BuildHome SYDNEY’S
THE HUNTER LOCAL LEGENDS
HEAD TO THE HUNTER
Award-winning abodes from The Hunter’s finest home builders
Your guide to living and building a home in this booming region
COAST OR COUNTRY Whether you prefer coastal living or the rural life, The Hunter has it all IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE HUNTER REVEALED AFFO RDABL E H O US I NG | G RE AT L I FEST YL E | T H RI V ING ECO N O M Y
FOUR BRAND NEW
HUNTER DISPLAYS OPENING SOON Waterford Living.
Discover our display homes today. mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au 1300 555 382 NSW BLN: 41628
Homes designed for life in the Hunter Waiting for you now at Waterford. Clarendon has been building designer homes for over 40 years. Whether you’re after a single storey or double, we have a home to suit every family - each with a Lifetime Structural Guarantee. Walk through our most-popular Boston and Lakeside, or our newest design, the Haven now on display at our Waterford Display Centre.
Visit our Waterford Display Centre 36 Settlers Blvd, Chisholm Open 7 days | 10am - 5pm
Visit more of our Display Homes in the Hunter Region Harvest
5 Seasons Cct, Chisholm
Thornton
14 Darlaston Ave, Thornton
Warnervale
155 Warnervale Rd, Hamlyn Terrace
Boston 36 | +DPSWRQV )DFDGH
Lakeside 31 | Kitchen & Dining
Boston 36 | Kitchen
Haven 28 | 3DFLÞF )DFDGH
Haven 28 | Dining
Call 13 63 93 or visit clarendon.com.au ,PDJHV DUH IRU LOOXVWUDWLYH SXUSRVHV RQO\ DQG PD\ FRQWDLQ LWHPV WKDW DUH QRW LQFOXGHG LQ WKH SURPRWLRQ RU WKH VWDQGDUG VSHFLÞFDWLRQ RU VXSSOLHG E\ &ODUHQGRQ +RPHV Clarendon Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd BL2298C ABN 18 003 892 706. E&OE. 3/21
welcome contents
From our Platinum sponsor … Despite a challenging year in 2020, it seems that people, more than ever, are looking for thriving areas where community and family can create a backdrop for connected living and fulfilling lifestyles. The importance of home, liveability and community has never been more important. As movement out of metropolitan areas like Sydney continues its upward trend, increasingly sought-after areas like the South Coast and Hunter regions are
PLATINUM SPONSOR
playing their role in making these areas the place where people are looking to build their dream homes. The Hunter region itself is expected to see huge growth in the next 20 years or so, with an increasing number of young families drawn to the lifestyle and affordability of the area. With new regional land developments opening, increased connectivity to its booming coastal CBD, the M1 motorway and the Hunter vineyards, it’s easy to see what is attracting buyers to the region. Its short hour-and-a-half commute to Sydney is making it an ideal destination for people working from home or travelling regularly to the city. Display homes like those at newlyopened Waterford Living and Watagan Park are situated less than 30 minutes from the Newcastle CBD. McDonald Jones is experiencing firsthand just how popular the area is, with the dominant proportion of our enquiries coming from the Hunter — and we’re proud to be part of that growth. From 1987, when Bill McDonald founded our company in the Hunter region, we’ve believed the best way to predict and prepare for the future is to be part of it. And that’s what we do. For more than 30 years, we’ve been building beautiful, architecturally-designed houses across NSW and the ACT. Every
SHOWCASING THE BEST BUILDERS IN NSW
BuildHome
home we build is another dream we’ve helped come true — another family that’s living life better because their house has been designed with meticulously considered attention to how a home can enhance their lives. Which is why we’re so excited about our new display homes. We plan to have 11 brand-new homes open for display this year in the Hunter, plus more in Port Macquarie, Sydney and Coffs Harbour. Each of these homes has something very special about it and shows why McDonald Jones is one of this country’s biggest and most successful home building companies. We are showcasing several two-storey architectural designs, including the stunning Valiente and the striking Panorama 39. This is the first time these designs have been displayed in the Hunter and if you get the chance to experience them, you’ll appreciate how these homes combine beauty, style, luxury and practicality. We look forward to seeing you at our regional display homes and becoming part of your journey towards creating a beautiful home that you and your family will treasure for years to come. Nathan Klein, General Manager of Sales, McDonald Jones
Editor Karen Booth Designer Bianca de Ocampo Advertising Managers NSW Rosemary Wood 0404 306 050 Qld Tania Pears 0411 424 194 Vic Natalie Grosso 0420 477 422 Advertising Production Co-ordinator Brendan Alder Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Associate Publisher Martin White Cover Image McDonald Jones Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger
Subscriptions and mail orders: 1300 303 414 Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head office: (02) 9805 0399
GOLD SPONSOR
BuildHome No. 27.1 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne, Vic 3205. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed by C & C Offset Printing Co Ltd, China, distributed by Gordon and Gotch. Phone: (02) 9282 8777. This magazine has content that is advertorial or promotional in nature. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation, and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but they may change in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements that appear in this publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
6
build home
(Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. This magazine is printed on paper which was produced in a mill that meets Environmental Management System ISO14001. Please pass on or recycle this magazine. *Recommended retail price. ISSN 1444-2434 Copyright © Universal Magazines 2021 ACN 003 026 944 www.umco.com.au
We are a member of
contents
28
32 24
36
Contents 8
16
24
28
THE GOOD LIFE First-class masterplanned estates, open space and excellent shopping, the Hunter has it all
32
DESIGN INSPIRATION Be inspired by these striking winning projects from 2020’s Newcastle Architecture Awards
CASE STUDY: CLARENDON HOMES An architecturally designed one-storey abode that caters for families at every stage of life
36
LOCAL LEGENDS 2020 Newcastle Master Builders Excellence in Building Awards: regional builders rewarded
CASE STUDY: MOJO HOMES Discover a split-level home designed for larger families that offers an abundance of space
40
CASE STUDY: MCDONALD JONES Of modern coastal design, this home conjures memories of summer days spent beachside
THE A-TEAM A dream home in the Hunter can be yours with these highly experienced and trusted builders
42
INDEX
7 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits
The good life With its booming economy and wide range of lifestye options, the Hunter is the place to build a home and raise a family Words: Karen Booth
T
he Hunter’s population is expected to increase by around 130,000 people by 2036, and it’s predicted that 62,000 new jobs will be created and 70,000 new homes will be built. So says the Hunter Regional Plan 2036, the NSW Government’s strategy for guiding land use planning decisions for the Hunter region. And the region is big, covering the 10 local government areas of the Greater Newcastle, Upper Hunter and the Port Stephens-Mid Coast subregions. With a long list of new residential and commercial developments either recently completed or in the pipeline, and with an impressive array of community, cultural and education facilities, the Hunter is booming — and this is especially so when it comes to buying or building a home. More homes and a broader range of housing options, including freestanding homes, terraces and apartments, are being built close to jobs, infrastructure, shops and public transport. Planning is focusing on delivering land for housing quickly and cost-effectively to establish new communities in the Maitland Corridor, Newcastle-Lake Macquarie Western Corridor and the growth area around Cooranbong, Morisset and Wyee. The choice of housing and lifestyle options has always been a drawcard for the Hunter. You can live a rural life,
Waterford offers residents 74 hectares of green space, waterways and native wetlands for the family to explore.
When complete, Cliftleigh Meadows will have lots of parkland, two sports fields plus cycle and pathways.
8 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits Stage One of St Bede’s Catholic College in Chisholm was designed by SHAC and built on a greenfield site. Photo: Alexander McInytre
Greenhills Shopping Centre in East Maitland is an award-winning retail and dining hub for the local area.
Once completed, Huntlee masterplanned estate will be comprised of four villages, nestled around a thriving town centre.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP Stockland Green Hills, located in East Maitland, was named the Best Shopping Centre Development at the Property Council of Australia’s (PCA) 2020 Innovation & Excellence Awards. The award came after the centre’s successful $421 million redevelopment — the largest retail redevelopment undertaken by Stockland, and also the largest retail redevelopment to be completed in Australia in 2018. Over a 27-month build, Stockland more than doubled the size of the centre to 74,000sqm, transforming the retail offering into a fashion, dining, entertainment and beauty oasis to rival any leading metroshopping centre in Australia. Jodie Bouffler, Centre Manager at Stockland Green Hills, says, “Stockland Green Hills has been transformed from a well-performing centre into a premier retail precinct that reflects and celebrates the identity of the Hunter Valley through enhanced architectural design and an improved retail, casual dining and entertainment mix. We also incorporated a number of innovative green principles into the redevelopment, including a $2.8 million, 1.863MW solar system, free electric vehicle charging facilities, and energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems. “There are also a number of important community facilities such as multiple parents rooms, an adult change room, two inclusive playgrounds designed in collaboration with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, as well as a designated Quiet Room designed to create a safe place for parents, carers and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
settle down by the coast or a river, opt for a bustling urban centre or start fresh in one of the many family-friendly masterplanned estates.
MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITIES The Hunter is home to a steadily growing number of first-class masterplanned estates. Take Huntlee in the heart of the Hunter Valley for example. With 7500 residential lots to be developed over the next 20 years, it will eventually be home to around 20,000 people. Huntlee will be made up of four villages, nestled around a town centre. On the fringes of the Hunter Valley is Cliftleigh Meadows. It offers ready access to Maitland and when complete it will have 125 acres of parkland, two sports fields and extensive cycle and pathways. Nestled in wine country, you will find Waterford, a masterplanned community offering land for sale in Chisholm, located near Maitland, Newcastle and Cessnock. This 1650-lot community, with some lots in excess of 1500sqm, has everything close at hand, including a host of quality schools, which includes Waterford’s own St Bede’s College. At the heart of Waterford will be a village centre with plans for specialty shops, gourmet stores, a possible supermarket and cafes. Then there’s Mountain View Grange, overlooking the Brokenback Ranges and only minutes from Cessnock. It will feature a town centre and be home to around 1650 families. Another popular choice is Cameron Grove Estate, a premium residential community just a
9 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore is a great place for a weekend stroll before a spot of shopping. Photo: Destination NSW
Clarendon’s one-storey Maitland 30 is available for viewing at the Harvest Display Centre, Chisholm.
30-minute drive from the heart of Newcastle. Residents have access to verdant parklands, the nearby Pasterfield Sports Complex and in time, a new shopping centre with a Woolworths and other speciality shops will be built within the estate. The Hunter is also home to a raft of quality builders and an evergrowing number of display villages, allowing you to see the type of home you could have and the calibre of builders servicing the area. One example is the recently completed Waterford Display Village boasting 23 new display homes from local and national builders.
Transport Interchange, which links trains, buses, the light rail and cars with new commercial, retail and residential developments, has had a transformative effect. Two residential towers will be located above the new bus interchange and a 12-storey office tower for the NSW Government to the east of the site. A network of through-site links and a public plaza ensure active edges to the development and weave together a mix of dining, retail and public spaces. At the heart of the project is a sun-filled, pedestrian-oriented square. Another exciting development is the waterfront release Huntington, which includes a $130 million residential development and restaurant precinct on the Honeysuckle Foreshore in the heart of Newcastle. The building, designed by architects SJB, provides for enormous curved balconies, a communal rooftop space and a ground floor that will be home to 1500sqm of restaurants and cafes.
HEAD TO NEWCASTLE Newcastle is the commercial, economic, cultural and higher education hub of the Hunter, and it is also becoming a residential hub for those who like high-rise living. The development of the new Newcastle Newcastle’s Light Rail system makes getting around the city much easier for residents, workers and visitors.
10 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits Maitland Riverlink has won multiple awards for the design team of CHROFI and McGregor Coxall. Photo: Simon Wood
Three years ago, the University of Newcastle expanded into the Newcastle CBD with the opening of NeW Space, which won an interior architecture award. NeW Space, which has a five-star energy rating sets a new benchmark for indoor environments and is designed to foster exceptional learning and research outcomes. The 10-level building contains lecture theatres, a library, teaching and learning spaces, offices and retail areas, and features a dual-directional external sun shading system.
SENSE OF SERENITY Nestled in the leafy suburb of Chisholm, Waterford by AVID Property Group evokes a sense of wellbeing and serenity. Surrounded by 74 hectares of luscious green space, pristine waterways and native wetlands, Waterford allows residents and visitors to reconnect with Maitland’s natural beauty, while remaining a short drive to Newcastle and its world-famous beaches. After exploring the three landscaped parks and the seven-kilometre network of walking tracks and bike paths, it is easy to understand why this is such a sought-after location for those looking for a healthy, active lifestyle. Waterford is an inclusive 1650-lot community, welcoming residents at all stages of life — from first home buyers and young families to downsizers and those looking to relocate from other areas. The idyllic Waterford lifestyle also encompasses practicality with new and established education options for children of all ages within the community itself. Waterford is also within easy reach of health services and retail outlets and is home to an onsite cafe, The Kitchen at Waterford, and the Waterford Community Kitchen Garden. Offering residents large blocks, beautiful parks and open green spaces, Waterford is currently home to more than 3500 people and upon completion, more than 6500 people are expected to call the masterplanned community home.
MAITLAND ON THE UP Maitland, in the Lower Hunter Valley, is also experiencing a period of growth and development and recently received a major boost with the completion of the Maitland Riverlink. The space acts as a kind of ‘public living room’ for the community, reactivating an unused part of town and drawing locals back to the river that is a fundamental part of Maitland’s heritage, while bringing tourists and visitors to the town. The new building — a sculptural gateway — unites Maitland’s two key assets for the first time: its architecturally rich High Street and the environmental amenity of the Hunter River. The timber and brick arch frames a covered space for community use and houses a cafe and restaurant as well as public amenities. The redevelopment of Maitland No. 1 Sportsground has also been a boost to the area. A collaborative project involving Maitland City Council, the NSW Government Architect’s Office and CKDS, the
11 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits
Spicer’s Vineyards Estate in Pokolbin shows the beauty of the Hunter Valley. Photo: Destination NSW
project has seen the construction of a new 1100-seat grandstand and amenities building. The project funding extended to include a new landscaped forecourt and a refurbishment of the existing field. Still under construction is the Gillieston Heights Community Centre. Once complete, the centre will include three activity rooms, office areas, a commercial kitchen, foyer and covered entry, as well as landscaping and car parking. The number of schools and the quality of the facilities is steadily increasing in the Maitland area. A good example is Stage One of St Patrick’s Primary School in Lochinvar. SHAC worked closely with the school community to create an administration building and classroom clusters that provide open, flexible teaching spaces.
MOJO Homes’ two-storey Novo is one of the most popular display homes at HomeWorld Thornton.
OUT AND ABOUT Wherever you roam throughout the Hunter, there is something for nature lovers, the sports minded or those looking for a family-friendly day out. Options are as diverse as the Hunter’s landscape, ranging from kids’ parks, such as the award-winning Highbrook Park Playground in Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter, to The Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin to the Regatta Foreshore Walk at Lake Macquarie.
12 build home
feature | lifestyle benefits If you want a rural life that’s possible. This modular home by Manor sits just outside the village of Clarence Town.
Designed by Fender Katsalidis, The Herald in Newcastle’s east offers boutique apartments and commercial space. Photo: Mark Skye
Designed by Day Bukh Architects, the project developed an existing public recreation space at the southern end of the foreshore reserve. The lakeside project presented an opportunity for the architect to redevelop a unique cultural and historical recreational area. Key elements of the project comprise a new amenities building, including a combined kiosk and storage building, men’s and women’s toilets, change and shower facilities, an associated paved and terraced plaza area for seating, a timber boardwalk along the foreshore edge and a new access from the boardwalk to the lake swimming baths. If you’re adventurous, your options are many, including hang gliding over Newcastle’s Bar Beach and windsurfing on Warners Bay. For those who like to get some regular exercise in, there are many places where you can walk or jog. One place that combines a jogging path with scenic views is Newcastle’s Mereweather Beach. This is also the place to go if you’re a keen surfer as it’s one of Australia’s iconic surf beaches. Golfing aficionados are just as well catered for as the region is home to quite a few first-rate golf clubs, ranging from the Belmont Golf Club in Lake Macquarie to the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club in the Hunter Valley. The latter offers a restaurant, bar and accommodation, just in case you want to make a weekend of it. And as a treat for the family or when friends come to visit, why not take a hot air balloon over the picturesque Hunter Valley?
The Bower estate at Medowie is home to a display village that includes the Anchorage design by McDonald Jones.
one of the largest in the Hunter Valley, was designed to blend in with its surroundings and give visitors a glimpse into the workings of a winery. It includes a large tasting room with innovative new circular tasting bars (or “pods”), an expansive outdoor terrace, two private tasting rooms, a wine museum, a lookout, a lounge area and two dining venues. The area is also known for its fine dining and gourmet food, not to mention the annual Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival. A drawcard for locals and visitors alike, the festival offers a range of activities and experiences, including gourmet dinners at award-winning restaurants, vineyard tours, winemaking masterclasses and hands-on cooking classes. As you can see, however you want to live the Hunter has you covered.
FINE WINE, FINE FOOD You can’t extol the virtues of the Hunter without special mention of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Pokolbin is a popular place to start your exploration of this area and many begin with a tour and tasting at Tyrrell’s Wines, a winery of international repute. You might also like to pop into the Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, where you are offered a variety of experiences, from a wine masterclass and picnic to a behind-the-scenes tour. Then there is Brokenwood Wines. Brokenwood Cellar Door, now
13 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
Design inspiration The 2020 Newcastle Architecture Awards shone a spotlight on the region's leading residential designers and home builders AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — HOUSES NEW
Photography: Kata Bayer
Winner: Saville Isaacs Project: Beach House Description: Saville Issacs delivers a truly remarkable boardwalk experience with this house. Upon entry, the ocean is beautifully framed as the destination at its eastern end. A washed timber walkway leads through a home bathed in light and defined by walls of concrete and stone. Guest rooms, a recreation room and a bunk room trickle separately down the north and south sides of the open-air corridor. Interspersed by generous courtyards, it is evocative of holiday cabin culture, managing the complex interactions of family and friends in one home but not under one roof. The airy living space is revealed on the east, framed by stone-lined precast perimeter walls and opens onto a deck. Bedrooms above oversee the ocean. An upper-floor loft and study overlook the internal courtyard, demonstrating visual connections between occupants in most parts of the home.
16 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
17 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — HOUSES NEW
Photography: Katherine Lu
Winner: Curious Practice Project: Vikki’s Place Description: Vikki’s Place begins with two generating parameters. The first is to provide living spaces for a grandmother, her son and his family. The second is the need to elevate these spaces above a 1.6m flood-risk plane. From an entrance court at ground level, stairs rise quickly to the main living and dining space. The bedrooms are raised another 900mm above this, enough to create definition without separation. A self-contained studio shifts laterally from the bedrooms to emerge once more over the entrance. These games of elevation and transition are housed within a timber frame that presents as a single volume to the street. An external palette of painted blockwork and batten screens only hints at the playfulness within. Inside, the materials — plywood linings, exposed joists, matchstick blinds, small custom light fittings — create a dignified informality.
18 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
19 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
COMMENDATION FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — HOUSES NEW
Photography: Michael Anderson
Winner: Slater Architects Project: Point Frederick House Description: The Point Frederick House is generously proportioned yet understated. The simple material palette of white walls and timber floors amplifies the light, garden and water views. The entry spine provides order. Bisecting the house, it follows the slope of the site, from the entry level, past bedrooms to a living space, then to a richly planted garden overlooking Brisbane Water. A semi-covered northern courtyard offers protection from inclement weather and draws natural light and winter sun deep into the house.
20 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
21 build home
feature | newcastle architecture awards
Winner: Curious Practice Project: Parry Street Description: An existing structure once divided into three separate tenancies has been reinstated to a single family home. Existing walls, once barriers dividing spaces, have been removed to open up the home and connect old with new. This delicate reworking of an existing Federation brick house has been enhanced through a new south-facing extension. The amalgamation of old and new is skilfully delivered by retaining the existing building footprint. To maintain the floor area, the new open-plan southern addition is shaped to reflect, shield and welcome the sun. A rediscovered, generous central hallway connects and enhances the new home’s connection with its southfacing yard. Large sliding timber doors open and connect the decks. These elevated outdoor spaces are stepped to the garden, creating casual seating spaces.
22 build home
Photography: Katherine Lu
AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — HOUSES ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS
feature | newcastle architecture awards
23 build home
feature | master builders newcastle awards
Local legends The 2020 Newcastle Master Builders Association Excellence in Building Awards gave the Hunter’s builders a chance to shine
RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR + CUSTOM BUILT HOMES OVER $1.5 MILLION + BATHROOM OF THE YEAR Winner: Ablij t/a Rayfield Constructions Project: Robinson Residence Judges’ comments: With elements of the client’s brief that included “no leaks, no squeaks” and “build a submarine”, the challenge was clearly laid out for the builder in terms of responding to the rigours of a site environment that would be unforgiving when exposed to weather extremes. The test of meeting such criteria was further compounded by the highly architectural design of the building. On the evidence of the finished product, it is apparent that the builder has risen to meet these challenges, thereby delivering an outcome of the highest quality.
24 build home
feature | master builders newcastle awards DISPLAY HOMES UNDER $300,000 Winner: MARS Building Project: Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay Judges’ comments: This stylish display home, pitched at the over 55s market, packs a lot of features into its relatively compact footprint. Raked ceilings that transition from living spaces into an alfresco area allow for the capture of light for interior amenity and reinforce the overall comfortable feel of the dwelling.
DISPLAY HOMES $300,000– $400,000 Winner: McDonald Jones Project: Havana Encore 14 Judges’ comments: As well as having an enticing layout with clearly delineated usage zones, the highly functional Havana Encore 14 demonstrates the finely tuned construction techniques of the builder. Quality finishes, which have been completed in a tight and tidy manner, make this home very easy on the eye.
DISPLAY HOMES $400,000–$500,000 Winner: MOJO Homes Project: Harmony 29 Judges’ comments: With a secondary dwelling incorporated into the footprint of the building, the Harmony 29 caters for multigenerational living in an economical and practical form, under one roof. A light and airy entry into the main dwelling establishes the styling cues for the home. The quality of finishes and overall presentation standards are in harmony thanks to the clever design of this display home.
25 build home
feature | master builders newcastle awards CUSTOM BUILT HOMES UNDER $450,000 Winner: Pycon Homes & Construction Project: The Seacrest Judges’ comments: The home features a great balance of quality and functionality with a relatively compact, efficient design. The subtle Hamptons styling and internal feature elements have been well executed by the builder, further enhancing the value of the product for a client who “loved the process”.
CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $450,000 – $600,000 Winner: Coastline Builders & Designers Project: Warners Bay Project Judges’ comments: As well as being a product of style and sophistication, this home has been geared to meet the specific needs of the client. While maintaining a strong focus on meeting budget limitations, the builder has managed to incorporate a range of architectural timber features that serve as the finishing touches to lift the presentation of the dwelling.
CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $700,000 – $850,000 Winner: Mozeley Dodds Constructions Project: Latham Place Judges’ comments: This spacious residence sits comfortably in its rural environment, incorporating energy and water systems that minimise reliance on reticulated services. The high standard of presentation, which includes ornate vaulted ceilings, has been maintained throughout the full extent of the home. The addition of a number of functional inclusions also enhances the all-round liveability standard of the dwelling.
26 build home
feature | master builders newcastle awards CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $850,000 – $1 MILLION Winner: Coastline Builders & Designers Project: Raworth Project Judges’ comments: The builder has demonstrated adaptability through the incorporation of design ideas “on the run” to deliver a highly stylised home that also responds to the requirements of individual family members. Extensive outdoor spaces have been given the same level of attention as internal spaces, in terms of the quality and functionality of the finished product.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY HOUSING Winner: Callanan Constructions in conjunction with FabPreFab Project: Courtyard House Judges’ comments: Being completely off the grid with respect to services is just the beginning of the sustainability features of this home. Highly controlled off-site modular construction, a focus on managing thermal performance and a preference for maximising the use of Australian timber as a construction material, demonstrates what can be achieved in the quest for sustainable housing.
BEST USE OF TIMBER Winner: ETA Constructions Project: West Street, Scotts Head Judges’ comments: The use of timber in a wide range of customised elements in this large-scale alterations and additions project makes a major contribution to the rejuvenated character of the dwelling. The quality of the detailing of the timber finishes in decks, windows, doors and exposed structural components is exceptional.
27 build home
case study | mcdonald jones
Your forever home Evoking memories of relaxed summer days by the beach, this modern abode will see you through every life stage
O
floor plan also provides privacy between the children’s wing and the master suite. “The stunning gourmet kitchen, equipped with premium Fisher and Paykel appliances, is the centrepiece of this home with a new wrapDan King, around design seamlessly Hunter Sales Manager, opening the entire area up McDonald Jones and offering a communal space that’s perfect for those who love to entertain family and friends. This space flows out to the alfresco, creating a sense of connection to the outdoors and increasing the space for entertaining and relaxing,” says Dan. “Throughout the interior we have used a mix of materials to emphasise luxury coastal living such as the
f modern coastal design, the Lakeside will see a family through every stage of life. Incredibly versatile and supremely functional thanks to its meticulously considered architectural design and contemporary features, this one-storey home is just as suited to a young family as it is a couple looking forward to retirement. “The Lakeside offers contemporary, openplan living with generous spaces and an effortless flow throughout. The harmonious, beautifully balanced floor plan features three distinct living areas and a design in which every corner of the home has been cleverly crafted to maximise the usable space. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing, this home suits a range of life stages and lifestyles,” says Dan King, Hunter Sales Manager, McDonald Jones. Reflecting the wants and needs of the 21st-century family, there are spaces that family members can enjoy individually or together and this includes the home theatre adjacent to the open-plan family and dining area. The
28 build home
case study | mcdonald jones
EXPERT TIP: Research the style you favour during the early planning stages. Use apps like Pinterest to help you explore current trends and the latest home designs. To ensure you get a home that’s tailored to your needs, the range of optional extras and upgrades includes a butler’s pantry, study, bifold doors in the master suite, an alternative kitchen layout and feature ceilings. A splitlevel option is also available. “This home has quickly become one of our most loved designs and it’s easy to see why,” adds Dan. “Families love the generous living spaces and the option to enjoy spending time together or seek out some privacy when needed. Moreover, although a one-storey home, the Lakeside does not compromise quality of living and is large enough to ensure you will never outgrow your home.”
sandy blonde timber floors and beachy wall panelling in a bold nautical blue. This is accentuated with beautiful gold tapware, downlights, premium Caesarstone benchtops, open shelving and coastal-style cabinetry in the kitchen. “Glass is an important part of a modern coastal home, creating direct connections to the outdoors. Our designers have maximised the use of glass throughout the Lakeside with expansive windows, sliding doors and glass louvre windows in the kitchen and dining area as well as the front-facing bedrooms. This substantial use of glass fills this coastal-style home with natural light and invites cooling summer breezes to flow through.”
The facts
The figures
The details
Location of home: Watagan Park Estate, Piper Avenue, Cooranbong NSW 2265 Name of design: Lakeside with Leighton facade Time taken to build: 6 to 9 months Year completed: 2019 Award: 2020 HIA-CSR Hunter Housing Awards: Display Home $235,001–$350,000
Size of home: 281.83sqm Size of land: 450sqm Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Floors: 1
MCDONALD JONES
30 build home
Address: Level 4, 62 Norwest Boulevard, Norwest NSW 2153 Phone: 1300 555 382 Website: mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au
case study | clarendon homes
One for all
A
two and three at the front of the home, a laundry that has been cleverly concealed behind the kitchen, a butler’s pantry that can accommodate both a sink and wine fridge and a large alfresco that is perfect for relaxed entertaining and even Ryan Barnett, has space for an outdoor Design Manager, kitchen,” says Ryan. Clarendon Homes Of contemporary design, the refined, clean-lined interior is welcoming. This is especially evident in the stunning kitchen which highlights Clarendon’s attention to detail. By using a juxtaposition of colours and materials, such as concrete-look stone benchtops and silky-smooth timber-look cabinetry, the designers have created a luxe take on modern design.
n intelligently designed home for all stages of life, the contemporary, one-level Lakeside 31 has everything the modern family demands — open-plan living, four bedrooms, light-filled spaces, a flexible floor plan and an alfresco that makes entertaining a breeze, summer or winter. “This versatile design would suit a young, growing family or could just as easily accommodate those wishing to downsize,” says Ryan Barnett, Design Manager, Clarendon Homes. “The children’s retreat, family and rumpus areas provide spaces for all ages and are perfect for a family with small children or young adults. Downsizers, on the other hand, can accommodate guests and offer privacy by using bedrooms two and three in addition to the adjacent children’s retreat zone.” Such adaptability is essential today as is a well-considered layout with easy access to an outdoor entertaining area. “The Lakeside 31 is replete with thoughtfully placed inclusions, such as the children’s retreat tucked away with bedrooms
32 build home
Photography: Maree Homer
Architecturally designed and highly adaptable, this stylish one-storey home meets the modern family’s every need
case study | clarendon homes
EXPERT TIP: Whether you have a growing family or are downsizing and want space for guests, choose a cleverly zoned home with flexible, easy-to-adapt interior spaces. spaces that greet you when you walk through the home. Other special features, both available as an upgrade, are the large corner stacker doors to the rear of the home which can be fully opened to a Grand Alfresco, creating an expansive indoor-outdoor entertaining area. The display home featured here boasts Clarendon’s Soho facade. Says Ryan, “The external forms of the house make a clean, sharp, architectural statement which provides an element of difference in volume homes and ensures a strong street presence.” A contemporary, architecturally designed home, the breathtaking Lakeside 31 has it all, from a spacious, yearround outdoor entertaining space to light and airy internal living areas. What more could you ask?
“In the kitchen, the combination of Smeg double ovens, a concealed rangehood and wine fridge are aesthetically pleasing,” adds Ryan. “The sleek lines enhance the joinery detail and make the kitchen an entertainer’s delight that is both practical and beautiful to behold. “Large-format tiles have been used for the main flooring to create a sense of clean, open space and allow for the furnishings to shine,” he continues. “The rich tones and textures of the fabric, artwork, furniture and rugs create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in which to unwind.” For Ryan, one of the standout features of the thoughtful interior design is the Steccawood vertical batten-style, timber-look panelling and stone bench in the entry which add a touch of luxury and set the scene for the modern
The facts
The figures
The details
Location of home: Waterford County Display Centre, 36 Settlers Boulevard, Chisholm NSW 2322 Name of design: Lakeside 31 with Soho facade Year completed: 2020
Size of home: 288.39sqm Size of land: 525sqm Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 + 1 powder room Floors: 1
CLARENDON HOMES
34 build home
Phone: 13 63 93 Website: clarendon.com.au
case study | mojo homes
Ticking all the boxes
W
bedroom with its huge ensuite, walk-in robe and private balcony, as well as a family bathroom — plenty of room for everyone!” As an example of the Trilogy’s adaptability, the home theatre can be a guest bedroom with ensuite if preferred, Sandra Setian, making it ideal for Interior Designer Display Homes, families that need to MOJO Homes prioritise or plan for multigenerational living. And as for space, thanks to the splitlevel design the central zone of the home, which features a large kitchen and dining space that flows out to a big outdoor area, is open, airy and ideal for entertaining.
ith the award-winning, split-level Trilogy 35, MOJO Homes ticks all the boxes for those seeking a generous family home for a sloping block. This tri-level home offers all the flexibility and space the larger family needs — and its contemporary design appeals to those who favour all things modern. Says Sandra Setian, MOJO Homes’ Interior Designer, “The new Trilogy is our first foray in to a true split-level home design, and what a showstopper. Designed for sloping blocks, it spans three levels which are joined by half landings. The lower level contains the car accommodation, laundry, home theatre and home office, with a handy powder room nearby. “The mid-level,” she adds, “is the entertainer’s level, with the kitchen, living, dining and outdoor living areas located here. The top level houses four bedrooms. This includes the master
36 build home
Photography: Kathleen Mackay
This split-level home makes the most of a sloping block and offers larger families a relaxed contemporary lifestyle
case study | mojo homes
EXPERT TIP: When you plan to build on a sloping block, look for a home specifically designed to deal with the inherent challenges and maximise the opportunities. “The Trilogy includes many dynamic elements, from fantastic built-in joinery in the home office to the kitchen window splashback that is edged with a herringbone pattern tile with a metallic rust finish,” continues Sandra. “The contemporary theme is continued on the home’s striking exterior which is painted in two shades of grey and warmed by the cedar colour of the front door, garage doors and second-storey cladding. A stacked stone feature to the side of the entry employs a mix of colours to pull together the overall design.” The end result is a warm and spacious home that is tailormade for sloping blocks and families who want to experience the best of modern living.
In the modern kitchen the emphasis is on contemporary hard-wearing finishes. The generous benchtops are of Caesarstone Nordic Loft, a light taupe colour with a clean Scandinavian feel. The underbench cupboard doors are of Polytec Strata Grey in Sheen finish while the overhead cupboards are of Polytec Notaio Walnut in Ravine finish. “The concept of this home is contemporary finishes with a dramatic edge. This has been achieved using a white, charcoal and walnut timber palette with rust tones throughout to add texture and drama,” explains Sandra. “The feel is quite masculine and moody, but it’s not heavy or overpowering. “Wallpaper has also been used to add texture and personality to some rooms, such as the master bedroom and home theatre.
The facts
The figures
The details
Location of home: Cameron Grove Estate, 24 Breakwell Road, Cameron Park NSW 2285 Name of design: Trilogy 35 with Contemporary facade Year completed: 2019 Award: 2019 Newcastle MBA Excellence in Building Awards: Display Home Over $500,000
Size of home: 325.39sqm Size of land: 515sqm Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 + 2 powder rooms Floors: 3
Address: 18 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle NSW 2300 Phone: (02) 4918 2618 Website: mojohomes.com
38 build home
MOJO HOMES
builder profiles
The A-Team You can make your family’s dream abode in the Hunter a reality with the help of these highly skilled and professional builders MCDONALD JONES McDonald Jones has built its success on the belief that the best-designed homes bring out the best in the people who live in them. That a home with flow enables families to go about their day-to-day lives in welcoming spaces where it’s easy and harmonious to come together, and just as easy to find privacy and retreat. It’s this belief that makes a McDonald Jones home so special. For more than 30 years, the company has been building beautiful, architecturally designed houses across NSW and the ACT. As one of Australia’s leading builders, McDonald Jones prides itself on its affordable, award-winning homes, with an ever-expanding suite of singleand double-storey homes suitable for the whole spectrum of budgets, lot sizes and lifestyles. From the coast to the country, the suburbs to the inner-city, McDonald Jones is bringing dream homes to life. Visit one of its 67 stunning display homes in 24 locations across NSW and find yourself at home in a McDonald Jones home.
CLARENDON HOMES
Head office: Level 4, 62 Norwest Boulevard,
When you build with Clarendon, you’re investing
Norwest NSW 2153
in a long history of exceptional service, design
Phone: 1300 555 382
and construction. For over 40 years, Clarendon
Website: mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au
has been a trusted builder, building quality homes for everyday Australian families across NSW and Queensland, many of whom come back time after time. Like every family, Clarendon’s homes come in all shapes and sizes. You have a choice of more than 50 home designs, including granny flats and duplexes, plus multiple facade options and interior inclusions. Clarendon’s collections are tailored to different lifestyles, from the luxurious Argyle Collection to the Urban Range of narrow-lot homes. The company also offers house and land packages in sought-after locations and is a knockdown-rebuild specialist. Clarendon understands the care required to create a neighbour envy-inspiring home, which is why it offers a Lifetime Structural Guarantee on every home it builds. Find your home at one of Clarendon’s 12 convenient NSW display centres. Head office: 3/21 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Phone: 13 63 93 Website: clarendon.com.au
40 build home
builder profiles MOJO HOMES MOJO Homes is NSW’s most exciting builder. A breath of fresh air in the home building market, here to spoil you with a stunning range of new home designs across Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter. Backed by the MJH Group, with more than 30 years’ experience in the home building market, MOJO delivers an exciting twist to the Group’s portfolio, offering innovative designs, edgy interiors and purposeful solutions. At MOJO, team members help customers create a vibrant and unique home with inspired architectural floor plans and features across all of the home designs; from single- and double-storey homes, duplexes, dual living designs and granny flats to sprawling acreage homes or narrow block solutions. MOJO tailors each build to a customer’s immediate and future lifestyle needs while accommodating their location, budget and goals to offer more opportunity and more freedom to live. Discover MOJO Homes’ point of difference by experiencing the designs first-hand at one of the company’s display centres. Head office: Suite 1, 82 Norwest Boulevard, Norwest NSW 2153 Phone: 1300 066 856 Website: mojohomes.com.au
BELLRIVER HOMES Bellriver Homes is a family-owned and -operated business with more than 20 years’ experience. Bellriver sees the challenges many people face when choosing a builder — the valueless offers, the essential council or building requirements that are “added extras” or “not included”. Bellriver is different. Bellriver actually builds your home for the agreed price — it’s really that simple. No ifs or buts, just an honest approach to home building. And the price includes all the things you and your family love and expect, like air-conditioning, stone benchtops, floor coverings, window coverings, light fittings and hi spec inclusions — all of which come as standard. You can be assured your Bellriver journey will be an enjoyable one as every team member is highly experienced and fully committed to making the whole process of building your new home as pleasurable, transparent and stress-free as possible. Visit one of Bellriver Homes’ beautiful NSW display homes and see for yourself what’s possible. Head office: Suite B20, Parkview Business Centre, 1 Maitland Place, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Phone: 1800 200 888 Website: bellriverhomes.com.au
41 build home
Image courtesy of Clarendon Homes
Index Bellriver Homes .......................................14 Clarendon Homes ................................4, 32 McDonald Jones............................. 2, 28, 44 MOJO Homes ...........................................36
42 build home
COMPLETEHOME
Inspiration room by room
S EE the latest trends and projects from the country’s top designers and creatives
DI SC O V E R the latest products
MEE T the leading professionals who can help
B E GI N your renovation, no matter how big or small
S can h ere t o check it o u t
C O M P L E T E H O M E.C O M. A U
Where extraordinary memories are made.
mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au 1300 555 382 NSW BLN: 41628