Build Home Qld 28.4

Build Home

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Select your exterior materials wisely and you’ll have a home with maximum street appeal

GOT TO HAVE IT

Smart technology, home offices and improved energy efficiency are now topping the trend charts

SMALL WONDERS

Block sizes are shrinking but that doesn’t mean sacrificing liveability or roomy interiors

OUTSIDE FAVOURITES

Fabulous front gardens or petite poolscapes, you need to make your outdoor spaces work

Charlie and Alice Herbert built their dream home on twenty acres of amazing countryside at Arcadia. They chose one of Paal’s larger designs, the Franklin, and with Paal’s design flexibility in mind, made changes and additions to the standard plan to tailor the home to their personal requirements.

You too can become a proud Paal home owner-builder .... visit our display centre, get the full story on our website or call one of our Housing Design Consultants to discuss your dream home possibilities.

IF YOU STARE AT THIS IMAGE FOR LONG ENOUGH…

YOU MIGHT START TO IMAGINE YOUR NEW HOME.

net.au

While making decisions about the look and layout of your home based on the latest fads may be short-sighted, keeping abreast of home design and building trends isn’t. A new home has to meet your current and projected needs, which means identifying design innovations that can help future-proof your home. Equally, it means educating yourself about any new materials, products and technologies that will make your home more energy efficient (which equates to lower heating and cooling bills), easier to maintain, and more comfortable to live in. Keeping an eye on the latest trends in floor plans is also wise as this will ensure you end up with an adapatable, multifunctional layout. We invited some leading builders to talk about what they feel are the most important trends to watch.

An innovative, considered approach to planning a new home is especially important if you’ll be building on a small, shallow or narrow block of land. Lots of limited size are now commonplace and are found in urban areas as well as suburban sub-divisions. Demand for small-lot homes continues to rise and volume home builders have met that demand with ever-expanding ranges of homes specifically designed to make the most of the available space, both in and around the home. With some strategic thinking and a flexible floor plan, a small or narrow block shouldn’t mean any lifestyle compromises. To show you what’s possible, we share some space-maximising home design ideas.

Whether you’re building on a compact urban lot or sprawling acreage, the exterior treatment you give your home is important. The options are legion, ranging from cladding of various kinds (timber, fibre-cement, metal, composite) to render, brick, stone, concrete or a combination thereof. People really do tend to judge a book by its cover, so when it comes to exterior materials, you need to consider aesthetics as well as durability and ease of maintenance. We explore some of the available options and suggest some ways you can achieve a look that will make a memorable first impression — in a good way.

Enjoy!

Karen

Build Home

Editor Karen Booth

Designer

Advertising Content Manager Rosemary Wood 0404 306 050

Advertising Production Co-ordinator Shanya

Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz

Associate Publisher Martin White

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

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BuildHome No. 28.4 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 & 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 CopyrightAct, 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 which appear in this publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (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.

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Image courtesy of Adoba Design Group

FEATURES

16 THE WAY AHEAD

Be it an office or smart tech, we delve into what the modern family wants in a home

26 HAVING IT ALL

Inventive ideas and design tips for building a compact home on a small block of land

32 OUTSIDE THE BOX

With clever design you can find room for a pool even if your outdoor space is limited

34 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Select wisely and the materials you use on your home’s exterior will pack a punch

40 MAKE AN ENTRANCE!

Give your new home optimal street appeal by investing in a landscaped front garden

DISPLAY HOMES

44 ALLCASTLE HOMES

A home created for large families eager to enjoy luxury living on the grandest scale

50 VIRTUE HOMES

Bathed in natural light, this award-winning home is a testament to design innovation

54 METRICON HOMES

Conceived for indoor-outdoor entertaining, this waterfront home is all about lifestyle

60 BUILDCRAFT CONSTRUCTIONS

A home with a classic yet modern facade and an interior designed for luxury family living

64 STROUD HOMES

Bright and breezy, this one-level home is the perfect design for growing young families

CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES

72 ABODA DESIGN GROUP

A dream come true for the family, this home is made for Queensland’s relaxed lifestyle

76 GREEN SHEEP COLLECTIVE

This Melbourne home sets the benchmark for modern architectural sustainable design

82 MCLACHLAN HOMES

An award-winning abode built to the highest standard and replete with special features

KIT & MODULAR HOMES

92 PAAL KIT HOMES

Built by empty-nesters, this off-the-grid kit home has all the creature comforts

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

96 WEATHERTEX

Robust, environmentally-friendly cladding offering durability and aesthetic appeal

100 SPANTEC SYSTEMS

Build your new home on solid foundations with pioneering Australian steel flooring

105 INDEX

Discover the possibilities with our Country Living Collection.

At McDonald Jones, we have been building award-winning homes for Australian families for over 35years. Our Country Living Collection delivers exceptional architectural design to the great outdoors. Our architect Stuart Everitt crafted this design range to have space to live and a timeless style to inspire, so you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Discover the possibilities for your dream home with the NSW’s leading new home builder.

The Hermitage Grande Encore l On display at HomeWorld Thornton.

Soaring cathedral ceilings are on-trend and one of the most popular features of the award-winning Barrington. mojohomes.com.au

The way ahead

In tomorrow’s home the technology will be smarter and the design more energy efficient and sustainable

Words: Karen Booth

Tastes change, designs evolve, materials improve, technology advances … in the home building arena, as in any other, evolution is ongoing. Some design and interior trends are ephemeral and better thought of as fads. If they are likely to look out of date in the relatively near future, think twice. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep abreast of the latest trends or innovations in floor plans, home technology, storage, materials, finishes, colours and a whole lot more. In fact, that’s precisely what Australian home buyers are doing in ever-increasing numbers.

Thanks to popular home renovating and building shows on TV, the average Australian has never been more educated about all things design and building related. People are now aware of just how many different flooring, walling and cladding products there are; what home entertainment and automation options are available; and how different architectural

styles can be adapted for modern-day living. They’re also much more aware of the need to future-proof their homes and build in the flexibility required to have that home adapt as family needs evolve. Here we look at just some of the latest trends and must-haves.

HARNESSING ENERGY

“Today, energy-efficiency is at the forefront for most people, especially more recently with electricity prices constantly increasing and people looking for ways to save,” says Aletha Walters, Director, Stroud Homes Fraser Coast. “As an indication of this desire to reduce energy consumption, nearly 70 per cent of the homes we built in 2021–2022 had a solar system installed. This has been great to see and is a trend that will definitely grow.”

As many will know, there is a star rating system that prescribes the criteria that must be met to achieve a particular energy efficiency rating. A 6 star rating has been the minimum standard in most states and territories, indicating good, but not outstanding, thermal

performance. This was just a minimum, of course. You could choose to implement additional energy-efficient, passive solar design elements to achieve a higher rating. In October this year, the minimum energy rating for new builds will rise. “The new 7 star energy rating means the introduction of energy efficiency measures that weren’t required previously, which is something new

The outdoor connection of this home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has been fully maximised. plannedlivingarchitects.com.au, acre.com.au

Butler’s pantries are a must and in the custom arena can be quite luxurious. chateau.com.au

homeowners want,” says Nerida Hamilton, General Manager, Virtue Homes.

“Among other things, the new guidelines will change the requirements for glazing, insulation levels, orientation, lighting, heating and cooling; also the energy ratings required for appliances. This elevation of the minimum standards is what people want to see. People are much better educated about energy efficiency and sustainability, and these changes are being welcomed by new home buyers.”

feature | design trends

of woven natural materials, indoor plants … are all popular right now. This trend started with people being forced to stay indoors for months at a time due to the pandemic. By bringing natural elements inside the home, people could create a calming and comfortable environment,” says Alison Woodfield, Tempo Living’s interior designer.

Ebony Fisher from modular home building company Manor Homes says she has also witnessed a preference for natural materials, textures and colours for interiors and facades. While Manor’s homes cover the gamut of styles from Hamptons to urban, at present — partially fuelled by people migrating from cities to regional areas — large country homes are currently the most popular.

“This style focuses on more natural design elements and organic materials to give that

COASTAL COOL

In Australia, coastal-inspired design has always been a favourite and according to residential developer Stockland, in 2022 coastal style was more popular than ever.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Stockland launched Dreamcatcher, a tool that helps users navigate through various Australian home design trends and immerse themselves in 3D virtual home tours and guided videos to better conceptualise their personal design style.

Lockdowns and travel restrictions caused Australians to give more thought to their home environment and it’s a trend that’s continued. “As such, we’ve seen a great uptake of our Dreamcatcher tool, which in turn has revealed a strong desire for a more coastal style of living. With its light and airy feel, bright open spaces, crisp white walls, earth tones, and warm timber floors, Coastal Hues is a look that is reminiscent of long lazy afternoons by the beach,” says Sophie Pickett-Heaps, Co-Head of Design at Stockland.

NATURAL INCLINATIONS

This increased emphasis on building and designing homes in a way that lessens the impact on nature and uses natural means of heating and cooling, has coincided with a greater interest in using natural finishes and furnishings. “The back-to-nature trend began a while back. It continues to dominate and will for years to come,” says Aletha.

“Natural elements, such as timber flooring or cabinetry, furniture or interior decor made

Closely following Coastal Hues, Hamptons Retreat styling was the next most popular. “This reflects Australians’ love for cool whites, muted greys, ocean hues and warm timber,” says Sophie. “Think freshly painted cladding, plantation shutters and traditional wainscoting paired harmoniously with antique hardware, natural textures and raw linen. The Urban Edit aesthetic rounded out the top three. This is a lower maintenance style of living with surfaces that are easy to clean and lots of natural light.”

A dedicated home office, located in a quiet spot, has become one of the most oftenrequested inclusions. chateau.com.au

country life feeling to a home,” says Ebony. “Think rustic materials like timber and stone, and neutral white or cream backdrops that will create a welcoming atmosphere.”

WORKING FROM HOME

“A dedicated home office space has become super important,” emphasises Alison. “In the wake of the COVID lockdowns, many people are choosing to work from home and to do so, it’s important to have a private space with limited interruptions and noise. The key to having the perfect home office is to locate it where you can have privacy and to ensure the room has lots of natural light and storage.

“Following on from that, the pandemic has also led some families to ask for more than one study/office space so that multiple members of a family can study or work at the same time without impacting each other.”

“We think a home office space is a must in today’s world — and most of our clients think so, too,” adds Ebony. “We have a variety of designs that allow our clients to take the working from home approach. Some have an

entire room dedicated to a study/office; others have a study nook with a desk and shelving that’s ideal for those occasional work-fromhome days. Alternatively, we can tailor our designs to create a layout that suits or we could customise a separate or semi-detached dwelling that could work as an office.”

“While a work-from-home space is becoming essential, it’s best to make it a flexible area that can change over time as your family’s needs change,” says Nicola Kramers, an architect with Chateau Architects + Builders.

“Placing a powder room, perhaps one with a shower, next to the office means it can become a guest bedroom or a room for a teenager or older relative, when it’s no longer needed as a work space. Adaptability is the key.”

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

“We are seeing more people going back to traditional home designs and wanting to replicate or adapt features from a particular architectural period or style ... Australian California bungalow, Australian country, Art Deco. Many people are keen to bring in

Hamptons-style homes, such as this one from the Manor collection, continue to reign supreme. wisdomhomes.com.au

In this Shawood home, maximising natural light and creating a sense of openness is a design priority. sekisuihouse.com.au

design elements from a different age, but do it in a contemporary way,” says Nerida.

“Shows like The Block have showcased diverse design styles over many series and people are much more educated about the different architectural eras and are drawing

feature | design trends

Says Paul Hogan, State Sales Manager, MOJO Homes, “We’re continuing to see classic Hamptons style dominate, followed closely by modern takes on coastal. There are a lot of similarities between these two looks, such as timber flooring, lots of white used in the palette, soft greys in wet areas and pops of blue in styling, all of which continue to resonate with Australians.

“While Hamptons and coastal looks are still the most popular, I think we’ll be seeing more of the Scandi Barn look in the near future. This look features high-contrast facades, such as dark cladding with red brick, and it’s a style that is popping up more and more.”

LIGHT AND AIRY

“We’ve seen large-format windows and cathedral ceilings really take the spotlight in the past year,

TOP THREE TRENDS

Known to many from his appearances on The Block, the founder of Melbourne-based Elevate Building Group, Matt Menichelli has his finger on the pulse of Australian home design. Here he shares his top three trend predictions for this year.

1. Outdoor living: The need for yard space and an outdoor family recreational area is fuelling current building projects. Whether it’s integrating play equipment or even a pool, people are prioritising their backyards more than ever. An important part of this is ensuring seamless indoor-outdoor connections and maximising space for family fun as well as entertaining.

2. Working from home: With more Australians working completely or partly from home, introducing dedicated work spaces to keep their work life separate from their personal life has become a priority. A home office, or a study that can be used as a private home office as needed, is becoming a must-have for new home builds.

on various influences and design features, adapting these to their taste and injecting their personal flair. As we move forward, I think it’s going to be a case of everything that was old is new again as key elements of past architectural eras make a comeback.”

3. Multiple master suites: New home designs are now consciously providing for the inevitable changes that occur as teenagers turn into young adults. Parents are expecting kids to live at home into their late 20s so when planning a new home, some are choosing to include at least two master suites so young adults will have the privacy they need.

Raked, pitched and cathedral ceilings are being used to enhance space and a sense of grandeur. roseleighhomes.com.au

The trend towards natural materials, textures and tones began during the pandemic and continues to hold strong. stroudhomes.com.au

partly influenced by The Block,” says Paul. “The cathedral ceiling has been an incredibly popular feature in our Barrington display home, which opened last year and won the 2022 HIA NSW Display Home of the Year award. Interestingly, most people think you need a large or acreagestyle home design to incorporate this look, yet it can definitely be used to elevate a smaller floor plan, make living spaces look and feel larger, and create a sense of grandeur.”

Nerida agrees that people now want light to permeate every part of the home and their living rooms and communal zones to feel as open, spacious and welcoming as possible. “We ensure abundant natural light penetrates our homes in a variety of ways,” says Nerida. “We might use skylights or roof windows to create light-filled spaces and they don’t have to just be in living areas. Increased ceiling heights are now a must for many as they add to the sense of light and space, while raked and cathedral ceilings can really open up spaces.”

Expansive glazing and floor-to-ceiling windows have always been an option but if you include an interior glass wall, perhaps to separate a living room from a passageway, you can create a sense of definition without

blocking the flow of light from the external windows into the centre of the house. Doubleheight voids over entryways are a popular way to create a sense of spaciousness and capture light; the same applies for glass balustrades for stairs and upper-floor living areas.

PLAYING IT SMART

“Home automation and smart technology are definitely becoming an essential part of new home construction. Today it is easy to control every aspect of the home from one location or device, from entertainment systems to home heating and cooling to security. Even pets can be fed remotely now,” says Nicola. “As for security, the convenience, ease of mind and control an automated home system gives you while you are away from home is immense. Advances in home security and home automation systems are also making people feel safer when they are in their own homes.”

“In an increasingly time-poor society, we’re seeing more people look toward smart home automation to elevate their lifestyle and reduce their cost of living,” says Paul. “Things such as smart air-conditioning systems that can be turned on and off remotely are allowing people

to ensure their homes are comfortable when they arrive home from work, without breaking the bank on energy bills.”

Adds Nicola, technology is not just about security or being able to operate the lights or heating with push-button ease. People are using technology in a wide range of ways to solve problems or live more sustainably. This might mean installing lifts for elderly relatives, solar energy systems with battery storage to reduce

Modular homes are rising in popularity as people become more aware of the quick build times and design diversity. modscape.com.au

A well-appointed media room now sits at the top of the list of must-haves for modern families planning a new home. osheadbuilders.com.au

energy consumption or a turntable in a garage for ease of manoeuvring in difficult driveways.

THE MUST-HAVES

There are some inclusions that, today, are pretty much non-negotiable. “Clients always want at least four bedrooms, a minimum of two bathrooms, a media room, a butler’s pantry and a study nook. If they are planning to work fulltime from home, they’ll want a separate room for an office,” says Aletha.

feature | design trends

building new, they want those spaces to be as generous and well-appointed as possible.” For Nicola, the most pleasing trend has to do with lifestyle — and it’s an ongoing one. “Home designs now reflect our desire for a more relaxed lifestyle,” she says. “Visitors become part of this laid-back approach where cooking, eating and conversation happen in one open-plan space. Outdoor living is also prioritised with doors that open completely, creating a fully integrated indoor-outdoor living experience.”

In fact, most of the trends we have explored share a core concept. Our homes aren’t just our castles anymore, they’re our cocoons. As Alison says, “People are more aware than ever just how important it is to feel comfortable and happy in their own homes.”

ROBOT REVOLUTION

Modular home building is now more widely embraced — and understood. Australians are now aware of the time and cost savings to be had, the reduced site disruption, the diverse range of designs available, the fact that modular homes can be compact or vast, singlestorey or multi-level, and that the factory-build process offers enhanced quality control.

Australian prefabricated modular building company, Modscape, is now taking things to a whole new level with the launch of a new division, Modbotics, a fully automated robotic production line for building elements.

Modscape has been working with Swedish based manufacturing robotic company, Randek, since 2019 to develop an advanced suite of robotic lines purpose-made for the manufacture and completion of wall panels for use in the construction of homes as well as a range of other building projects.

“Having multiple living room spaces has become much more popular,” says Alison. “This is so the kids can have their own space for gaming and movies without disturbing their parents’ relaxation time.”

Adds Paul, “We’re seeing a lot of people upgrading the size of their outdoor living spaces, a trend that began and quickly gained momentum during the pandemic. People are now more accustomed to entertaining at home so are using their outdoor spaces more and if

Working alongside Modscape employees, the Modbotics robotic production line will manufacture open and closed walls, passive house walls, floor and roof cassettes with tolerances to a fraction of a degree and millimetre, which is truly impressive.

Industry research suggests the new line will manufacture prefabricated elements 50 per cent faster, improve sustainability, and produce 70 per cent less landfill than conventional construction. What’s more, introducing automation through robotics into the design and manufacturing process is expected to reduce costs by up to 30 per cent.

The new production line is expected to be fully operational next year.

Green Sheep Collective is one of a growing number of companies specialising in sustainable design. greensheepcollective.com.au

Leading the sustainability charge, SHINKA House has an 8 star rating and was Australia’s first zero net home. sekisuihouse.com.au

Do you want your home built by an award winning builder?

Step inside our inspiration studio and we will bring your dream to life!

The Lancaster 31, created for small lots, offers maximum liveable space. mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au

feature | small-lot design

Having it all

If you plan well and think creatively, even with a small or narrow lot there will be no need to compromise

Australia used to rank as one of the countries with the largest homes, usually coming in right after the United States. The average size of a new home has been steadily falling over the past few years as smaller lots become more commonplace. This doesn’t mean, however, that the home you build has to be compromised in any way.

Lots of limited size, which includes narrow blocks of land, can be found in and around many city areas as well as in suburban sub-divisions. The demand for more compact homes across a range of architectural styles is so high that leading volume home builders all now have designs specifically developed to maximise space on small lots.

HOW SMALL IS SMALL?

Everyone will have a slightly different idea about what constitutes small but a general guide would be that a small block is around the 250sqm range, while a narrow site would be anything between 12.5m and 10m wide. Both small and narrow building sites are now ubiquitous.

In particular, narrow lots are becoming more prevalent on the fringes of industrial areas that are being gentrified to accommodate population growth and in city areas that are undergoing revitalisation as the demand for building sites grows but vacant land is hard to source.

Narrow lots are nearly always found in or close to inner city areas but there has been an increase in smaller-sized blocks in established suburbs, too. It’s becoming more and more common for people who own large post-war blocks to subdivide their properties. For example, someone might subdivide their 20m-wide block of land into two lots at 10m wide each. This is a great way for them to capitalise on their investment in the original block.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Some people prefer a small house; others have no choice but to prioritise compact living but either way, there are upsides. Generally speaking, there will be cost savings. You can simply enjoy having a bit more left over in the bank or direct any savings into higher quality fittings, using more luxurious materials or incorporating some bespoke elements.

The smaller the house, the less there is to clean and the lower the maintenance costs. And for those who want to build — and live — as sustainably as they can, a house of belowaverage size needs less building materials and will use less

The four-bedroom, two-storey Crescendo 11 was designed to suit shallow lots. tempoliving.com

Ensure your home has a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, as seen here in the Livingstone 22. edenbraehomes.com.au

power for lighting, cooling and heating. This eco-friendly aspect can be enhanced by opting for solar power and using only appliances with high energy-efficiency star ratings.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES

Building on a small lot can prove challenging, which means clever, thoughtful design and good planning are essential. While major compromise isn’t usually necessary, this might not always be the case. If, for example, a lot is narrower than 10m, you might not be able to have a double garage.

But in terms of the interior design, living on a small or narrow lot doesn’t mean big compromises on space or lifestyle. Through intelligent design, every area of a home can be fully activated to maximise its potential and provide the space and flexibility families need as they grow and change.

If your block is especially short, you might encounter rear easement issues that will impact what you can build. Depending on the type of easement, some lots may require additional site works in order to comply with council regulations.

Small and narrow blocks often have limited access for deliveries and often require traffic management onsite which can be costly, though. Manual handling allowances are also common as machine access is often limited. Many of these challenges can be overcome with some pre-planning and good organisation from the construction supervisor.

MAXIMISING THE SPACE

While there can be challenges, smart design is the key to overcoming most obstacles. Important things to consider include whether you want a single- or two-storey home and how you will include all the storage you will need.

SMALLER THE BETTER

While some have no other recourse but to purchase a small site if they want to live in a specific location, others prefer it.

“The demand for a smaller block is very high. Today we lead busy lives so we require different types of housing. We work longer hours and want to spend our time on more important things rather than doing the maintenance that comes with a larger block and home,” says Angela Anderson, Marketing Manager for Queensland-based McLachlan Homes.

“Smaller block sizes don’t just give us a low maintenance lifestyle, smaller homes and gardens are less expensive to build. With so many new estates accommodating our needs with wonderful parks and outdoor spaces we no longer need the large backyard. This also helps our environmental impact as smaller homes offer higher housing densities, which are usually more energy-efficient as local facilities and infrastructure are better utilised.

“McLachlan Homes has an extensive standard range of small-lot designs which we are able to customise to meet the client’s exact needs. While each design is different, they all share some key features such as intelligently designed storage and a blurring of the lines between indoors and outdoors to enhance the sense of spaciousness and invite in natural light.”

Never underestimate the importance of storage, particularly in smaller living spaces and bedrooms. Built-in and recessed storage solutions make good use of space and sleeker, more streamlined cabinetry helps smaller spaces look cleaner and less busy, which adds to a sense of openness. In bathrooms, a wall-hung or ‘‘floating” vanity, one that sits up off the floor, can also contribute to a feeling of airiness.

Allowing for open-plan and transitional living are just two clever ways to maximise space. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, and incorporating skylights to allow for more natural light inside are just some of the other ways to create homes that feel open and spacious.

Creating an uninterrupted flow, bringing in abundant light, designing flexible spaces for everyone who lives in the home and architectural features such as zero-build boundaries are all ways in which the right design meets potential challenges and makes the most of a narrow or compact site.

The Bannaby Narrow Elara is a compact family home with four bedrooms. allcastlehomes.com.au

The Lancaster 31’s light and bright interior connects easily to the outdoors. mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au

feature | small-lot design

TWO BETTER THAN ONE

When you can’t go wide, go up. If you’re planning to build in an area where lots are small, or land is particularly pricey and you can’t afford a larger block, going up allows you to have a family-sized home that comfortably accommodates the whole clan and does so without anyone feeling cramped.

Two-storey homes make the most of a limited block and allow you to have the number of bedrooms and interior living spaces you want yet still leave some of the block for a decent-sized alfresco or garden. The latter can be especially important if you have children and you want them to have a backyard they can play in — even a swimming pool.

A two-storey home opens up a lot of possibilities. It gives you more layout options simply because it affords more opportunities for separate rooms and zones. For example, you might like to have your bedrooms upstairs, keeping the downstairs level for everyday living and entertaining. Or if your land has a nice outlook, you could put a living area on the upper floor to capture the view or add a balcony to an upstairs master bedroom.

A two-storey house also allows you to do things like use the space under the stairs for storage or a study nook, it helps bring in more natural light which in turn makes a home feel more open and airy, and it makes it possible to have a double garage.

THINK IT THROUGH

While a small site can give you everything you need, before committing seek expert advice and guidance so you understand the potential issues as well as the possibilities. Talk to your

From Porter Davis, the 9.3m-wide two-storey Sami 22 is ideal for narrow lots. porterdavis.com.au

Tempo Living specialises in thoughtfully designed homes created for smaller lots. tempoliving.com

The white walls and pale flooring give this living area an airy feel. tempoliving.com

builder before you buy the land to make sure it is possible to build the home you want on the site you are considering.

People should know exactly what they want from their home, what they expect from the design and exactly what their builder is offering. Asking questions is vital — if you don’t ask you never know and in building, mistakes are expensive.

And make sure you consider how much outside space your family will need. Do you want to allow for a decent backyard space or are you happy for your home to take up the majority of the block? Picture how you see yourself using the space and let that influence the design choices you make.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

When space isn’t on your side, you need to get creative with how you use it. A great way of doing this is to design rooms that have multiple functions — so rather than having separate spaces for each activity (living, dining, working, etc.), a smart approach is to combine these areas to maximise available space.

For example, an open-plan living area can incorporate space for lounging and dining with each space seamlessly connecting to the kitchen. Openplan living is ideal for narrow-block homes, as you can take advantage of the full size of an area rather than splitting it up into small rooms.

As for working, if space is at a premium you may want to forgo that dedicated office and instead create a functional study nook that can utilise available space in another area of the house.

And with a little creative thinking, you can still separate a single room into distinct zones — room dividers, shelving, and even clever placement of plants, rugs or furniture can provide a simple and cost-effective way of creating multi-purpose rooms that let you do more with less space. Source: Allcastle Homes, allcastlehomes.com.au

Designed for a 10m-wide lot, the Harmony 11 boasts an impressive five bedrooms. tempoliving.com

Designed for smaller blocks, the Applause 32 even has room for a home theatre. mojohomes.com.au

Note the built-in storage and abundance of natural light in this Melbourne home. atlasarchitects.com.au

Outside the box

Not much space but want a pool? Here’s how you can do it

Words: Karen Booth

Today there is a tendency to build larger homes on smaller blocks, so the amount of outdoor space available is greatly reduced compared to what was typical 10 years ago. Nonetheless, homeowners still want to use their outdoor areas for living, relaxing and entertaining. This desire to fit everything in has meant there often isn’t the space for a traditional-sized swimming pool, hence the need to think outside the box.

“Smaller pools are coming into their own and becoming much more popular than the standard 4.5m x 9.5m pool of yesterday,” says John Storch, principal of A Total Concept, a company specialising in landscape architecture and swimming pool design. “A solution to fitting everything into a small outdoor space is installing a compact family pool and teaming it with an integrated, covered outdoor living area, as well as a lawn for play and gardens for aesthetics. You have a choice of plunge pools, lap pools, courtyard pools, swim spas with swim jets and oversized spas.”

WHAT SHAPE WORKS BEST?

“Circular or angular small pools work well to maximise valuable room in limited areas, providing clean, simple lines that can look very dramatic and can act as a design focal point. Freeform pools can take up too much room, limiting the space left for entertaining,” says John.

“With a circular pool, the space around it can be used to create paved sitting areas or some interesting garden zones. The pool itself, especially in a courtyard situation, may be used as a design focal point and incorporate a cascading water feature or an infinity edge at the rear.

“Lap pools are often the favoured choice of homeowners who plan on using the pool for regular exercise. A lap pool should be at least a traditional-lane-width wide (starting at 1m) and the length should be a standard, recognised length (such as 12.5m, 15m or 25m). This is so swimming distance can be easily calculated.”

If planned and built in tandem with the home, a lap pool can run along the side of the house, maximising the space.

Maximise space by integrating your pool and outdoor entertaining area. wisdompoolsandlandscapes.com.au

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Plunge pools are built for entertaining and cooling off in summer. Size is determined by how much room you have and what else you need to use the outdoor space for.

“Typically, plunge pools start at 2m x 3m and can be as big as 6m x 3m,” says John. “With effective heating, a plunge pool can often double as a giant spa so adults and teenage children can comfortably relax and entertain throughout the year. The ability to entertain is why seats and benches are often placed within the pool, typically on two sides. Swim jets can also be incorporated to allow a swimmer to remain in place while exercising, thus increasing the functionality of the plunge pool.”

Swim spas and oversized spas are another good option. “The aesthetic nature of a swim spa or oversized spa is important as, in effect, it will double as a beautiful water feature when not in use, so you want it to look good when viewing it from inside your home,” says John. “Luckily, there is a wide range of spas for you to choose from.”

ABOVE-GROUND OPTIONS

“Above-ground pools are hard to incorporate into a small, level garden in some states and territories due to pool fencing regulations. The elevated shapes also visually divide and ‘shrink’ an outdoor space,” he continues.

“However, above-ground pools can work really well on sloping blocks where the house and the top of the pool are level. A wet-edge can be incorporated into this design, with water falling away into a tall garden screen behind. Above-ground pools can also work well on properties that slope across the block. The main garden and lawn areas can be levelled, with access to the pool provided from both the ground and second floors of the home.”

And a final word of advice? “Whatever type of pool you choose, if you have children you need to be able to see the pool water, and them, from the main living areas of your home and your outside entertaining spaces,” says John.

This compact pool is a place to cool off and a feature. wisdompoolsandlandscapes.com.au

Maximise space and build the pool against the house. wisdompoolsandlandscapes.com.au

Rounded shapes, whether for the pool itself or a spa, work well in smaller areas. apexpools.com.au

A lap pool is the ideal solution for those who like to swim for exercise. atotalconcept.com.au

Metal cladding can be used on walls and roofs. Pictured, Colorbond’s deep-grey Monument in a matt finish. colorbond.com

First impressions

When it comes to a home’s exterior, people do judge a book by its cover, so ensure your facade makes the grade

Words: Carrol Baker

Are you planning a beachside cottage filled with character and warmth? A contemporary urban abode with cutting-edge style? A house in the ‘burbs that’s ideal for a growing family? Or perhaps you envisage an eco-chic dwelling in a treechange location that pays homage to the natural environment? No matter what your home’s style, there are many components that make up its exterior appeal and overall presentation, and that includes walling, cladding, roofing, windows and doors.

CLEVER CLADDING

Cladding is the material that is fitted to the external wall system of a home. There are a few different wall systems in Australia, the most common being a structural single timber stud system frame. On the inside, internal cladding such as plasterboard is fitted, and on the outside, external cladding materials like brick, fibre-cement or weatherboard are used.

Brisbane architect Shaun Lockyer from Shaun Lockyer Architects says that when making decisions about cladding, he always discusses the importance of balance with his clients. “We often talk about the sliding scale between beauty, history and nostalgia, and on the other side is pragmatism,” he says.

“Most people want to achieve a balance between an aesthetic outcome and one that doesn’t represent too much maintenance.”

One of his favourite cladding materials is natural timber. Its warmth is enduring and weatherboard is a product that works with both traditional and modern builds, although Shaun says it is a particularly good choice for character homes.

“Rough-sawn timber boards, where you can see the circular movements of the blade, look remarkable,” he adds. “You get a perfectly imperfect outcome that has a beauty and sense of serendipity about it.”

There are several companies that produce hardwood timber cladding products designed to showcase the natural beauty of the woodgrain. They can be pre-primed and site-painted and are available in a wide range of profiles.

BACK TO BRICK

Brick cladding continues to be a popular choice, but these days in contemporary homes it’s often combined with other materials, particularly in houses that are double storey.

Shaun says he uses brick not as a primary product, but for decorative purposes. “We use it to express the architecture of the building rather than just as a material that gets shrouded by render,” he explains. “Or we bag and paint it, which tips a hat to the 1960s modern period.”

This Michael Ong Design Office-designed facade boasts ivory-coloured concrete brick and thermally modified timber cladding. mo-do.net, adbrimasonry.com.au

feature | exterior treatments

Organic natural products like rammed-earth walls are also finding their way into modern architecture. Sydney architect Jo Gillies from Archisoul Architects says this ancient technology is becoming more mainstream because of its eco-friendly ethos and feel-good factor. “Emotionally you resonate more with it — it’s more natural than some other materials and it has good thermal qualities,” she says.

Jo says organic products are very much in demand at present. “These natural materials like rammed earth can make you feel grounded, and we all want to feel grounded in this crazy world at the moment,” she shares.

Rammed earth can also be mixed with other materials to create a beautiful designer effect. “For example,” says Jo, “your architecture might have a smooth concrete wall, then a glass section, then a rammed-earth wall that breaks up the whole look and gives it a stunning overall effect.”

BALANCE OF MATERIALS

If you are incorporating different external walling materials, Jo cautions not to overdo it. “It’s the careful placement of the walls, how they interrelate to each other and how they balance that is key to a successful outcome,” she says.

According to Jo, hempcrete is another walling product that is gaining popularity. “It’s a young industry — a lot of pioneering people are working hard on it. It’s rodent-proof, bushfire-proof, it looks good, feels good and is thermally responsive,” she says.

MAKE THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

For those seeking a sustainable timber cladding solution, one option is Weathertex. Products are made using PEFC certified waste timber from State Forests or private hardwoods from controlled sources. No old-growth hardwood is used, protecting natural resources and maintaining the habitat of native wildlife.

Weathertex has been through a rigorous evaluation from Global GreenTag Pty Ltd to determine its outstanding “green performance” and is proud to have the first manufactured product to receive GreenTag Platinum certification with a GreenRate R Level A for the brand’s Natural range. Additionally, Weathertex has received Gold certification for its primed flat cladding and wall panel sheets.

Weathertex is also a healthy choice. Since the pandemic, homeowners and designers have been increasingly embracing biophilic design — the concept of bringing the health benefits of the outdoors inside, while cutting down on energy costs and boosting health and wellbeing. Through a specialised process, Weathertex products are chipped, pulped and pressed using three per cent natural wax to make them eco-friendly, with no chemical additives. In fact, it’s the only product of its kind that contains no added silicas, glues, resins or formaldehyde, as well as low VOCs.

Providing sustainable cladding for both internal and external use, the manufacturing process provides termiteresistant, durable cladding guaranteed not to rot, split or crack. There is also a broad selection of profiles, colours, textures and sizes, so you can mix and match to create whatever look you desire for your home’s exterior.

Then, of course, there are the fibre-cement products. Fibrecement products can come in the form of vertical or horizontal boards, or even large panels. These products have been around for some time as an option for exterior use, but they continue to evolve with more robust attributes and a greater range of designs. As a result, they are a firm favourite for many.

Shaun says there are many good reasons why fibre-cement is a great option, mainly: “Fibre-cement products are resilient, hold paint better than timber as the material is impervious to water, and they’re stable and durable.”

METAL AND CONCRETE

With their earthy beauty, copper or zinc products take a project to the next level in architectural style, says Shaun. They are significantly more expensive, however. “The design opportunities and nuances that one can achieve with these sorts of products is extraordinary,” he says. “They are

Vertical-board Axon smooth-finish fibrecement cladding gives this Melbourne home a modern look. jameshardie.com.au

handmade materials so can be folded, walls can be turned into awnings, eaves, flashings and into fascias.”

Metal-cladding products like Colorbond are also making their mark, with more than 20 different colours to choose from. The product is lightweight, won’t flake or peel, and is easy to maintain. It adds a sleek designer look to a home.

Then there is concrete — low-maintenance, durable, moisture-resistant and with sound thermal properties. It’s a material Shaun is very passionate about. “If you can imagine it, it can be built in concrete,” he says. “It’s a solid material but its ability to take on shape and form is almost without limits.”

UP ON THE ROOF

A home’s roof is not only a way to protect what’s within it; it plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency too. Of course, a home’s roof is also part of its overall aesthetic appeal. When selecting a roofing material, it needs to complement your home’s architecture and colour palette. Most commonly in Australia, roofing products are made from metal sheeting and also tiles, including shingle, terracotta, concrete and ceramic.

With Australia’s often searing temperatures during summer, new innovations in roofing have seen an emergence of cooling roofing systems designed to reflect more sunlight so less heat is absorbed. Fire-resistant roofing is also important due to the increasing number of homes lost from bushfires sweeping through drier zones.

Green roofing is now coming into its own, with more homeowners opting for roof terraces or roof gardens. Shaun says increasing numbers of rooftop gardens are the result of

Onedin House is of mid-century design and the exterior deftly mixes various materials, such as timber and stone. lockyerarchitects.com.au

Photography: Scott Burrows

The exterior of this home features dark-coloured fibrecement cladding and recycled brick. chateau.com.au

Take design inspiration from the oak front door with matching up-and-over garage door. urbanfront.com

rising costs to buy and build. “With the increased cost of land, clients are seeing the extra investment in creating gardens and landscaping in the sky as an added amenity,” he says.

Jo agrees that green roofs and rooftop terraces are fabulous ways to extend living areas and create green spaces at home.

“If they’re well designed, they can provide privacy and many homes can accommodate them,” she says. Planning is key and good drainage is important. Check with your local authority as restrictions and rules will apply.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Walling, cladding and roofing — all of these play a part in your home’s aesthetic, but finding the right windows and doors is important if you are to tie the look together. Windows and doors are unique to the other external elements in that they can be viewed from both the interior and exterior of your home.

Function is important, and doors and windows that offer privacy if needed also allow free-flowing air and provide security. But of course, in exterior spaces, the right look is important, too. A well-chosen entry door creates a warm and inviting vibe, and first impressions matter.

Wooden doors are a home-building mainstay. They’re versatile, strong and timeless. A steel door can be both elegant and strong, adding functionality as well as beauty to the entrance to your home. A bespoke steel door adds inherent character and an artistic flourish.

Windows are architectural components, so they’re also important in how the exterior of your home presents overall.

Beautiful and distinctive windows can increase the value and prestige of your property, too. Windows are available in a multitude of designs, including sliding, hinged, louvred, double-hung, casement, bifold, bay and more. Then, of course, there are custom-designed windows, including oval, pentagon, hexagon, triangular, trapezoidal, cathedral or curved glass. When choosing windows, selecting frame types and styles that match when in close proximity with each other gives the home a more uniform look. As always, the goal is harmony.

Award-winning Three Chimney House boasts an exterior featuring Crevole bricks. kparchitects.com.au, pghbricks.com.au

When looking for a timber cladding product, make a sustainable choice and opt for something offering verifiable eco-credentials. weathertex.com.au

Make an entrance!

A well-designed front garden means maximum street appeal

When contemplating a front garden design, it pays to get a fresh perspective so stroll up and down the street a few times, noting how the space looks as you approach it from either side, and from across the road. Seeing how others view the space from various angles will help you to achieve a balanced design that complements the look of your home and the overall streetscape. Here are a few more tips:

1. COMPLEMENT THE HOUSE

It should go without saying that the design of a front yard should be in harmony with your home’s facade. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from repeating colours and materials to using decorative features, such as pots, that are in keeping with your home’s architectural style.

2. ENSURE IT’S FUNCTIONAL

Functionality and ease of access are equally important. You want garden paths that allow you safe passage to the front door, so no overhanging foliage, awkward turns or hard to negotiate steps. And you want paths that are well lit, for the comfort of visitors and your own safety.

3. GIVE A WARM WELCOME

The same principle applies to your front door — at night you want good lighting and an unobstructed view so you can see who has come calling. Even if you tend to access your house through the garage, or the backyard, your front door is the main entry point for visitors, so the area around it needs some consideration. Why not signal a warm welcome by flanking the front door with large matching pots with topiaries or sculptural feature plants?

Words: Karen Booth

This unique front garden design complements the home and exudes street appeal. apexpools.com.au

4. MAKE IT LOW MAINTENANCE

Maintenance matters also come into play. Most front gardens are on show all the time and ‘frame’ the street view of your house. The easier they are to maintain, the better. An unkempt garden becomes a neighbourhood eyesore and dimishes your home’s street appeal.

5. LIGHT YOUR WAY

Practical lighting provides security and allows people to safely negotiate any pathways, steps or your driveway. This might take the form of sensor-activated bollard path lighting or step lights. Mood or aesthetic lighting can enhance the overall look of the house and front garden. You might be surprised how effective the use of accent lighting or feature lighting (uplighting a large tree, for example) can be.

6. ADD SOME PRIVACY

Privacy is a key consideration for many. Privacy can be achieved in a number of ways, ranging from planting high hedges to building high walls. The latter is a popular choice in urban areas where a walled entry courtyard can provide security and a private space for entertaining.

7. DEFINE YOUR BORDERS

If all you want to do is define your boundaries, then you can opt for a simple garden bed or low-growing hedge. Choose a hedging plant with a compact growth habit and something that is hardy. For garden beds, strappy, droughttolerant plants such as liriope or dianella are ideal.

8. CHOOSE FENCING WISELY

In addition to choosing the style, colour and type of fence that visually relates to the house, and ensuring access to the house is not diminished, there are council regulations to be considered. For front frences there will be height restrictions and there may be rules reagrding construction materials and degree of transparency. Check this out with your council.

9. CREATE FOCAL POINTS

Focal points are important in any garden, drawing the eye towards a pleasing vista (or away from an unattractive one) but you don’t want to overdo it. Apply the same underlying principle as you would in designing any small garden space — that is, clutter is the enemy — and don’t cram your front garden with decorative elements. A solitary water feature makes more impact than a mass of distracting elements.

10. DRESS-UP YOUR DRIVEWAY

A driveway claims quite a large proportion of most front yards, so you don’t want it to look like a soulless landing strip. Choose pavers that complement the facade of the house and the material used for nearby garden paths. Seek expert advice when choosing driveway pavers because you need something that can bear weight and resist staining.

One feature set amid lush planting is more effective than a jumble of elements. cosdesign.com.au

A professionally designed garden sets the scene for a contemporary home in Melbourne. cosdesign.com.au

Display homes

It is often rather difficult to know just where to start when you embark upon what is an exciting adventure building a new home. There are so many options when it comes to design, floor plans and upgrades it can be hard to visualise what will work best for your family. Display homes help you see the options in real life and get a good first-hand feel for what you like and an understanding of what’s possible.

The creation and proliferation of display villages has made viewing a diverse selection of homes incredibly easy. Not only that, most project home builders now allow for a broad range of customisation, so once you have chosen the design you really like, you can select the upgrades and inclusions that will best suit your individual needs, lifestyle preferences and the requirements of your building site.

Image courtesy of Stroud Homes

A life of luxury

The Grandworth Dynasty 43 is Allcastle Homes’ finest example of luxury living on a grand scale. Designed to impress even the largest family, this remarkable home offers one breathtaking feature after another. In fact, it is so impressive that in the MBA NSW 2022 Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards, the home was judged the winner of the Display Homes $600,001–$700,000 category.

“The Grandworth Dynasty 43 is masterfully crafted to cater for every family’s unique lifestyle and it is so packed with features it’s a case of where to start,” says Steven Parissis, Sales Manager, Allcastle Homes. “The vast family/meals area overlooking a large alfresco is an entertainer’s delight, while the beautifully appointed kitchen and separate butler’s pantry provides the perfect setup for the fussiest cook.”

This is a home that suits larger families and those that embrace multigenerational living. It’s just as well suited to families who want additional flexible spaces, such as a home office, and extra storage areas as those that need to provide a family member with privacy — for this, bedroom six in the display home has a porch and a separate entry to the home, making it ideal for adult offspring, grandparents or visitors.

An abode designed to give larger and growing families the kind of lifestyle they only imagined was possible

Steven Parissis, Sales Manager, Allcastle Homes

Photography: Mikulas Jaros

“The brief for this spectacular home was to celebrate all aspects of modern family living, with open-plan spaces big enough for everyone to relish family get-togethers and up to seven or even eight spacious bedrooms for privacy and relaxation. There are also expansive entertaining areas located upstairs and downstairs,” says Steven.

“Perfect for entertaining, the home has a large openplan kitchen which flows to an alfresco and a bar area with a wine fridge. The kitchen is the heart of the home and boasts a bold, contemporary palette of crisp white surfaces and dark wood cabinetry, bringing a sense of dramatic designer chic to the space. The monochromatic styling also serves to effortlessly delineate the zoned areas in the kitchen while drawing the eye to the servery window, which offers a panoramic view of the outdoors.”

EXPERT TIP: If you need multiple generations to live comfortably under the one roof, or a private home office, look for a design with a s elf-contained space.

A versatile, customisable design for growing families, the Grandworth Dynasty 43 offers plenty of options to tailor it to exactly what you need. “The large upper living area can be converted to two extra bedrooms, for example,” says Steven. “You also have the option of a downstairs self-contained twobedroom unit, a bedroom and sitting room, or a study and media room, which is the option on display. ”

The choice of facades is equally wide-ranging. The display home features the optional Champagne facade in lieu of the

The facts

Location of home: HomeWorld Box Hill, 12 Gizi Street, Box Hill NSW

Name of design: Grandworth Dynasty 43 with Champagne facade

Time taken to build: 9 months

Year completed: 2019

standard Edge facade. The Champagne comprises a mix of designer bricks, timber and render along with natural matt aluminium window frames, giving it strong street appeal.

“Helping families experience the dream of living a lifestyle beyond what they imagined possible has been our mission for over 30 years,” says Steven. “Our masterfully built, high quality homes offer an unrivalled level of affordable luxury and with customisation options that cater to every lifestyle, you can truly make it home with Allcastle Homes.”

The figures

Size of home: 400.75sqm

Size of land: 539.6sqm

Bedrooms: 6–8

Bathrooms: 2–4

Floors: 2

The details

ALLCASTLE HOMES

Address: 96–100 Toongabbie Road, Girraween NSW

Phone: 1300 255 999

Website: allcastlehomes.com.au

Touch of Zen

Meticulous attention to detail and an innovative design are the hallmarks of this cutting-edge display home

In the thriving rural town of Warragul, nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Gippsland region, sits a multiaward-winning display home — the Acura 38. This stunning design from Virtue Homes not only delivers the latest in modern family living, it shows the high calibre of work being produced by regional builders.

“This is a large four-bedroom family home with an open living design. As well suited to families with small children as it is for those with teenagers, it incorporates a raft of multifunctional spaces, such as the separate rumpus. This is connected to the entry hall which gives parents easy access to supervise young children, or provides a sense of separation for older children seeking a private living zone,” says Nerida Hamilton, General Manager, Virtue Homes.

Stylish and sophisticated, the display home is a showcase for design innovation and the kitchen is a stellar example

of this. “A curved Caesarstone island bench is the focal point of the kitchen,” says Nerida. “And cleverly hidden behind a wall of customdesigned joinery is a fully equipped pantry with two fridges, one for wine. Industrial strength Hafele floor hinges enable the pantry doors to open both ways, making entering and exiting the pantry easy, and electronic push-button overhead cupboards make smart use of the available storage space.”

Nerida Hamilton, General Manager, Virtue Homes

Photography: Open to View Gippsland

In the main living area and master bedroom, 3m-high windows welcome in an abundance of natural light. These windows are double glazed and the bottom sills have been removed to create a seamless look. Feature batten walls were also employed in both the master bedroom and living space, adding a touch of Zen to both spaces.

A special feature of the living room is the streamlined Rinnai Sapphire fireplace whose surrounds have been given a Unitex rendered five-coat finish. Similar attention to detail can be seen the master bedroom’s custom-designed walk-in robe. Fitted by a cabinet maker, it incorporates drawer units, shoe racks and dual hanging areas.

“The luxurious master ensuite is also a talking point, with its resort-style feature shower complete with skylight and a decked base set amid rocks,” adds Nerida. “Custommade hand-poured concrete basins were made to fit the

The facts

Location of home: 243 Copelands Road, Warragul Vic

Name of design: Acura 38

Time taken to build: 9 months

Year completed: 2020

vanity unit and these are complemented by timber feature walls and battens stained in a rich, dark finish.”

This is a home that impresses from the very moment you step through the 3m-high, 1.6m-wide glass pivot entry door. “As you enter, you are met with a soaring 3.6m-high ceiling fitted with three large fi xed-glass Velux windows that span the length of the hallway leading to the living space. A feature glass internal wall separates the entry from this space and is a clever design feature that keeps the long entryway feeling light and open,” says Nerida.

Winner of the 2021 HIA Victorian Display Home of the Year, the 2021 MBA Victorian Display Home of the Year, and a finalist for 2021 MBA National Display Home of the Year, the Acura 38 is a treasure trove of original design ideas, cutting-edge concepts and an outstanding example of high quality, meticulously detailed workmanship.

The figures

Size of home: 353.18sqm

Size of land: 857sqm

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Floors: 1

The details VIRTUE HOMES

Address: 41–45 Standing Drive, Traralgon Vic

Phone: (03) 5176 5997

Website: virtuehomes.com.au

EXPERT TIP: Internal glass walls can be a clever way of defining spaces without making interior zones feel cramped. They also encourage the flow of light.

The good life

Ideal for waterfront locales and laid-back entertaining, this home takes contemporary cool to a new level

The one-storey Qualia has been well-received by Queensland families and is quickly becoming one of Metricon Homes’ most popular designs nationally. With three floor plans to choose from, the Qualia delivers flexible, harmonious family living. At the heart of the home is the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone, while the home theatre and leisure rooms provide additional space for the family to enjoy.

The multi-award-winning Qualia 39 display home, perfectly positioned in Pelican Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, exemplifies what makes this design so special.

“This is a home to tick all the boxes,” says Adrian Popple, Design Director, Metricon Homes. “The Qualia’s spacious floor plan has four bedrooms, including a lavish rear-located master suite boasting a walk-in robe and designer ensuite. The master suite also features a private courtyard, adding to the uniqueness of the design. The impressive kitchen and walk-in-pantry are also spaces that set this home apart from the rest, as are the expertly

integrated indooroutdoor living areas that take full advantage of the enviable weather and coastal landscape.”

The list of standout features doesn’t end there, though. “As you step through the entry, you will see a planter box with trailing greenery, backlit feature discs and mirrors that illuminate the space, and a concrete-look feature wall coated to give it a polished concrete appearance,” says Adrian. “Your eye will then be drawn up to the timber castellation ceiling cladding that runs the full length of the home, and down to the enriched, fuss-free polished concrete floors.

Adrian Popple, Design Director, Metricon Homes

“The full-height glazing to the entry and dining combined with a 4.3m-high clerestory with automated louvre windows also draws admiring glances. Additionally, it ensures the home is flooded with an abundance of natural light and takes full advantage of coastal breezes. Then there’s the matt black and walnut timber laminate joinery that gives the interior spaces a sophisticated look and the feel of an urban oasis.”

Prioritising quality and ease, the home’s social hub — the kitchen — features integrated appliances (Fisher & Paykel and Bosch) as well as a handy hydraulic POD in the butler’s pantry. This ensures a sleek bench appearance yet provides a convenient, central station to charge electronics. The lavish kitchen also features a statement Black Tempal Caesarstone island bench with steel framing.

The facts

Location of home: 243 Arlington Drive, Pelican Waters Qld

Name of design: Qualia 39 with Pelican facade

Time taken to build: 8 months

Year completed: 2022

“Fronted by Metricon’s elegant Pelican facade, the exterior design hints at the luxury that lies within,” adds Adrian. “A striking feature of the exterior is the clever use of mixed materials, including a vertical cedar-clad garage, smooth concrete render and EasyLap cladding.”

This is a demonstration of the high level of detail you can expect inside the home and is an indication of why the Qualia 39 won Display Home of the Year at the 2022 HIA –CSR Queensland Housing Awards, among other awards.

Importantly, for those who prioritise alfresco living, the outdoor areas promise families an endless summer. Says Adrian, “There is an inviting pool; also a covered alfresco dining area. Just fire up the ILVE Artusi outdoor kitchen and look forward to a life well-lived by the water!”

The figures

Size of home: 350sqm

Size of land: 603sqm

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Floors: 1

The details

METRICON HOMES

Address: 209 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Qld

Phone: (07) 5501 7200

Website: metricon.com.au

EXPERT TIP: If having somewhere parents can enjoy a little peace and privacy is a priority, consider a home design with a courtyard off the master suite.

Modern classic

Impeccably built and demonstrating a high level of detail, this refined display home offers families a life of luxury

Boasting a classical yet modern facade and an interior designed for luxurious yet casual living, this exquisite new display home from Buildcraft Constructions perfectly showcases the custom builder’s design and construction expertise and eye for detail.

Located in Bella Vista, a bourgeoning community north-west of Sydney, the display home was designed with both comfortable family living and easy entertaining in mind. “The front portion of the house is designed for entertaining guests and features a luxurious area for socialising or relaxing. The front foyer also makes a wonderful first impression. As visitors step over the threshold, their eyes are drawn to the large, lightfilled entry void and the statement wrought-iron staircase,” says John Ugarkovic, Director, Buildcraft Constructions.

“The family area of the house features a large kitchen with an enormous island bench and butler’s pantry which is spacious enough to accommodate the needs of any sized family. There is also a wine cellar located off the kitchen, ensuring you will have everything you need right at hand when entertaining.

John Ugarkovic, Director, Buildcraft Constructions

“Designed for comfortable everyday living, the family area caters for every mood and social situation. You can

EXPERT TIP: Look for a client-focused builder with a commitment to innovation, an eye for detail, and an awareness of current and future home building trends.

sit back and relax on the lounge or stroll out to the large alfresco area, with its unobstructed view of the swimming pool, and share good food and good conversation with friends. The four bedrooms are upstairs, providing privacy from the downstairs entertaining areas.”

Buildcraft Construction’s thoughtful design includes a large ground-floor study that is perfect for work-fromhome professionals. This space could also be used as guest accommodation if need be, delivering the kind of flexibility the modern family demands.

Only high-end materials were used, each chosen for its quality, durability, value for money and aesthetic appeal.

“The timber flooring, laid in a classic herringbone pattern, and porcelain tiled floors complement each other, ensuring the formal areas and living areas feel seamless as you walk around the home,” says John. “Full-height porcelain tiles

The facts

Location of home: 12 Ernesta Place, Bella Vista NSW

Year completed: 2022

were used in the wet areas for a clean, modern look, while all joinery items were built using custom materials.”

The same attention was lavished on the home’s imposing yet welcoming facade. The landscaping completes the picture and ensures the home makes a grand first impression.

Buildcraft Constructions is a design and construct custom home builder with over 50 years’ experience building award-winning, custom-designed homes. At Buildcraft, the company’s owners are personally involved in each project and take a hands-on approach.

Says John, “We are defined by our commitment to clientfocused, innovative design, coupled with an awareness of current and future residential building trends. Our personal involvement from initial concept stage through to completion of construction ensures each home showcases the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.”

The figures

Size of home: 550sqm

Size of land: 700sqm

Bedrooms: 4 + guest/study

Bathrooms: 4

Floors: 2

The details

BUILDCRAFT CONSTRUCTIONS

Phone: (02) 8814 7701

Website: buildcraft.com.au

Urban living

Designed to make indoor-outdoor entertaining a bre eze, this stunning single-storey home ticks all the boxes

Built with easy entertaining in mind, the Elwood 267 display home captures the very essence of sophisticated, modern living. Boasting a generous floor plan, an effortless flow between spaces and the clean-lined Ultra Urban facade, the home is simply stunning, inside and out.

“The front of the home is a modern, stylish exterior and deceptively minimalist,” says Joel Freeman of Stroud Homes Port Macquarie. “Inside, the home is packed with urban-living features, from powderroom nooks through to high-end bathrooms and resortstandard entertaining areas. The home is further enhanced by well-placed windows and skylights that create a sense of space and bring in an abundance of light.

“The entryway welcomes you through to the kitchen which flows onto a showstopping living area. It also connects to an adjoining alfresco dining space, creating the ideal set-up for relaxed indoor-outdoor entertaining. Boasting a generous

Caesarstone island bench, a double waterfall benchtop and modern appliances, the hidden gem of this kitchen is the butler’s pantry. Tucked away out of sight, it provides the perfect space to prepare meals, leaving guests free to mingle around the main kitchen island bench without interruption.”

With four bedrooms and numerous living areas to choose between including a study, media room and luxe main bedroom retreat this home offers ample space for entertaining and relaxation.

Joel Freeman, Builder & Director, Stroud Homes Port Macquarie

display homes | stroud homes

The generous bedrooms wrap around the home's central living area, with the three secondary bedrooms connecting to the well-appointed shared family bathroom.

“For the master room ensuite, we wanted to offer our clients something different,” says Joel. “Entering through a unique powder room ‘nook’ and walk-in wardrobe, the ensuite opens into a true hidden sanctuary. Featuring a double vanity, waterfall shower, and floor-to-ceiling tiles, the Elwood ensuite offers the ultimate spa-at-home experience.”

Going from a place of retreat to a space meant to be shared, the media room located to the rear of the home is light, bright and inviting. Featuring the optional, fully-opening eight-panel stacking window, the media room effortlessly connects to the covered outdoor dining area. This space, which overlooks a pool, is ideal for long lunches and large social gatherings.

The facts

Location of home: Sovereign Hills Display Village, 17 York Street,

Thrumster NSW

Name of design:

Elwood 267 with Ultra Urban facade

Year completed: 2021

With all the panache of a resort-style poolside retreat, the alfresco entertaining and dining area features a custom outdoor kitchen, a beautifully tiled floor, and a feature wall of Crackenback light-coloured freeform sandstone cladding that adds warmth and texture.

The Elwood's interior open-plan living and dining area also connects seamlessly to the alfresco living space. This part of the home is light and bright, thanks to expansive windows and a series of sunlight-capturing skylights which are available as an optional upgrade.

Designed for relaxed living and modern entertaining, the feature-packed Elwood 267 has it all: a cleverly-designed, compact floor plan; an abundance of space, and all the flair and functionality the discerning family demands. Add to this exceptional workmanship and you have the total package.

The figures

Size of home: 267.02sqm

Size of land: 601.6sqm

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Floors: 1

The details

STROUD HOMES

Phone: 1800 787 683

Website: stroudhomes.com.au

EXPERT TIP: For the ultimate in relaxed entertaining, look for a design that offers the option of a stacking window to connect indoor and outdoor living areas.

Custom-built homes

For future homeowners who know exactly what they want, or have an especially challenging building site, there is no substitute for a bespoke, custom-built abode. Finding a reputable custom builder is the first, and perhaps most important, step on the journey towards creating the home of your dreams — one designed with your lifestyle needs, sense of style and location in mind. You might engage an

architect or building designer and then source a builder or look for a custom builder with a in-house design service. A custom builder will guide you through every stage, from design to construction, and will work towards turning your dreams into reality. To streamline the process, a custom builder can manage the whole project to ensure everything stays on track and the end result meets your expectations.

Image courtesy of Green Sheep Collective

custom-built homes | aboda design group

Change for the better

For Debbie and Grahame, a couple with grown children who no longer live at home, turning this vacant piece of land into a home that spoke of contemporary living and cool, collected beachside calm, was exactly what they needed for the next stage in their lives.

The couple wanted to downsize, moving from their inner-Sydney pad to a beachside spot on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast where they could embrace a seachange and find comfort in an easy, breezy lifestyle.

The home includes three bedrooms — a master suite and two visitor bedrooms — two and a half bathrooms, a home office, double garage, open-plan kitchen/dining/living, an alfresco space and a separate media room. There is also a medium-sized pool that wraps around the living area.

Designed by Aboda Design Group and built by Fauna

Homes, the residence is bright and airy, meeting its brief for a mid-century modern design paired with an informal beachside aesthetic. “We achieved this by creating dramatic, generous spaces but ones that were not too large or dominating,” explains Lee Foster, Director, Aboda Design Group. “We opted for a design that is light and bright, a design that is low-maintenance, and one that is aesthetically

Lee Foster, Director, Aboda Design Group

This contemporary Sunshine Coast residence provides the owners with their longed-for easy, breezy seachange

Photography: Lucas Muran

custom-built homes | aboda design group

EXPERT

cooled with concrete, yet warmed with timber flooring and features, such as screening and custom cabinetry.”

As the site is privy to northern orientation, which means optimal sun exposure, the designers maximised the amount of natural light flowing into the home by using glass often, and with exceptional finesse. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors allow light to flood the home, with glass louvre windows a feature in the dining area and bathrooms.

Of course, a home that welcomes in an abundance of light is in danger of letting the heat in, too. “To counteract this, louvre windows manage natural breezes, especially the airflow over the cool water of the pool,” says Lee. “We also elevated the home to enhance cross-flow ventilation.”

While the back of the property is a very private space, the street-facing front isn’t. To remedy this and create a degree of privacy, a timber-slatted screen was built. This sits alongside the garage with its striking raked form.

The facts

Location of home: Coolum Beach Qld

Time taken to build: 9 months

Year completed: 2017

The site presented challenges as well as opportunities — it sits in a flood-prone location and has narrow street frontage. To cope with the latter, Aboda Design Group cleverly positioned the home’s entry to the side of the property, eschewing traditional front access.

Once inside the home, an efficient floor plan gives space between the visitors’ bedrooms and bathrooms and the master suite. Given the homeowners’ grown children have children of their own, it was important that privacy was created to make visits stress-free. Managing this across the floor plan’s single storey was a great achievement.

Having worked with the team at Fauna Homes for close to 10 years, Aboda Design Group has established a very strong working relationship. Says Lee, “Like all great projects, the outcome is a three-way partnership dependent on bold clients who put their faith in professional and experienced design and building companies.”

The figures

Size of home: 400sqm

Size of land: 607sqm

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Floors: 1

The details

ABODA DESIGN GROUP

Address: Suite B, Level 2, 1794 David Low Way, Coolum Beach Qld

Phone: (07) 5345 5499

Website: aboda.com.au

TIP: If you want to bring the outside in, maximise views and flood your home with natural light, make ample use of glazing, including floor-to-ceiling windows.

custom-built homes | green sheep collective

Down to earth

Open yet private, connected yet defined … this Melbourne residence sets benchmarks for style and sustainability

The Goldilocks effect underpins the success of Boulevard House in Melbourne’s Ivanhoe East in that the scale, materiality and design details sit just right on the sloping site and provide just enough for the family of four.

“It was important the home achieve a fine balance between the very large houses in the area, and the idea of more humble, liveable and engaging spaces,” says Shae Parker McCashen, Director, Green Sheep Collective. “This building could not be big for big’s sake. Every space had to work hard within its purpose, and within its context.”

Thick, rammed earth walls ground the house and reveal the framework’s numerous lines and plugs. Boasting unique natural beauty and texture, the appearance of the 400mm walls changes as the sun makes its daily pilgrimage from east to west across the sky. As well as its robust nature and ability to create privacy, the rammed earth also warms the house with its significant thermal mass.

Practical and picturesque, the walls create and define the two east-west pavilions, which are connected by a central core and employ passive solar design principles to allow all rooms in the house to take best advantage of the north sun and cross-ventilation.

Steel window surrounds intersect the walls to create deep window reveals that form window seats and benches, which cantilever outside the building and frame views towards the city. “Deep window reveals create playful spaces in which to sit and unwind, to engage with the architecture and its materiality, prepare a meal or sit and enjoy the garden,” adds Shae.

The substantial three-level home is highly responsive to its climate, orientation, slope, view and neighbourhood context. Three bedrooms, a mezzanine play area and shared bathroom are perched on the upper level, while the middle (ground) floor houses the guest bedrooms, study and third bathroom along with the primary living spaces and external deck, leading to a 25m lap pool and considered landscaping. A storage area and laundry join the

Photography: Emma

Cross Photographer

Words: Louise Smithers

Shae Parker McCashen, Director, Green Sheep Collective

custom-built homes | green sheep collective

showroom-style garage and workshop at basement level.

Timber makes a prominent impression inside, where the material was used to cover the walls, floors and ceilings to subdue the atmosphere and offer a sense of cosiness. “Externally, timber features strongly to humanise the building while contributing to its reduced carbon footprint,” says Shae. “The timber fins on the front facade defi ne the two levels of the building, temper light and heat, and provide privacy while helping to ground the building and separate it from the street.”

The home connects communal and intimate spaces using double and triple-height voids, split levels, private courtyards and linking bridges. For example, a double height ceiling in the kitchen and dining area connects the

The facts

Time

open-plan area to the mezzanine play area. This enables a seamless flow between zones yet ensures their separation.

Capturing the northern aspect of the site made it easier to implement natural lighting, heating and cooling. “The steep site presented exciting opportunities to take advantage of a northern aspect and southern views to trees along the Yarra River, and the city beyond,” says Shae. “It’s designed to be light, open to the garden and give an expansive sense of space, but at the same time resolves a number of potentially conflicting ‘moods’ — bold yet nurturing, open yet private, connected yet defined.”

Protective and approachable, Boulevard House is an exemplar of passive solar design that was built to last by collaborating architect and builder, Elyte Focus.

The details

Address: 10 Lincoln Street, Brunswick East Vic

Phone: (03) 9020 3444

Website: greensheepcollective.com.au

EXPERT TIP: Offering natural beauty and significant thermal mass, rammed earth walls are an excellent option for those looking to build more sustainably.

cutom-built homes | mclachlan homes

Living the dream

This award-winning Queensland home makes a charming first impression and offers a bright and inviting interior

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in a bustling innerBrisbane suburb, this beautiful new home is the culmination of a successful knockdownrebuild project, expertly carried out by McLachlan Homes. The journey began with the demolition of a rundown Queenslander and a project team comprising building design firm Big House, Little House, interior designers Porch Light Interiors, and McLachlan Homes who executed the build and coordinated all the moving pieces to give the clients their forever home.

From the moment you spy the new home from the street, the high level of detail captures the eye. “The crisp colour

palette of Resene’s Double White Pointer exterior paint contrasted with the Ironstone Colorbond roofing allows the Hamptons-inspired design’s intricate facade details to really shine. These special elements include the James Hardie Linea cladding, feature

Photography: Phill Jackson

Sally McLachlan, McLachlan Homes

shingles to the bay window, and warm-toned, stone-clad columns,” says Sally McLachlan of McLachlan Homes.

“Walking through the inviting portico into the home, you find yourself in the expansive entry. Here you experience the grandeur of French oak flooring underfoot, the bold contrast of a classic black and white colour scheme softened with rich timber tones, a Linea-clad feature wall and an impressive timber-tread staircase,” continues Sally.

“As you explore the ground floor, the care lavished on the layout and the level of detail is evident. A grand home office with built-in cabinetry sits at the front of the home — this is a space that could also be used as a fifth bedroom. The ground floor also reveals a cosy living room with custom cabinetry framing the TV. Walking further into the home down the light-filled hallway you find the dining area located beneath an impressive double-height void.”

The open-plan lounge and kitchen areas are welcoming and well-conceived. The picture-perfect kitchen features bespoke cabinetry complemented with Cararra marble tops

The facts

Location of home: Brisbane Qld

Time taken to build: 50 weeks

Year completed: 2020

and pendant lighting. A spacious pantry offers ample storage plus an additional sink and fridge. The grand kitchen also features a built-in bulkhead that makes the space feel cosier when contrasted with the adjacent double-height void. The lounge is generous in size and features a gas log fireplace set into a Ledgerstone surround. This is the perfect setting for relaxation — and viewing the pool and large alfresco.

Additional ground-floor features include a generous guest bedroom with a walk-in robe, ensuite and direct access to the patio, a mud room and study nook adjacent to a large laundry, and a well-placed powder room.

“The closed-tread staircase leads up to the second floor which houses a further three bedrooms, a sitting room overlooking the void, and the main bathroom,” says Sally. “The elegant master suite, located to the rear of the design, is a restful retreat with a luxurious ensuite.

“This was a memorable project for us and we consider ourselves fortunate to have built such a classic home that has been a dream come true for the owners.”

The figures

Size of home: 522.9sqm

Size of land: 1311sqm

Bedrooms: 4 + office/bedroom

Bathrooms: 3.5

Floors: 2

The details

MCLACHLAN HOMES

Address: 18 Commercial Drive, Caboolture Qld

Phone: (07) 5498 9866

Website: mclachlanhomes.com

EXPERT TIP: Including a double-height void in a design creates a wonderful feeling of space and light, and it helps to draw attention to a specific area within a home.

Kit & modular homes

Kit, modular and prefabricated homes, available in myriad styles, offer a raft of practical solutions to a diverse range of common building challenges. Kit and modular homes are also a sensible option for those faced with a restricted timeframe for building. With a modular home, the bulk of the construction process takes place off-site in a factory setting, after which the modules are delivered straight to

your land for connection. With a kit home, components are also delivered to your site and various elements, such as trusses, are prefabricated. Modular and kit homes can be a cheaper alternative to building a home in the traditional manner. They both provide a high level of quality control, offer a more sustainable way of building and homes are available in an array of options to suit all budgets and lots.

PAAL...taking kit homes to

a new level of excellence

When building a home exceeds all expectations

Alison and David Lilly built their dream home on acreage in beautiful Glenorie. The couple had built many project homes before, but always found the companies difficult to work with.

“They’re very inflexible, and restrictive with the products they use,” says Alison. This time Alison’s parents suggested they try Paal. “After looking at their website, we went and spoke to Michael Christie (now based in Canberra office) says Alison. He was so thorough in explaining everything, it gave us the confidence to go ahead, he redesigned the Elizabeth to give us everything we’d asked for, and we were thrilled with the new design. “Paal was so flexible, nothing was too much trouble,” says the couple. Although Alison and David went owner-builder, they both work full time, so engaged a local builder to assist. “We were extremely pleased with how quickly and smoothly the build went,” says Alison. Now the home is finished the couple is absolutely delighted, the result exceeded all their expectations. “We love it, we really love it,” says the couple. “It’s the perfect home for our family.”

PAAL - Australia’s longest established kit home supplier for over 50 years.Visit our display centres and discuss your dream home ideas with one of our Housing Design Consultants. Get the full story, visit our website www.paalkithomes.com.au and request a free 64 page brochure.

SYDNEY

113-115 Russell St

Emu Plains NSW 02 4735 4377

BRISBANE

67 Morayfield Rd

Caboolture QLD 07 5495 4070

www.paalkithomes.com.au

MELBOURNE 259 Canterbury Rd Bayswater Nth VIC 03 9720 1222

CANBERRA

PO Box 6245

O’Connor ACT 0414 508 864

Classic country

A pair of empty-nesters build their dream off-the-grid home

With a stunning location in NSW’s Central Tablelands, the empty-nester owners wanted a home that would set the scene for the next chapter in their lives. “The style they wanted was ‘classic country’ and it was important that the home be fully self-sufficient and off-the-grid without sacrificing comfort and luxury,” says Michael Christie, Housing Consultant, PAAL Kit Homes.

“Just as importantly, the home needed to be large enough to accommodate visiting adult children and members of their extended family; also, the owners wanted it oriented to take advantage of the spectacular views of Mount York and the surrounding Hartley Valley.

“We worked on plans with the clients for about two months before they settled on a design that worked with the steep site’s contours, maximised the view, and appealed to their sense of style,” explains Michael. “Plans were then drawn

up for submission to Council and within three months the clients were able to get underway with the construction using a local builder.”

This is a home designed for the local conditions, so it has a high-tensile steel frame and is wind rated to N3 (159 km/h). The cladding, while being of traditional weatherboard style, is designed for BAL 40 fire conditions (the second highest fire rating) and the roof is of durable Colorbond. With an eye to sustainability, the house has hydronic in-slab heating and solar power with battery storage.

Photography: Cloud Herd Film Co

Michael Christie, Housing Consultant, PAAL Kit Homes

“We offer full customisation of all our designs and this home was no exception,” adds Michael. “Not only was the design adapted to meet the site conditions and bushfire requirements, just about every part of the standard design was altered in some way to meet the clients’ needs. The kitchen, bathrooms and living areas were all changed during the initial design consultation process.

“The resulting kitchen is warm, inviting and perfectly designed for large-scale entertaining. In fact, the owners recently hosted a wedding for their son and 100 guests.

The facts

Location of home: Hartley NSW

Name of design: Richmond

Time taken to build: 8 months

Year completed: 2018

As for the family and meals area, this has a vaulted ceiling and large doors opening onto an expansive covered alfresco area looking out over the valley to the mountains, which in turn offers easy access to the adjacent lawn area.”

In summing up, Michael says, “A kit home was the ideal choice for the couple because it allowed them to build a fully customised home for the cost of a standard project home. They achieved this by keeping the builder and materials supplier separate, a strategy that ensured they stayed in control of the budget.”

The figures

Size of home: 612sqm

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3

Floors: 1

The details

PAAL KIT HOMES

Freecall: 1800 024 912

Website: paalkithomes.com.au

EXPERT TIP: A kit home gives you the opportunity to keep a closer eye on the budget and have greater control over build time, which for many is a boon.

Products & services

Whether building a new home or renovating an existing one, it is important to remember that sourcing the right products and service providers is essential if you want a quality abode that will last you through the years. The foundations upon which your home is built, the cladding

you install, and the home technology you choose, be it a home cinema or app-controlled air-conditioning these are all highly critical decisions if you want a home that is comfortable to live in. You need to undertake thorough research, shop around and use only reputable suppliers.

Image courtesy of Weathertex

Hey, good looking!

Robust and environmentally friendly, this Aussie cladding system offers versatility and a stunning colour range

Whether you’re planning to build or renovate, Weathertex cladding systems will make a huge difference to the look of your home — and your lifestyle. Super versatile and offering endless possibilities, Weathertex products are not only used externally for walls, but also internally for feature walls, ceilings … even garage doors.

Weathertex products are the ideal cladding to use because they are lightweight, strong and easy to install. Australia’s climate is not a gentle one. This Australian-made and -owned cladding will last the distance, offering up to 25 years warranty not to rot, split or crack. High-performing and visually stunning, Weathertex cladding ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a robust sustainable cladding solution indoors or out, it’s seriously hard to beat.

More than ever before, bringing nature into our designs and fitting the building thoughtfully within the landscape is important. Immersing nature into design, and creating a space which better connects to it, not only looks amazing, it has been proven to improve our health, enhance our wellbeing and reduce stress. Weathertex natural timber cladding adds texture and warmth to any home.

Continuing the external cladding to connected inside spaces can blur the lines and increase the sense of space, making your home feel larger. It’s human instinct for people to be attracted to the charm and beauty of nature. Textures and pieces made from natural materials exude tranquillity and ground the overall theme of a space.

Concern for the environment, and interest in building sustainably, has also dramatically increased in recent years. More and more projects are being built using sustainable

Weathergroove Natural 30mm (battens).

Weathergroove Woodsman 150mm.

Classic Smooth.

finishes and materials. These materials offer a number of advantages, both economic and environmental.

When choosing a building material, a number of factors need to be considered when determining how sustainable the material is. The material needs to be harvested from renewable resources. Also, the environmental impact of the material must be considered over the whole lifecycle of the project.

If selecting the most sustainable cladding solution possible is a priority, you can’t go past Weathertex's Natural range. The Natural range of weatherboards and panels is the first manufactured product range in the world to obtain a Platinum Green Tag certification. The Global Green Tag is a third-party, multi-criteria, consensus-based and externally verified Type 1 eco-labelling program and is the only certification mark in the sector approved by the ACCC, the US Patents and Trademark Office and Green building rating tools.

Additionally, Weathertex has received Gold certification for its primed cladding and wall panel products. Weathertex values the environment and all products have a better than zero carbon footprint. Weathertex cladding is also a healthy choice and the company is proud to offer the only product of its kind in the world that contains no added silica, glues, resins or formaldehyde, and has low VOC levels.

You will also be pleased to find a wide selection of profiles, colours, textures and sizes which you can mix and match to create your own unique look and feel. This makes it easy to incorporate the cladding into your personal design aesthetic.

All Weathertex cladding profiles have a consistent 9.5mm thickness and matching accessories. Mixing the profiles, combining vertical and horizontal cladding as well as using either natural or painted products, is a simple way to transform a home design without breaking the bank.

To get started, the Weathertex Inspirational Designs

Virtual App is the ideal tool for finding fabulous ideas and testing your selections. Simply upload a photo to visualise Weathertex’s wide range of cladding in your project, or find inspiration with their gallery of stunning completed works.

Save, share or print your creations to show to family, friends or your local supplier. Also, if you’re in need of further design ideas, you can view Weathertex’s latest Sustainable Design Trends magazine on the website, or you might like to request a hard copy.

For more product information, to obtain free samples, view magazines, or avail yourself of the many online tools that make cladding selection easier, visit the website. Weathertex, the better choice for you and the planet.

The details

WEATHERTEX Website: weathertex.com.au

Weathergroove Smooth 15mm.

Primelok Shadowood Smooth.

Built to last

This country home stands strong on its steel flooring system

This four-bedroom home in Menangle, a rural village in the Macarthur region of NSW, was built to take maximum avantage of its idyllic country setting. Designed by the owner Lee, an estimator for a timber and truss company, the home offers everything he and his partner could hope for. There is a large home theatre, an expansive master suite with its own verandah oriented to capture hillside views, and an open-plan kitchen adjoining light-filled dining and living spaces.

Lee bought the 5.5 acre property, which was an empty battle-axe block, in 2016, with the intention of building a large custom family home. When Lee and his partner looked at the land for the first time, they were on a quest to find the ideal plot for their third and last build — a home that would bring the whole family back under one roof.

While Lee’s partner was unimpressed after their initial viewing, during a second visit the sense of serenity and lush scenery won her over, leading to a change of heart.

To begin with, Lee wanted the house to have a slab base. However, as there is a coal mine located 600m underground he knew there would be a possibility of movement and didn’t want to risk it. Instead, he decided to proceed with a strip footing base using a strong bearer and joist system.

While at first he favoured a timber frame, after engaging Noble Builders, he decided to go with their recommendation of a full-steel solution from Spantec. For the build, Spantec supplied its Boxspan, Ezipier and Ezibrace products, and Lee couldn’t be happier with the result.

“With the Spantec Boxspan flooring system there is no creaking at all. You wouldn’t even know that it’s on bearers and joists,” says Lee. “At first, I thought that due to the

floor's height off the ground, a steel bearer and joist system might lead to a bit of creaking or noise, and possible bounce, but since moving into the home there has been no noise. The floor feels solid and strong underfoot.

“If you have a sloping site like ours and you want a strong concrete-like feel underfoot, I highly recommend the use of the Boxspan flooring system. Our expectations were more than achieved, which is a testament to the 30 years of experience behind the design and engineering of the system.”

For this project, Spantec provided a complete design and engineering service. The full subflooring and deck kit arrived to site cut to size, every piece was labelled and seamlessly fitted together. In fact, Spantec provided a full lightweight solution to tackle the 3m slope of land, taking

into consideration all loads from such a large structure.

Adds Lee, “It was a smooth process for both myself and the builder. Whenever something was required, Spantec was straight on to it. Due to COVID delays and shortages of materials, the overall build did go over budget; however, during the period we were dealing with Spantec, there were no price increases or material shortages. If additional material was required, Spantec ensured that it would be taken to site ASAP. The level of service provided by Spantec during this time was amazing.”

While Lee still has a few finishing touches to make, such as adding cladding around the floor to give the home more of a country look, he says, “All in good time. We just want to enjoy our new house and its surroundings for now.”

The details

SPANTEC SYSTEMS

Website: spantec.com.au

Build Home

Are you planning on building a new home?

Finding the right home builder can be time-consuming and stressful. Choosing the wrong supplier can cost you thousands. As the National Manager for BuildHome, I’ve visited numerous projects in NSW, so I know what the home builders in your area specialise in. Call me for a friendly chat about what you need and I will refer one or two home builders that are right for you. I can also advise on renovation products and anything you need to know to assist you in the journey of building a new home.

BuildHome Advisory Service

P: 0413 954 955

E: scooper@umco.com.au

Sandra Cooper National Advertising Manager, BuildHome

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