold red theme flowing throughout the house provides a contemporary spin inside. But the home hides some fantastic features that make it both comfortable and walletfriendly for homebuyers. “The main challenges were overcome with its many design features and a high level of specification enabled the 6-star energy requirements to be satisfied,” says David Hunt, Summit South West’s general manager of new homes. Air-cell insulation in the wall cavities provides the entire home with thermal protection, while R4.0 insulation batts in the roof, garage and alfresco area stabilises internal temperatures. “And, as a general rule, we encourage homebuyers to position the main habitable rooms, such as the living areas, as north-facing and the less habitable rooms as south-facing,” David says. “The careful use of glazing on specific room areas also assists with energy efficiency in that the ratio of glass to brick ensures that heat transfer is kept to a minimum.”

In terms of savings, David says all of the initiatives mean homebuyers can save up to 78 per cent in heating and cooling costs. When designing the Retro, the team from Summit Homes aimed to create a functional home that maximised front living options and entertainment areas. “It is the first home in our range with a striking skillion roof feature that not only looks great but is practical in that it allows light to penetrate the home and adds a sense of space with the high ceilings,” David explains. The free-form living and dining areas open into the alfresco, with an adjacent open bar in the den defining the ultimate home entertaining space. The massive kitchen hides a separate scullery. The location of the bedrooms also keeps them insulated from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment areas, and the master bedroom is the perfect retreat as it sits at the back of the property. “The C-shape design allows the sun into the centre of the home and assist with winter warmth,” David says. “The home really proves that great style never goes out of fashion – not just with the elevation and overall design but also with the fit-out, which cleverly harks back to the ’60s and ’70s.” Arylene Westlake

winner

MASTER BUILDERS BANKWEST SOUTH-WEST BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 Excellence in Energy Efficiency

Live like a star in The Hollywood II Whether you’re starting from scratch or modifying one of our designs, Highbury Homes unique Flexibuildity allows you more freedom and involvement with the design, specification, location and look of your home.

Versions from $240,544 Dream spec from $345,284

Display Home locations

HOME

THE DIVA - Baldivis, Makybe Drive THE BAY BREEZE - Erskine, Sticks Blvd THE HOLLYWOOD II - Hocking, Elliot Rd THE LIMELIGHT II – Iluka, Romano Cres THE HORIZON - Port Coogee, Orsino Blvd

Freecall 1800 214 864 highburyhomes.com.au

HHST-290412

Scan QR code for more information about The Hollywood II

RETRO ✱ builder ✱

✱ ✱

Our 100 years of experience means that you’re

Summit Homes price $361,540 (Perth metro) $329,900 (South-West) location Crellin Place, Margaret River open Today, 1pm-5pm; Monday and Wednesday, 2pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm; and public holidays, 1pm-5pm phone Glenn Mullane, 0422 914 884 website www.summitnewhomes.com.au

building a home with someone you can...

essentials Jeremy Muir Group Sales Manager

✱ size

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

306.53sq m, including veranda, alfresco and garage width 14.39m depth 26.83m bedrooms Four, or three plus study bathrooms Two, plus powder room garage 37.68sq m

BLETCHLEY PARK . $342,830.

features ✱ Energy rating of 8.2 ✱ High ceilings ✱ Master suite has direct outdoor access ✱ Kitchen with separate scullery

EXPOSED BEAM

WIR ALFRESCO

KITCHEN DW REC

WIP

MASTER SUITE DROPPED BULKHEAD OVER AT 31C

4.53 x 4.35 RAISED CEILING 34C

PAVED

M/W REC

6.23 x 6.11 OVERALL

PAVED

VERANDAH 2

PAVED DRIVEWAY AND PATH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

RAISED CEILING 31C RAISED CEILING 34C WC PDR

4.41 x 6.82 FACE BRICK HEARTH

10.67 x 5.22 OVERALL

DINING

BATH

ENS GALLERY WC

ROBE

ENTRY

RAISED CEILING 31C

SHR

FAMILY

RAISED CEILING 34C

STUDY 3.00 x 4.98

LINEN

ROBE TOP ONLY

SHR

BED 4 3.00 x 4.55

BED 3

BED 2

3.00 x 3.46

BATH

HOME THEATRE

RAISED CEILING 31C

✱ The unique floor plan ensures the bedrooms are well insulated from the noise that might emerge from the open bar and entertaining area.

REMOTE SECTIONAL GARAGE DOOR

trade secrets

EXPOSED BEAM

DOUBLE GARAGE

L’DRY

BATH

VOID UNDER

CEILING 28C

VERANDAH 1

VERANDAH 1 EXPOSED BEAM EXPOSED BEAM

The Bletchley Park is a big family home that effortlessly blends federation style with contemporary living. Raised ceilings, bright open spaces and a huge open plan living, dining and kitchen area that opens onto a covered alfresco area are just some of the stand out features of this delightful home.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

COMPLIMENTARY DAY-LONG CONSULTATION WITH YOUR NEW PLUNKETT HOME.

Over 100 years of experience built into every home. wir

bed 3 l’dry bath bed 2

ensuite

bed 1

NEW Chittering Lodge – Solaia Loop, Woodvale.

• Rose Bay – Monticello Meander, Landsdale.

• Australis – Fortis Pass, Wandi.

• Toorak – Burlington Drive, Baldivis.

• Avon Lodge – Adlington Pass, Ellenbrook.

Displays Open: Monday & Wednesday 2-5pm.

pdr

• Bletchley Park – Michigan Turn, Southern River.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 1-5pm.

wil

• Cable Beach – Shipmaster Avenue, Alkimos.

• Leederville – 2 Byron Street, Leederville.

• Kartika – Jasper Way, Lakelands.

Display Open: Saturday & Sunday 2-4pm

wir alfresco

den

scullery

✱ Visit the new Display Home kitchen

study/ bed 4

living/ dining

of the Week gallery at PerthNow and feast your eyes on more of the Retro’s impressive features.

BEST NATIONAL DISPLAY HOME UNDER $250,000 The Resort

WINNER Contract Homes $230,000 - $280,000 Dirkhartog Rd, Bullcreek

entry Builders Reg No 7995 RARE_PLH19662F

double garage

veranda

Visit plunketthomes.com.au or call 9366 0100 (all hours) HOME

build UNDER $800,000

VIENTO ✱ builder

Residential Attitudes ✱ price

$763,093 ✱ location

Pinnata Mews, Churchlands Green ✱ open

Today, 1pm-5pm; Wednesday, 2pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm ✱ phone 1800 331 388 ✱ website www.residentialattitudes.com.au

essentials ✱ size

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

338sq m, including balcony, porch, alfresco, garage and store width 11.4m depth 25.46m bedrooms Four bathrooms Two, plus powder room garage 46sq m, including store

features ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

bin

double garage

store bbq/ pizza oven

l’dry br kitchen wil

trade secrets

alfresco free-form living

Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography ens wir

pdr

ground floor

study/ guest

wir

porch

wir

entry

store bed 1

wir

bed 4

bar

study nook st

✱ Clean-burning ethanol fireplaces do not require a flue, making them a great feature for indoors or out.

A NATURAL FIT

GARDEN that grows vertically? A shallow pool of water that acts as an bed upper 3 airconditioner? A solar courtyard? floor Welcome to the Viento, a sassy, lin resource-saving, 6-star home by Residential bath Attitudes. Demonstrating how to harness the bed wc 2 elements for natural heating and cooling, this double-storey sensation in Churchlands is no studio dull, predictable “greenie”. void Sharp and modern, with clean lines and a contemporary attitude, it shows that stylish balcony design can be environmentally friendly without compromising on aesthetics. “The Viento demonstrates that a home can be visually attractive while being energyefﬁcient and sustainable,” says Brook Leber, principal designer at Residential Attitudes. “In the past, ‘sustainable’ homes tended to sacriﬁce style for sustainability whereas this home is an example of both.” Built on a cottage lot in Churchlands Green estate, the eco-conscious Viento – which takes its name from the Spanish word for wind – is a family-sized residence ideal for 13m-wide NEED ADVICE? CALL US NOW... blocks. Brook says the display is a classic Developing a duplex or triplex isn’t complex example of designing to suit a block’s when you enjoy the Developwest D experience. orientation. “With the careful balance of glazing, solar protection, room placement and thermal mass, the home optimises passive-solar design, enabling it to meet the new 6-star energy requirements without compromising on www.developwest.com.au style or budget,” Contact David on 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 he says. or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au

BUYING A

DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK?

02 43

HOME

Water breezeway Photovoltaic cells ComfortPlus glazing Vertical garden Rainwater tank Studio

One of the most surprising features is the water breezeway that runs alongside the bank of bifolding doors to the southwest side. Taking inspiration from ancient Moorish palaces, it’s been designed to act as a low-tech evaporative airconditioner. Brook says breezes blow across the shallow pool of water and the cooled air is drawn into the house. The vertical garden beyond the water breezeway adds interest and natural greenery without taking up valuable space on the small block. There is also a funky ethanol ﬁreplace integrated into the structure. A solar courtyard to the northern side captures warming winter sunshine and merges seamlessly with the alfresco and the light-ﬁlled free-form living area. Shedding its leaves in the cooler months to let in the sun’s rays, the large deciduous tree in the solar courtyard provides shade during the summer. The Viento is a classic example of getting the orientation and cross-ventilation spot-on so that the sun and the wind can do much of the work for you when it comes to heating and cooling the house. ComfortPlus glazing and eaves to shade windows and doors boost the home’s natural heating and cooling abilities. Residential Attitudes has also included a photovoltaic solar system to generate electricity, concealing the PV panels by working with the structure of the house rather than having them impact on its look. In the alfresco, a barbecue kitchen, pizza oven, large comfortable sofas and vertical herb garden enhance the Viento’s indoor/outdoor

vibe and create an outdoor retreat for yearround relaxing and entertaining. Drought-tolerant plants, a rainwater tank and artiﬁcial turf have been added for their water-saving credentials. Even details such as the drying courtyard, which has been placed to catch winter rays and drying sea breezes, have been considered with greener, healthier living in mind. There are plenty of details for visual impact, too, including a suspended staircase, high raking ceilings, sleek cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms, and a bold orange display box showcasing the beauty and versatility of Staron Solid Surfaces in the living area. Outside, a stone-clad wall and skillion roof marry natural materials with wow-factor design elements. Versions of the Viento start at $475,655. Paula Evans

MAKE IT YOUR IDEAL HOME (JUST TICK THE BOXES Q )

CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL ELEVATION

CLASSIC

MODERN

CONTEMPORARY

OR CREATE YOUR OWN ELEVATION Q

CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL PLAN 3270 x 3500

4180 x 7280

MODENA

S&R

BED 4

ALFRESCO

BED 3 3760 x 3010 S&R

264m2 total area

$168,990

BATH DINING

CALL TODAY TO PERSONALISE YOUR IDEAL HOME

3870 x 3540

WC WM REC

L'DRY KITCHEN LINEN UBO

FAMILY 4640 x 5470

S&R

THREE FOUR FIVE +

BED 2 H/P

CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL NO. OF BEDROOMS

3770 x 2910

PTY

Q Q Q

6200 2022 all hours

FZ FR REC REC

STUDY

CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL ROOMS

THEATRE

3730 x 2700

5760 x 3700

GAMES ROOM STUDY HOME THEATRE PRAYER ROOM STORE ROOM COMPUTER NOOK ACTIVITY ALFRESCO BAR SCULLERY HOME GYM 3 CAR GARAGE OTHER

GARAGE WC

ENS

HIS

HERS

S&R

ENTRY

ONE0421 IDL-SEA ST 290412

BED 1 3730 x 4000

PORCH REMOTE SECTIONAL DOOR

OR CHOOSE FROM OVER 60 DESIGNS at idealhomes.com.au

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

idealhomes.com.au Display Homes Open Sat 1-5pm, Sun 12-5pm, Mon & Wed 2-5pm. The Massimo Greylock Meander, Madeley.

The Aston Botanic Ave, Banksia Grove.

The Armani (by Appt only) Safford Ave, Aveley.

The Capri St Leonards Bvd, West Swan.

The Havana Claret Ash Blvd, Baldivis.

The Bellucci NEW Burlington Dr, Baldivis.

Individual Design, Inspir ational Quality

lla idja Loop

Nidjalla Loop

Alfred Road

At Seacrest Homes we create individually designed Award Winning homes of the highest quality. You choose the style and design that suits your lifestyle and taste and then let us do the rest, whether it’s a classical or contemporary elevation or a design tailored to a narrow block, our design team welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs. For a special viewing please call Mary Musuruca 0411 733 047

he Seville, Nidjalla Loop, Swanbourne Display Home Open Sat & Sun 2pm - 5pm 2010 & 2011 HIA - Housing Awards Finalist, Display Homes $1,200,001 & Over

Tel 9302 6220 all hours seacresthomes.com.au

master BUILDERS

GAVAN FORSTER

✱ Properly locate and size windows, shading and ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

window treatments Select appropriate insulation for your home Locate ventilation and reduce draught Install efficient lighting Assess viable water-recycling options

A-Z BUILDING information Much can be done to reduce water consumption in a new home, says Master Builders technical adviser Romina De Santis

Picture: iStockphoto.com/Ladida

HE key to reducing water usage is to reduce water pressure – efficient showerheads, taps and toilets can conserve a significant amount of water in a new home. An inefficient showerhead, for example, uses 20 to 30 litres of water every minute while an efficient one provides a high-quality shower using less than 9-litres of water a minute. More than 40 per cent of residential scheme water usage is in the outdoor areas of a new home. Sensible garden and lawn design can reduce this.

Possible strategies include: ✱ Use soil conditioners and improvers instead

of the standard sand, Dynamic Lifter and lawn solutions

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

My paving bricks, which I personally laid a year ago, now look very unsightly and have lots of gaps where the sand has eroded. How can I keep them looking good? One advantage of clay brick paving is that it does not fade and generally requires little maintenance. Usually sweeping and hosing will keep them looking good, but high-pressure cleaning might be needed where there is excessive garden grime or where moss may have grown.This can be slippery and needs to be removed. If you do use high-pressure cleaning, make sure you sweep the jointing sand back in. You will need to maintain the sand joints, preferably using white, washed sand. Also be careful not to dump garden mulch on paved areas. To prevent the growth of fungus, use a copper-sulphate and water solution. The copper sulphate will remain in the pavers and inhibit growth of the fungus. It also pays to have paving work done professionally. There is always a temptation to try to do it yourself with something like paving, which looks simple. However, as with most things, unless you have experience this can be more expensive. Site preparation is critical on the job to help prevent future subsidence, as is the patterning of the bricks. You will also need to determine what pavers are most suitable for your circumstances. For example, standard pavers may be unsuited for driveways where heavy vehicles are parked. Also be careful where you pave – tree roots can be a problem, causing bricks to rise and creating an uneven walking surface that can cause someone to trip.

✱ 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

✱ Carefully plan lawn and garden bed emitters –

use coarse-drop sprays to minimise over-spray and adjustable drippers to each plant ✱ The sensible use of natural and artificial windbreaks can reduce irrigation losses. Mounds, shrubs, trees, fences, walls and pergolas can be part of a planned landscape to minimise wastage ✱ Zoning the garden into high, low and no-water areas. Other innovative solutions can also be used inside and outside the home. Soakwells should be installed in free-draining soils to accommodate drainage water. Roof run-off and direct surface run-off from paved areas can also supplement watering. There are other rainwater collection options you can beneﬁt from, too, such as rainwater tanks.

35 years of building experience. An excellent history.

Consider also the design and location of your water heater and pipework. Ideally, a water heater should be located within 5m of the main bathroom and laundry. Smaller sinks and tubs with pop-up waste outlets which discourage running taps are also a good idea. Taps can also have aerators to reduce airﬂow and splash while spring-loaded controls prevent running taps. Carefully choose your laundry appliances. Clothes washers should have sudsaver capability with a low detergent/low rinse option. Use of surplus grey water can also be channelled into garden areas, but check with your local council if this is allowed in your area.

PRESTON ELEVATION

Every home we build must satisfy a set of premium standards and receive our Award of Excellence. s Every home is inspected prior to completion by our highly qualified Building Manager and issued with a signed Award of Excellence.

s Every one of the 100+ home designs we offer must meet the exacting standards of Ross North Homes.

s Every home is designed with 6 star energy efficiency thinking built-in.

Similar home on display. Preston – Dealey Elbow, Harrisdale

2080116ST20120108

$226,690

Similar home on display. Trinity – Callosa Cresent, Alkimos

The Trenton

$215,390

ROSS NORTH BUILDS AWARD WINNING, ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES.

VISIT displayhomeswa.com.au FOR EASY VIEWING OF:

HOME

The Plymouth

“With over 100 designs to choose from, you’re sure to find a home to suit your lifestyle and block within your budget. We can save you countless weekends looking around by speaking with one of our consultants who is professionally trained to find you that dream home you have been looking for.” HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES AVAILABLE ALL AREAS FROM YANCHEP TO DAWSVILLE.

A reputation built on excellence

WANT TO VISIT 69 DISPLAY HOMES THIS WEEKEND? Display houses Single and double story New home designs Floor plans Photo galleries Building suppliers and services Display villages

TRINITY ELEVATION

Year round comfort and style

6 ENERGYEFFICIENCY

Brought to you by

NOT TOO HOT NOT TOO CHILLI

With refrigerated, ducted, reverse cycle air and Essa Stone benchtops included.

www.rossnorthhomes.com.au All Ross North Homes are 6 Star Rated, subject to orientation and the climate zone they are built in. Any variation to the design and materials may affect this rating.

HEAD OFFICE 5 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant Telephone 9431 8036 Facsimile 9431 8096 sales@rossnorthhomes.com.au DISPLAY HOME OPENING HOURS Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm, Monday & Wednesday 2-5pm DISPLAY LOCATIONS ALKIMOS Callosa Cresent (Trinity) 0423 398 220 ALKIMOS Topsail Loop (Alkimos) 0407 385 500 BALDIVIS Strathmore Close (Strathmore) 0435 081 699 HARRISDALE Dealey Elbow (Preston) 0418 935 289 LANDSDALE Monticello Meander (Monticello) 0418 913 800 SOUTHERN RIVER Trumpet Way (Churchill) 0411 455 566 THE VINES Adlington Way (Lexia) 0419 961 846 WANDI Fortis Pass (Honeywood) 0405 347 958 WEST SWAN St Leonard Blvd (Da Vinci) 0413 758 404

CreativeADM RNG25217

The builder or a designer should work with you to choose a suitable display home for your block or customise one. They should assist you to:

Making wise choices during the building process can also reduce environmental impact during construction. The use of prefabricated building materials can reduce on-site waste, and managing litter and any water run-off is also important. Waste can be separated to facilitate recycling of products such as plastics, metals, cardboard, timber offcuts and rubble. Reducing or recycling waste can save on disposal costs, too, as well as reducing waste that goes to landﬁll. Additionally, there are many things you can do to ensure better indoor air quality. Selecting suitable paints is crucial and many low-volatile organic compound paint options are available. It is also worth choosing furniture, carpets and glues that do not emit potentially harmful chemicals into the air. The ﬁt-out of your new home is also important. You will save if you select suitably sized airconditioners, whitegoods and entertainment units. It is especially important that you choose a TV or airconditioner that is sized for the room it sits in, and consider their impact on your power bills. By thinking about and researching the environmental and budgetary impacts of your construction choices – and considering whole life-cycle costs – you should be able to design your dream green home that is comfortable to live in and manages your cost of living in the home. Happy building!

HERE are lots of things you can do to build your green home in WA and save on your expenses. It starts from the time you choose your land, where passive-solar design can play a huge role in delivering real savings in heating and cooling costs in your home. East and west areas can get uncomfortably hot in summer because of exposure to the sun and so are best suited to utility rooms, such as garages, laundries, bathrooms and storage. As such, the sun’s position in summer and winter means north-facing rooms remain at a comfortable temperature all year round. Northern areas are perfect for living rooms, such as family rooms, kitchens and indoor/ outdoor entertaining areas. Choose a block that allows you to sensibly orientate your home. Another thing to consider is the type of building materials you prefer. Rooﬁng choices will impact on the cost of living in your home, while brick will offer thermal mass and can help achieve good energy efﬁciency ratings at a reasonable cost. But there are lots of non-brick walling

products that can also achieve high star ratings for your dream home in a cost-effective way. You can also choose recycled construction products that can reduce the production impact of your building project on our environment. Consider the embodied energy used to produce the materials from natural resources; the transportation costs from where the materials are manufactured; and then the energy used to construct the building when using new material. Of course, choosing a suitable builder is also crucial. You can ask them about what they do to deliver sustainable homes, and what construction materials and methods they use. Most builders are committed to delivering sustainable homes and will discuss your options with you. You can visit mbawa.com to search out a Master Builder in your price range and who builds in your area.

Building your dream green home can give you a good return on your investment, says Master Builders director of communications Geoff Cooper

Picture: iStockphoto.com/sorbetto

HOME

green LIVING

Miele DA 6390 W ECO Features ✱ Range hood that can reduce energy consumption

by up to 70 per cent when compared with conventional models ✱ Energy-efficient features include intelligent power management and new digital current motor ✱ High-performance LED lights use only 2W of energy every hour ✱ Available in an island or wall-mounted design $2999, from Miele, www.miele.com.au

Caroma Profile 5 Features ✱ Toilet suite with integrated handbasin ✱ Australia’s first 5-star-rated toilet suite ✱ Incorporates an integrated dual-flush push button

and spout combination designed to lower total bathroom water usage ✱ Fresh water is first used for handwashing and then flows into the cistern to flush the toilet $884, from Caroma, www.caroma.com.au, phone: 13 14 16

GREENER PASTURES

Graf Platin n Underground Tank

Carrying reusable bags to the supermarket, using low-energy globes, turning lights off in areas not in use and sorting recyclable items destined for landfill are just some of the ways you can turn green

ROM your lights to your flooring and everything in-between, it’s easier than ever to be green around the home. Eco-friendly and energy-efficient homewares are affordable and easy to find, so there’s simply no excuse not to do your bit. Jenny Tranter from State of Green believes the benefits of being green are far-reaching. “Just small efforts make such a big difference,” she says. “Using phosphate-free laundry detergent helps keep our waterways cleaner. Using products that are biodegradable or recyclable helps minimise landfill. Energy-efficient products use less resources and cost less to run. “Composting vegetable scraps or adding them to a worm farm provides nutrients to your garden, helps it to grow, and provides a viable habitat for our local birds and animals to thrive. “Even looking at old pieces of furniture and giving them a smart makeover can extend their life for another 20 years.” Being green around the home doesn’t require a big investment or maximum effort – a few small changes can make a big difference.

lateralaspect.apg5405

panorama

“There are many things households can do that just require a change in habit,” Jenny says. “These include ensuring you sort the recyclable products from other items destined for landfill, using reusable bags at the supermarket instead of plastic bags, turning off lights and extra refrigerators when not in use and closing off doors when heating/cooling your home. “You can also help by using low-energy light globes and changing over taps and showerheads to water-efficient ones. “If renovating, homeowners can incorporate recycled and sustainable timber products, and ensure the house is well insulated.” Water efficiency is a big part of creating a green household, says Dr Steve Cummings, research and development manager at GWA Bathrooms and Kitchens, owners of bathroom brand Caroma. “There’s no doubt that every drop counts and consumers are definitely responding to waterefficient technology,” he says. “Consumers have become increasingly more environmentally conscious over the last 10 years and understand the importance

of water-saving measures and technologies, including the WELS rating system.” Steve says the government estimates that by choosing more water-efﬁcient products, Australians could save more than $600 million through reduced water and energy gy bills by 2021. “It also estimates that by the same ame date, using water-efficient WELS ELS products will help reduce household old water use by 5 per cent each year and nd save us about 610,000 megalitress – more water than there is in Sydney ey Harbour,” he says. Jenny Tranter says Australian n homeowners are fast becoming ng greener as they realise how their lifefestyle can impact on the environment. nt. “Consumers are increasingly asking ng where products are from, what mateaterials have gone into their design and whether they are biodegradable, recyclable or made from sustainable sources,” urces,” she says. Lisa Shearon

Features ✱ Underground rainwater tank ✱ Minimum installation depth ✱ Specifically designed for storage

underground ✱ Award-winning German design,

made in Australia From $3823, from Reece, www.reece. com.au, phone: 1800 032 566

Cr Crometta 85 Gr Green Fea Features ✱W Water-saving showerhead range from

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eco choice WE all need to do our little bit for the environment and a great way to start is by using sustainable homewares. Just because they are better for the environment doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean they skimp on quality or style, as these fabulous local and international products show. Alyesha Anderson Products: Sourced by Alyesha Anderson and Lisa Shearon Pictures: Supplied 8 6

1. Hirst recycled vintage rug by Sartori, $8900, from Ultimo Interiors, Osborne Park, www. ultimointeriors.com.au. 2. Salad bowls, 34cm wide, handmade in Vietnam from sustainable bamboo, $35 each, from Eco Chic, www.ecochic.com.au. 3. Avery Bluebird cushion, $70, with fill made from recycled PET drink bottles and corn fibre, from Eco Chic. 4. Kitchen composting bin, $55 from Quality Products, www.qualityproducts.com.au. 5. Street Lights lighting by Ath Designs made from recycled verge waste, available in five designs and nearly 90 colours, $495, from Ultimo Interiors. 6. Ljusa hand-powered LED torch, $7.95, from Ikea, Innaloo, www.ikea.com.au. 7. Eden outdoor rug made in India from recycled plastic bags, 179cm x 120cm, $60, from Eco Chic. 8. iPhone alarm dock, $60, from State of Green, www. stateofgreen.com.au. 9. Sunnan solar-powered lamps, $29.95 each, from Ikea.

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Far right: Clayton Chipper with his wife, Kellie Bennett, and twin daughters, Billie and Jade, 5, in their Samson home. Far left: Jade. Pictures: Richard Polden

DOING THEIR BIT Clayton Chipper and Kellie Bennett are so concerned about playing a part to help the environment that they bathe their children using rainwater and have their own vegie patch

ELCOME to the cosy home of Clayton Chipper and Kellie Bennett in Samson where minimalist steps to sustainability are going a long way towards conserving energy, water and power. “We are quite passionate about sustainability and doing our bit for the environment,” Kellie says. Her husband, Clayton, a former director of CityFarm who now works in the Health Department, adds: “Being sustainable doesn’t have to overtake your life. “It is important for people to do something. Even anything small, when you sum it up, can actually be massive. It is about what you can do in your life without it becoming onerous. “We aren’t especially trying to show everyone we are environmentally sustainable – it is just important for us to be as sustainable as we can be.” Most of the sustainable features in the family home are not necessarily found inside – the main elements they have incorporated can actually be found in the backyard.

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“We have a vegetable garden and I love the garden, I love the idea of growing food and have the kids understand where our food comes from,” Clayton says. “We grow peas, beans, corn, broccoli, garlic and eggplant. We also have chickens for fresh eggs.” To conserve their water resources, the family have installed a 5000-litre water tank that services the hot-water system, toilet and washing machine. “Basically, over winter, we hardly use any scheme water at all because we have the rain water plugged in,” Clayton says. “Last year with the rain, we didn’t actually switch over to scheme water until about December. “We installed an outdoor bath, which is serviced by the rainwater tank, and we bathe the two girls (daughters Jade and Billie) most nights out there. “It is nice just sitting outside having a bath.” To eliminate the use of standby power, the family also installed a remote that switches appliances off completely, therefore conserving as much power as possible. “We used to be quite conservative, using about 11 units of power a day, but now we have gone down to less than nine,” Clayton says. “We also installed solar panels and they work great – during summer we actually get credits on our bills. “Our home is rather seasonal – it’s just about using what is available and what is abundant at the time.” In winter, while the family huddles around

the old wood heater, the need for an electric booster is eliminated because the warmth from the heater feeds into the hot-water system. As you walk through the home, several recycled features such as refurbished plastic light shades and reclaimed wood and metal materials used in the garden add a rustic appeal. “We would call our style ‘up-cycled’,” Clayton says. “We use a lot of recycled furniture which Kellie does up with organic fabrics to create new furniture.” Adds Kellie: “We got sick of buying crappy products that only last a year, so we got into buying second-hand stuff and that’s how I got into ‘up-cycling’.” The home also has some construction features that have made it more sustainable. Rooms were made bigger, brick walls were rendered and painted and windows were added to bring more light into the home. “We are quite organic and we have done a lot of things to this house like knock walls down to create more light and ventilation,” Clayton says. To be able to maintain the garden with the minimum use of water, the couple removed the lawn from the front to create a natural environment. Clayton admits that the family is so busy with their lifestyle that they don’t have the time to do as much good as they would wish. “It is about what you can do when you have two kids and two working parents,” he says. “It is about just doing your little bit.” Alyesha Anderson

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at HOME The Jurien Bay beach house designed by Michael Yurisich of Yuro Building Design. Pictures: Supplied

COASTAL ATTRACTION In creating this light and airy beach house in Jurien Bay, building designer Michael Yurisich has proven that opting for an environmentally friendly home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality or good looks

HIS cleverly designed beach house on the Beachridge Estate in Jurien Bay is not only a contemporary take on the traditional holiday home but is also environmentally sustainable. The owners wanted a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly home, and also had to follow Beachridge design guidelines. “With the estate laying down various guidelines, the focus was on creating a unique coastal living environment and lifestyle,” building designer Michael Yurisich says. The home was built to accommodate 12 people but due to its sustainable structure it is still cosy enough for a couple. To create a light and breezy home in summer that is warm and cosy in winter, timber framing was used instead of a brick construction. “The use of timber meant there was nearly 80 per cent less embodied energy to that of standard cavity-brick construction,” Michael says. “A framed house is a timber frame construction with the insulation between ﬁbre-cement sheets. The owners have found this makes the house approximately eight degrees cooler in summer and about eight degrees warmer in winter.”

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Combining cost-cutting and sustainability, only two skip bins of rubbish were produced during the whole building process – a lot less than on a brick house, according to Michael. “We also conserved as much water as possible by using water only for the concrete slabs,” he says. To incorporate low-maintenance features into the home, a reliance on nature became a part of the home’s features. Skylights have been used to enhance natural light in the home and reduce power consumption. “We also used water-saving ﬁxtures and stormwater plumbing designed to harvest rainwater from the roof, carport and shed,” Michael says. “The irrigation system is connected to timers with rain sensors and native, drought-resistant plants were selected for the garden.” The builders also installed an instantaneous gas hot-water system, which Michael says is probably the most efﬁcient gas system around at the moment. Michael says that building environmentally friendly homes is important for the future. “We have a responsibility as designers and

builders to make all buildings more sustainable in the long term,” he says. “If we start using sustainable building products on a small home such as this, we can also use it on commercial buildings. “It’s a shame to have all this knowledge and not use it.” Building an environmentally friendly home also doesn’t mean it has to be unattractive or you have to skimp on quality. “The quality of the finishes here is comparable to a standard home,” Michael says. “It has a pretty conservative style with a contemporary spin. The owners wanted it to look like a San Francisco coastal village dwelling. It’s unique to the area, being weatherboard.” Michael says the main living area is the openplan focal point. “Big raking ceilings give the illusion of space even though the floor area isn’t all that big,” he says. “It’s light and bright and cosy in winter and cooler in summer.” The house uses a natural colour palette of dark greys, blues and whites to fit in with the environmentally sound design of the house. “The owners were happy with it and even

today, they are a little bit surprised with the heating and cooling. It exceeded all their expectations,” Michael says. “In terms of maintenance, they go up (to do it) once a year. “I think consumers are now feeling they should be doing something for the environment, not just installing a solar system like in the past. “People are getting more savvy with how they build their home green, although there are still people burying their heads in the sand. “But I think it’s an opportunity for people to try out and do something a bit different.” Alyesha Anderson ✱ This home was an entrant in the Environmentally Sustainable Buildings – Residential category at the Building Designers Association WA Chapter 2011 Design Awards.

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WAXING LYRICAL It began in a tiny kitchen with Cindy Paulik making candles for friends. She has now expanded her “factory” at home to produce more than 50 fragrances and has her own outlet in Fremantle

ESTLED in a small stall at the Fremantle Markets, Soy-Delicious sells a range of environmentally friendly soy wax, palm oil and beeswax candle products. Owner Cindy Paulik pours the soy wax and palm oil by hand in her tiny home “factory” to give the candles a personal touch. The idea to launch Soy-Delicious came to Cindy while she was on a trip with her family around the US where, she says, soy candles are extremely popular. “I used to use paraffin wax all the time, but then I discovered during my travels of the effect they have on the environment and people,” she says. Paraffin wax is a petroluem by-product of crude oil refining whereas soy wax, palm oil and beeswax are extracts from renewable resources. “At first I played around with

soy and was basically just making candles for friends and family,” Cindy says. “Then it got to the point where my friends were saying, ‘Can you make me some candles for gifts? I’ll pay you for it’. “It started in the kitchen at home with the kids helping me. They thought it was fun.” According to Cindy, soy candles are much better than the standard paraffin candle because they are all natural. “When you burn a paraffin wax candle you’re releasing toxins into the air,”she says. “Soy candles are a natural wax made out of soya bean oil and sometimes blended with vegetable oil, so you’re not harming the environment when you light the candle. “And soy candles only need a cotton wick to keep the flame going because it has a lower burning point, which makes it safer for people. “They also produce a beautiful fragrance which lasts right down to the bottom of the candle.” There is a growing interest in the industry

because Cindy says people are beginning to understand how standard paraffin candles can affect the environment. She says you don’t find a great deal of soy candle producers in Perth who have a shopfront because a lot of them sell wholesale. “I have filled a gap in the (soy candle) market because people can come and meet the manufacturer, talk about the product and actually find out all about it and where it comes from,” she says. “Each of my products are individual because I pour each one by hand, which means you’re going to get imperfections because they are not mass-produced, but you find people love that. “I make everything myself, because then I know exactly what is going into the candles. This is important if there are any issues.” Soy-Delicious candles come in a range of about 50 fragrances. Cindy also stocks a variety of other products, including candle accessories such as lanterns and oil burners. Alyesha Anderson

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Right: Owner-builder Mario Balmer with partner Evelyne Zingg in his straw-bale home in Beckenham. Pictures: Richard Polden

A MAN OF STRAW It is different to a traditional brick-and-tile, but Mario Balmer, who spent two years building his straw-bale home, insists it’s far more comfortable – and he’s writing a book about it

TRAW-BALE homes are a growing trend due to their energy efficiency and, despite concerns, the latest technologies make these homes as durable as brick. This Beckenham home, however, is not your traditional straw-bale house – it has rustic rendered walls contrasted with clean, modern finishes and topped off with a unique twist of creativity. Straw-bale homes are just as sturdy as traditional brick-and-tile homes, says ownerbuilder Mario Balmer, who spent two years constructing this five-bedroom, three-bathroom home. Mario explains that straw bales are stacked just like bricks, then steel rods are embedded all the way through the top and capped with a top plate to create stability. “We used a load-bearing method, which means we built all the walls, then put the roof on,” he says. “If I were to make a guess, we probably used 1500 straw bales to build the house. “You need to ensure the straw bales are lifted off the ground, so we have skirting at the bottom where the bales are lifted, so that no water can get to the bottom of the bales.” Mario insists straw-bale construction is perfect for WA’s climate because the material acts as a great insulator, keeping the house cool in summer and cosy in winter. “You save on your power bills because there is no need for an airconditioner within a strawbale house,” he says. “If you go into a straw-bale house you

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immediately realise how much more comfortable it is, and that was my reason for building the house.” Mario compares this with his experience of living in a brick home in which he could barely spend more than half and hour inside during summer, and says it was freezing over the winter months. “Unlike a brick home where you have to also install insulation along with the brick, the straw in a straw-bale home acts as a foundation and insulation in one,” he says. However, this house isn’t just environmentally friendly for its straw-bale structure. “We have used LED lighting to keep electricity consumption down and have added water-saving ﬁxtures,” says Mario. “We also have rainwater tanks to capture up to 25,000 litres of water that comes off the roof and an environmentally safe waste-water treatment plant on site.” And just because this house is a unique, environmentally friendly home doesn’t mean it looks drab in any way. “The majority of straw-bale houses are cottage-type homes,” Mario says. “I deliberately wanted to build a modern straw-bale house because everyone else was building cottage straw-bale houses.” The house is designed around an internal courtyard that allows for natural light to enter the home. The kitchen has a sink with high-pressure water pipes, adding a distinctly rustic and trendy look.

Mario has created an unusual alien-like sculpture, made out of recycled motorcycle parts, which he has turned into an outdoor shower. “To avoid expensive maintenance over the years we used a coloured render that will not fade, thus eliminating the need to repaint the house as it ages,” Mario says. “It feels very homey and different. I have lived in many different houses and this house certainly has a better feel about it.” From his experience building the house, Mario has decided to write a book about how to go about building a straw-bale home. He has also put the property, on a block of more than 4000sq m, up for sale. Alyesha Anderson ✱ To find out more, visit Mario’s website, www.perthstrawbalehouse.com.

gardening

TREVOR COCHRANE the garden guru

Q&A Q

Peter Gadeke, via email, has numerous problems – in fact, nine in total.The main issues seem to relate to the health of the plants in question, which is not linked to the amount of water Peter uses because his bill is double that of people in his neighbourhood. The main problem appears to relate to soil preparation as none of the trees described sound healthy. Excess water use can actually be detrimental as well, because you leach nutrients away from the plants’ roots. My suggestion is you get some treeplanting tablets and place three around each tree. I recommend heavily mulching around the canopy area and possibly adding some water-storage crystals into the ground around the tree roots as well. Give them a soaking with a strong solution of Seasol and stand back. With winter rains and moist soil, the trees should start growing away.

Allyson Kundid explains, via email, that she lives in the Swan Valley on an old table-grape property. While grapes and trees grow well, her Sir Walter lawn has been a major disappointment. Even though it’s grown on good loam soils with sub-surface irrigation, it continually disappoints. This isn’t the first time I’ve had this problem with Sir Walter pitched at me. There’s really no reason it should perform like this and my recommendation is you rip it out and replace it with a tougher grass variety such as Village Green, which will do exceptionally well with the conditions you describe here. It’s important to remember that lawns need to be maintained carefully and regular mowing and feeding will help and the most important thing with any new lawn is preparing the soil. In a heavy loam area, that may mean adding gypsum to break up the soil and allow in air and better flow through. In sandy soils, it means adding clay amendments and organic matter in the form of composted humus to the area where the roots grow. If you have an existing lawn like this disappointing Sir Walter and you’re not willing to replace it, you could try top dressing with something such as BioWise soil conditioner and giving it a feed. Trevor Cochrane

3 1. Quai Branly museum in Paris, France. 2. CaixaForum art gallery in Madrid, Spain. 3. Living barrier walls. Pictures: Supplied

DRIVEN UP THE WALL If you don’t have a huge backyard to grow all the plants you fancy, you can still turn a wall into a showpiece by simply hanging shoe-storage units to create a vertical garden

ANY people live in homes that don’t have a lot of outdoor space and understanding what you can do with the area to create a touch of paradise is important. Courtyards, balconies and small spaces are ideal for pots, window boxes and even string gardens. My favourite is the living wall, which can be created simply by using hanging shoe-storage units that are fixed to the wall and each pocket filled with quality soil. There are some complex wall-garden systems that are ridiculously expensive and this is just one option that doesn’t cost a fortune and achieves a stunning effect. The position of these living walls is allimportant in the scheme of things and there are some things you will have to do to ensure success if you want to have one of these amazing vertical gardens. The first thing is to ensure the wall is painted with an anti-mould treatment that seals the wall. This is usually as simple as appyling two coats of BondCrete to the wall against which the hanging planter will lean.

Then fix the hanging planters to the wall and plant up. You do need to make sure you have two other aspects right, though. The first relates to the soil you use. It’s not regular potting mix that will work in this situation and my experience says activated BioActive Cocopeat is the best possible option for several reasons. This unique WA product is a by-product of flower farming and has been activated into a lightweight potting medium full of nutrients and, being fully composted and nutrientinfused with worm juice, it will deliver results. The second relates to the types of plants you select. Edibles are ideal in sunny positions, but in shady positions you need to select undercanopy plants such as ferns. In fact, the selection of plants is absolutely vital. If you use the right ferns, flowering plants and even sedges and club mosses, you can create the most incredible effect. The realisation that the plants at the bottom of the wall are going to get very little natural light is important and this is where emulating

the forest floor effect is important – select plants that come from that environment where less than 2 per cent of light makes it to the plants’ leaves. There is one more absolutely critical element in the living wall concept – irrigation. These plants have to be well watered, every day. This makes using recycled or rainwater important and the great thing about this system is that the base can be lined and water can be recycled back to the top plants allowing it to flow down again. Wall gardens can be grand designs but they can also be humble smaller-sized projects that change ugly walls or fences, turning them into glamorous living walls that are natural and regenerating all at the same time. There are simple systems such as the one I’ve described but there are also some more scientific versions that have greater longevity and impact. It’s well worth researching and visiting a few leading garden centres for their thoughts on the best system for your situation. Trevor Cochrane

The Garden Guru to the rescue

For your chance to get the benefit of gardening advice from Trevor Cochrane, tell us in 100 words or less about your garden and its problems. Send an email to housecalls@sundaytimes. newsltd.com.au or write to The Sunday Times, home Editor, GPO Box D174, Perth, WA 6840. Include your full name and address and a daytime phone number. Please do not send any soil samples or plant cuttings.

✱ All readers whose gardening questions are published win a p pair of Hortex Deluxe Gloves, valued at $10.95.

HOME

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$120,000 to $150,000 Banksia Grove

Glendower, by HomeStart, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, dc/p, Botanic Ave, 9231 4567

Byford

Everglade, by HomeStart, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, dc/p, Mead St, 9231 4567

$150,000 to $200,000 Alkimos

Eclipse, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, dc/p, Leeway Loop, 6212 7650 Miami, by First Abode, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Altea Way, 1800 500 799 Exhilaration, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g,Altea Way, 6212 7699

Australind

Palladian, by Domain, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, d/g, Orion Lane, 9797 0981

Aveley

Caulfield, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Safford Ave, 6296 6476 Broome, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Safford Ave, 9297 4863

Baldivis

Leeuwin, by Ventura, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g, Cape Meander, 9241 1715 Muiron, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9523 0213 Bayview, by Easystart, S, 4x2, st, h/t, a/r, alf, dc/p, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0833 Echo Beach, by Easystart, S, 3x2, st, h/t, alf, dc/p, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0833 Sandown, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9523 0241 Ritz, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Pemberton Blvd, 9302 4920 Cube, by Aussie Living, S, 3x2, h/t, g, Strathmore Close, 6212 7699

Banksia Grove

Cape Cuvier, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, c/r, Wholly Rd, 9214 1111 Lodge, by Easystart, S, 4x2, g/r, d/g, Botanic Ave, 9333 0833 Caesars, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, d/g, Botanic Ave, 9302 4920 Freedom, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, dc/p,Woolly Rd, 6212 7699

Butler

Boston, by First Abode, S, 4x2, st, a/r, alf, dc/p, Impington St, 0411 444 808 Sands, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Impington Rd, 9302 4920 Vibe, by Easystart, S, 3x2, d/g, h/t, alf, st, Newmarket Pde, 9333 0833

Byford

Bathurst, by Commodore, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, t/g, Colesbrook Drive, 9525 1379 Bungalow, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, Mead St, 9525 0726 Point Samson, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Warrington Rd, 9214 1111 Ashton, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, c/r, h/t, Warrington Rd, 9525 0873 Bugatti, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Millard Way, 9525 0801 Satisfaction, by Aussie Living, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g,Warrington Rd, 6212 7699

Champion Lakes

Chessell Cottage, by Summit, S, 3x2, d/g, St Catherines Prom, 9390 3761

Ellenbrook

Metropolis, by Easystart, S, 3x2, d/g, st, h/t, alf,Adlington Way, 9333 0833 Insight, by Aussie Living, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g,Adlington Way, 6212 7699 Kimberley, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, alf, h/t, d/g, Pallarup Cres, 9214 1111 Armada, by HomeStart, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, dc/p, Pallarup Cres, 9231 4567 Silverstone, by Commodore, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Ewens Pass, 6296 6345 Bonneville, by Commodore, S, 3x3, alf, st, h/t, d/g, Pallarup Cres, 1800 266 663 Imperial Retro, Affordable Living, 3x2, alf, h/t, dc/p, Elmridge Parkway, 9302 4920

Erskine

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

Hammond Park

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 Abbey, by Easystart, S, 3x2, d/g, h/t, alf, Exchange Ave, 9333 0833 HOME

Lakelands

Good Times, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/cp, Karridale Loop, 9523 1689 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 Inspiration, by Aussie Living, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 6212 7699

Landsdale

Monaco, by Commodore, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Kingsway, 9303 4361 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 Ambiance, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Monticello Meander, 9333 0880

Executive, by Premiere, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 0425 445 578 Cosmos, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0880 Infinity, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, c/r, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0880 Havana, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, g/r, st, alf, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 9523 0694 Aspire, by Impressions, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, Jerboa Green, 9523 0087

Peninsula, by TR Homes, 3x2, pre-manufactured home, st, alf, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998

Banksia Grove

Meadow Springs

Aston, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Botanic Ave, 6400 0535

Bunbury Kasbar, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, alf, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, Millbridge Estate, 9724 1318

Maddington

Busselton

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

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

Madeley

Butler

Meadow Springs

Somerton, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Newmarket Pde, 6461 5297 Aspire, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st. alf, a/r, Newmarket Pde, 9333 0880

Albert Park, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, alf, Buffalo Ave, 9408 0273 Flemington, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4053

Millbridge

Kasbar, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Millbridge Blvd, 9724 1318

Piara Waters

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

Monza, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1639 Realm, by Domain, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, g/r, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 0576 Mahogany, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, a/r, h/t, Isla Place, 9397 2413

Madeley

Fullerton, by National, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, st, alf, Greylock Meander, 9408 0459 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 Eagle Bay, by Ventura, S, 4x2, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4003

Piara Waters

Colorado, by New Generation, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g, alf, g/r, Highland Rise, 9397 1266 Hacienda, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, g, Ditton Cnr, 9419 2104 Trump Alfresco, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9302 4920

Queens Park

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

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

Treendale

Equinox, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Orion Lane, 9797 0682

Strathmore, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, Strathmore Cl, 0419 048 401 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 Cosmopolitan, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Ruskin Brace, 0427 022 916 Rockeller, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, alf, Ruskin Brace, 0427 022 916 Toorak, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, c/r, d/g, Burlington Drive, 9366 0036

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

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

Aveley

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

Baldivis

Austin, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9524 3082

Millbridge

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

Piara Waters

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

Dalyellup Jimbaran, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Colonna, 1800 227 161

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, 0418 954 658

South Yunderup

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

Treendale

Xanadu, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, t/g, alf, Orion Lane, 9796 1639

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, 9410 2495 Wisteria, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Bruny Ave, 9242 9200

West Swan

Wellard

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 Milano, by New Generation, S, 3x2, d/g, h/t, alf, Hollington Gdns, 9333 0880 Haven, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Leeway Loop, 6461 5200 Accolade, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Leeway Loop, Alkimos, 9562 5599

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

Southern River

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

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

Alkimos

Meadow Springs

Byford

Tapping

$200,000 to $250,000

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

Seasons, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, alf, Newmarket Pde, 0409 869 910

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Seville Grove

Tribute, by Domain, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, d/g, St Leonards, Blvd, 9250 1840 Chandon, by New Generation, S, 3x2, d/g, h/t, alf, St Leonards Blvd, 9250 7632 Plantation, by Content Living, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 5222 Icon, by Aussie Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 6212 7699

Madeley

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

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

West Swan

Monticello, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Monticello Meander, 0418 913 800 Stoneleigh, by Dale Alcock, D, 4x2, g/r, h/t, d/g, Monticello Meander, 9242 9200

The Vines

Queens Park

Abrolhos, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Onyx Lane, 9439 6866 Capel, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9214 1111 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 Cnr, 9419 2574 Dynasty, 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

Landsdale

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 Silk, by W&B, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Wright Rd, 9397 0578

Butler

RNG 24067

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!

Dalyellup

Sea Breeze, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Orion Lane, 9722 0333

Ellenbrook

Carnival, by Essence Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, d/g, Orion Lane, 9792 0100

Wandi Sandalwood, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Bruny Meander, 6461 5297

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 Destiny, by New Generation,S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Adlington Way, 9333 0880 Oasis, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6649 Luxor Games, by Affordable Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, Ewens Pass, 9302 4920

West Swan

Greenmount

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

Nautilus, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, s/t, alf, d/g, Point Link, 9562 5495 Trinity, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Callosa Cres, 0423 398 220 Archipelago, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, t/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9242 9200 Kayana, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Altea Way, 9242 9100 Cable Beach, Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, st, a/r, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9562 3984 Salt, by W&B, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9562 3350

Landsdale

Aveley

Avonview, by Ross Squire Homes, S, 4x2, st, Bullarra Rd, 9294 3800 Coolgardie, by Ross Squire Homes, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, sc/p, Bullarra Rd, 9294 3800

Hammond Park

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

Hocking

Majestic, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Monticello Meander, 6461 5297 Lamont, by Impressions, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, Kingsway, 9302 6097

Maddington

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

Darlington, by MyGen, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 1800 806 803 Caversham, by Metrostyle, S, 3x2, alf, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 9210

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

$250,000 to $300,000 Alkimos

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

Baldivis Elwood, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, st, d/g, Strathmore Close, 9242 9200

Dayton

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

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 Oslo, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, st, d/g, Greenlink Blvd, 9242 9200

Hocking

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

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

Woodvale

Manhattan, by Dale Alcock, S, h/t, st d/g, Solia Loop, 9242 9200

over $300,000 Alkimos

Alkimos, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g,Topsail Loop, 0401 836 616 Alkimos, by In-Vogue, D, 4x3, alf, h/t, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9202 9200 Chateau, by Summit, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g,Altea Way, 0418 927 371 Pearl, by W&B, D, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9562 3350

Australind

Homestead, by Dale Alcock SW, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, d/g, Orion Lane, 9792 0555

Aveley

Shoalwater, by Cedar Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Neary Blvd, 9240 2125

Baldivis

Sinatra, by Broadway, D, 4x2, Makybe Drive, 9302 6161 Matrix, by Novus, D, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Makybe Drive, 9523 0231 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

Jindalee

Booragoon

Lakelands

Burns Beach

Cable Beach, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 9562 0786 Kartika, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9583 4040 Sanctuary, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9242 9200 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

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

Butler

Ready Built, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, d/g, Dania Way, 9242 9200

Churchlands

Viento, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, alf, Pinnata Mews, 1800 331 388 Luna, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Prionotes Cnr, 9202 9255 Onyx, by Novus, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Pinnata Mews, 9284 1282 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

Archer, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Colonna St, 9795 6848 Karridale, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Colonna St, 1800 643 800 Ku De Ta, by Summit, 4x2, g/r, st, t/g, alf, Colonna St, 9722 0300

Darch

Rose Bay, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, d/g, Monticello Meander, 0302 6417

Darlington

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

Dunsborough

Quindalup, by WA Country Builders, S, 3x3, st, d/g,Wentworth Loop, 1800 227 161

Horizon, by Highbury, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 1800 214 864 Korda, by Renowned Collection, D, 4x2, alf, st, h/t, d/g, Draper St, 9202 9255 Halcyon, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g, Arabella Lop, 1800 331 388

Piara Waters Quartz, by W&B, D, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Wright Rd, 9397 578

Provence Bunker Bay, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, a/r, h/t, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9751 2604 Lamont, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g,Almond Pky, 9754 9000

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 Arcadia, by Vision One, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9398 2883 Bletchley Park, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9394 0720 Ashford, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9202 9202 Bletchley Loft, by Rural Building, L, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g, Martagon St, 1800 643 800

Ellenbrook

Stirling

Avon Lodge, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, a/r, d/g,Adlington Pass, 6296 6755

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

Erskine

Treendale

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

Floreat

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 Preston, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Dealy Elbow, 0418 935 289

Toorak, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Orion Lane, 9792 0100

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

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 Australis, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, st, d/g, Fortis Pass, 9366 0028

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

Hillarys

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

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 Sunsets, by Lifestyle Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Romano Cres, 9305 4151 Limelight II, by Highbury, D, 6x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Romano Cres, 9304 0549 Westmont, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Romano Cres, 9202 9202 Panorama, by APG, D, 4x2, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Romano Cres, 9305 3948

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

Landsdale

Elements, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, alf, Monticello Meander, 9303 2892 Aspen, by APG, S, 4x2, a/r, c/r, alf, d/g, Monticello Meander, 0302 5219

Leederville

Leederville, by Plunkett, D, 3x2, alf, d/g, Byron St, 9366 0322

Margaret River

Cape Skillion, by Rural Building Company, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Crellin Place, 9758 7058 Retro, by Summit, S. 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Crellin Place, 9757 9120

Melville

Melville Waters, by Plunkett, D, 4x2, alf, st, d/g, Money Place, 9333 4003

Millbridge

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

North Coogee

The Look, by Ross Griffin, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 9444 7965

KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS ✱ 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

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.

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Rachel

SIEWERT

WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert shows Alyesha Anderson her favourites 1

Picture: Richard Polden

My garden I have a native garden and not only is it beautiful and has beautiful flowers, it is really nice to go out and work there. It is a bit of relaxation for me.

son gave it to me and because it symbolises my love for cooking. 8 Greens T-shirt It represents my party, the Greens, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I spend my life doing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my work, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my whole life. I have amazing friends and colleagues there. I love my work. 9 Wooden box My partner gave it to me for my birthday. It is a beautifully crafted piece and was sustainably produced. 10 Keep cup This is a sustainable coffee cup. Because I love coffee, it is great to drink it from my reusable takeaway cup.

Marquetry panel of Pebbles Flintstone Marquetry is the technique of using inlaid wood to create a picture. My dad started it just before I was born and finished it just after my birth. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had it all my life and it is really important to me. Gold locket It is very old. My mum had it and it has a picture of my grandfather in it. I never met him because he died when my mum was just 13. Aboriginal art This piece comes from East Arnhem Land and it is a particularly beautiful piece. It reminds me so much of the time I spent up there. I absolutely love Aboriginal art. I also figure it is an investment into the community because the money goes back to the artist and art centre. Books I love books. My favourite is Cloudstreet. Cloudstreet is so well written. It is so evocative of what Perth was like back then. It just reminds me of the area that it is situated in. Collection of shells This symbolises the beach and my love for the marine environment. Vegetarian cookbook I love cooking. This was given to me by my son when he was just 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he picked it out himself. It is special because my

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