Urban Life Magazine Issue 2

JUNE 2016 Vol. 1, Ed. 2

Urbanlife Award-winning New Homes & Land Ideas

INSTANT CONNECTION – home of the future • PEACE OF THE ACTION KEEP IT CLEAN • HERE WE GROW • INDUSTRY NEWS • INSIDERS

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Up Collection

Allure Collection

John G. King Collection

Alpha Collection

10.

contents

JUNE // 2016

WELCOME

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FEATURES 6 CREATURE COMFORTS Create a safe and happy home for all your family 20 CLEAN SWEEP Keep your place looking like a display home 12 PEACE OF THE ACTION Ashleigh and Aaron Tocknell love the serenity of Koo Wee Rup 26 NETWORK NEWS The home of the future could be more similar than you think 34 HERE WE GROW Simple tips on how start a garden from scratch

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REGULARS 3, 54 INSIDERS 10 OBJECTS OF DESIRE 16 COMPETITION 9, 44-45 PRACTICAL MAGIC 56 INDUSTRY NEWS 58 DISPLAY HOME DIRECTORY

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win!

HAT happens tomorrow is as much a mystery to many people as what will happen in 35 years.

That’s why Urban Life dared to imagine what a new home will look like in 2051, gaining insights from futurists, builders and industry experts on how your abode will function.

There’s no question it will be reliant on technology, and lots of it. We hope you like our cover by Hong Kong artist Angela Ho, who has spectacularly interpreted one of the predictions about how connected each home will be.

Speaking of technology, we have been thrilled that so many readers have downloaded our interactive app that links you to Melbourne’s best builders simply by scanning their ad (see Page 24).

Staying grounded in reality, we discover in this issue how to keep your home spotless, how to create a safe environment for your pets, and the basics of starting a garden.

If you have done this and more, please drop us a line so we can all learn from your experiences.

Finally, don’t leave it too late to enter our competition in which you can win a $4990 voucher from Adriatic Furniture (see Page 16). Simply register your details at urbanlifemag.com.au for your chance to win.

Ross McGravie Editor

SCAN ME! 34.

Download the Urban Life app and scan when you see this icon throughout the mag with a mobile device for a unique interactive experience (see page 24 for details)

PUBLISHER Ross Copeland // MANAGING EDITOR Ross McGravie // SUB-EDITOR Cassy Polimeni // ART DIRECTOR Amy Tanner // NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Steve Kunesevic // ADMINISTRATION Gina Copeland

A division of Publicity Press Pty Ltd 2 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

PUBLICITY PRESS PTY LTD ABN 31 005 490 068 Level 2, 577-579 Church Street Richmond Vic 3121 Australia PO Box 4331 Richmond East Vic 3121 03 9804 4700 // reception@publicitypress.com.au urbanlifemag.com.au

I NHSoImD Ee R

What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

I originally wanted to be an accountant, so I did a 12-month placement and found that it wasn’t engaging enough - so I became a butcher instead. When the opportunity came up to become part of the Porter Davis team, I jumped at it because it reflected so many values that I already passionately believed in. While I acknowledge they are incredibly different pursuits, they fundamentally have something in common - and that’s working with people. In the home building industry, I could take that skill of listening to people to a whole new level and help create and deliver one of life’s biggest dreams - home ownership.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love that we are delivering people’s dream homes and at Porter Davis, we’re all about respecting the dream. It’s a great environment to work in, when you genuinely consider yourself part of the excitement, part of the joy and part of the delivery. It’s challenging and rewarding on so many levels. I also get a thrill out of innovating within the industry - driving the industry standards forward and delivering better outcomes for clients.

al fresco area – providing a year-round entertaining option, making full use of the backyard for everyday lifestyle.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

How long it takes and that there are unexpected fees. We guarantee our construction timeframes and our fixed-price house and land packages are just that - fixed.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

I would love the double master bedroom layout. Great for visiting guests, or live-in grandparents or ideal for the resident teenager, a second master bedroom really takes the pressure off the rest of the household.

What tips would you give for future-proofing a home?

Have a study nook as well as a dedicated study and make sure you get your cabling right in both spaces.

Then you have a port to run your wifi connections from, which inevitably will control many features across the house, from the blinds to the security systems. In terms of future-proofing your home for lifestyle, I like a design that has the second master bedroom or an additional rumpus, activity or lounge area - because you can stay put and grow as a family, without needing to upsize the house later.

Porter Davis

Paul Wolff

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

We have really driven more mainstream access to highquality style and design. We now deliver an award-winning design portfolio, with affordable options for the first-home buyer in the Access range, to more aspirational homes in the Prestige and Lifestyle range. We were also the first builder to launch what was referred to as the al fresco quadrant - the pinnacle of open-plan living in a modern house, where you see the kitchen, dining, lounge and al fresco all come together for seamless everyday living. We have the largest interiors showroom of its kind, World of Style at South Melbourne, which is also open to the public - not just our clients. I think we see pride as a constant achievement - we are continually striving to deliver inspiration and innovation, whether it’s through developing floorplans that reflect current lifestyle needs, or introducing more façade and interior style options, like our incredibly popular Hamptons range.

Best change?

Open-plan designs changed how we live, which I think has been the best change to the house design market, especially in Melbourne. What we see now is a full integration of the

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder?

Visit their display houses and look for quality. If they’re not putting their best foot forward on display, what chance does your home have? Check their building timeframes, guarantees and warranties - make sure they offer quality customer service and stand by their workmanship. Check their building zones and ask what’s included as standard, what’s out of pocket and what promotions they currently have that would suit your design choice.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

Suddenly 2030 doesn’t seem that far away! I think buyers will have more choice of materials and sustainability innovation.

But equally, I think people will really embrace leaning on the experts to make some time-saving decisions for them. We’re already seeing it in our World of Style approach - the ability to broadly choose your preferred look but tailor and individualise the outcome to your unique preferences. I think building a house will incorporate more technology and perhaps more prefabricated elements to speed up the construction phase.

Director URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 3

Wild at heart Forever foraging for ingredients around her, Emma Dean wants all households to adopt a fresh approach to seasonal produce

COOKING You’re best known for winning the 2013 series of MasterChef. How has this affected your life?

Life post MasterChef is incredibly diverse. I am involved in many projects and love the challenges that each one brings. Currently I am exploring zero-waste and sustainable food.

With the show being such a phenomenal TV success, are you still recognised in supermarkets and asked cooking questions?

Ha ha – yes! One time in the hardware shop I had a gorgeous Greek grandma come up and hug me. I often get asked what I cook for dinner… or what should get planted now in the garden.

Kids can often be overlooked in the preparation of meals. What would you be putting in their lunch boxes for school?

I just made some delicious roast vegetable wraps for a cooking demo at World of Style by Porter Davis. I even snuck in some baby spinach and the kids loved them.

I roasted off root vegetables with a few fennel seeds thrown in for sweetness.

They were small and bite sized and colourful. I think that’s what kids like, small and colourful. Kids, I find, are more interested in food if they are included in the preparation of it.

Why do you think Australians are so preoccupied with food? What are doing well with and what can we do better?

Australians love food! We have great produce here. I think food ticks a lot of boxes – it’s creative, social and yummy – what’s not to like about that? I think though we can support small farmers better, and also explore indigenous food more.

IMAGES: KATE BERRY, SHUTTERSTOCK

You mention on your website (emmadean.com.au) a love of growing and cooking farm-fresh produce nurtured when you were young in regional Victoria. With backyards getting smaller, how can people try to replicate your experiences?

You can really grow a range of vegetables in small spaces- you just need deep pots or even better wicking beds (like a big self-watering pot plant – you can make your own really easily). You can easily grow herbs and leafy greens on a balcony.

Community gardens are also on the rise and community veggie patches. Places like The Little Veggie Patch Co. (http://littleveggiepatchco.com.au) have a great inner-city space where you can also be part of a green-thumb community, they can also advise you on making great gardens in tiny spaces – plus they are super nice.

season. Eating seasonally gives you something to look forward to. Would that perfect fig be so perfect if it was available all year round? I don’t think so. Seasonal food tastes better because it was meant to be grown at that time of the year. I do love that food has a story. Local beekeepers who keep their hives on rooftops have a story. That woman over there who has a twinkle in her eye whilst she is flinging out organic produce that she picked this morning? She has a story. I think that is what so wonderful about food – it really is about the people – who grow it, cook it and eat it.

What (and who) inspires you?

I draw inspiration from everywhere. I ride my bike around Melbourne as my primary form of transport, which is a great pace for observation and inspiration (also a great time to think). Music inspires me, landscapes inspire me, other food inspires me. I also have people come up to me after a cooking demonstration and we chat about the most random things – and often they are incredibly inspiring. From people living off the grid and completely self sufficient, to conversations about the best chocolate glaze.

Who would you most like to cook for (or have a meal prepared by)?

I would like to cook for the three judges from MasterChef – Gary, George and Matt – it would be really nice to be able to cook them a great meal without the pressure of that damn clock. I would love to have a meal prepared by Rene Redzepi from Noma – I have not made it there yet.

What is the dish that you can’t live without in winter?

Chicken soup with risoni and loads of lemon – it is so nurturing, nourishing and delicious!

Author Emma Dean will appear at Porter Davis’s World of Style in South Melbourne on Saturday, August 27 for her free Father’s Day Feast presentation. Bookings and details: worldofstyle.com/event/2016/august/wos-emma-dean-fathers-day

You’re enthusiastic about foraging for ingredients locally. What are the vast majority of us missing (and where should we be looking)?

A good place to start is to look for wild fennel – it is really easy to spot and smell, and it grows along the train line really well (as I have found many other weeds). Prickly pear is also a great weed to identify and pick as well. Just be careful in public places that they have not been sprayed by council. If you are curious about foraging – there are a growing amount of tours and guides to help you get a start on it. I found Adam Grubb’s guide to be fantastic (http://www.eatthatweed.com/edible-weeds-book/).

I also took a mushrooming tour down in the Mornington Peninsula that was really informative and just so much fun (plus the mushroom pizza and a glass of wine at the end was really great!). That tour is run by a great person called Cam (http:// mushroomtours.com/), the tours are sold out for 2016 – but they are taking bookings for 2017 – that is how good they are.

You often conduct cooking demonstrations and speak to groups about food. What are the topics/themes you most love to explore?

I love everything about food. I am especially passionate about locally grow, easy to make and most of all – it has to be delicious. I have been loving exploring the zerowaste food topic, and have had a great time making radish top and carrot top pesto.

You say cooking is easy when you use the best ingredients. What’s your advice to those just starting on their culinary journey?

Explore your local farmers markets and there you really get a sense of what is in

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 5

Creature comforts You might not have factored the furry members of your family into the building equation but, with a little thought, a happy home can be created for all

6 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

durability test for a month (before being sold). Part of this will include making the new dwelling filthy by taking 12 dogs to the river then bringing them home to have fun with tennis balls.

It’s designed to show that the floors, walls and furnishings can handle it, and no stains are too tough.

IT’S probably a tad too optimistic to expect that every pet owner (or prospective pet owner) can replicate this, but it is possible to take note of the house’s best features and implement them in your home.

It’s no small issue. The RSPCA estimates there are 33 million pets in Australia, with almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of households owning pets. Almost four in 10 (39 per cent) of homes have a dog, with cats occupying 29 per cent of homes.

Acknowledging the changing living circumstances of the 21st century, the Petcare Information and Advisory Service has produced a definitive how-to guide on rearing pets in urban areas, Pets in the City.

“Research in the last few decades is proving what we’ve always known anecdotally – pets aren’t just good, they’re actually good for us. We now know that pets can improve our quality of life; they can reduce stress, improve health and provide much-needed companionship. Pets also encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, stimulate conversations between strangers and improve our feelings of safety. In fact, pets appear to be the solution to reducing the stresses of modern living,” Pets In the City reports.

Advice in the guide (petsinthecity.net.au) ranges from tips for downsizing to selecting the best breeds of cats and dogs for smaller spaces.

BARK MATTER: Dogs can be a handy addition to your home security, regardless of their size (top); a scratching pole (left) can save your furniture OPPOSITE PAGE: (Clockwise, from top left) a cat’s shelf life improves with an elevated space to call their own; toys can avoid the ‘Mad about chew’ scenario for man’s best friend; a handy vantage point is a must for dogs and cats; as is an escape route; and resting place out of harm’s way

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

M

OST people don’t think about pets when buying or building houses - not even the pet owners themselves.” So says David Beart of the Canadian firm professorshouse.com, which will start building “the world’s most pet-friendly house” at the end of this year.

“Over half of all homes have pets living in them, but animals are still an afterthought when it comes to home improvements. What I really want to get across is much more than just creating the world’s most pet-friendly house. It’s about making people think of pets with importance rather than as possessions, or even disposable.”

Featuring a DogTV, pet-friendly treadmill, doggie shower, aquarium, contemporary animal artwork, cat climbing trees, high-end pet clothing and toys, and a private room for each pet to call their own, the budget house will undergo the ultimate

Inside

But perhaps the best tip was to move on from the past.

“The way Australians kept pets a decade or two ago is very different from the way we keep pets now – the dogs we had in our childhood are likely to have been larger breeds that were more energetic and spent most of their time outdoors … It’s all a matter of adjusting our mindset.”

JUST as you may consider what will suit your kids, it’s a good idea to also think about what your “furry children” will need to thrive at their new address. If you have an older dog, for example, think how best to accommodate them on the lower level of your new two-storey residence, for example using ramps.

For optimal results, put yourself in their shoes, or paws, and investigate any easy targets or potential hazards in your home. It could be as simple as keeping the toilet lid down to eliminate the possibility of drowning or poisoning, or latching cupboards shut.

Be sure you don’t leave food or poisons where pets can access them, eliminate areas that are accessible for climbing or jumping on to benchtops, and remove any choking, strangulation, electrocution and suffocation hazards. This may involve shortening cords, cutting loops and unplugging or covering electrical cords. Kittens and puppies are notorious for climbing into opened dryers, so keep its door closed, and make sure you provide a safe place for your pets to chill.

IT’S not too hard to get things right in terms of creature comforts.

Just like humans, pets should have access to shelter,

water, shade, light, clean air, security and space in which to play. To keep their behaviour in check, ensure their minds are stimulated. Dogs enjoy having a window to inspect surrounding areas, so rearrange your furniture to accommodate this.

Cats love climbing and surveying their domain, so factor in a climbing tower using bookshelves, create elevated resting spots with smart shelving or ensure there is an obstacle-free window ledge for hours of quiet feline contemplation.

GJ Gardner Homes suggests that homeowners get creative by incorporating a pet’s sleeping space into the furniture, such as under a desk, or in a quiet corner of the living room.

Another handy space to use is the laundry, where a deep sink can be used for washing muddy dogs and a flap used to provide ventilation when your pampered pooch beds down for the night.

Bearing in mind that well-exercised pets are less likely to cause trouble, and more likely to rest well at night instead of barking or whining for attention, it’s also practical to create a dog run via a doggy door or cat flap so they can head outdoors when the mood takes them.

With the exception of indoor cats, creating a safe environment is equally important outside. Pay particular attention to ensuring fences and gates are sturdy and secure, placing a “Beware the dog” sign on the gate, providing plenty of shade and a water bowl both inside and out.

A well-landscaped yard should also minimise mess traipsed in from outside. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Keep a bucket and an old towel handy for wiping muddy paws before your pet has a chance to track dirt through the house.

It may also pay to invest in a vacuum created specifically for homes with pets. They lift hair and dirt from upholstery, stairs and vehicles.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 7

Inside

As for any accidents or marking of territory, get busy on Google and YouTube for stain removal tips, and disinfecting the area to avoid any chance of a repeat.

MUCH of the damage control for homeowners is common sense.

If inviting a four-legged friend into your home, choose fabrics and flooring that will reduce your work and increase your happiness in the long run.

Fabric throwovers can protect furniture, while scratch toys will help reduce the chance of your pet toying with your treasured possessions. Carpet isn’t ideal, but if you are going to carpet your home, try to choose a colour that matches your pet. Generally speaking, thisoldhouse.com recommends ceramic tiles for heavier dogs and hardwood floors for lightweight dogs. In high-traffic areas use a rug to protect the floors.

The old adage “a stitch in time saves nine” also applies to pet grooming. Not only does regular grooming keep your pet looking its best, it also cuts down on cleaning time.

Clipping nails on a regular basis will limit scratch damage to furnishings, and brushing will retain pet hair in the brush rather than it spreading through your household.

Most common pet poisons Dogs • Chocolate • Rat poisons • Vitamins and minerals • Non-steriod anti-inflammatory drugs • Cardiac medications Cats • Spot-on pesticides • Household cleaners • Antidepressants • Lillies • Insoluble oxalate plants (i.e. Dieffenbachia) [Source: ventura-homes.com.au (WA)]

8 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

IN FURTHER food for thought, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals compiled a list of foods to avoid feeding to your pets. It says many fruit seeds can cause potentially fatal cyanide poisoning in dogs, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, sugar-free foods and gums containing Xylitol can cause liver failure, and nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and central nervous system damage.

Reinforcing the view, the RSPCA said danger looms in many foods consumed by humans. They include chocolate, onions and garlic, tomatoes (cats), macadamia nuts and products containing caffeine. “Feeding fat trimmings may cause your pet to develop pancreatitis and foods such as raw fish, liver and sugary foods can lead to metabolic diseases when fed in excess. Avocado is toxic to many animals, including birds, dogs, mice, rabbits, horses and livestock,” it warns. As with most pet concerns, refer any inquiries to your vet.

THE same care should be applied when ensuring plants are safe for pets. With indoor plants becoming popular again, it’s important to be wary of their toxicity. Lilies, for example, can cause kidney failure in cats. Other common toxic plants include poinsettia, azaleas, some ferns and ivies, daffodils and aloe vera.

Poisonous2pets.com.au has listed wandering jew, jasmine, ivy, potato vine, buffalo grass, paspalum grass and bottlebrush trees as plants that can cause allergies or worse. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) also warns pet owners about the nuts of the sago palm, tulip bulbs, oleander, amaryllis, kalanchoe and yew.

PRACtICAL MAGIC

Aruliden - Underwater landscape fish bowl ahalife.com RRP: $136.09

Cats cave, Cosy and dozy en.dawanda.com RRP: $87.08

Bird Feeder einrichten-design.de RRP: $28.41 Tiny Paws Pet Teepee and Bed myweeteepee.co.uk RRP: $104.70

Gummi Pets ‘Jett Black’ Smart Pet Bowl thedesigngiftshop.com RRP: $18.90

Woof! Ceramic dog bowl 15cm yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $27.99

Cat Scratching dJ decks maidenshop.com RRP: $52.36

Ready!

Sophie Allport dog Treat Tin Sophieallport.com RRP: $39.80

Lorraine Lea dog bed lorrainelea.com RRP: $89

pet! go!

Charley Chau dressed rattan dog basket - dotty taupe charleychau.com RRP: $230.40

Large T-Bone steak dog toy yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $22.99

CAT-IN-THE-BoX Tiger unitedpets.it RRP: $16.73

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

O b j ec t s of De s ire

light my

fire

By Nicole Bittar

As days are stemmed by the new season, and summery skies switch hue from blue to grey, our thoughts turn to red embers.

Whether wood-fuelled, gas-operated or perma-glow, keep the home fires burning in efficiency and style with these shining examples. They’re strictly too hot to handle.

1.

Escea DX1500 High-efficiency multi-room fireplace (www.escea.com/au/contact/) Glen Dimplex Sales RRP: $12,028 (plus flue, ducting and installation)

2. Copenhagen Designer Fire (designerfire.com.au) RRP: $1399 3. Madrid Designer Fire (designerfire.com.au) RRP: $319 4. Berlin (elegant sophistication) Designer Fire (designerfire.com.au) RRP: $539 5. Cannon Canterbury Classic in-built gas log heater cannonappliances.com.au RRP: $3699

10 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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house shows even when you move in ... you can still save money for other important things going on in your life”

12 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK FLETCHER / STYLING: CLAIRE CAU-CECILE

“Planning and saving for our wedding whilst we built our

E STAT E P I O N E E R S

Rup close and personal Patience and plenty of research helped Ashleigh and Aaron Tocknell create their dream home in the charming rural haven of Koo Wee Rup

A

OPPOSITE PAGE: Ashleigh says the sacrifices were “well and truly worth it” now they are enjoying their home in the Tesoro Estate, including the kitchen; the master bedroom was redesigned; and their informal living and meals area is an ideal space in which the newlyweds take time to relax

T AN age when most of their friends were out having fun and concentrating on a career after university, Ashleigh and Aaron Tocknell were busy planning their lives together. Barely 21 years young, they were ahead of their time in saving for a block of land. Less than two years later, they are living it up as newlyweds in their 26.6-square home with their “furry children”, beagle Kruze and labrador Chase.

“We were both ready to move forward with our lives in our own home and we didn’t want to waste money renting, so we decided to build. We wanted our own space and a home to call our own,” Ashleigh said.

At the same time they were also saving for their wedding no mean feat.

“Planning and saving for our wedding whilst we built our house shows that even when you do build and move in, you can still save money for other important things going on in your life. It’s not like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve just built a house so we really need to budget our money so that we aren’t broke’.

“Of course we felt like we were making sacrifices socially as we were given deadlines when lump sums of money were due to be paid. Having been so young and our friends going out partying all weekend every weekend, occasionally we had to miss out as we had greater responsibilities to consider.

Looking back now those sacrifices were well and truly worth it.

We have set up a fantastic future for ourselves and our future family in a home that we love so much.

“Meanwhile our friends are still on the partying scene while still living at home or renting. Financially we were really lucky as we still lived at home with my mum (Melissa) and stepdad (John) who didn’t charge us any rent money as an encouragement for us to save for our own home.”

Initially keen to settle in Clyde North, Ashleigh acted upon her father Colin’s suggestion to move further out for better value. That’s when they began to consider Koo Wee Rup. Both were schooled at the nearby secondary college and, having spoken to a friend and life-long resident about living there, they made the call, then bought the 684-square-metre block in January 2013 … and the rest is history.

Once renowned for its potatoes and now asparagus from surrounding farmland, the small town appeal of Koo Wee Rup is best demonstrated by the township’s one set of traffic lights, however Melbourne’s CBD is only a train ride away. It’s the best of both worlds for Ashleigh.

“It’s the little things I love … like the Santa who distributes lollies to kids as he’s driven around the streets on top of the fire truck. Or the massive Easter Egg Hunt in Cochrane Park,” she said. “We’ve only been here a year, but our street is

already well known in the Tesoro estate for its Christmas lights display. And the Christmas catch-up sausage sizzle in the park has helped us meet others. I love that it’s a small town and I thrive on the community spirit that surrounds us.”

Ashleigh says the estate’s Facebook page keeps everyone in the loop about any neighbourhood issues, such as escaped dogs, while the Koo Wee Rup noticeboard keeps them up to date with what’s happening in the community.

A DESIRE to live the quiet life was one reason why they chose Koo Wee Rup. “We had always lived in overpopulated suburbs that were extremely busy. We chose Koo Wee Rup as our place to call home because we attended secondary school there, so we knew it was a much smaller and quieter town. To us it felt much more relaxed,” Ashleigh said.

Even the simple act of shopping was so much easier.

“Living in busier suburbs it was almost like peak-hour traffic when you go shopping as you weave in and out of people while you shop. But here you can relax and don’t have to dodge everyone.”

In the end, the decision came down to value.

“We had been looking at land for approximately 18 months in different locations, such as Cranbourne, Pakenham, Clyde, Skye, Officer and Berwick, before settling on buying in Koo Wee Rup. When looking at other suburbs, we felt the land was a bit pricey for what you got. Koo Wee Rup offered better value for money with the blocks being bigger and cheaper.

We wanted to be able to build a big home with a decent-size backyard as we plan to one day start a family.”

ASHLEIGH said the delay between buying land and building allowed them time to pay more off the land and search for a builder with whom they felt most comfortable.

They seriously considered two other builders, but Rawdon Hill Constructions earned the nod. “Part of it was that there were so many inclusions that other builders didn’t include in their packages. Things like blinds, flyscreens, a driveway, clothesline and other little touches. But … the design of the house was perfect for us.

“The salesman was also fantastic. He was upfront, honest, and so flexible because nothing was too hard or too much. They were only too happy to work with us, and what we wanted. When it came to amendments they were always willing to tell us the costs and charge you only what it cost (rather than adding a margin). And if they took out one element they’d give us the credit back to spend elsewhere in the home.

An example was when we found our ducted heating wasn’t compatible (due to the gas supply at the time), so we swapped

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 13

A work in progress May 24, 2014

June 6

it and upgraded the roof to Colorbond. The best thing about the way they handled the costing was that it wasn’t just a lump sum of $200,000 for a house … (with the itemised quotes) we knew what we were paying for each alteration. We would definitely build with them again.”

As it was, the house was handed over on November 7, 2014 – exactly the date specified on the contract.

In contrast, the completion date of her mother’s home was pushed back several weeks and her stepsister Jackie had issues with installation of the National Broadband Network with another builder.

ANOTHER attraction was the 18-month time limit to build the home, but there were no restrictions in the Section 32 dealing with landscaping.

“With some places you must have your front garden done within three months of settlement, but we didn’t have that pressure here. We could build when we wanted and do the garden when we wanted. Not having a set timeframe made the whole process so much less stressful.”

AS FOR the home design, they took their time in making thoughtful alterations – all the while keeping open the lines of communication with their builder.

Perhaps fortuitously, the couple lived with Melissa and John in their just-completed Pakenham home before building.

The experience taught Ashleigh the value of patience and flexibility when refining the design for the short, medium and longer term.

Ashleigh said their decision to turn the main bedroom into a suite had been an everlasting source of pride. This design tweak involved removing one of the bedrooms and replacing it with a larger ensuite that features a double vanity and double shower with a rose showerhead. It also added his and hers walk-in robes.

“The master bedroom is your space, so you have to enjoy it (for years to come),” she said. “We made the changes there because we don’t need four bedrooms. But we put in sliding doors from the theatre room so it is potentially a bedroom if we need it to be.

“To us, our home is perfect. We have built a home fit for a future family. It is everything we ever dreamt of in our first home. We also love the included kids retreat, which will serve to be a great play room for our future children.”

CONSTRUCTION of the “Bedarra 266” began in earnest in May 2014. Ashleigh was thankful for the breathing space between buying and building, as they saved for their wedding. She has advice that many prospective first-time buyers would do well to heed.

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June 10

June 16

“Don’t just settle for the first house that you like. Shop around and do your research because there is always a better deal out there. All builders have their pros and cons, so make sure you choose the builder that best meets your needs,” Ashleigh said.

“Ask lots of questions, as some builders have a way of talking you into things that you don’t really want or need, and some will include things that others won’t, such as driveways, blinds, landscaping, washing line and flyscreens – all things that you don’t really think about at the start.

“In terms of the land, make sure you fully understand the Section 32 and what is on your land - for example, building envelopes and easements.

“I think a lot of people jump into building very quickly. I wasn’t scared, but it was such a big deal that I needed to do lots of research before signing away,” Ashleigh said. “It’s exciting and everything sounds good when you’re in a display home, but it has to be somewhere you want to come home to.

And once it’s built, you can’t change it. I just needed to be 110 per cent sure.”

FORTUNATELY, living with Ashleigh’s mum also prepared them for the building experience and moving in. Ashleigh said the only thing she’d change would be conducting site inspections at various stages of construction, but the fortnightly updates from the builder had worked a treat.

“When we moved in our street was pretty well developed, but we had a vacant block next door. Most of our neighbours had already been in for a few months, so their landscaping was all starting to take shape. We were one of the last people to build in our street,” Ashleigh said. “Having built in Stage 2 there were several roads still under construction and some that hadn’t even been mapped out. (But if you’re moving into a new estate), be prepared for lots of traffic and noise – lots of trucks entering and exiting, jack hammers, nail guns, tradies at all different hours of the morning. But it doesn’t last long.”

LIKE many first-time buyers, Ashleigh and Aaron feel they fell into the trap of not having enough funds after they were handed the keys.

“If we had the chance, we would have definitely saved a lot more money to actually spend once we moved in. This would have allowed us to finish set projects a lot quicker,” Ashleigh said. “When you move in there is always a never-ending list of jobs to complete. The front and backyard need to be landscaped, blinds need to be installed, screen doors fitted, the list goes on, so it is a good idea to allow an extra $20,000$30,000 to do so. The money runs out very quickly, so you just have to be patient and do things as you can afford them. We are the kind of people that if we want something, we work hard

June 29

E STAT E P I O N E E R S

July 4

July 4

July 4

August 3

and save for it. We don’t just settle for second best and do something else because it’s cheaper.”

BELOW: Aaron and Ashleigh Tocknell are loving their recently completed front garden at their Koo Wee Rup home. They say their first hone is “everything we ever dreamt of”

BESIDES improvements on the home front, the township has also bloomed. Working in the CBD, Ashleigh drives to Pakenham station and then has an 80-minute commute, giving her time to catch up on paperwork.

The renovation of the Koo Wee Rup pub and its introduction of quality pub grub has transformed the area’s dining scene.

It complements the existing Chinese, Indian, pizza, chicken and fish-and-chips eateries. And those after a fast-food fix can enjoy Subway or take a 10-minute drive to McDonald’s.

Add the opening of a Woolworths supermarket, discount chemist and several renovations that have transformed the school, and life in Koo Wee Rup is everything they wanted, and more.

The Koo Wee Rup bypass has also had a marked effect

August 15

October 2014

on traffic, with those heading to Phillip Island no longer travelling through town. But perhaps best of all, having bought their block for $170,000 in Stage 2, the couple have enjoyed watching land values rise. A recent release of Stage 9 has similar-sized blocks selling for $200,000.

“The land has gone up that much, I can only imagine what the total package will be worth, and particularly when we finish doing what want to do. Thank God we got in early,” Ashleigh said, adding that the estate and its marketing had definitely lived up to expectations.

“Most definitely. Everything the estate promised has been delivered, like a park and barbecue recreation area, small lake and fencing around blocks.

“We’ll definitely still be here in five years’ time and I think the estate will be almost fully developed. And I can just imagine that we’ll have one, maybe two children if we’re lucky.”

KOO WEE RUP FACTS On the floodplains of the Westernport Basin, the Koo Wee Rup township is 17km south of Pakenham and about 85km southeast of Melbourne. It is accessed from the South Gippsland Highway. The Cardinia Shire’s township strategy outlines that ‘Koo Wee Rup’ – the traditional home of the Bunurong people – means ‘blackfish swimming’ or ‘plenty of blackfish’. Originally known as Yallock, it developed after the construction of the Great Southern (South Gippsland) railway in 1890 as a potato-growing farming area. It expanded after World War I when many surrounding properties were subdivided for soldier settlers, and again with Italian migration after World War II. Nowadays, the township provides services to surrounding rural areas, including retail and commercial centre, education, public hospital, community services and recreational activities.

Tesoro Estate Developed: 2013 Size: 213 lots Population: 511 at completion (Projected: Koo Wee Rup 4500 by 2031)

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Inside

Not everyone can afford a cleaner, but with the right approach you can achieve professional results and keep your home looking like a display home

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IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Clean sweep

Inside

“Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don’t do it.”

T

- Anonymous

HE bright spark who uttered those words was on Top start to something. There are only a select few people The first job isn’t necessarily the one you’d expect, but it makes in this world who actually enjoy the painstaking most sense. Simply fill your kitchen sink with hot water and a process of preening their palace, but it’s a squeeze or two of dishwashing liquid, then soak the removable necessary evil unless you want to wind up as the elements of your gas cooktop (knobs and trivets) and your unlikely star of a reality TV show about hoarders, microwave turntable. and be filmed climbing over piles of your own debris just to get As they soak, turn your attention to the bigger picture. to the kitchen.

Cleaning from top to bottom, as the saying recommends, So where do you start? There’s also a good reason why begin on the top level (or furthest room if you have a singleyou should always clean from top to bottom – and it doesn’t level home). Dust from the ceiling down, removing cobwebs, necessarily involve having a double-storey house. This way and paying attention to walls, picture and mirror frames, wall any dust that gets stirred up along the way is removed once lamps and finally the skirting boards. This prevents dust from and for all in your final sweep. It will also make the process dropping onto freshly vacuumed carpets or mopped floors. more efficient, and is the same strategy professional cleaners As for removing cobwebs from high ceilings or reaching light employ to cover a lot of ground within strict time constraints. fittings, lifestyle.com.au recommends turning a sports sock Enlist the family to help out by doing a general tidy up in inside out and attaching it with an elastic band to the end of a the kids’ rooms the night before. When you’re ready mop handle. to begin, open your windows and doors for some Once the room or space is completely fresh air – provided it’s not blowing a gale dusted, start vacuuming. Take your time. outside – and put on some upbeat music to If you have pets, make sure Concentrating on one spot, vacuum in both get you in the groove. directions as it allows the machine to to attend to their habitats as A timely piece of advice before you better suck up dirt and dust. And make they too develop allergies. start: Don’t get distracted from your plan sure you empty the bag before it fills (Source: Dyson) of action. A five-minute diversion can up and loses its effectiveness. soon turn into 30 minutes or an hour, and your mission will have to be aborted.

Mop secret Having an exit strategy when mopping avoids duplication, so it Survey your domain makes sense to apply the same Like most things in life, preparation principle with general cleaning in is the key. Grab your empty laundry each room. Work from the back of basket and a rubbish bag. Next, the room to the front – moving from take a five-minute tour of your corner to corner – as it allows you to home, standing in the doorway of carry your cleaning kit and supplies each room to assess what needs to be done. Divide the room into sections and mentally note what with you.

The room-by-room approach is another integral aspect of is required. This could include dusting, cleaning windows, your cleaning mission. Cleaning one room at a time creates a vacuuming and clearing any clutter. sense of accomplishment and allows you to return to your area Clutter can be cleared quickly by adding it to your laundry basket. Ditto for any garbage. Then move from room to of focus if you’re interrupted.

Another way to avoid repeating your work is to clean in a room and make a list of everything that needs to be single direction, and organise as you clean, wiping under and done – including what equipment you will require. around objects in hard-to-reach spots. It doesn’t matter if it’s left to right or right to left, but it’s important to be thorough and The bucket list complete that task before moving to the next.

Just as a tradesman has a A tip from the professionals: Rather than allowing wet toolbox to carry his tools, a surfaces to air dry, give them a finished look by wiping them cleaner should have a bucket dry. Not only does it deliver aesthetic results by removing water or cleaning caddy they take with them wherever they go. Besides the spots, it also inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces the chance of slips or falls. cleaning products, cloths, brushes, rags, squeegees and wipes, it’s a good idea to carry various vacuum attachments Next step in a pocket so you have the appropriate Stairs are one of the most highly trafficked areas in your home one on hand to tackle lamp shades, pictures, but they are often neglected when cleaning. Besides being a shelves and windowsills. Add an old toothbrush place where dust, dirt, hair and fibres collect, they also act as a or two for getting into hard-to-reach spaces. conduit, transferring those same elements from the stairs into

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 21

Inside Place stuffed toys in a bag in the freezer for 12 hours to kill dust mites.

(Source: Dyson)

other spaces. Suck up the debris with a vacuum, then use a wood polish or hand vacuum to ensure each step is well maintained.

Living areas Rugs have gained a notorious reputation for concealing hidden mess, so you’d be on the right track by immediately clearing up that misconception. Roll them up and vacuum underneath. Then vacuum both sides of the rug. If possible, hang them on a washing line and hit to release any lodged dust.

Move your couch, chairs and other pieces of furniture as it is surprising how much dust can accumulate underneath in a short space of time. Similarly, remove any seat cushions – it’s amazing what you will find.

Kitchen As one of the most-used rooms in the home, the kitchen warrants special attention for health as much as aesthetic benefits. When you’re attending to the splashback, realsimple.com recommends that you wipe down the coffee machine, toaster, mixer and kettle and other small appliances, benchtops and cabinet interiors with an all-purpose spray.

Tend to the benchtops by rubbing in small, circular motions, using a surfacespecific cleaner. Restore the shine to the stainless steel in your kitchen (i.e. cooktops, oven, rangehood, microwave, integrated coffee machine) simply by adding a few drops of vegetable oil to a paper towel and wiping. White vinegar is also effective.

If you have more time, clean out the fridge. This may involve removing any old jars of food or over-ripe fruit, washing the shelves with soapy water, and wiping the interior with a bicarb soda paste with water (return later to rinse). As a bonus, bicarb soda will also remove any lingering smells.

Bathroom The enclosed space of a bathroom is where the one-direction work philosophy will prove most handy. Before cleaning your cabinets, check inside and discard any expired medicines, almost-empty bottles and cosmetics you’ll never use. Remove built-up soap scum in your basin with a cloth, and put the old toothbrush to good use around the base of taps. If mildew or mould is a problem, remove it with a 50/50 vinegar and water spray and using another toothbrush.

Bedroom To prepare bedrooms, first strip all linens and wash. To extend the life of your mattress, it’s a great idea to flip and rotate it every six weeks. At the same time freshen your mattress by sprinkling a cup of bicarb soda and even a drop of two or essential oils (i.e. lavender), leave it for an hour or so and then vacuum.

As for your built-in wardrobes and bedside drawers, examine what’s in there

22 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

and give away any items you haven’t used for a year. Preserve the other items by laundering or dry cleaning.

Lock it up Once your job is finished, ensure all your cleaning materials are stored out of harm’s way for the sake of your family and pets.

All-purpose and hard-surface cleaners, detergents, bleach and toilet bowl products are among the most common causes of poisoning among children, while pets can also fall victim.

Based on the 180,000 calls made annually to the Poisons Information Centre, an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report found about half related to children. All-purpose cleaners, bleach and dishwashing detergents contributed to more than 3500 cases, with toilet-bowl cleaners, hand sanitisers and disinfectant accounting for a major proportion of the remaining cases.

CLEANING UP, NATURALLY CLEANING products can be expensive, but you can make your own for a fraction of the cost. Better still, you know what the ingredients are and can avoid any toxic additives.

Clean bathroom tiles and showers by warming a cup of vinegar in the microwave, adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and pouring into a spray bottle. Spray the area, let it sit overnight, then wipe clean the next day.

Although natural alternatives sometimes require a little more elbow grease, the benefits to your health, environment and budget are hard to beat.

Most green cleaners use a combination of standard ingredients. Most of the recipes incorporate soap, lemon juice, bicarbonate (baking) soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, corn flour (corn starch), glycerine, essential oils (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass oil), fresh herbs, citrus or citrus peels, vegetable oil and water.

For a basic all-purpose cleaner, lifestyle.com.au recommends a solution of 50:50 water and vinegar with a few drops of essential oil.

Vinegar loosens dirt, disinfects, deodorises and helps remove stains.

Sarah Berry’s tips from the ATA’s Green Cleaning Guide (downloadable in Healthy Homes eBook from shop.ata.org.au) contain several examples.

Use a mix of bicarbonate soda and soap to clean the toilet, bath, sink and tiles. Then restore the shine by wiping with vinegar. For an air freshener, mix two cups of water, half a teaspoon of vodka and a quarter teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. Bathroom floors can be wiped with a solution of vanilla essence and water, while lavender oil smells great and is a natural disinfectant, but don’t use it on stone surfaces as its acidic properties can cause damage.

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URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 23

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COVER/ILLUSTRATIONS: ANGELA HO

INSTANT

CONNECTION The State Government has assigned itself the task of long-term planning for 2050 as part of its Plan Melbourne Refresh, but what will your home look like then, and how will it function? We examine futurists’ predictions and ask experts if the visions will become part of our everyday lives.

I

T’S the year 2051 and greater Melbourne’s population is fast approaching 7.8 million, as the state of Victoria nudges 10 million. Nationally, we’ve just passed the 40 million mark. Day-to-day living hasn’t changed much, except for the switch to more leisure time. There’s no sign of The Jetsons and flying cars here just yet.

Schools, offices, shops, restaurants and parks are easily accessed on foot, and anything beyond your community is reached by bicycle or in driverless cars.

The humble hubot has taken over the domestic duties of cooking and cleaning and even companionship, while language barriers have become but a distant memory with the widespread use of universal translators.

More than half of the state’s population, or 5.8 million, is aged between 18 and 64. The remainder of the population is split between the children and adolescents (20 per cent) and those whose working lives (remember 38-hour weeks?) have already finished and are enjoying retirement (22 per cent).

Families with children are declining, from a high of 43 per cent in 2011 to 40 per cent, while the lone-person household (up three per cent to 28 per cent) and couples with children (27 per cent) reflect the diverse nature of the modern family.

The rapid expansion of aged-care communities is dealing with the substantial rise in dementia cases (almost one million) as the Australian population ages. Fortunately, back in 2016 Professor Laurie Brown from the University of Canberra said that almost one million Australians would suffer from dementia by 2050 and flagged the need for urban planning to take into account age-friendly communities, as well as providing support for those caring for older relatives.

“Ensuring decision makers and service providers have advance notice ensures that we are on the best path to

28 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

providing care for the people who will need it,” Professor Brown said.

After exponential growth between 2011 and 2031, the local government areas of Wyndham (193,000), Casey (173,000), Whittlesea (156,000) and Melton (146,000) continue to push the boundaries of urban planning as the speed with which they grow tests infrastructure planning like never before.

Sound familiar?

EVEN the way we buy property is a quantum leap from the good old days in the early 21st century.

British trend analysts The Future Laboratory predicted in a report for online real estate firm easyProperty that by 2025 holograms would replace a substantial number of physical visits for property sales. By that time virtual reality cafes will become offices where buyers can explore off-the-plan homes as if they were inside them.

“Seamlessly integrating our digital and physical worlds, virtual reality tours will count as a first viewing, as people are usually going to physically do the second viewing,” easyProperty chief executive Rob Ellice said.

Already employed in game controllers and the Apple Watch, the virtual reality tours will use haptic technology (meaning “to touch” in ancient Greek). It will allow home buyers to feel and even smell the inside of a property without leaving your home or the cafe-style office. Buyers will use Heads-up Display (HUD) glasses - a more advanced version of Google Glass – to virtually design their property and carry out interactive chats with the builder via hologram.

“Estate agents will supply their own branded HUD glasses, loaded with many different apps connected to dozens of

ABOVE: Climate control will be just one feature of a connected house, which will include security, lighting, entertainment and medical analysis at the touch of a button OPPOSITE PAGE: Today’s electronic gadgets are only the beginning of what will be common in 2051; robots or hubots (human-like artificial intelligence) will tend to domestic duties and even companionship IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

COVER databases, to enable home buyers to virtually redesign … any property they are viewing,” technology futurist William Higham told the report.

THE connected home will play an increasingly vital role in making our lives easier.

For example, when your driverless electric car returns you to your home network, it will upload its operating data and automatically send it to the mechanic. This could recognise potential faults before they eventuate – long before any scheduled 100,000km service.

Or the fridge will communicate to the supermarket that you are running low on milk and need an order filled as soon as possible. Thankfully, a drone parcel arrives just in time for breakfast. And that’s without considering the basic assumption that voice-activated intelligences will control everything in the home from front door locks to window shades for the ultimate in network news.

Although still in its infancy, the signs of an increasingly connected smart house are already emerging in 2016, as an NBN-commissioned report details. The Internet Uninterrupted: Australian Households of the Connected Future report developed

by Telsyte forecasts that by 2020, the average household will go from using nine connected devices in the home to 29.

At peak times, it is predicted that households will have 12 simultaneous applications connecting to the internet over multiple devices in 2020, up from the current eight.

With everything from smoke detectors to hot water systems converting to the smart age, Australian households will increasingly rely on faster, more reliable broadband to operate multiple devices and apps. The ball is already in motion, with the release of Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings laying the platform for home automation as most people would imagine it.

NBN public affairs manager Tony Brown said the internet was already connecting people through social media, but the next step or “Internet 2.0” was about machine-to-machine communication or the Internet of Things (IoT).

“Some of the applications that will emerge we probably don’t have visibility of yet, but we are already seeing the possibilities offered by applications such as home automation, where people can control various electronic devices in their homes remotely or remote monitor their homes for security purposes,” Brown said.

AIG and the Consumer Electronics Association’s The Internet of Things: Evolution or Revolution? agreed, saying everything in the smart home of the future would be easily accessed – either by fingerprint or retina scan.

The report’s main predictions for the short term include: smart wardrobes that select outfits for you based on the temperature outside and your schedule, termite sensors, and houses that can track and adjust their energy consumption by using sensors built into your clothes. Taken a step further, Jack Hanson from futureforall.org said most of the research being done now was focusing upon health monitoring, connecting occupants and everything else in the home, living in harmony with technology, pervasive computing, reducing environmental impact, robot-assisted living and become self sufficient for energy.

In other words, expect the unexpected.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 29

PLANNING

2051 Interactive TV walls, intuitive kitchens and wireless lights are on their way

LORD Mayor Robert Doyle explained in a Herald Sun article in April that underground vacuum tunnels into which rubbish is dropped would revolutionise the city of Melbourne, and that the love of coffee would lead to cafes becoming the offices of tomorrow as wi-fi keeps everyone and almost every facet of life linked.

On the home front, Professor Michael Buxton from RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research predicts the city in 2035 will evolve into a high-rise centre, with European-style townhouses in the middle and detached dwellings in the outer ring. Melbourne will become a polycentric city with as many as 11 commercial hubs in the suburbs that will serve as employment, education and entertainment precincts.

The average house price hovers above $2 million, a coffee and train ticket costs $10.50, fresh fruit and vegetables are a luxury, and the people-moving bus emerges as the key to unlocking congestion.

30 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

COVER

Here are other predictions that could redefine your future Prediction 1: ‘Printed’ buildings and wireless lights Thomas Frey says that by 2030 more than 20 per cent of all new construction in the US will be (3D) ‘printed’ buildings, and wireless power will be used to light up invisible light bulbs in the middle of a room. More than four mail packages a week will be delivered by flying drones. He also believes at least one city will be harvesting all of its water supply from the atmosphere, and that holidays will be a thing of the past, with virtual and augmented realities allowing people to travel to the other side of the world.

Reality: Urbanedge chief sales & marketing officer Russell Stevenson It will be common place for new homes to be self-sustainable. Innovation that uses the natural elements of wind, rain and the sun will be the most affordable practices, compared to older sources of energy and power.

Building materials that will be used will ensure efficiencies in regards to heating and cooling as well as natural light and ventilation throughout all new homes.

Prediction 2: Views from every room, moveable walls Ikea Future Homes project manager Eva-Carin Banka Johnson says digital windows and skylights will give any room a view and provide an alternative to traditional lighting. Moveable walls will transform living rooms into an office or bedroom, and bathrooms into a laundry.

The home featured in the firm’s Australian Home of the Future report (written in collaboration with futurist Barrie Barton) includes features such as furniture that will need to be hidden when it is not in use; and digital kitchen worktops that will weigh, measure and pair food at the touch of a button.

“Our fridges will talk to our kitchen benches, and our vacuum cleaners will talk to our security systems, creating a self-aware home which pre-empts our daily needs,” Banka Johnson said.

Reality: Burbank Homes managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo “Future housing will involve taking sustainable living to the next level. We are already seeing a trend towards an acceptance of rooftop gardens, which provides a two-fold solution to current issues – it addresses the problem of limited space, while also allowing people to grow their own food. Even by 2020, I think we’ll also find more efficient ways to harness current technology. For example, finding ways for standard homes to use solar panels to store power on-site in a compact, internal, wallmounted battery. This type of system would create a constant supply of solar power and help us move more towards complete self-sustainability.”

statistics will also become more and more important as our population ages, and I see this as being particularly useful for people who live in rural and regional areas.”

Prediction 4: The Carbon Positive House Design company Archiblox says its energy-efficient prefab house will be carbon positive because it produces more energy than the home will actually need. This will be achieved using a range of features including a green roof, edible garden walls and in-ground cool tubes.

Reality: Paul Wolff, Director, Porter Davis Homes “The carbon positive house is an achievable reality in the years to come, but it will require ongoing and widespread industry collaboration, and an open mind to a new way of doing things. For instance, in-ground cool tubes have the potential to massively reduce heating and cooling costs – and they are proven to work – yet they require drilling pipes 50m into the ground. So this will mean more up-front expense, and has risks in relation to geotechnical uncertainty.

“The industry, consumer and community are more engaged and educated with innovation regarding concepts like insulation, orientation and solar power, so we will see more products like this adopted in mainstream housing as they become more readily available and affordable. Additionally, being carbon positive will become more automated, with options to install smart climate-control systems that use weather predictions to open and close the home, utilising natural ventilation without waiting for human reaction.”

Prediction 5: Conversation-friendly buildings Future Scope in 2010 reported that architects using sound-mapping software developed at Cardiff University in Wales could see the noisy hot spots where conversations in a room might become unintelligible. By altering room shapes and materials, they will be able to make meeting spaces, open-plan offices, and even cafes more compatible for conversations.

Prediction 6: Greater protection in bushfire zone The World Trends & Forecasts of 2010 said new approaches to building design and landscaping will protect homeowners in bushfire areas. University of Wyoming ecologist William Baker says this includes using non-flammable building materials, abundant ventilation and thermal-resistant windows, while landscapers can keep the areas surrounding the building free of plants that fuel flames.

Reality: Timandra by the Sea, Member of Landscaping Victoria “The predominance of wildfires means that no garden will withstand severe fire storms if the wind and heat are at extreme levels. Much of the problem, in my opinion, is to do with the way in which we are encouraged to water our gardens – with dripper systems that do not water the whole plant and its root system. My preferred method in larger gardens – using low-impact sprinklers – waters the entire root space that in turn keeps the soil temperature cooler. High soil temperatures are a major problem with wildfires. The use of aggregates instead of wood-based mulch is also beneficial when used in conjunction with a variety of indigenous species Reality: Ben Green, Push by Schneider Electric general manager that then encourage biodiversity to the site. People should not opt “Although we are seeing it in a smaller, less-sophisticated form, this type of allencompassing technology, as predicted by Michael Rogers, is not far from being in our out of using any plants because of a fear that they will worsen the effect of fire. Plants are essential to our well-being and homes. Large screens, or TV walls, are certainly an impressive way to demonstrate this technology, but we also predict this type of functionality being available in smaller, the whole ecological balance of any site. Conditions have worsened since 2010 with increasing hand-held and mobile devices. With internet speed and accessibility building all the evidence to show that even fire-resistant housing time, these technologies and the products that feature them are becoming more is burning, so the external landscape is also under commercial, and more readily available to a wider population. It won’t be long before worsening threat. People need to better consider a single device that integrates the best of everything is brought onto the market at where they establish their homes in the first instance. an affordable price. Even today, more and more technology is being built to include By 2051 conditions could be better globally if there is sensory inputs from cameras. Using facial recognition, technology is already able better control of fossil fuel emissions. But they could to identify an individual, and it won’t be long before this information is used to tailor also be worse with continuing denial.” content for the person in front of the screen. Sensory inputs to detect vital health Prediction 3: Interactive TV walls Michael Rogers says the floor-to-ceiling interactive TV wall will dictate entertainment, communications (telepresence), virtual shopping, monitoring of health (particularly for elderly), home automation, virtual reality experiences and energy interface. Controlled by voice, facial recognition and gesture, it will be linked into the uninterrupted internet access provided by telcos across the globe.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 31

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WERRIBEE WERRIBEE HarpleyEstate Estate Harpley 150Billeroy BilleroyWay, Way, 150 Werribee3030 3030 Werribee MontotoFri, Fri,12–5pm 12–5pm Mon Sat/Sun,11am–5pm 11am–5pm Sat/Sun,

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Aston AstonEstate Estate 6-8 6-8Star StarWay, Way, Craigieburn Craigieburn3064 3064

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LaraCentral CentralEstate Estate Lara 121-123Flinders FlindersAve Ave 121-123 Lara3212 3212 Lara Mon/Tue,12–5pm 12–5pm Mon/Tue, Sat/Sun,11am–5pm 11am–5pm Sat/Sun, WarralilyCoast Coast Warralily

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18-20Coastside CoastsideDrv Drv 18-20 MountDuneed Duneed3216 3216 Mount MontotoFri, Fri,12–5pm 12–5pm Mon Sat/Sun,11am–5pm 11am–5pm Sat/Sun, LampardStSt Lampard ArmstrongCreek Creek3217 3217 Armstrong MontotoWed, Wed,12–5pm 12–5pm Mon Sat/Sun,11am–5pm 11am–5pm Sat/Sun, ArmstrongEstate Estate Armstrong 465Surf SurfCoast CoastHwy Hwy 465 MountDuneed Duneed3216 3216 Mount MontotoFri, Fri,12–5pm 12–5pm Mon Sat/Sun,11am–5pm 11am–5pm Sat/Sun,

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 33 For Forall allregional regionalVictoria Victoriadisplay displaylocations locationsplease pleasevisit visitjgkinghomes.com.au jgkinghomes.com.auororcall call1300 1300JGKING. JGKING.

AWAY WE GROW!

Thoughtful landscaping can transform your outdoor space into an oasis and allow your home to meld effortlessly into its surrounds. Follow these tips and watch your garden bloom into a thing of beauty.

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O U TD O O R S

I

T MIGHT sound strange to compare landscaping to a mullet hairstyle. But if you think about it, good landscaping really is all about ‘business at the front and party at the back’. While the entry makes a first impression, the backyard goes beyond to become an extension of your living area, enabling countless hours of work, rest and play in your outdoor room.

The benefits of a garden go beyond aesthetic appeal.

Gardens can help warm and cool your home, assist with water management, enhance air quality and biodiversity, improve privacy and even help feed the family.

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Think big

OPPOSITE PAGE: Pebbles and grass should be considered as the small details in your big-picture garden plan ABOVE: Tight spaces can still create a lasting impression, with the distinctive divisions at Metricon’s display at Oceanblue Blvd, Pialba on Queensland’s Fraser Coast providing clean aesthetics

The best advice for anyone contemplating garden design is to look at the big picture, rather than the small details. This includes considering the outdoor space as a functional part of your home’s design and ensuring the two complement – rather than dominate – one another for the perfect combination of style and substance. This premise should form the heart of the garden’s master plan.

The unwritten rules of basic landscaping include screening any neighbouring eyesores and framing visual highlights, mulching garden beds to minimise weeds, installing proper drainage, and limiting the number of plant species for a more uniform look. The downside of this is restricting biodiversity.

But as the size of backyards shrink, it’s not always possible to introduce too many species for year-round colour without being extremely inventive.

Regardless of size, remember that by contributing to the 202020 plant/life balance goal (improving the plant/life balance in urban zones by increasing green space by 20 per cent by

2020), you are also helping yourself in terms of maintaining your health and wellbeing.

Grand designs The University of Florida’s Gail Hansen de Chapman says a master plan should be a five-step process incorporating a site analysis, needs assessment, functional diagrams, development of a conceptual design plan and then a final design plan. In essence, the first three steps outline the aesthetic, functional, and horticultural requirements and the last two apply them in the final plan.

“The process begins with a site inventory and analysis of soil, drainage, climate conditions and existing vegetation,” de Chapman said.

“This is critical for plant selection and placement and locating family activities and functions. It’s important because the same climate conditions that affect the plants – temperature, humidity, rain, wind and sunlight - also affect you.

“The next step is to make a list of your needs and desires – this helps you determine how your yard and landscape will be used. The site and user analyses will also help you establish a theme for the form and style of your design. The functional diagram is then used to locate the activity spaces on the site and from this diagram a conceptual plan is developed. The last step is a final design that includes all the hardscape and planting details necessary for installation.”

Practical magic There are also practical matters to address. Long before visiting a nursery to select plants, Comdain Homes recommends that any garden beds be created away from

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 35

O U TD O O R S foundations and footing systems, with a similar principle applying to the planting of any large shrubs or trees near the house. As a general rule, root systems will stretch as far from the trunk as the height of the tree, so keep this in mind when designing your garden.

Suitable drainage should be installed around the perimeter of the residence to avoid excessive moisture in the long term as well as plumbing and drainage damage. Topsoil should be placed well away from any ventilation holes.

Cost benefits Of course, budget will play a part in what you can achieve and Landscaping Victoria (LV) has some timely advice: “A beautiful landscape costs money and takes time. It’s only on television that it happens over a weekend for a little bit of money.”

Project costs will vary due to site conditions, access and whether demolition is required. LV recommends you start with a wish list and work from there.

A landscape designer can include these wish list elements in your plan and then break down the construction into manageable stages, including post-completion maintenance.

It goes without saying that the more construction required for paving, decking, pergolas, retaining walls and pools, the more expensive the project will be.

Any landscaper undertaking structural works valued at $5000 or more should be a registered building practitioner.

Before engaging anyone, ask for a copy of their registration and insurance, and ensure you have a contract outlining all works to be done.

Before you decide this all sounds like too much, remember that landscaping is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Not only does it increase your health and wellbeing, it also delivers a greater than dollar-for-dollar return on investment.

Happily ever after Whatever garden style, plantings or design you choose, just remember: there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free garden – unless you want to go back to the 1970s, when concrete yards were de rigueur and mullets were the ultimate statement of style. - ROSS McGRAVIE

DESIGN NOTES • • • • • • •

Understand your site for plant selection and activity location Consider what you want, and use a style or theme to organise spaces Create and link spaces by designating activity areas and linking with elements Consider the function of plants for the environment Pay attention to detail in the materials, colours, and surface textures Take time into account for the growth and maintenance of plants Protect your resources by using sustainable design practices (Gail Hansen de Chapman, University of Florida)

36 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FAST ROLLOUT: (from top to bottom) Putting down lawn can be the quickest way of establishing a healthy lawn for mowing; paving can reduce the maintenance in your garden; tiered gardens in curved beds make a stylish and calming statement

Is your landscaper registered?

If your landscape is going to cost more than $5,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a Registered Building Practitioner is legally covered to do the work and can offer you Domestic Building Insurance for works over $16,000.

By engaging a landscaper with this Registration you are guaranteed that they are experienced, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate professional businesses. They have to be in order to satisfy the strict criteria set down by the government regulatory body, the Victorian Building Authority.

This buys peace of mind that you and your investment are in the right hands because professional landscaping does make life better.

Registered Landscapers are: • recommended by Landscaping Victoria • registered with the Victorian Building Authority • professional with regard to quality outcomes • insured • leaders in the landscape industry.

So before you embark on your next landscape project ask your landscaper – are you registered?

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LEGAL

“Laws have been tightened”

TRONGER protections have been introduced for consumers to avoid costly disputes in Victoria’s $28 billion building industry.

The reforms are to be introduced in two stages after flaws in the domestic building system were identified by the Victorian AuditorGeneral in a May 2015 report. The changes will make it compulsory for builders to work with consumers to resolve disputes in a way that is practical, reasonable and provides a fair building system for everyone.

Changes include: •

•

a new dispute resolution service will have powers to obtain independent expert assessment of building work, and require builders to repair poor work or make the consumer pay if work was correctly completed, reducing lengthy disputes. the building system will be simplified, with the Building Practitioners Board abolished and the Victorian Building Authority to have stronger powers to discipline building practitioners.

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•

the building surveyor process will be more transparent as builders will no longer appoint their own surveyor • laws have been tightened to prevent unregistered builders from avoiding the standards and costs that apply to registered builders.

Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said most builders do the right thing, but consumers would no longer have to struggle through long delays to building works and expensive, drawn-out tribunal battles when faulty work has been done.

“Victoria has a strong building industry and the majority of builders won’t notice our changes, but we are reinforcing the system so practitioners and consumers have confidence and our building industry keeps on growing,” Wynne said.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Jane Garrett said building disputes can ruin people’s lives and livelihoods if they dragged on.

“By strengthening consumer protection and the regulation of the industry, disputes will be prevented, and if they arise, resolved much earlier,” Garrett said.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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www.bentleyhomes.com.au URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 43

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Egg skelter black annabeljames.co.uk RRP: $50.16

Sand Bottle Soft Pink barnabyco.com RRP: $96.78

Donut Coasters thechaosclub.com.au RRP: $9.95

Ovela Deluxe rubberwood-top kitchen storage trolley & workbench kogan.com RRP: $95

Red kitchen board etsy.com RRP: from $66 44 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

La Cafetière Red Classic Espresso Maker 6 Cup creative-tops.com RRP: $52.26

Flamingo Cupcake/Food Toppers gingerray.co.uk RRP: $7.31

PRACTICAL MAGIC Framed kitchen art print in-spaces.com RRP: $37.52

Green tea cup and saucer in-spaces.com RRP: $167.56 Blue Honey Bees Plate in-spaces.com RRP: $52.37

Glass tea infuser design-3000.de RRP: $75.98

Karlson wall clock ‘Belt’ with mint green dial thedesigngiftshop.com RRP: $139

SMEG – Small appliances smeg.com.au RRP: In store only

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PLANNING

How we plan a new suburb But today, the pendulum has swung back in favour of walking. With rising obesity rates, congested roads and an increased awareness of the importance of vitamin D, town planners now understand it is essential that people can access vital services by foot.

Therefore, to encourage residents to embrace the great outdoors, the MPA ensures all new suburbs have good walking and cycling paths, plentiful trees to provide shade and great parks where families can enjoy the outdoors. In fact, we make sure 90 per cent of houses in any given suburb are within 1km of the town centre, so people can access their daily needs with ease.

In addition to planning for lively town centres, the MPA also conducts numerous scoping studies, to ensure the topography and cultural heritage of any given area is weaved into its new identity.

For example, the volcanic cone of Mt. Atkinson, a new suburb in Melbourne’s outer west, near Melton, will be protected and preserved as a key place-making feature of the suburb. Likewise, the former goldfields routes of Plumpton, also in the west, will remain as open space.

Speaking of open space, when planning a new suburb the MPA maps all trees that are native to that area, and we encourage councils and developers to plant flora that will blend in with the landscape.

Consulting with traditional owners of the land is another important part of planning a new suburb, and the MPA has a strong focus on protecting the indigenous heritage of any given area. We do this by creating planning provisions that preserve land that is of cultural and spiritual significance, and sometimes councils will name particular areas using indigenous words, to pay respect and educate residents about the area’s traditional owners.

Finally, when all this planning has been undertaken and the plan has been approved by the Minister for Planning, the developer(s) then must pay a levy to the State Government and councils to help fund key community infrastructure for the new suburb, such as roads, hospitals and schools.

But a warning to residents: this won’t happen overnight.

While people can expect first-class streets and arterial roads when they move into to their new suburb, often community facilities are developed in tandem with housing.

One of the key benefits of living in a new suburb is that houses are often substantially more affordable than those in central Melbourne, and residents will have new facilities to enjoy. However, you might have to wait a couple of years for your new suburb to reach its full potential.

But if you’re happy to wait a little for some of these things to arrive, there is much to be gained by moving to one of Melbourne’s new suburbs that have been designed to ensure a high quality standard of living.

, parkland and Cycling and walking tracks Villawood’s native flora, such as those at ove), are Aspire Estate at Plumpton (ab communities integral components of new

Peter Seamer Metropolitan Planning Authority CEO 48 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

TEXT: XXX / IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I

F YOU’RE considering buying a property in one of Melbourne’s popular new suburbs, you might reasonably ask yourself what you can expect.

Will it have adequate facilities, transport and parks?

And what about the negative images we see in the media, of new suburbs stacked with endless houses but sadly lacking amenity?

At the Metropolitan Planning Authority we plan for change across established Melbourne and in our growth corridors, with a focus on designing them with community needs at the forefront. As a statutory authority that reports to the Victorian Minister for Planning, the MPA is responsible for creating the detailed plans that will bring these new suburbs to life.

Together with councils we determine the best locations for bustling and attractive town centres, the environmental assets that should be protected and the right layout and design for residential areas. In addition we plan for local transport needs, including future train stations and bus routes, schools and green spaces. We acknowledge that suburbs weren’t always planned with so much care in days gone by, but since the MPA’s conception in 2006 – originally as the Growth Areas Authority – we have learned from the mistakes of the past.

For example, when designing a new suburb, the MPA has a strong focus on creating lively town centres. We want each new suburb to have its own local centre with a main street where people can have a cup of coffee, access vital services or simply have a stroll around a green space.

Furthermore, we want people to walk to, and around, these areas. After the introduction of cars in the 1950s, for a long time town planners thought it was no longer important for properties to be close to amenities, because it was assumed that everybody would just drive where they needed to go.

The Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) is a State Government statutory authority.

Melbourne is rapidly increasing, with a projected population of up to 7.7 million by 2051.

It is the MPA’s main task to manage this growth in key precincts and enhance Victoria’s liveability.

This requires vision and long-term planning, to ensure Victorians have equitable access to employment, public transport, services, attractive public space and affordable housing.

Working closely with councils, government departments and communities, the MPA’s program focuses on land use and infrastructure planning for strategically important precincts.

If you would like to share your views on the future of Melbourne, please call Rachel on 9651 9600 or email at info@mpa.vic.gov.au

mpa.vic.gov.au

Silent treatment

Our high-tech lifestyles offer more ways than ever to disrupt domestic bliss, but soundproofing your home can help your quest for quietly ever after

Design When building a new home, the first thing to consider is the layout. Simple tweaks and changes, such as where rooms are located, can alleviate noise problems without the need for costly insulation materials.

Solution: It is good design practice to locate rooms that require peace and quiet away from noise-generating areas. For example, try grouping together kitchens, laundries and bathrooms, perhaps even with common or adjoining walls. Conversely,

50 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

try to avoid designs where bedrooms share walls with noisy common rooms, TV or entertaining areas. Your early-morning smoothie obsession might not seem quite so healthy to the person whose bed is on the opposite side of the wall.

Windows Windows are metaphors for opportunity, and unfortunately this also rings true when it comes to letting in sound. Single-glazed, untreated windows are particularly vulnerable to noise penetration.

Solution: Ask your builder about the benefits of double or triple glazing. The more dense the material, the more difficult it is for sound to vibrate through. The extra cavity (or cavities) act almost like insulation by helping to buffer noise. Glazed windows also have the bonus of improving your home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat lost through the glass in winter and preventing unwanted heat from entering in summer.

Tip: A minimum of 12mm is recommended between panes for optimum thermal protection, while 150mm or more is the sweet spot for audio control.

Walls Paper-thin walls, coupled with open-plan living, do not a quiet home make, which is why proper insulation is key to keeping noise levels in check. Talk to your builder about what soundproofing materials they use to make sure your new home will be an

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, METRICON

E

SCAPING the hustle and bustle of the city is one of many factors enticing buyers to build new houses in Victoria’s urban growth corridors. But a quiet home is about much more than just finding a leafy location.

Modern homes are built with lighter, less-dense materials, and on smaller allotments that are closer to neighbours. But open-plan living, appliance addictions and must-have kitchen mod-cons (high-speed blenders, we’re looking at you) are also contributing to the ever-increasing noise pollution in our home environment.

Fortunately for the blender-owning, cinema room revellers among us, there are plenty of ways to protect your suburban sanctuary from becoming a raucous wreck. The first step is identifying what the noise is, where it’s coming from and what’s causing it, then you can determine the best way to block it. Here are some soundproofing solutions to help you turn down the volume.

Inside WALL INSULATION

oasis of calm. It’s much better to adopt good soundproofing practice at the building stage, because once the plaster is up it will be costly, not to mention inconvenient, to go back in and fix problems.

Solution: There are myriad options when it comes to soundproofing your walls, including insulation, batts, damped drywalls, sound curtains and acoustic sealant.

Your builder should be able to give you a good idea of what level of soundproofing you’ll need through different zones in the home. If, for example, your home is going to have a cinema room, it might be a good idea to look at specialised sound barriers such as wall carpet, soundproof tiles or ceiling baffles, to help muffle the late-night movie volume.

Ceiling

HOME THEATRE - METRICON

the roof. You may also need to take into account external factors, such as noisy neighbours, traffic or weather.

Solution: Check for gaps in the roof tiles and add insulation if necessary. If the neighbours or traffic noise is sending you mad, plant trees, hedges or fences around the property to help absorb the sound.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

This is probably one of the simplest yet most effective areas in the house to sound guard. Not only is it easily accessible, it doesn’t matter what stage your house is at.

Ceiling batt insulation is one of the most common forms of sound proofing and, like glazing, it has the added benefit of reducing your home’s energy consumption. But beware, features such as ducted heating or cooling may still allow a level of flanking noise through.

Solution: Polyester batts are a key element when minimising noise.

SPACE. The more space there is, the more noise reduction there is.

MASS. A thick concrete wall will offer more sound protection than a thin plaster wall.

Remember, the less it weighs, the less noise it will stop.

DAMPENING. This is all about hindering the vibrations, and this can be achieved in several ways. Noise reduction refers to stopping or eliminating the noise, while noise absorption refers to changing the characteristics of the noise, such as holding a wine glass immediately after making it ding to stop the reverberation.

Floors

Soundproofing ratings

Sound will bounce off hard surfaces such as timber or tiles, which can give rooms a cold, echo feel. If you have a two-storey home, you will also need to consider the upstairs ceiling or floor, as this will affect the acoustics in the lower level.

Solution: Soft furnishings, such as rugs or carpet, will help break up and absorb soundwaves. Look for carpets with acoustically rated underlay.

WHEN you’re looking at soundproofing materials or measures, you may come across a soundproof rating listed as two figures separated by a slash mark – this is the Rw/Rw+Ctr rating. The first number is the Rw value (it is the Weighted Sound Reduction Index). This value will always be higher as it indicates the material’s pure soundproofing performance. The second value takes into account various contributing factors that will mitigate the effectiveness of sound insulation (Ctr is what’s known as a spectrum adaptation term). This rating gives you an indication of how well the soundproofing will perform in real terms when it’s installed.

Outside noise Even if your walls and windows are completely soundproof, don’t forget about CEILING INSULATION

Hear factor FLANKING noise is sound transmitted through gaps in the construction, such as poor seals between structural elements and around service penetrations, heating and ventilation ducting, and rigid plumbing connections. It is the transfer of noise through paths around a building element, rather than directly through the building element material.

STRUCTURAL noise occurs when there is tapping or banging on one side of the construction that is carried through the structural elements to the other side.

For example, when someone leaves their phone on the floor upstairs and you wake up to their alarm vibrating at 6am.

GLAZED WINDOWS

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 51

O

Star

performers If you’re buying or building a new home, you’re probably wondering what that six-star energy rating means.

Do your homework to ensure that your home stays comfortable throughout the seasons, and cost effective to boot.

nce upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, the only things that required star ratings were movie reviews and kids’ homework books. These days, star ratings are being dished out to determine the energy efficiency of everything from your dishwasher and washing machine to building materials. Even your home will have one.

As power bills continue to rise, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the building industry. It has become such a significant aspect of design and construction that the government has set up specific initiatives to address and enforce green home solutions.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a national framework for the purpose of regulating how Australian homes are rated for their thermal performance.

Shoppers should also heed the Energy Rating Label, which helps consumers compare major electrical appliances based on their energy consumption.

Last but not least, the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) provides a star rating to existing buildings, according to the performance of a building’s energy efficiency. New homes in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia must achieve a minimum sixstar energy rating to comply with minimum energy efficiency standards set out in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

WHAT DO THESE FRAMEWORKS DO? NABERS Buildings with better ratings will consume less energy than buildings with poor ratings. Ratings are available for offices, hotels, residential housing and retail establishments.

Energy Rating Label Appliances that carry an Energy Rating Label in Australia include fridges, freezers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines, air conditioners and televisions. When offered for sale, these appliances must display a label that shows the star rating of between one and 10 stars – the greater the number of stars, the higher the efficiency.

The costs and environmental effects of heating and cooling a home can be reduced through good design and construction of our homes. Building regulations in all states and territories set minimum standards for energy efficiency in new houses and apartments.

Assessment of a building’s thermal performance at design stage by a NatHERS-accredited assessor can identify simple, economical ways to make it more comfortable, and save energy.

A zero star rating means the building’s shell has a net effect on the home’s thermal performance. That is, it does next to nothing to reduce heat in summer and maximise heat in winter. Conversely, a rating of six stars – which is the minimum standard for all new homes – indicates a good level of thermal performance, and thus a reduction in energy consumption and bills.

The maximum rating is 10 stars, which means no artificial cooling or heating will be required to maintain a comfortable living environment year round.

52 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NatHERS

G reen L iving HOW TO GET A BETTER RATING

Insulation

A north-facing orientation will maximise morning and afternoon sun, while avoiding the harsh heat. When designing your new home, try to position non-habitable rooms to the west (i.e. bathrooms, laundry, garage) and main living and kitchen zones to the north.

Proper insulation goes a long way to lowering energy consumption because about 60 per cent of heat entering your home comes through the ceiling and the walls. Insulate ceilings, all external walls, suspended floors and internal walls connecting to non-habitable rooms with minimum R2.0+ rated materials. With insulation materials, the higher the R number, the better.

Building Size and Design

Shading

Passive design takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in the home, and reduces or eliminates the need for auxiliary heating or cooling, which accounts for about 40 per cent of energy use in the average Australian home, and much more in certain climates.

Does your home have passive solar design features?

Think about your surface area and try to minimise external wall space; simple designs often perform best.

Bigger houses with higher ceilings will be more costly to heat and cool, making it more difficult to achieve higher ratings, but cost-effective solutions, such as ceiling fans, can help.

Use appropriate shading for windows and consider the installation of awnings. Maximise solar access to northern windows in winter, and shade western windows in summer.

Fixed horizontal shading devices, such as eaves and pergolas, are ideal for shading north windows. Properly designed, they will block the high summer sun, while still allowing the lowlevel winter sun to shine in.

Adjustable vertical shading, such as blinds, awnings and roller or conventional shutters, are equally suitable. External vertical shading devices (canvas blinds, awnings, shutters) are highly recommended for east and west-facing windows.

Orientation and Layout

Windows Almost 30 per cent of the heat lost and gained in a home is through its windows, so it makes sense to maximise north-facing windows, minimise west- and east-facing windows, and eliminate southern windows, if possible.

Traditionally, the area of north-facing glass should be equivalent to 10-15 per cent of your home’s floor area when building on a slab. If building on a timber floor, the area should be 7-12 per cent. Using the same calculations, south- and east-facing windows should be equivalent to no more than five per cent of the total floor area, and west glass no more than three per cent.

Opt for double-glazing over tinted windows or lowemissivity (low-e) glass. As for window frames, timber, uPVC (or ‘vinyl windows’) or improved aluminium window frames provide higher star ratings than standard aluminium.

Landscaping Clever landscaping, such as using deciduous trees, shrubs and vines, can provide excellent shade in summer, without obstructing the winter sun.

Low, dense trees and shrubs near windows provide shade from the early morning and late afternoon sun, but avoid planting evergreen trees close to the eastern and western windows of your home as they can block winter sunlight.

Working with Mother Nature – rather than against her – also has its rewards.

In the cooler hours of evening after a warm day, open your doors and windows to encourage cross-ventilation and flush out the hot air.

The good news is that combining several of these elements can reduce energy usage in your home by up to 90 per cent. There’s no such thing as a perfect home, but every little bit helps. It’s only on a 40C day when your forward thinking will be rewarded, and your home’s star qualities will truly emerge.

INSIDER

What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

I started in the industry about 18 years ago as procurement manager at Boral. Primarily, I was chasing a functional role that was strategic and would make a difference to the profitability of a business. Over the years I worked in various positions at Boral and at a couple of other builders. I’ve been at Burbank for seven months now.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love the pace and the variability because every cycle and customer is different. But what’s most rewarding for me are the opportunities to improve efficiency and customer service across all parts of the industry.

What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement (in the industry)?

I’ve been proud of my involvement on the MBAV housing committee and being a founding member of the Australian Housing Supply Chain Alliance, where a lot of work was done on waste elimination and how we can educate suppliers and trades about better ways of doing things. Perhaps the most fulfilling part of my job is grooming people to become great leaders.

waste and inefficiencies. In the end it’s a win-win for everyone.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of building?

In terms of residential construction, I’d love to have a large canopy over every building site (to avoid inclement weather that delays construction) and for more manufacturing of prefabricated materials to be done off site. From a customer’s perspective, I’d love to make sure that every customer’s expectations are crystal clear before the building process begins.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home?

The biggest is that most people think a brick wall is structural.

Adam Siegel

Biggest regret?

At a previous firm I remember some junior construction workers who came with an amazing attitude and willingness to learn, but they just didn’t have the correct support. I neglected to provide them with appropriate mentors to help them succeed. It taught me that a good manager can transform anyone with the right attitude into a superstar, whilst a bad manager can turn a superstar into a poor performer.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

I would probably opt for a doublestorey home, so I would want reinforced flooring so that no sound would come through (from above) to the lower level.

What tips would you give for future-proofing a home?

I would make provisions for energy-saving appliances and photovoltaic cell (solar) systems and have comprehensive waterproofing across wet areas and balconies. I’d also consider a pro-active maintenance program, where you do little pieces of maintenance annually to preserve the quality and longevity of your home.

BURBANK HOMES

Worst trend?

The adversarial relationships between suppliers and customers at all levels, even though they all have the same goal. Everyone tends to focus on their own objectives, to their exclusion of others. As a result, there are a lot of unhappy customers, waste and inefficiencies. By working collaboratively, we can achieve great things.

Best change?

Welcoming Toyota’s approach to efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, into our industry means we can focus more things on exactly what the customer wants, and eliminate

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a builder?

I’d search for a builder with longevity, financial security and humility. They must be someone you can trust and who possesses expertise but also knows their limitations. They keep things simple and have a definite customer focus.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

I think there will be many similarities to today. It’s sad to say but I think as more parts of the home become prefabricated, we could see the number of our skilled tradies – bricklayers, wet plasterers and carpenters – diminish due in part to a lack of traineeships and greater remuneration opportunities elsewhere.

General manager – Victoria 54 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Housing Industry Association (HIA) is an industry body which supports over 40,000 tradespeople in the residential building industry. Our members are equipped with the latest industry advice, ongoing training and support and are committed to provide ethical and high quality service to their clients.

Dreaming of a new space, a new look, a new home?

HIA members can make your dreams a reality.

We stand by our members.

HIA members agree to adhere to the HIA National Code of Ethics (the ‘Code’), under which they commit to competence, fairness, value, honesty and integrity in dealing with consumers. You are in good hands with an HIA member!

Don’t forget to visit housinglocal.com.au to find great ideas, design tips, and practical information on getting started.

You will find: > Construction tips – applying for building permits > Design – cool tips and trends > Environmentally friendly products > Features and finishes – making your home stand out > Checklists that are helpful to the process > Insurance information > Products gallery for information and inspiration

I N D U ST R Y N E W S Happy campers secure blocks A WEEK-long campout for land in Lyndhurst paid dividends for several families at Villawood Properties’ Marriott Waters community.

The first release of the 170-lot project is an extension of the existing Marriott Waters community, which is in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

The population of the City of Casey

is predicted to increase by 66 per cent between 2011 and 2031.

“This project, in the booming Casey corridor in Melbourne’s southeast, demonstrates the popularity and reputation of our award-winning Marriott Waters community as well as underlining the continued strength of the new residential market,” Villawood Properties CEO Paul Banks said.

Land starts at $289,900. More details are available at marriottwaters. villawoodproperties.com.au

10,000 buyers claim grant FIRST Home Owner Grants may have fallen to their lowest level in more than a decade, but there’s no reason to panic.

State Revenue Office data released last month shows more than 10,000 people were awarded the $10,000 incentive to build a new home in the 2014-2015 financial year. It peaked with 45,000 buyers in 2009-2010.

About 40 per cent of all grants were for dwellings constructed in 10 postcodes.

The activity centres included Tarneit (706), Cranbourne (716), Clyde/Clyde North (372), Doreen/Mernda (386), Pakenham (202), Craigieburn/Kalkallo (517), Wollert (268), Point Cook/Werribee (292), Melton (162), Rockbank (204), Waurn Ponds (89) and Wyndham Vale (111).

Much of the pattern has been caused by rising prices for established homes in the inner and middle rings of Melbourne, and the July 2013 changes that stipulated the grant could only be used to build a new home valued at less than $750,000.

The record year for new-house construction in 2015 helped reverse five consecutive years of declining figures for first-time buyers.

Gyprock duo hails spirit of Geelong CSR Gyprock and Malloy Plastering have hailed Geelong’s community spirit after the overwhelming success of the River’s Gift charity home.

They supplied labour and materials to Geelong Homes in support of the fourbedroom Ocean Grove residence. Its sale in February generated a $130,000

56 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

profit due to more than 70 suppliers and local trade businesses that donated their time, products and services. The funds will be used for finding a cure for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

“The project demonstrated what can be achieved when an entire community of suppliers and contractors come together to deliver a quality home in support of a deserving cause,” Gyprock’s residential account manager Luke Pochec said.

Geelong Homes general manager Andrew Carroll said the team was humbled by the efforts of everyone involved in the campaign.

Geelong-based charity, River’s Gift is the only non-government SIDS organisation in Australia that directly funds world-leading research to find a preventative cure and raise SIDS awareness.

To support the charity, go to riversgift. com

I N D U ST R Y N E W S Victoria leads in HIA hot spots

United front aids ownership step

CRANBOURNE East has emerged as Victoria’s strongest-performing area for new house building and population growth.

More than 220,000 new dwellings were started last year, with 602 hot spots identified across Australia for the HIA Population and Residential Building Hot Spots report.

HIA economist Diwa Hopkins said the suburb’s population increased by 32 per cent and $328.7 million worth of building was approved in Cranbourne East to make it the nation’s second largest spot behind the ACT’s South West area.

Truganina (ninth, 14.7%, $200.53m), Beaconsfield/Officer (11th, 14%, $149.618m), Epping (16th, 9.3%, $239.814m), Docklands (18th, 8.8%, $553.886m) and Melbourne (19th, 8.3%, $1109m).

A hot spot is defined as a local area where population growth exceeds the national average and where the value of residential building work approved is in excess of $100 million.

Hopkins said these areas were likely to perform well in next year’s rankings if the pattern of this year is anything to go by.

Growth is estimated to increase in Truganina in 2015-2016 by 50 per cent, by 44 per cent in Cranbourne East and 19 per cent in Beaconsfield/Officer.

“In the final analysis, the fact that 10 of the Top 20 Hot Spots are located in NSW and Victoria speaks volumes. These two states have been the engines of the strong upturn in new home building over the past few years. It is also encouraging to see WA still perform strongly this time at the national level, considering the difficulties arising from the natural resources downturn,” Hopkins said.

MANY first-home buyers are joining forces, sacrificing their holidays, and living at home longer to access the property market.

Just over one-third (or 34 per cent) of the 1003 people surveyed by St George Bank this year bought their first property on their own, the Herald Sun reported.

The others teamed up with a partner, family member or friend.

Three-quarters of the respondents bought the home they wanted. Those who compromised did so on location, price and size.

They saved for their homes by being frugal with household expenses (60 per cent), cutting back on eating out, entertainment, shopping and holidays (55 per cent) and living with family (29 per cent).

Guy planning for state-wide focus POPULATION growth and the challenges of tackling it with a multipronged approach for the entire state was the theme of Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy’s address at the HIA industry breakfast at Crown Towers in May.

Growth areas fuel rent boost RENTAL yields for houses are performing best on Melbourne’s suburban fringes, with Melton South leading the way.

In a trend identified by CoreLogic RP Data, the yield (annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s value) is averaging just over one per cent across the city, but Melton South ($270pw at 5.6%), Melton ($265pw at 5.5%), Diggers Rest ($300pw at 5.5%), Coolaroo ($320 at 5.4%) and Millgrove ($280 at 5.3%) bucked the trend.

The Australian Financial Review reported that lower purchase costs and greater rental demand in those areas buoyed the performance.

Woodlea estate opens in style WOODLEA, near Rockbank in Melbourne’s west, has got off to a flying start after its opening weekend in April.

More than 9000 visitors attended the official opening weekend of the master-planned community, and more than 1000 blocks have already been sold. Projected to feature 7000 homes to house 20,000 residents across its 711 hectares by 2031, the joint venture between Victoria Investments and Properties and Mirvac opened its 37-home display village, its first public park, the Go West Eatery and Tuckshop café and the Work Integrated Learning Centre in the first sign of what is to come. A childcare and early learning centre and a sporting precinct with two football/cricket ovals and 10 tennis courts will open next year.

Upon completion, every house in Woodlea - recognised earlier this year as Australia’s fastest-selling community - will be within 200m of a park. Project director Mathew Dean said Woodlea was committed to building a strong sense of community that was boosted by innovation, opportunity and access to bestpractice facilities.

Guy, pictured left, said with Melbourne’s population expected to increase by one million people over the next decade, the status of the world’s most liveable city was under threat unless a mature planning approach devoid of short-sighted solutions was implemented. He said messages conveyed at a regional, metropolitan and federal level must work in unison with infrastructure projects and job creation.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 57

DIRECTORY BENTLEY HOMES (Open weekdays noon-5pm, 11am-5p weekends) Craigieburn (N) 11-13 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Mernda (N) 22-26 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Truganina (W) 4-6 Nova Ave, Gateway Estate

BURBANK HOMES (Open seven days, 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 11 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate Clyde North (S) 30 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Craigieburn (N) 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingstone Estate Cranbourne North (S) 5 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Cranbourne West (S) 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Dandenong (S) 70 Cheltenham Rd, Metro Village 3175 Doreen (N) 1 Mensa Circuit, Plenty River Estate Epping North (N) 14 Corbett Ave, Aurora Estate Greenvale (N) 20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate 46 Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Keysborough (S) 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate Melton (W) 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate Melton South (W) 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 515 Mount Ridley Rd, Trillium Estate Closed Thu-Fri 48 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Norlane (G) 1a Yooringa Ave, New Norlane. Closed Thu-Fri Officer (S) 20 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Plumpton (W) 13 Rowling St, Aspire Estate. Closed Thu-Fri 58 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGHGROVE ESTATE (S) Carlisle Homes’ double-storey Cottesloe is a harmonious blend of understated grandeur and homely delights. It has four bedrooms, study, multiple living areas and an al fresco.

It’s open on weekdays from noon to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 5pm.

9-15 Newbridge Blvd, Clyde North Melway Ref: 135, K7

Point Cook (W) 64 Boardwalk Blvd, Boardwalk Boulevard Estate 12 Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) 5 Rush St, Woodlea Estate Sunbury (N) 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Tarneit (W) 56 Heartlands Blvd, Heartlands Estate Taylors Hill (W) 25 Peppermint Grove, Taylors Hill Estate Truganina (W) 18 Everholme Dr, Allura Estate Wantirna South (S) 2B Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate Werribee (W) 3 Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 7 Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) 24 Bloom Cres. Lyndarum Estate Land Estates Bayview (G) Centennial Blvd, Curlewis. bvbellarine. com.au Eliston (S) Discovery Centre: 20 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. eliston.com.au. Open 11am-5pm, seven days Hartleigh (S) 100 Pattersons Rd, Clyde. hartleighclyde. com.au Park Central (S) Rix Rd, Officer. parkcentralestate. com.au

Reflections (W) Cnr Sayers Rd & Derrimut Rd, Tarneit. reflectionsestate.com.au Wellington Rise (N) Blackwattle Court, Mernda. wellingtonrise.com.au

CARLISLE HOMES (Mon-Fri, noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 3-7 Decourcy Way, Warralily Coast Estate Craigieburn (N) 26-30 Valiant Cres, Aston Estate Clyde North (S) 19-25 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate 22-26 Waler Cct, Selandra Rise Estate 9-15 Newbridge Blvd, Highgrove Estate Cranbourne North (S) 9-11 Stoneleigh Rd, The Avenue Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only 4-6 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Greenvale (N) 2-4 Petal Close, Greenvale Gardens Estate Keysborough (S) 2-8 Olivetree Gr, Somerfield Estate Mernda (N) 15-17 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 52-54 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only Officer (S) 1-3 Marwood Way, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 345-351 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate

267-273 Sneydes Rd, Featherbrook Estate Rockbank (W) 6-12 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Sunbury (N) 2-4 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Truganina (W) 234 a&b Sayers Rd, Gateway Estate.

Open Thu-Fri by appointment only Werribee (W) 11-13 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 10-16 Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) 28-30 Timble Court, Eucalypt Estate

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES (Open 11am-5pm daily. Ph: 1800 336 647) Armstrong Creek (G) Coastside Drive, Warralily Coast Estate.

Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate. Open Thu & Fri only Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate Fletcher Rd, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate

Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Melton South (W) Castletown Blvd, Waterford Estate. Open Sat-Wed 11am-5pm Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Mount Duneed (G) Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Ocean Grove (G) Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Williams Landing (W) Harvey St, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Timble Cl, Eucalypt Estate Wyndham Vale (W) Dalrymple Blvd, Manor Lakes Estate Land Estates (Open seven days) Manor Lakes (W) Sales Office: 2 Eppalock Dr, Manor Lakes. manorlakes.com.au. Open 10am-5pm Ashbury (G) Sales office: 460 Boundary Rd, Armstrong Creek. ashburyestate.com. au. Open 11am-5pm Westbrook (W) Sales Office: Leakes Rd (near cnr Morris Rd), Truganina. westbrookestate.com.au Open 10am-5pm Modeina Sales Office: 6 Lexington Drive, Burnside www.modeina.com.au Open 10am-5pm, Sat-Wed

EIGHT HOMES (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 103-104 Lampard St, Warralily Coast Estate Clyde North (S) 4-5 Belant Way, Selandra Rise Estate Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Cranbourne East (S) 13 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne North (S) 268-270 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) 23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Rockbank (W) 14 Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Williams Landing (W) 61-63 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate

JG KING (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Clyde North (S) 40 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Craigieburn (N) 6-8 Star Way, Aston Estate Cranbourne (S) 39-41 Bathgate Cres,Livingston Estate Melton South (W) Cnr Bridge Rd & Astley Dr, Atherstone Estate

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise (off Galloway Dr), Mernda Village Mornington (S) 207 Main St. Open Mon-Fri noon-5pm Point Cook (W) 58 Citybay Dr, Saltwater Coast Estate Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate Werribee (W) Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

PORTER DAVIS (Open daily 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) Armstrong Blvd, Armstrong Estate Ballarat (Regional) Eleanor Drive, Lucas Estate Brighton East (S) 333 South Rd Clyde North (S) Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Craigieburn (N) Valiant Cres, Aston Estate Cranbourne East (S) Lineham Dr, Mayfield Estate Cranbourne West (S) Red Maple Dr, Casiana Grove Estate.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Greenvale (N) Destination Drive (off Amira Blvd), Aspect Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate Melton South (W) Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Officer (S)

Grandvue Blvd, Grandvue Estate. Open Sat-Thu 11am-5pm Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Romsey (N) Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Traralgon (Regional) Cross’s Road, Stockdale Fields Estate Wantirna South (S) Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate Williams Landing (W) Cnr Palmers Rd & Opsum Way, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) Pink Park Dr, Eucalypt Estate

URBANEDGE (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 9-11 Decourcy Way, Warralily Estate Clyde North (S) 14-16 Flowerbloom Cres, Berwick Waters Estate.

Open Sat-Sun 11am-5pm Greenvale (N) 21-23 Destination Dr, Aspect Greenvale Estate Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate Williams Landing (W) 65-69 Sayers Rd, Williams Landing Estate. Open seven days

Win a $4990 voucher on us!

SEE PAGE 16 FOR DETAILS

FINANCE

GOING FOR BROKER

G

ETTING into the market by securing your first home can be a thrilling, rollercoaster of a ride. There is so much to look forward to, but also so much to consider and organise.

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have someone in your finance corner to guide you through this exciting but daunting experience of arranging your first home loan.

An experienced mortgage broker will work closely with you to determine exactly how much you will need saved, when you need it by and what loan features will suit your first-home purchase. Having a good mortgage broker will make sure you get what you want and need in a loan, ensuring you don’t end up with something you didn’t want or paying extra for features you will never use.

At UNIQ Finance we have drawn on the combined experience of all our team to determine what works best (and what to avoid) to develop a process to ensure we always source the best solution for your individual requirements.

And this is never more important than the time when you are looking to buy your first home and take out your first home loan.

Navigating relevant issues such as the First Home Owner Grant, government stamp duty, genuine savings, mortgage insurance, repayments, loan serviceability and obtaining a pre-approval so you can confidently go shopping or to auction on the weekend are all important things that a buyer needs to understand.

First Home Owner Grant The FHOG is a national scheme that is administered and funded by the relevant state, so what you get really depends on where you are in Australia. Typically it involves a one-off grant. In Victoria, you can receive $10,000 if you are building a new house valued up to $750,000 if you satisfy the eligibility criteria.

It usually must also be your principal place of residence. This means you must intend to live in the home for at least 12 months. The State Revenue Office must be informed if your circumstances change.

60 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Stamp duty Government stamp duty is the revenue levied by states for the ownership transfer of land and its capital improved value and is calculated based on the value of the property.

It is paid by the purchaser and is payable to the State Revenue Office. Stamp duty reductions of up to 50 per cent are available for first-time buyers for properties valued at $600,000 or less.

1

2

Genuine Savings Genuine Savings is a term used by the banks when working out if the funds you have put together for the deposit have genuinely been saved over a period of time.

This shows the capacity of the borrower to meet the loan repayments.

3

Mortgage Insurance This is an insurance policy where the borrower pays a one-off premium. The policy is to compensate the lender in the event of default on the mortgage.

4

Loan Serviceability This is the method a lender uses to determine if the borrower has the ability to service or meet the loan repayments calculated by the income and expenses they will have at the time of the loan being taken out.

5

Pre-Approval This is where you make an application to a lender and they make an evaluation on whether the borrower qualifies for a loan, subject to satisfactory property and valuation.

This doesn’t constitute a formal loan offer but gives some confidence to the potential borrower when they are out in the market looking at property.

Given the complexity mentioned above, you can quickly see that there is a lot to take in, so your mortgage broker’s eye for detail should help clients reach their financial goals.

For us to do this, we follow a simple process (see right).

If I wanted to summarise the main steps, it would be: Do your research; Align yourself with an experienced mortgage broking firm; and Remember that no two mortgage brokers are created equal.

Good luck!

Bryce Deledio General manager

6

Our initial meeting is an interview for fact-finding to establish your current position, needs and requirements

Next we analyse your requirements and compile our recommendations of which products and which features should best meet your needs

We present you with a report and recommendations, and discuss any queries you may have. Once you are happy to proceed, we prepare the formal application

Once complete, the application is lodged with the lender

Usually CONDITIONAL APPROVAL is obtained from the lender at this stage.

If there are outstanding conditions, we work through these with you to fully satisfy the lender’s requirements

Final stage is FORMAL APPROVAL. Settlement of funds is booked and completed

HOME LOAN SPECIALISTS UNIQADVANTAGE.COM.AU “Providing finance is the foundation of our business.”

BUYING A PROPERTY STARTS WITH

FINANCE

FIR ST H OME B U YE R

ST

R E F INA N CE M O RTG A G E

NEX T HO M E MORTG A G E

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BUILD I NG OR RENOVATIN G A HOM E

PROPERTY INV ESTO R

SELF EMPLOYED

$

FIRST 20 ENQUIRIES RECEIVE $500 CASH BACK UPON LOAN SETTLEMENT PER F ECT FO R F IR ST- HO ME B UYER S AND INV ESTO R S

Un iQ F i na n c e Aust ra lia L evel 2, 441 St K i lda Roa d M elb our ne, V IC 3004 Ph: (03) 9644 3800 w ww. un i q fi n a n c e. co m . a u

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Mt Rowan

Mitchell Park

Cardigan Village

TE

Park Orchards

CANTERBURY RD

BAC HUS MA C

CALDER HWY

Golden Square

WY

Maiden Gully

Scarsdale

Linton

Mirboo North

Jeeralang North