SHOWCASING THE BEST BUILDERS IN NSW

BuildHome+
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Homes tailor-made for
multigenerational living
150
Home designs
you will love

THINKING BIG
How to make the most of
a narrow lot or small site
GOING UP
Increase your living space
by adding a roof garden
CompleteHome.com.au

ISSUE 24.4 AUS $9.95*

NZ $11.90 (Both incl. GST)

DESIGN IDEAS
The latest looks from NSW’s
top builders and designers
INSIDE: CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES | DISPLAY HOMES AND VILLAGES | KIT HOMES | MODULAR HOMES
THE AURORA
AWARD WINNER
THE AURORA
Award Winning Display Home

WINNER 2017

WINNER 2017
Master Builders Association
Excellence in Housing Awards - Design & Construct House
$500,001 - $750,000

WINNER 2016

WINNER 2016
Master Builders Association
Exhibition / Project Homes
$600,001 - $750,000

WINNER 2016
Hills Building & Design Awards
Interior Fitout / Residential Interior Design

FINALIST 2016
Hills Building & Design Awards
Residential Building – Kitchens

FINALIST 2016
Hills Building & Design Awards
Residential Building / Exhibition Home
– $500,001 & above

The Aurora is Displayed at:

46 Bruhn Circuit, Kellyville NSW 2155
(02) 8814 7701 | info@buildcraft.com.au
www.buildcraft.com.au
KIT HOMES for Country Australia

We built a Paal Elizabeth

Stephen and Rebecca Dalli built their dream
home on their property with breathtaking
views of the Capertee Valley near Lithgow,
NSW. Affordability drew the couple to Paal, but
also the fact that the company had a design,
the Elizabeth, which was similar to the footprint
they originally intended. With some layout and
room size changes, they were able to create
a home they love. Read their full story and
other customer success stories and photos on
the Paal website.
PAAL DESIGN FLEXIBILITY See for yourself...visit the Elizabeth and 2 other
display homes at Paal’s display centre,
And yes... you can change our plans!
113-115 Russell Street,
Emu Plains NSW 2750.
Your new home is all about you, and everyone’s
P: 1800 024 912.
requirements are different. For this reason, we give you
the freedom of choosing - and building - the features www.paalkithomes.com.au
of your home. We offer a range of design options, so
you can add you own special touches. You can, for
instance, add a garage or an alfresco dining area, or a
T-shaped extension. We also offer endless possibilities for
redesigning the internal layout or your home.

Contact us today to explore the possibilities! 1800 024 912

The chillagoe by Horizon Homes has character that will never tire,
and will serve as the perfect luxury family home for years to come.
 02 8882 9111
 info@horizonhomes.com.au
 48 Bruhn Circuit Kellyville NSW 2155
www.horizonhomes.com.au
bouƟque home builders
avidcc.com.au | 0414 138 725 | info@avidcc.com.au
Leader in Rural Luxury Home Design and Construction

Go on ... Spoil Yourself!

 hamik.com.au
0417 652 996
michael.kassis@bigpond.com
 DOUBLE-GLAZING FLEXIBILITY
Glass in Australia must meet Australian standards so we only
use locally made high quality double glazed units. This allows
the ultimate flexibility in glass selection and sizes to suit
local conditions.

Plustec can provide endless combinations of glass

types to suit various requirements – bushfire,
acoustics, low-emmissivity, laminated, toughened,
obscure, tinted, or even coloured. We can range
from 24mm overall to 30mm overall allowing
us to maintain the optimim air/gas gap and
keeping above the minimum of 12mm.

Glazing beads are always inside

allowing easy glass replacement
and providing added security.

Photo courtesy of Jigsaw Housing

LOW MAINTENANCE
Windows and doors from Plustec will not rot, twist or corrode. They only require a
simple clean and occasional oiling of hardware making them low maintenance.
We can also supply a kit with the cleaning and maintenance oils for you.

Photo courtesy of Jigsaw Housing

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FRAME

We are now making most of our own profiles in Australia,
complying with local standards making our profiles easily
recyclable in Australia. Our formulation is designed for
Australian conditions and lead free. We are members of the Vinyl
Council Australia and participate in the Australian PVC Product
Stewardship program, winning a commendation award recently.

Photos courtesy of Jigsaw Housing

WE MAKE WINDOWS AND DOORS.
But not just any windows or doors, ours
are special. They are environmentally
friendly, have outstanding thermal
performance and significantly reduce
noise. But that’s not all, they’re made
right here in Australia from top quality
calcium zinc stabilized Australian made
uPVC, and are completely lead free.
Photo courtesy of Jigsaw Housing

DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS AND DOORS

20 Pullman Place,
Emu Plains, NSW 2750
Phone: (02) 4735 3664 Photo courtesy of Jigsaw Housing

Mobile: 0412 22 5436

sales@plustec.com.au

www.plustec.com.au

Photo courtesy of Cosiflor

BLINDS
Plustec can supply Cosiflor pleated blinds which are top down,
bottom up operation and fit neatly within the glazing area of the
window. Rather than covering your window entirely these compact
blinds will allow you to highlight your windows and dress them
rather than hide them. They move with the sash and add an
extra layer of still air to improve thermal efficiency.
 editor’s letter
Image courtesy of Bellmarch Homes
M
ultigenerational or integrated living, where multipe generations
of the one family choose to live together, is on the increase.
It’s believed that as many as one in five of us now live in a
multigenerational home. It might be the result of grandparents
moving in to look after young children for a working couple,
or it could be adult children needing to live at home, but with
a degree of independence, while they save for a home of their
own. In this edition of BuildHome, we look at an array of
integrated living solutions, from homes designed with guest accommodation or
an extra bedroom with an ensuite that can be used for live-in relatives, to granny
flats and duplexes that provide both proximity and privacy.
Building on small or narrow lots is another growing trend and one that affects
anyone looking to build in established urban areas or new suburbs. If you have
a limited site, you can go the custom-design route or choose a design from
a volume home builder. Most builders now have a broad selection of homes
specifically designed to maximise small lots and narrow frontages. These homes
tend to share some key, space-enhancing features, such as rooms that can be
used for more than one function, an emphasis on open-plan living, and lots of
windows and glass to capture as much sunlight as possible, as light rooms feel
bigger. We offer some smart small-space design tips and explore just some of
the home designs available for those building on a restricted site.
And if you’re looking to build a home in a region that offers affordable land
and housing diversity, educational and employment opportunities, a rich multi-
cultural environment, green spaces and a whole lot more, Sydney’s South West
is the place to be. In this edition, we publish our popular South West Sydney
supplement and show you the many reasons why this large and rapidly-growing
region is a great place to build, live, work and raise a family.
Enjoy,
Karen
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SHOWCASING THE BEST BUILDERS IN NSW
BuildHome
Editor Karen Booth
Email kbooth@bigpond.net.au
Sub-Editor Michelle Segal
Designer Kate Podger
Advertising Managers
NSW Dominique Gharibian 0459 147 592
Qld Tania Pears 0411 424 194; Lyn Hill 0488 424 232
Vic Suzy Rashoo 0401 759 363
WA Steve Wright 0455 030 726
Advertising Production Coordinator William West
Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz
Associate Publisher Martin White
Cover Image Clarendon Homes
Chairman/CEO Prema Perera
Publisher Janice Williams
Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva
Associate Publisher Emma Perera
Finance & Administration Manager James Perera
Creative Director Kate Podger
Marketing & Acquisitions Manager Chelsea Peters
Subscriptions and mail orders: 1300 303 414
Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head office:
(02) 9805 0399
BuildHome NSW No. 24.4 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,
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Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation, and to
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 contents

30

60

96 CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES
44 Hamik Luxury Homes
Explore this luxurious six-bedroom residence, complete with
FEATURES a Bali resort-style swimming pool, and be astounded
18 Home essentials 54 Young Homes
From lights and laundry appliances to furniture and paint, we Through clever design, this home is awash with light; it also
uncover some of the latest products for your new home features stylish, free-flowing indoor-outdoor spaces
22 For all the family 60 Reg Lark Architect
Having multiple generations under the one roof is a growing Architect-designed to suit a very narrow site, this home is a
trend ... here we share some integrated living solutions testament to clever contemporary minimalist design
30 Small wonders 66 Bellmarch Homes
With an intelligent, space-maximising floor plan, there is no A modern, open-plan beach-side abode with a self-contained
need to compromise if you have a small or narrow block retreat that’s ideal for when family comes to stay
36 The sky’s the limit 72 Starr Constructions
If you’re short on ground space and you want more greenery Boasting seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, this home
or an extra outdoor living zone, look to your rooftop allows the family to enjoy the very best of both worlds
144 In the news 76 Finesse Home Builders
A round-up of the latest news, from passive design standards Making the most of a corner block, this duplex development
to new home designs and residential building awards is a design triumph, from facade to interior spaces

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 44

DISPLAY HOMES 106

84 Bellriver Homes
Designed for dual living, this residence boasts an attached
granny flat with two bedrooms and a stylish alfresco
90 Clarendon Homes
Perfectly suited to easy multigenerational living, this large
four-bedroom, two-storey home ticks all the boxes
96 McDonald Jones Homes
With its luxury inclusions, this is an abode that transforms
daily rituals into treasured experiences for the family

MODULAR HOMES
106 Parkwood Modular Buildings
These pavilion-style modular buildings offer style, comfort
and an easy connection to their bushland surrounds
110 Broadworth Modular
This stylish modern home truly is something out of the box
and what’s more, the family found it a breeze to build
KIT HOMES
122 PAAL Kit Homes
A large and comfortable owner-built steel-framed kit home
that is a perfect fit for a growing young family of five
126 Harkaway Homes
Building a beautiful traditional home with the modern bells
and whistles is much easier than you might think
132 Storybook Designer Homes
Living happily ever after in a picture-perfect house is simple
to achieve and affordable with these stunning designs
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
138 Frys Energywise
To ensure your home uses the least amount of water, design
it well and choose only water-efficient appliances
140 Casafico
Discover the benefits of lightweight, prefabricated walls that
are user friendly and have excellent thermal properties
142 Thermacell
For a smarter way to build your home, look to fire-retardant
building blocks with a steel-reinforced concrete core
146 Index

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 design trends

Home essentials
Products and design ideas that will make your house a home
DIVINE DINING
Give your guests something to talk about when they sit at the sleek and stylish
Todd glass dining table. The dramatic design features a round bevelled-edged
tempered glass tabletop that sits on a wooden frame. The glass top reflects
light to soften a contemporary design scheme and is ideal in a smaller space
where you want an airier look. The unique X-shaped base has been created
by crossing chunky pine planks finished with veneers of gorgeous oak. Four
to six people can sit around the table, perhaps in the Daintree dining chairs
shown here. The chairs are made of hand-woven native Manila rattan and are
reinforced with a cross-bar structure. The Daintree brings a coastal retreat flair
into any dining room. For more options, visit freedomfurniture.com.au

MAKE A STATEMENT
If you’re looking for a statement piece for a living area or lounge room, even
an opulent bedroom, the Koralky beaded pendant is it. Available from Beacon
Lighting, the Koralky is a new collection of beaded chandeliers with a classic
industrial form. It’s available in three-, five-, six- and eight-light options and
comes in four colours: Natural, Black, French Grey and White Wash. Pictured
above is the eight-light Koralky in French Grey. The chic Koralky is made up
of thousands of wooden beads, giving the chandelier an organic yet luxe look.
Perfect for homes with interiors of laid-back luxury, the Koralky delivers a
contemporary twist on industrial interior styling and helps to create a relaxed
atmosphere at night. For more information, visit beaconlighting.com.au

MIRROR, MIRROR
Mirrors are essential items in bathrooms and bedrooms. In other areas of the home, such as
hallways and living zones, they add a decorative touch or help to make a small space feel a
bit bigger by reflecting more light. Whether you opt for a large floor mirror or a wall-mounted
mirror, you are spoilt for choice as these diverse offerings from Freedom Furniture prove.
Suitable for a variety of interior design schemes and rooms, they help to create the right
ambience and add functionality, but in the most attractive way possible. Pictured, front row,
from left: Carraway framed in mango wood and antique glass, Vale round mirror with two-tone
frame and Cromwell with brass finish. Back row: Clara and Grid leaner mirrors (the latter
made of mirror tiles), both of which evoke an Art Deco feel, Cortona floor mirror with mango
wood frame, Delaford floor mirror with antique brass-finish frame, and Westburgh with
antique copper-finish frame. To see more decor ideas, visit freedomfurniture.com.au

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 design trends

LOVE YOUR LAUNDRY

When the time comes to choose the appliances for your laundry,
of course functionality is important but that doesn’t mean you
can’t combine that with modern good looks. The Fisher & Paykel
WA8560P1 FabricSmart 8.5kg top-load washing machine is a stylish
and functional choice. The washing machine, which has a 4-star
energy rating, has 12 programs (including wool and sports), uses
SmartDrive technology for a quiet and reliable wash, has fast cycle
times, which allow you to wash a full 8.5kg load in just 59 to 69
minutes, and an easy-to-use SmartTouch control dial. The Eco-
Active technology recirculates water and detergent so less hot water
is used to clean clothes, while the soft-close lid makes it family
safe and allows for hands-free operation. Pair the washing machine
with the Fisher & Paykel DE8060P2 condenser dryer which has an
8kg drying capacity, 11 programs and comes with a drying rack. A
special feature of the dryer is auto-sensing, which automatically
senses the moisture inside the drum, shutting off at the perfect level
so your clothes don’t over-dry and you don’t waste electricty. To
learn more about these appliances, visit fisherpaykel.com/au

TIME FOR BED

When you think of four-poster beds, your mind probably travels back in time to
traditional designs that might be more at home in a period residence. Offering a
modern take on a classic form, the Willow four-poster bed from GlobeWest cuts
a sleek figure. The bed boasts a solid teak frame with posture slats for mattress
support. Its measurements are width 1950mm; depth 2150mm; and height
2000mm. Creating a coordinated look, the bed (pictured below) is paired with
the one-drawer Willow Woven bedside table, shown in teak. Both pieces are
also available in ebony. To keep feet warm on chilly mornings, there is a Saskia
Stripe flokati rug. The textured rug is handcrafted and measures 1600mm wide
and 2300mm in length. For more information, visit globewest.com.au

IT’S ONLY NATURAL

Having completed your new home, the next step is to furnish it. Natural colours
and textures are in vogue at the moment and when accented by a touch of bold
black, they lend a warm, contemporary feel to a room. Here we see the curvy
Avery Croft occasional chair in black and natural rattan, just the thing for casual
seating in a living room or covered outdoor area, and behind that, the Finn buffet
in natural oak. The clean-lined buffet, also available in rustic teak and charcoal,
features two doors and an internal shelf. The chair and buffet are teamed with
the Aura boucle rug (1600mm wide by 2300mm long), the Isla woven bamboo
rattan pendant, the Evie corduroy cushion in mustard and the Balthazar macrame
cushion in khaki. For more information, visit globewest.com.au

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 design trends

SIGNATURE LIGHTING
It’s important to make a signature statement about your personal style with
a thoughtfully selected range of feature lighting. This ceiling in the living and
dining area of this home features Pierlite LiteLux Opticolour LED downlights,
which have the ability to change colour temperature when dimmed, and
Pierlite Astara Real Ambient Sunset Dim LED downlights, allowing the user
to “colour shift” the light output for a balance between visual comfort and
ambience. Offering state-of-the-art simplicity, Gerard Lighting suggested the
Diginet Sitara lighting control system. This means that the homeowners can
personalise the way they control their lighting via their smartphone or tablet,
whether it’s setting different lighting levels in a range of rooms or choosing
lighting moods. To find out more, visit gerardlighting.com.au

COLOUR YOUR WORLD

What colour you put on your walls is a big decision. It affects how light a room
will seem, serves as a backdrop for your furniture and decor, and helps set
the desired mood. New from online furniture and homewares retailer Temple
& Webster comes the premium paint range, Colour by Temple & Webster. The
bespoke collection features 20 stunning colours, a carefully curated selection
of classic and on-trend paint shades. Designed to work together seamlessly,
Colour by Temple & Webster makes it easy for anyone to choose the perfect
palette for their space, with the convenience of to-your-door delivery. Whether
you love the neutral palette of Chateau, Lighthouse and Pavilion or are drawn
to the serene feel of Treehouse, Ranch, Studio (pictured) and Temple, Colour by
Temple & Webster offers the perfect shade. All 20 colours come in a low sheen
and a semi-gloss finish. To see the full range, visit templeandwebster.com.au

MID-CENTURY STYLE
You don’t need to spend a fortune to furnish a new home and do it
in style. Here we see the affordable, mid-century-inspired Atticus
three-seat sofa, boasting fibre-filled back cushions and block foam
seat cushions with pocket springs. The clean outline and low-
set design makes it ideal for contemporary settings and spaces
where you want a more streamlined look. Here it is teamed with
the minimalist Union coffee table and both high and low Union
side tables. The Union tables feature a sleek black marble top on
black metal legs that form a tripod. The round top makes it a great
counterpoint to the rectangular shape of the lounge. Adding to the
mix of textures is the Violet oak buffet. The modern Scandinavian-
inspired design features a slim-top surface, a light touch and a clean
aesthetic which is reflected in its tapered and splayed legs. The
buffet provides a warm look that also echoes mid-century style.
For more information, visit ozdesignfurniture.com.au

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 feature | multigenerational living

The interior living areas of Metricon’s Bayside duplex are bathed in light.

For the family

As the number of families choosing multigenerational living rises,
so does the range of homes designed for an integrated lifestyle
Words: Karen Booth own. Others may simply have a large extended aunties and uncles all under the same roof,

F
amilies are constantly evolving, as
are lifestyle trends, and one of the
latest is that of multigenerational
living, where two or more generations
choose — or need — to live together.
It is said that one in five Australians
now live in a multigenerational home,
with the proportions higher in the big
cities. There are many reasons for this. When
both parents are working, it may make sense for
grandparents to move in and look after young
children. Similarly, grandparents might move
in for support and companionship when they
become elderly or infirm.
With many adult children finding it hard to
get their foot on the first rung of the property
ladder, living at home — but doing so with
a degree of privacy — can be a great way to
help them save for a deposit on a home of their
family that frequently comes to stay.
“Multigenerational living, while not a new
phenomenon, is definitely on the rise due
to the increasing costs of rent and property
prices. Families are looking for homes that
will cater for growing children who are
progressively moving out at a later age while
saving for a deposit for a house of their own,”
says Dominic Curkovic, sales manager of
Rawson Homes. “Some children even co-
purchase houses with their parents, or parents/
other extended family are moved in to yield
additional income.”
Candice Concentin, marketing manager of
Ownit Homes, agrees. “We have absolutely
seen a rise in intergenerational living in
Queensland,” she says. “There has been a huge
growth in customer demand for homes that can
accommodate grandparents, parents, children,
with many people now building homes with
more rooms to facilitate this style of living.”
If you have the resources or very particular
needs, a custom build can be the way to go,
but across the country home designers and
builders are finding myriad ways to respond
to this growing demand with a wide range of
solutions. There are homes which offer “guest
suites”, stylish duplex designs and family
homes that can be built with a granny flat,
attached or freestanding.
Of course some of these dual-occupancy
solutions can be used for other purposes,
such as a home office or teenager’s retreat.
Some, such as duplexes and granny flats, can
have investment potential, giving you the
opportunity to earn some rental income until
it’s needed for your family members — or
after it’s no longer needed.

22
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The Bayside duplex from
Metricon boasts a clean
contemporary design that
suits all locations.

The intelligent design of

Metricon’s Bayside duplex
provides for an inviting
alfresco and pool.

The downstairs bedroom in Rawson’s Kingston
is suited for live-in grandparents or for guests.
FLEXIBLE HOME DESIGNS
Many Australian builders now have a range
of homes with floor plans that can be adapted
to accommodate multigenerational living,
with some offering an option for what could
be called a guest suite or, in some cases, a
studio, allowing for a degree of independent
living. Such suites can be used as full-time
accommodation for a grandparent or adult child
needing a bit of privacy, somewhere visiting in-
laws and extended family can stay without them
getting under your feet, and vice versa, or they
can be adapted to meet the needs of those who
want to run a home-based business.
Sometimes, all that a family needs is a
supplemental bedroom designed to be used
for guests or as accommodation for extended
family and there are many home designs now
feature | multigenerational living
offering that option. In a two-storey home,
that often means the additional bedroom
is downstairs, offering separation from the
remaining bedrooms upstairs. The Tilbury
from Bellriver Homes is one example, another
is the Kingston 33 from Rawson Homes. Both
have a ground-floor fifth bedroom with ensuite.
“A downstairs bedroom with a wardrobe
and ensuite could be ideal for a guest room or
a room for elderly parents should they move
in. The greater the flexibility of the room, the
more value it will add. At Rawson Homes we
aim to design rooms for a variety of purposes.
These could be used as a study, home office
or gym to name a few and will be attractive
to a potential buyer as well,” says Dominic.
“And with lack of privacy being one of the key
issues with multigenerational living, choosing
24
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a home with an extra living space could be
key in ensuring different lifestyles can cohabit
by giving everyone the chance to have a
relaxation space of their own.”
“The home building industry as a whole
has moved towards designs that offer larger
living areas and multiple bathrooms,” says
Candice. “Fewer people than ever before will
tolerate sharing one bathroom between the
entire family, and everyone wants their own
space. We have specially designed floor plans
that cater to an extended family living under
one roof as a way to facilitate this need. One
recent example of this is a family who has
built a house that includes an ensuite bathroom
for every child so they can comfortably live at
home for longer, perhaps even once they begin
to start their own family.”
 Designed with multigenerational living in
mind, the Kingston from Rawson Homes.

Metricon’s Bordeaux offers the option of a fifth

bedroom with ensuite at the front of the home.

This freestanding granny flat
can be built with a variety of
McDonald Jones’ homes.
The smart, space-maximising interior
design of Rawson Homes’ Mayfield
attached granny flat has wide appeal.
GRANNY FLATS
Granny flats may still have a bit of a reputation
with some people for being poky and not
exactly the height of style, but neither is true.
In some ways the granny flat is the original
“tiny house”. In effect a small, self-contained
home, the granny flat can be a stand-alone
dwelling or attached to the main house. It can
be used in multiple ways: for aged parents,
adult children who are saving to get a home of
their own, guest accommodation, a home office
or a very fancy “she shed”.
According to research conducted by
Gateway Credit Union in 2016, the top uses
for granny flats include additional space for
recreation (32 per cent), a home office (25 per
cent), additional rental income from tenants or
Airbnb (23 per cent), housing ageing parents
(20 per cent), and so children can stay at
home longer (17 per cent). The research also
showed one third of homeowners are currently
considering the addition of a granny flat, with
a further 22 per cent saying they may consider
this as an option in the future.
feature | multigenerational living
No matter what state you live in, there is no
shortage of companies specialising in granny
flats and that includes kit home companies like
Storybook Designer Homes and modular experts
such as Parkwood Modular Buildings, but,
increasingly, some of the bigger volume home
builders are getting involved. McDonald Jones
Homes, for example, offers a stand-alone granny
flat with a choice of nine layouts, including two-
bedroom options and one-bedroom options with
either an alfresco or patio.
Conversely, Rawson Homes offers the option
of an attached granny flat with some of its new
home designs. Because the dwellings share a
fully compliant fire wall, this allows them to be
classed as separate dwellings, giving you the
option to rent out the granny flat for income
if you don’t plan to use it for your extended
family. Bellriver Homes also offers a design,
the Kiama 280, which incorporates an attached
two-bedroom granny flat with alfresco, while
Masterton’s Synergy Premier Twin design
comes with an under-roof granny flat, available
in a choice of four floor plans.
26
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From McDonald Jones, this granny
flat boasts a light and airy interior
and an inviting covered alfresco.
Rawson Homes’ Hamptons-style
Mayfield home can be built with
a matching attached granny flat.
Other builders are happy to amend designs
to meet clients’ needs. “We are seeing more
and more owners who want the opportunity to
have their elderly parents stay with them under
the same roof instead of in a retirement home,
and because of our flexible approach, most
of our plans can be altered to accommodate a
granny flat or separate living area to suit all of
their needs,” says Candice.
“The granny flats that we have built and
seen of late are normally designed within a
two-storey home and are under the one roof.
The separate living quarters become like a
one-bedroom self-contained apartment by
simply altering the plans, adding cooking
facilities and an additional bathroom.”
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Some states and local councils have strict
planning and building regulations regarding
the approval, construction and use of granny
flats. This has been changing in some states,
such as NSW, where the approval process has
been made easier to meet the growing demand

From Masterton, the Synergy Premier Twin
is a home with an attached granny flat.
Bellriver Homes’ Kiama
28 offers an integrated,
modern granny flat.
for more affordable housing options. In NSW,
council approvals may take as little as six to
eight weeks but in other states, namely Victoria
and Queensland, restrictions are more severe
and the process may take up to a year.
Generally speaking, a granny flat needs to be
under 60sqm but regulations vary from state to
state. As to the minimum land size needed to
build a granny flat, that can vary across local
councils. A good guide is to have at least a
450sqm block of land. Even though you may
have the space, it’s important to remember
that regulations limit the building of only one
secondary dwelling on each lot.
“Like a new home, a granny flat must adhere
to building regulations,” says Dominic. “As
granny flats have become more common, the
regulations and approvals, at least in NSW,
have become more streamlined and quicker.
Key consideration should not just be for the
land size and shape of the land, but also the
size of the main home. The combined size and
footprint of both the main home and granny
flat must be under a certain amount to comply.
feature | multigenerational living
The interior of the Synergy Premier Twin’s
granny flat is modern and light-filled.
“When building a granny flat you must
consider that all dual occupancies need to
obtain development consent from the local
council before proceeding. This means a
development application must be lodged with
council before building while adjoining party
walls must also be suitably fire rated. However,
our professional team will help decipher any
regulation jargon, ensure the design works,
and submit plans to council or certifiers for
approval to minimise clients’ stress and avoid
unnecessary complications.”
If you want to rent it out, you may be able
to separate the mailing address and arrange for
individual utility bills, but building a granny
flat does not permit the actual subdivision
of your property, unless it’s already allowed
under a local planning scheme.
And if you’re wondering if a granny flat is
a good rental prospect, it depends. If it’s well
designed and well built, is in an area where
people are looking for reasonably priced or
short-term accommodation (such as around
universities) and is close to public transport
27
build home
and shops, then it can provide a decent return.
That said, granny flat rental regulations
vary from state to state, so check first before
making any decisions with rental potential
in mind. In fact, in all things pertaining to
granny flats, the best advice is to check state
regulations and see what your local council
allows before you make a commitment.
MODERN-DAY DUPLEXES
For those looking to provide the ultimate in
independent living, a duplex can be a great
idea. This way, each generation lives side
by side with a totally separate living space,
kitchen, entrance, backyard etc — all within
the one building envelope and sharing only a
common central wall. Depending on the area
in which you build, a duplex can also be a
canny investment, increasing your property’s
eventual resale value.
Duplexes tend to be seen in established
areas where knockdown-rebuild projects are
common. An old, dated house is demolished
and replaced with a more modern one — or in

Boasting four bedrooms in
each dwelling, the Grange
25 duplex from Metricon.
Each home in Metricon’s Grange 25 design
has a great indoor-outdoor connection.
this case, a dual-occupancy dwelling. They’re
also popular in metropolitan areas but you do
need a large, wide or double-fronted lot.
Ultimately, where they can be built is
determined by whether the land has the right
zoning and if the size and width of the land meets
the requirements of the local council planners.
Minimum requirements can vary from council
to council so you need to check. Other planning
controls will also be in place, including setbacks,
building height, floor-space ratio and privacy.
Then there are issues of stormwater and sewage
drainage that need to be dealt with.
You also need to consider the title. If they’re
both on the one title, they’ll have to be sold
together. If subdivided into two titles, they can
be sold separately. You can find blocks where
subdivision planning is in place, but these
will generally be more expensive. You can, of
course, apply to have a block subdivided but
that takes time and involves consulting fees to
town planners, so consider these potential costs
when budgeting for your duplex.
As demand escalates, the range of duplex
designs increases. There are builders who
specialise in duplex construction, custom
feature | multigenerational living
builders who can design and construct a tailored
solution for your specific needs, and volume
home builders who offer a choice of one- and
two-storey duplex designs. Queensland’s
Stroud Homes, for example, offers eight duplex
designs, as does Kurmond Homes in NSW.
Also in NSW, Masterton has more than a dozen
designs, including two specially designed to
take advantage of a corner block.
DUAL KEY PROPERTIES
Still a fairly uncommon choice, the dual key
property can be worth looking at if you want
an affordable first home combined with an
investment opportunity or a means of having
extended family, perhaps an elderly parent,
under the one roof but with a high degree of
separation and privacy.
A dual key property is one structure with
an additional dwelling inside with its own
door lock or private access. The main property
will include living areas, bathroom, kitchen,
bedrooms and an outdoor space, while the
additional dwelling will typically be a smaller
home with one or two bedrooms, a bathroom
and kitchen. It might be just a studio.
28
build home
Look for a home with multiple
living spaces, such as Ownit
Homes’ two-storey Hamilton.
Rawson Homes’ Elyse is offered with an optional
extra bedroom for multigenerational living.
On the pro side, the owner usually only needs
to pay one strata fee, so you are essentially
getting two properties for the price of one. When
it comes to selling the property, however, the
two dwellings must be sold together which could
cause issues. To get around this, a dual key home
can be converted into a single, larger property
which might help push your overall property
price up, but that of course means you have to
pay for the conversion.
The cons include the fact that as dual key
properties are relatively new in the Australian
marketplace, it’s hard to know how much
demand these property types will attract if you
should choose to sell — or rent one dwelling
for extra income at some stage. However, if you
locate a dual key home in an area that is close to
transport, schools, retail and dining, then you are
more likely to attract tenants such as students if
there is a university or college nearby.
Banks and lenders may have reservations
in approving loans or mortgages for dual key
properties as this property type is still quite
new to the Australian marketplace. Speak to a
reputable broker beforehand to find out what
restrictions you could face.
´²¯°
µ¶.s¦° ¸³¸±
µ¸

Small wonders
With an intelligent, space-maximising floor plan, homes built
on small or narrow sites can cater for a family’s every need
Words: Karen Booth
I
f your wish list is extensive but your lot
size isn’t, don’t despair; good things do
come in small packages. Small lots are
commonplace, especially in urban areas
and new subdivisions, and narrow lots
are an increasing fact of life. Volume
home builders are responding to this need
with smart, well-thought-out floor plans
that make the most of the available space and
cleverly designed interiors that feel light and
airy. As a result, innovative, space-maximising
home designs abound.
There are many ways to approach the design
of a home that will be built on a limited site.
They include having rooms that can be used
for more than one function, and ensuring
easy-flowing, seamlessly connected indoor-
outdoor spaces. Good storage is important and
so is making clever use of the space you have.
You also need to capture as much sunlight as
you can — through windows, skylights, glass
doors, open entry voids — because light rooms
feel bigger and, if possible, increase your
ceiling heights because this will make rooms
look and feel larger than they actually are.
HOW SMALL IS SMALL?
We all know that in many areas building sites
are getting smaller, but what dimensions
are classified as small in the home building
industry? “A small site is considered a block
with a frontage less than 13m wide and an area
less than 405sqm,” says Adrian Popple, design
director at Metricon. “As vacant land becomes
more scarce, we are seeing developers dividing
land into blocks even smaller than this. It isn’t
uncommon to see blocks of just 250sqm in new
suburbs in the Sydney region, for example. In
inner-city suburbs, blocks around this size or
smaller are very common — it is not a new
phenomenon in these established areas.”
If you have a small site, you can choose the
feature | small sites
custom-design route or opt for a design from
a volume home builder. Today they have a
good selection of homes specifically designed
to maximise small lots and narrow frontages.
These include both single- and two-storey
homes, many with flexible floor plans.
MEETING THE CHALLENGES
“A small building lot calls for an intelligent
floor plan above anything else. The challenge
is to deliver a floor plan that offers flexible
spacious living and an appropriate amount of
accommodation,” says Adrian. “We use all
our specialist experience to bring creativity
and flexibility to the art of narrow-lot design,
turning a limited size into an affordable,
comfortable sanctuary. It’s all about finding
the perfect balance between liveability and
efficiency, with every square metre of space
intelligently utilised.”
There can be challenges, though, such as
setbacks, which are the clearances between the
site boundary and building walls required by
planning rules. Setbacks constrain the height
and location of walls above the ground and
have a profound influence on building volume
and spatial configuration, as well as on size
and orientation of windows where overlooking
may be a problem. They may pose certain
challenges, but an experienced builder can
successfully resolve these.
Some developers allow zero-lot buildings
(sometimes called build to boundary homes),
where at least one external wall is built close
to or right up to the boundary, letting you
make better use of the space. You do have
to maintain an easement of a predetermined
width, which varies from builder to builder.
One of the challenges of the small site
can be access during the building stage, but
building on a narrow lot isn’t necessarily
an issue. “Narrow lots are becoming more
common in new estates but do not pose any
30
build home
particular problems in regards to construction
in these instances as access to the sites is not
an issue,” says Adrian. “In the instance of a
block in an established urban setting, however,
access to the site could be an issue.”
Although building on a small or narrow site
may require some clever thinking, it shouldn’t
involve significant compromise. “Ensure you
are choosing a home design that works for
your lifestyle now, but also keep in mind what
your lifestyle might look like further down
the track. You want to make sure what you
choose now also works for your lifestyle in the
future,” advises Adrian.
STRAIGHT AND NARROW
Narrow blocks are sometimes defined as those
with a frontage of between 8.5m to 12.5m,
although you can find some designs for blocks
as narrow as 7.5m, such as the Ellerston MkII
from Rawson Homes. Responding to the
growing demand for homes that can fit on a
narrow block yet still provide families with the
amenities, space and lifestyle they want, the
range of narrow-lot homes is increasing and
they’re offering both practicality and panache.
“The goal is to design homes with a slimline
footprint to suit narrow blocks and do so
without comprising on the essentials,” says
Kelly Jones, marketing manager of Porter
Davis Qld. “We create prestige home designs
to accommodate lots as narrow as 10m wide
while still delivering a sense of space and
light, and focussing on family living.”
Porter Davis Qld’s new Emporium is a case
in point. “The Emporium is spread over two
levels with plenty of space for those who love
to have family and friends over. It is smartly
designed, with free-flowing open-plan living
spaces and indoor-outdoor entertaining zones.
The Emporium has a spectacular sense of
space and light thanks to an open-plan upper-
floor rumpus with void. It has everything
Suited for blocks as narrow as 10m,
the Derwent from Rawson Homes
boasts an intelligent floor plan.

In Rawson Homes’ Derwent, the eye

is drawn up by pendant lighting and
the vertical lines of the cabinetry.
Metricon’s Metro 31 boasts an open-plan design
and is well suited for blocks as narrow as 11m.
Recessed and inbuilt elements are some of the
innovative elements in Metricon’s Metro 31.
32
build home
people want, from a streamlined kitchen
with galley for appliances and a secondary
preparation station, as well as a walk-in pantry
for food storage and spare crockery and a
deluxe master suite with ensuite, walk-in
robe and dressing table or study space — all
unparalleled in a 10m design.”
Another example is Metricon’s Metro 31.
Says Adrian, “This sophisticated open-plan
design is a perfect example of how space can
be maximised. Stepping into this home you
really are amazed by how spacious this design
feels and how much living is possible in a
home designed for a block just 11m wide.
At the back of the home the open-plan living
space integrates a gourmet kitchen with large
island bench and walk-in pantry, dining area
and a spacious living zone that opens up to

Designed for narrow lots, the new Emporium
with Glades facade from Porter Davis Qld.
an outdoor entertaining area that functions as
a second living space. The ground floor also
includes a powder room, laundry and a clever
study nook. On the first floor is a secluded
master suite positioned at the back of the home
with a walk-in robe and ensuite. On this floor
there are also three additional bedrooms (all
with built-in robes), a large family bathroom,
powder room and a second leisure room.”
NEED MORE ROOM? GO UP
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
feature | small sites
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.
A two-storey home is more expensive to
build, but certainly not twice as expensive. It
depends on a lot of factors but it might cost
anywhere from 15 to 30 per cent more than a
single-storey dwelling. A lot of home builders
have responded to this growing need, with
two-storey homes specifically designed for
small and narrow sites.
33
build home
AIRY INTERIOR SPACES
You can employ some tried-and-tested
design tricks to make the interior of a narrow
or smaller-sized home look and feel more
spacious. This ranges from the use and
placement of glass (full-height glass windows,
glass balustrades, glass panels in the front
door) and built-in elements (concealed storage,
fireplaces integrated into walls) to the use of
wall mirrors and colour to make a space feel
bigger and airier.
“Use of colour is really important. Going
monochromatic, that is using one or two
colours in a room, helps the space feel more
open. Using light colours across walls and
floors is also really effective,” advises Adrian.
Too many colours can make a small space
seem too busy. Use various tones of the same
colour for the big elements, such as walls, and
introduce accent colours with your decorative
accessories (pots, vases, wall art) and soft
furnishings (cushions, rugs, throws).
Another effective strategy is to introduce
elements that attract the eye to move upwards,
rather than across a space. As an example, floor-
 The Mitchell 335 from Kalka is
designed for narrow urban lots.

A seamless indoor-outdoor connection, as seen

in the Aire 30 by Elderton Homes, is essential.

to-ceiling curtains and pendant lights can be
used to draw the eye up and create the illusion
of higher ceilings,” says Adrian.
And never underestimate the importance of
storage, particularly in a smaller living space.
“Smart storage can enhance the liveability of
a smaller home,” says Adrian. Built-in and
recessed storage solutions make good use
of space and the sleeker, more streamlined
cabinetry helps smaller spaces to look cleaner
and less busy, which adds to a sense of space
and openness. In bathrooms, a wall-hung vanity,
one that sits up off the floor, can also contribute
to a feeling of airiness.
Whatever interior design elements you
choose, the key is to always have meticulous
attention to detail as everything will be viewed
from close proximity. If an area is small, choose
the best materials and finishes you can afford.
landscaped side courtyard, or a balcony oriented
towards a broader view of mountains or the sea,
can really help to “open up” a home.
If you have a small block of land and you
want a swimming pool, there are myriad ways to
achieve this without taking up too much outdoor
space. A lap pool can run along a boundary wall
or down the side of a house — you just need
to plan and build it in tandem with the house.
Because the lap pool will be hugging the house,
material selection is critical. This might mean
pool coping that matches the trim on the house
or an interior pool colour that picks up an accent
hue used on the home’s facade.
The key is to maximise natural light. This corner
window in Kalka’s Mitchell 335 shows the way.
In a courtyard, a plunge pool may be all you
can fit. It won’t be suitable for exercising but
it will help you cool down on a hot day and
provide somewhere you can gather with friends
and a glass of something chilled. A plunge pool
can be heated just like a standard-sized pool so
you can use it in winter, or it can be designed to
do double duty as a spa.
And when designing outdoor entertaining
areas, consider space-maximising elements like
built-in barbecue benches or built-in cantlivered
seating. Ultimately, the key to success when
designing smaller interior and exterior spaces is
to think creatively and strategically.

INVITING OUTDOOR SPACES

One of the best ways to keep a small or narrow
home feeling light and airy is to have an open-
plan living zone at the rear of the house that
seamlessly integrates with an alfresco, patio or
covered deck. Use glass bifold or stacker doors
to create the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining
zone and allow an abundance of sunlight
into the home. In fact, a well-designed, well-
positioned alfresco is just as good as having an
additional interior living room.
Also consider opportunities to create other
indoor-outdoor connections and welcome in the
maximum amount of natural light. Full-height
and corner windows that capture views of, say, a

34
build home
 feature | small sites
The two-storey Huntley from
Rawson Homes is designed
to fit easily on a narrow site.

Wall mirrors help to make the interior of The Sienna from Thrive Homes boasts an open-
Rawson Homes’ Intrigue feel spacious. plan design that makes the most of the space.

35
build home
 feature | rooftop gardens

This Sydney rooftop garden, designed by Think

Outside Gardens, cuts a contemporary figure.

The sky’s the limit

Looking for an extra outdoor living space, a private place to relax
or more room for a bit of greenery? If so, head up to the roof
Words: Karen Booth The exposed conditions present another THE PRACTICALITIES

I
n Australia, until quite recently, rooftop
gardens were mainly the preserve of
hotels, bars, commercial buildings and
upscale apartment blocks. This is rapidly
changing as space-poor homeowners turn
their gaze upwards — towards the roofs
of their houses, or garages in some cases
— in search of somewhere to entertain,
kick back and relax, or grow plants.
These “gardens in the sky” run the gamut
in terms of design and style, but there are
fundamental challenges that are common to
all, which is why a high degree of design and
build expertise is required. Issues of weight-
loading, waterproofing and drainage need
to be addressed. Access and transportation
of materials is often tricky, and you need to
contend with council regulations.
challenge. How much wind, sun and heat the
roof receives will have a bearing on everything
from the screening and shading solutions you
employ to the plants you choose. The practical
issues can all be successfully resolved, of
course, with the help of the professionals
(structural engineers, experienced builders,
roof garden specialists) and the benefits far
outweigh the challenges.
From your bird’s-eye vantage point, you’ll be
able to enjoy views (of sea, sand, mountains, a
city skyline) those with ground-level gardens
can only dream of. And even if you don’t have
panoramic views, a rooftop garden gives you
and your family an extra place to entertain and
relax, far removed from the hustle and bustle of
the street below. Done well, it will also increase
your property’s resale value.
Matthew Cantwell from Secret Gardens,
who has designed a wide variety of rooftop
gardens around Sydney, says if you’ve never
considered a rooftop garden, all you need to do
is a little research and you might be surprised
at just what you can achieve. However, there
are practical considerations that need to be
factored in. “No matter what type of roof
garden you’d like, and whatever its size,
before you begin you’ll need to think about
your roof’s load-bearing capacity, the integrity
of your roof’s waterproofing membrane,
drainage, and water supply for irrigating plants
and cleaning,” says Matthew.
“Depending on the scope of your project,
you may also need to have a discussion with an
engineer to ensure your roofing structure will
be able to support the weight of the growing

36
build home
 Here, Terraneo Landscape Design transformed
a garage roof into an outdoor living space.

medium (your soil), the mature size and

weight of the plants, and any additional things
you’d like to add, such as furniture, shade
structures or an outdoor kitchen. You’ll also
need to ensure the waterproofing membrane of
your roof will not leak.”
Retrofitting a home with a rooftop garden is
possible, but it’s trickier and more expensive.
It is better to design and build it in tandem
with the home. There is a growing number
of landscape companies with expertise in the
design and construction of rooftop gardens,
and green roof specialists who work with
home builders on new builds and renovation
projects, but it is still a relatively new area for
the average home building company. That is
beginning to change, though. In Queensland,
Ownit Homes is leading the way with its new
Panorama design which incorporates a rooftop Be inspired by this roof garden atop a Sydney apartment block. Design by Secret Gardens.
leisure terrace accessed via external stairs.
you find on a roof, especially strong winds and When it comes to planters, your choices are
CREATURE COMFORTS full sun. A good idea is to introduce at least quite wide. There are lightweight modular
A roof garden has to provide for some creature one solid wall or a wall constructed of close- planters you can buy and you can even
comforts and basic amenities if it’s to be used set slats for wind protection and privacy. find planter boxes especially developed for
frequently. Shade and privacy are important When choosing furniture and decorative rooftops which have in-built water reservoirs
elements. You need to consider weight, elements such as pots and water features, and an automatic watering system that is
stability, and whether the shade system, be it again you have to achieve the right balance powered by solar panels.
a retractable awning, pergola or umbrella, can between weight, structural soundness and Don’t forget the lighting (for a touch of
tolerate the often punishing weather conditions ability to cope with the climatic conditions. romance add featured up-lighting on selected

37
build home
 feature | rooftop gardens

This lush green roof in Queensland is thriving.

Design and installation by Boss Gardenscapes.

plants), heating, and a barbecue if entertaining
friends and family is on the agenda. If space,
budget and inclination allows, you could also
consider a spa or lap pool. It might not be the
cheapest outdoor living space you could create,
but a rooftop garden brings so many benefits it
will be an investment well made.”
THE GREEN ROOF OPTION
If you don’t want to use a rooftop space as an
entertaining area, you can consider the green
roof approach. Melbourne’s Georgia Harper of
Georgia Harper Landscape Design explains,
“Green roofs are created using a system of
manufactured layers placed over roofs to
support growing medium and plant life. This
creates a blanket of vegetation that provides
a pleasant vista and increases the energy
efficiency of your home, helping to cool it in
summer and add insulation in winter.
“More importantly, it plays a number of
essential environmental roles: helping to clean
the air, manage stormwater, sequester carbon,
promote biodiversity preservation and create
habitat. Creating a green roof requires the help
of experts, but it’s an investment that will pay
off in the long run.”
The design and implementation of many
green roofs is relatively straight forward, adds
Queensland’s Sidonie Carpenter from Green
Canopy Design, as long as the various issues
— such as the roof’s structural load-bearing
capacity, drainage, depth of growing medium,

For this roof garden, Secret Gardens The Roof Terrace™ is an innovative feature of
specifically chose plants that would Queensland’s Ownit Homes’ Panorama design.
flourish in the exposed conditions.

38
build home
This roof terrace, by Nick Leith-Smith Architecture
and Design, demonstrates what can be achieved.
o

Created by Balcony Gardens Australia, this roof terrace

is the ideal place for entertaining and relaxing.
plant selection and ongoing maintenance —
are properly considered and dealt with.
Although there are general guidelines to
follow, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
“Each green roof installation is unique as each
site, building and end user is different, so each
green roof project will vary from the next,”
says Sidonie. “Green roofs can be installed on
new or existing buildings and are not limited to
flat roofs, making them a versatile option for
those who want more greeney in their lives.”

CHOOSING PLANTS
According to designer Daniel Baffsky from
360 Degrees, “Rooftop gardens give you a
sense of immersion in the landscape. Being
surrounded by green gives you that restorative
and therapeutic feeling.” That’s why it is so
important to choose plants that will thrive in
an exposed, elevated position.
When planting on rooftops, your plant
selection will depend on location, protective in coastal conditions are usually ideal, says also work. “They don’t have a very large root
factors such as awnings, and the strength of Daniel. “Drought-tolerant succulents (these system and they are very robust,” says Daniel.
supporting structures. Height is also important; are naturally predisposed to growing in a more “For a splash of potted colour include dwarf
plants can give you privacy, but you don’t shallow soil profile), native grasses, and if potted fruit trees, dianthus, phlox, or summer-
want to block out your views. you have the soil depth, native tuckeroo and flowering achillea.”
The plants you choose will be exposed to Mediterranean fan palm are usually well suited As a general rule, go for hardy species that
tough, dry and windy conditions, so careful to rooftop conditions,” he adds. don’t need a lot of watering and maintenance,
plant selection is vital. Shrubs that grow well Flowering plants such as frangipanis can such as succulents, agaves and lomandras.

39
build home
 NEED HELP WITH BASIX?
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and energy costs too
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methods are available for compliance, having knowledge of BASIX and
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than the cost of just one improved window.
ENERGY & THERMAL REPORTS FOR NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS
Frys can also help you reduce the energy costs on an existing home.
Conducting a Thermal Assessment of your existing home can help
identify which rooms are performing well and which rooms are
performing badly. Allowing you to make cost effective decisions
about improvements you can make to your home, making it more
energy ef³cient and saving you money.
Why not contact Frys to see how we can help you
save time, save money and save on energy costs.
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 Proudly sponsored by Finesse Home Builders
Custom-built homes
For future homeowners who know exactly what they
want, there really is no substitute for a custom-built
abode. Finding a reputable builder is the first, and
perhaps most important, step on the journey towards
creating your dream home — one designed with your
lifestyle needs, sense of style and location in mind.
43
build home
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 also coordinate and
manage the whole project to ensure everything stays
on track and the end result lives up to expectations.
 custom-built homes | hamik luxury homes

The height of luxury

Although designed for indoor-outdoor entertaining on a lavish
scale, at heart this resort-style abode is a family home

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 custom-built homes | hamik luxury homes
W
ith its well-considered combination of
materials, plethora of custom-made
features and unique design, this luxury
home in the outer Sydney suburb of
Dural is something special. This was
a project on a grand scale, one that
was four years in the making and
successfully fused two different styles
of architecture to create a family home that is ideally suited
to lavish entertaining, summer through to winter.
The clients were referred to Hamik Luxury Homes by
their draftsman and after meeting with company owner
Michael Kassis, and inspecting several of the company’s
projects that were under construction, they were happy for
Hamik to build the resort-style home they had dreamed of.
“They spent many years thinking about what they were
looking for,” says Michael. “First and foremost, however,
46
build home
they wanted to build a family home, so it was extremely
important, considering the large scale of the build, not to
lose the warmth you would expect of a family home, or the
personal touches that make a house a home.
“The lady of the house had a strong vision of what the
home should be and a clear idea of the particulars. We were
happy to work with her to develop and hone these ideas, the
end result being the evolution of a modern masterpiece.”
Right from the beginning, Hamik Luxury Homes was
integrally involved in this project. “It’s important to
emphasise that no architect was involved on this job,”
says Michael. “DA drawings, with construction details
and finishes, were drawn up by a building designer and
for the next four years, we brainstormed ideas with the
clients. We were able to take their ideas, draw upon our
extensive experience, and translate those ideas into reality.
The clients were very meticulous in their selections and we
 custom-built homes | hamik luxury homes

EXPERT TIP: Select your home builder carefully. Look for experience, compatibility and
excellent communication skills — you want someone who can interpret, develop and
deliver your individual vision. Don’t base your decision solely on the quote.
followed this through with precise craftsmanship. Every living spaces, built to rival the most lavish resort, are
detail was thought out and the end result shows this.” designed to entice family and friends to gather, whether
This was not your average build, so there were many to relax or entertain. In fact, this home is an entertainer’s
construction challenges to be faced. “Together with our dream, with reflection ponds for ambience, a swim-up bar
clients, and after many hours of discussion and testing for summer parties, a thatch-roofed gazebo for lazing by
potential solutions, we were able to successfully resolve the pool, and a timber-lined sauna for unwinding.
every challenge that came our way. In some cases, we The home’s inviting, light-filled interior is equally well
set new standards with the high levels of quality and the geared to effortless entertaining. “The man of the house
premium finishes we achieved. This impressive family had very particular ideas about the home entertainment and
home could not have been built, and our clients’ vision control systems,” says Michael. “There is a cinema room
fulfilled, without our world-class team,” adds Michael. with an Atmos state-of-the-art sound system and a Sonos
In terms of style, this home could best be described as sound management system providing Sonance sound to
mid-century modern with an Asian twist. It features raked the internal bar, living areas and bedrooms, and JBL high-
cedar ceilings, huge bespoke cedar windows along with output sound to the outdoor entertaining areas. For ease
drystone walls and fireplaces, all of which blend seamlessly of operation, the home is fully automated with Crestron
with the Balinese resort-style infinity-edge swimming pool, and Dynalite technology that can be accessed and operated
water features and internal gardens. The home’s outdoor world-wide from the clients’ mobile phones.”

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build home
 custom-built homes | hamik luxury homes

All materials, from the solid spotted gum timber used
for the flooring to the in-situ concrete used to fashion the
benchtops, were hand-selected by the homeowners and
transformed into custom-made features. This included the
specially cut slate cobblestone driveway and slate drystone
walling imported from overseas. Also imported, from Bali,
was a solid stone bath that was so heavy it had to be craned
into place. Another eye-catching custom-designed feature
is the floating internal staircase that was made on site by
Hamik Luxury Homes’ expert team.
This is a home that is replete with arresting features.
“I think that every aspect of this home is a feature in its
own right and something this unique — and of this calibre
— cannot be replicated,” says Michael. “One feature that
stands out for me is the unique curved glass wall with
handmade cedar inserts, complemented by the handmade
curved mosaic timber feature wall. This corridor is the
family’s internal access into the home from the garage, so
it needed to be just as inviting as the front entry as it would
be used on a regular basis. We had to search the country
to find a glass manufacturer that was capable of producing
these curved panels, but the effort was worth it.
“Water was used as a dominant feature around the
home in the form of the Balinese resort-style pool with
its cantilevered concrete beam spill edge, the pond in the
courtyard, and the pond at the front entry with its curved
cascading water edge measuring 12m in length. The sound
of the moving water creates an aura of tranquillity and
fulfils the clients’ vision of a resort-style abode.
“Building someone’s family home is an honour and a
privilege,” adds Michael, “and because of this, we make it
our number-one goal to exceed our clients’ expectations.”

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Dural, NSW Size of home: 1400sqm
Time taken to build: 4 years Size of land: 20,000sqm
Year completed: 2018 Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 7
Floors: 1
HAMIK LUXURY HOMES P/L
Address: PO Box 261, Kenthurst NSW 2156
Mobile: 0417 652 996
Website: hamik.com.au

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DISPLAY HOME LOCATION:
19 Fairways Drive, Wilton NSW 2571
P: 02 4630 8967
E: sales@humebuilding.com.au
humebuilding.com.au
 custom-built homes | young homes
Bright and breezy
Through clever design this home is awash with light
and free-flowing indoor and outdoor living spaces
Photography: Marian Riabic
T
his home offers a magnificent combination of
functional design and stylish architectural finishes.
The result is a visually stunning residence that
works smoothly and effortlessly for its inhabitants.
Built by Young Homes, this four-bedroom,
four-bathroom abode is home to a busy working
couple who wanted a light, bright and breezy place
to call their own; a home that would suit their needs
and accommodate their lifestyle.
The homeowners wanted to plan their new home around
the areas that would get the most use. For them, this was the
ground floor, so the couple chose to place the master bedroom
here. The ground floor is also where you will find a large
outdoor entertaining space, which takes the form of a well-
equipped alfresco area located beside the swimming pool.
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build home
A low window is positioned almost at pool level, allowing
light and cool air into the home. It’s an innovative layout,
which helps provide the homeowners with a space that isn’t
exposed to the harsh sun, while capitalising on the pool water
to help keep the space cool, even on the hottest of days.
The home includes other special features that make living
here a pleasure. The kitchen area boasts a separate butler’s
pantry for extra storage, a steel staircase with Victorian Ash
treads and a glass balustrade — an architectural feature in itself
— and a large upstairs sitting area with a balcony that captures
pleasing views and brings the outside in.
Entertaining is a focus, evidenced by the inviting alfresco
dining area and chef’s kitchen, as is comfort: there is underfloor
heating to tiled areas and a sophisticated timber floor that leads to
the first-floor gallery and sitting area. All of these elements work
in harmony to create a home that feels serene and welcoming.
 custom-built homes | young homes

EXPERT TIP: If you’re working within a budget, it is advisable to look for a block with
minimal fall as this could potentially save you thousands of dollars in site costs.

Despite the seamless appearance of this home, the build
didn’t come without challenges. The block of land the house
sits on fell low to the rear, which meant Young Homes
needed to come up with some clever construction solutions.
They chose to resolve the problem by constructing a step
down and a heightened ceiling of 3260mm at the rear of the
home, compared with the 2750mm ceiling height to be found
throughout the rest of the ground floor.
Young Homes has been in the building industry for more
than 60 years and has spanned three generations, making it
a trusted member of the building community. The company
receives most of its work through referrals and word-of-
mouth. Such goodwill, and its reputation as one of Sydney’s
most successful and sought-after builders, is generated by
Young Homes’ design and construction expertise, high level of
customer service, and proven ability to turn dreams into reality.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Kellyville, NSW Size of home: 457sqm YOUNG HOMES
Year completed: 2016 Size of land: 753sqm Address: 7 Butler Avenue,
Bedrooms: 4 Kellyville NSW 2155
Bathrooms: 4 Phone: (02) 9629 5585
Floors: 2 Website: younghomes.com.au

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build home
 Creating Quality Lifestyles
for over 60 years ...

Visit our display home aat homequest display village

Address: 7 Butler Avenue, Kellyville, NSW, 2155. Open 7 days.
Phone: (02) 9836 2255 (construction) (02) 9629 5585 (sales) Email: mail@younghomes.com.au www.younghomes.com.au
 Young Homes is the NSW State Winner of the 2018
Australian Achiever Award for Australia's Architect Services,
Building Design, Building Construction & Interior Design Services

Young Homes has been building

outstanding family homes for over
60 years. During this time they have
won many prestigious building awards.
Whether you’re looking for a custom
designed home, a knock down
and rebuild, or one of our award
winning designs, you’re guaranteed
quality with Young Homes.
 custom-built homes | reg lark architect

Concrete jungle
Just add glass, concrete and aluminium to produce a home
that’s very simple by nature, but complex in design

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build home
 custom-built homes | reg lark architect
Photography: Dominic Loneragan
W
hen you reside in the coastal Sydney
suburb of Cronulla, there has to be a
connection between your home and the
beach. This was one consideration for
architect Reg Lark when he was asked
to create a family home; one that is all
about minimalism and simplicity.
The narrow site — just 6m wide and
34m long — originally held a single-level cottage which
had to be completely cleared to make way for Reg’s grand
vision. With a brief revolving around the creation of three
distinct zones — the ground level for the children, the first
level for shared activities, and an adults-only retreat on the
second floor — it made sense to knock down the old home
and start from scratch with a new build.
Given free rein to push ahead with his concept, Reg
designed a contemporary space for a very modern family.
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build home
“The ground floor features three bedrooms, one bathroom,
a laundry, and a lounge/rumpus room that opens to the
deck in the north,” says Reg. “The first floor is open plan,
with the lounge/TV area at the south end, dining in the
middle and the kitchen at the north end, which opens to a
fully enclosed outdoor verandah room. The second floor is
the homeowners’ retreat, with walk-in robe, ensuite, and
a private verandah with views to Kurnell and the Sydney
CBD in the distance.”
Due to the narrow block, structural considerations
were critical to the success of the project. A Ritek wall
system was utilised, providing a reduced wall thickness in
comparison to conventional masonry, and when space is
tight, such innovations make an enormous difference. “The
westerly ground floor is built to the boundary at a height
that gives the appearance of a fence,” says Reg. “The first-
floor wall is stepped back from the boundary, providing
 custom-built homes | reg lark architect

EXPERT TIP: When you have a narrow block of land you can have all the family living
space you need — and maximise any views — by building a multi-storey abode.

scale to the street, and the second floor is sunken into the
first-floor volume, allowing for different ceiling heights.”
Inspired by the notion to create an “elevated container
floating above the street”, this Cronulla house is striking
in its simplicity. Concrete floors were favoured by both the
architect and the owners so the family could march wet feet
straight from the beach into the house without the worry
of damaging timber floorboards. Utilising the elements is
also encouraged here, with strategically placed skylights
embracing natural light and gardens suspended over the
ground-floor bedrooms and garage rooftop, adding an extra
layer of greenery which softens the built form. “I aimed
to provide strong, secure yet open spaces,” reveals Reg.
“Minimal in appearance, I wanted spaces that would allow
the colour of the sea and sky to dominate internally.”
White walls are the ideal complement to the concrete
panels found throughout the space. Aluminium louvres
hug the sides and front of the residence, adding a point of
difference to the design while also ensuring privacy from
neighbouring properties. Indoor–outdoor living is present
here, with Reg highlighting the verandah as his favourite
space. “The west wall of louvres can let the breeze in or
block out the sun and street noise,” he says.
Providing space for everyone to come together, or branch
off by themselves, this home is proof you don’t need to be
over the top. Instead, it shows that simple really is best.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Cronulla, NSW Size of home: 220sqm REG LARK ARCHITECT
Time taken to build: 12 months Size of land: 180sqm Address: 52 Gerrale Street,
Year completed: 2016 Bedrooms: 4 Cronulla NSW 2230
Bathrooms: 2 Mobile: 0414 888 272
Floors: 3 Website: reglarkarchitect.com.au

64
build home
custom-built homes | bellmarch homes

66
build home
 A place to call home
Ideal for summer entertaining, this modern custom-designed
residence offers the ultimate in laid-back coastal living
 custom-built homes | bellmarch homes
A
fter a long and successful career, the time
had come for an established businesswoman
to contemplate retirement. In preparation for
such a major lifestyle change, she decided to
downsize to a single-storey abode near the
beach — namely, Forresters Beach on the
NSW Central Coast. Wanting a customised
design and build technology, she asked
colleagues for referrals, which led her to Bellmarch Homes.
The brief given to Bellmarch was very specific. To begin
with, the home had to integrate a separate self-contained
living area for her mature-age son. As for the main
dwelling, it was to be modern, have an open-plan design,
emphasise entertaining and offer an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Importantly, the owner wanted to ensure natural light was
captured in the main living areas by taking full advantage
of the northerly aspect. Also on the must-have list was a
combined kitchen, butler’s pantry and laundry area, a light-
filled workspace/study and a central plunge pool.
“At Bellmarch we employ our own in-house architects,
so the client was welcomed to our head office for a
design meeting. This meeting, coupled with a site visit
to establish orientation to maximise the northerly aspect,
enabled us to produce an initial concept design,” explains
Chad Campbell, general manager at Bellmarch. “After
some minor amendments and the integration of the pool
design, a DA application was submitted and approved. We
also worked very closely with the client to select fittings,
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build home
materials and inclusions for every room of the house,
ensuring a fully customised result that didn’t exceed the
defined budget, which was very important.”
Chad describes the home, which is set in the midst of
natural bushland, as “an ultra-modern beach shack” and
is very proud of the contemporary design which boasts
a skillion roof, parapet walls, a rendered finish and an
abundance of external glass surfaces. Inside the home, the
effect is just as striking. “The entry of the main home is
breathtaking with a ceiling height of more than 4.5m that
carries through to the expansive open-plan living areas,
where you will find a north-facing wall largely made up
of glass that captures the natural light and frames the
spectacular pool and alfresco,” says Chad.
“The master bedroom, with its generous walk-in robe and
opulent ensuite, is cleverly tucked away to ensure privacy,”
he continues. “The kitchen, laundry, bar and butler’s pantry
— all of which sit under a raked ceiling, as do the living
areas — are cleverly designed for function, while the study/
workspace was placed to face the pool area and act as a
segue to two more large bedrooms and a main bathroom,
thereby eliminating the need for a hallway. Storage and
linen cupboards are plentiful and cleverly positioned
adjacent to bedrooms, out of sight from the living areas.”
Considerable thought was put into the design of the
architectural columns, niches and features throughout
the home, all of which are highlighted with meticulously
placed lighting. Similar consideration was given to the
 custom-built homes | bellmarch homes

EXPERT TIP: When your needs are specific or when you have a challenging site, working
with a builder who offers an in-house architectural design team is the surest way to ensure
your new home is a perfect fit for your location and lifestyle. Finding a custom builder
who builds a sufficient number of homes each year to ensure volume pricing for their
clients can also contribute significantly to maintaining a tight control over the final budget.

cabinetry, which boasts customised polyurethane joinery,
and complementary Caesarstone benchtops. The fittings
and finishes are also of the highest quality and include
premium ILVE appliances, Vito Bertoni tapware and a Zip
Sparkling Water on-tap in the kitchen.
“Inside the home, the owner wanted fresh, white and cool
design elements to create a modern, clean feel,” explains
Chad. “Porcelain tile with a polished concrete look was
chosen for the flooring in the main living zone and all wet
areas. Most of the walls are white but there are feature walls
in various shades of grey throughout the home. To ensure
the finished product wasn’t cold or clinical, and for tasteful
contrast, we also introduced touches of natural timber.”
Most importantly, the client had stipulated a fully self-
contained and separate retreat for her son. Bellmarch
designed a private one-bedroom retreat with walk-in robe,
ensuite and kitchenette, which also featured a large lounge
room opening to the expansive alfresco and pool, so the
area’s ambience was shared with both residents.
The owner’s ultimate goal, however, was to create
something that she could proudly call “my home”, which
is exactly what Bellmarch has delivered — and the reason
why she has dubbed her new customised coastal abode
“Casa Mia”, which is Italian for “my home”.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Forresters Beach, NSW Size of home: 343.68sqm
Time taken to build: 12 months Size of land: 1807sqm
Year completed: 2018 Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Floors: 1
BELLMARCH HOMES
Address: Suite 206, Level 2, 25 Solent Circuit,
Norwest Business Park,
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Phone: (02) 9114 8878
Website: bellmarch.com.au

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 custom-built homes | starr constructions
Best of both worlds
For a busy family of four, this residence, located close
to the beach and city, really is a dream come true
Photography: Marian Riabic
S
outh Coogee is a highly sought-after Sydney
suburb and for very good reason. Located a
hop, skip and a jump away from the beach
and the city, it offers the best of both worlds
for those who want it all. It was here that a
family of four decided to create their dream
home, calling on Starr Constructions to help
them bring their vision to life.
An old brick house, which stood on the prized site,
was demolished to make way for an entirely new, more
modern structure. The brief for this revolved around
designing a home that was open and luxurious in nature,
while boasting a seamless flow between all the rooms.
Like most home builds, there were challenges but
these were overcome with a combination of experience
and clever thinking. “The site was steep and narrow,
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build home
which made it difficult to work with,” says Nino Sanzari,
co-director of Starr Constructions. “However, as we have
had many years of building experience, this was not the
first time we had worked with a narrow or sloping site.”
The body of work included a garage, foyer, powder
room, guest/study room, open living and dining space,
a kitchen, laundry, bathroom, rumpus room, three
bedrooms and a master bedroom with walk-in robe,
ensuite and a balcony that overlooks the ocean.
Starr Constructions drew on its considerable design
experience to create a family-friendly residence with a
timeless interior. “The palette is very neutral and features
a range of greys, whites and browns,” says Jon Vithoulka,
co-director of Starr Constructions. “It is fresh and
comfortable with an open atmosphere.”
The heart of the home is the living, dining and kitchen
space, which is open and fluid in design. Grey-tiled
 custom-built homes | starr constructions

EXPERT TIP: If you want to experience the very best of modern living, look for a home
design that maximises natural light and has an open and easy-flowing floor plan.

flooring complements the white walls and cabinetry in

the kitchen, which ensures continuity. Timber furnishings
bring warmth to the space and carefully curated artwork
provides a dash of colour and excitement.
Continuing the neutral theme, the master bedroom
boasts a minimalist palette that puts shades of grey front
and centre. The space is a cocoon of comfort and luxury,
with textiles overlapping to create a unique room made for
relaxation. The ensuite follows a similar aesthetic, with
floor-to-ceiling grey tiling juxtaposed against the matt black
fixtures. The inclusion of two basins ensures there’s plenty
of room for the owners to use the space at the same time.
Bursting with natural light and projecting a fresh
contemporary feel, this new home is exactly what the
owners wanted. It combines practicality and style and will
continue to meet the family’s needs as the children grow.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: South Coogee, NSW Size of home: 392sqm STARR CONSTRUCTIONS
Time taken to build: 11.5 months Bedrooms: 3 Address: Unit 57/3 Kelso Crest,
Year completed: 2016 Bathrooms: 3 Moorebank NSW 2170
Floors: 2 Phone: (02) 9822 7799
Website: starrconstructions.com.au

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 custom-built homes | finesse home builders

Ticking all the boxes

Designed to meet the demands of daily family life,
this contemporary home exceeds expectations

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build home
 custom-built homes | finesse home builders
Photography: Marian Riabic
T
he modern working family really does want
it all. Functionality and flexibility, open-plan
living, an entertainer’s kitchen, premium
appliances and luxurious finishes. This five-
bedroom, three-bathroom home from Finesse
Home Builders ticks all the boxes.
When designing this impressive two-storey
residence, Finesse Home Builders had just
such a family in mind, which is clearly reflected in the
intelligent floor plan, the provision of versatile spaces
and the use of quality materials throughout.
The social hub of the home is the kitchen and it is a
design triumph. There is a generous island with a dual
sink on one side and space for stools on the other. The top
and sides of the bench are finished with Quantum Quartz
Calacutta, which features broad veins of grey running
through a white background. This is complemented by
the marble-look porcelain floor tiles and contrasted by the
smooth, sleek polyurethane cabinetry.
For convenience, especially when entertaining, there
is a butler’s pantry and for the avid cook, there is a dual
Smeg cooktop. The finishing flourish is the chic custom
78
build home
splashback Finesse Home Builders attached to the
kitchen bulkhead. This is positioned above the island and
had to be designed and mounted with great precision.
Outdoor entertaining needs are just as well catered for
with a stylish alfresco living area featuring a barbecue
and ample room to gather with friends and family.
The home theatre, which is located at the back of the
house and offers direct access to the alfresco, also includes
a distinctive design element. The ceiling was completed
using a series of Polytec-covered square boxes that not only
look stylish but also ensure excellent acoustic performance.
The special touches continue upstairs with the master
bedroom, which incorporates a custom walk-in robe with
shelving of Colourpyne melamine that adds a richness
of colour. As you would expect in a home of this calibre,
there is an opulent ensuite of five-star-hotel quality,
including a deep freestanding bathtub and a delightful
bonus: direct access to a covered balcony.
While the interior of the residence is undoubtedly
sumptuous, from the marble-look floor tiles to the designer
light fittings, Finesse Home Builders introduced some
natural elements to warm the look. This was achieved with
the use of timber for the stairs, the flooring of the space
 custom-built homes | finesse home builders

EXPERT TIP: Never compromise. If you’re
seeking a home that is as functional as
it is luxurious, look for a home builder
who can deliver exactly what you want.
connecting the entrance with the kitchen and for the first-
floor landing. It was then stained a rich earthy brown.
The exterior is just as striking as the interior. To add a
splash of visual warmth, Finesse Home Builders chose a
timber front door, extending the element of stained timber
to the outdoors. This can also be seen in the portico
ceiling and the timber feature strips that wrap around its
perimeter. More warmth and textural interest comes from
the stacked-stone feature column.
The strong roof angles are just as eye-catching and are
echoed in the custom-designed letterbox, which has been
cleverly integrated into a raised garden bed.
The most challenging aspect of the design process was the
odd, somewhat triangular shape of the block. Considerable
thought and expertise went into devising a design that would
sit comfortably on the block, have maximum street appeal,
and boast an easy-flowing floor plan. Clearly, Finesse
Homes Builders has exceeded expectations.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Size of home: 540sqm FINESSE HOME BUILDERS PTY LTD
13 Hector Court, Kellyville NSW 2155 Bedrooms: 5 Address: 3/22 Lexington Drive,
Time taken to build: 8 months Bathrooms: 3 Bella Vista NSW 2153
Year completed: 2017 Floors: 2 Phone: 1300 736 536
Website: finessehomebuilders.com.au

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69
BRAND
NEW
DISPLAY
HOMES

$10,000
Design and landscaping
rebates available*

LEPPINGTON
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Come and explore Sydney’s newest homes

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When you take a walk around the Oran Park Town Display Village you’ll see lots of variety. (9 MINS)
CAMPBELLTOWN
Not just from the type of homes, but in the design of each individual home.
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builders. They present the latest design trends that are innovative, rich in texture, shape and colour.
Your home is not only the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make, it’s an expression of your
personality and style. To get a real feel for the latest trends in home designs, visit Oran Park Town’s
Display Village. It’s Sydney’s newest display of homes – you just won’t get these ideas anywhere else.

Call 9043 7500 or visit the Display Village on the

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Open 7 days 10am – 5pm
*Conditions apply. Refer to contract for sale of land.

oranparktown.com.au GREENFIELDS
 Image courtesy of McDonald Jones Homes
Display homes
It is often difficult to know just where to start when
building a new home. There are so many options out
there in terms of design and layout 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 feel for what you like and what is possible. The
creation of display villages has made viewing a wide
selection of homes incredibly easy. Not only that, but
most display homes now allow for a great range of
customisation so once you have found a design you
really like, you can select the materials and inclusions
that will best suit your personal taste and lifestyle.
 display homes | bellriver homes
Two in one
Complete with an attached granny flat, this contemporary
open-plan home is well suited to multigenerational living
Photography: Markus Summerer
D
ual-living homes are the way of the future
and the Kiama 280, which boasts an attached
two-bedroom granny flat with covered alfresco,
leads the way for style and functionality. From
Bellriver Homes, the Kiama 280 is ideal for
large families and those who need separate
accommodation for adult children, grandparents
or in-laws. It’s also perfect for the canny investor
keen to cater for the steadily growing demand for homes that
make multigenerational living a breeze.
The main home, an entertainer’s delight which prioritises
open-plan living, offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and
abounds with special features. The interior living spaces are
generous with an easy flow, there are family and private areas,
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a large alfresco, an abundance of storage, a spacious master
bedroom with a magnificent ensuite with a large shower and
walk-in robe, and there is a double garage.
The stylish granny flat, which is separated by a fire wall, has
two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, bathroom and alfresco.
The bathroom is large with sufficient space for a washing
machine, ensuring a fully self-contained lifestyle.
In both the main house and granny flat, only premium-
quality materials and finishes were used and a soothing neutral
colour palette employed. The living areas and bathrooms
feature tiled floors, the bedrooms are carpeted, the kitchens
have Quantum Quartz benchtops, glass splashbacks and
cupboards boasting a Legato Drifted Oak finish (a weathered,
white-washed grey oak wood grain). The same understated,
subtle material was used for the cabinetry in the bathrooms,
 display homes | bellriver homes

EXPERT TIP: If you have stay-at-home adult children, in-laws or an aged parent in need
of a self-contained living solution, look for a home that comes with a granny flat.

adding to the sense of flow throughout the two dwellings.
Suitable for 14.5m frontage lots, the Kiama 280 is available
in a choice of facades but if you like a contemporary look,
the Sorrento, featured here, is ideal and will complement any
streetscape. You also have some choice with the floorplan,
which can be flipped/mirror reversed if needed.
The Kiama 280 with granny flat was designed by Bellriver
Homes’ award-winning architect and is the jewel in the crown
of their dual-living collection. Designing a dual-living home
is a specialised area and many of Bellriver’s designs meet the
requirements of the recently introduced Granny Flat codes.
Some designs can even be built on normal residential blocks
without the need for a council development approval.
Dual-family designs like the stylish Kiama 280 make an
outstanding investment and can be used for myriad purposes.
The granny flat can be a separate space for an older teenager,
a place for an adult child to live while studying at university,
a home for an aged parent, or accommodation for in-laws or
other family members who regularly visit. You might even like
to use it as an office for a home-based business or a studio.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Village Square, Size of home: 279.77sqm BELLRIVER HOMES
Clement Road, Edmondson Park NSW 2174 Size of land: 474.2sqm Address: Suite 202, Level 2, 2 Burbank Place,
Name of design: Kiama 280 Bedrooms: 6 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
with Sorrento facade Bathrooms: 3 Phone: 1800 200 888
Year completed: 2015 Floors: 1 Website: bellriverhomes.com.au

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Bronte 420 on display at Marsden Park
 WHO’S
BUILDING
YOUR
HOME?

Choose From Over 120 Designs

Experts In Knock-Down Rebuild Homes
True Fixed Price House & Land

QUALITY
HIGH SPEC FIXED PRICE BUILD TIME
ASSURANCE
INCLUSIONS TENDER GUARANTEE
GUARANTEE

Book a free home design consultation today

call 1300 560 295
bellriverhomes.com.au

Marsden Park Oran Park Calderwood Edmondson Park Jordan Springs Orange Dubbo Nthn Beaches
Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre Display Centre
Mcloughlin St. Webber Loop Brushgrove Cct. Clement Rd. Koorala Gdns. Trainor Ct. Champagne Dr. Coming Soon
NSW, 2765 NSW, 2570 NSW, 2527 NSW, 2153 NSW, 2747 NSW, 2800 NSW, 2830

ABN 76 062 307 779 | Builder Lic. 61247C BELL2657-06

display homes | clarendon homes

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 Superlative style
A highly refined, Hamptons-inspired home designed
for larger families who like to live simply but well
 display homes | clarendon homes

EXPERT TIP: For families who want to prioritise multigenerational living, the best advice
is to choose a design that offers the option of self-contained guest accommodation.
Photography: Maree Homer to a spacious outdoor living zone. The transition between

I
nspired by the luxury homes that dot the south shores
of Long Island in New York — better known as The
Hamptons — the architect-designed Boston 36 is a home
of superlative style. Not only does it boast four bedrooms
and three bathrooms, making it ideal for the larger family,
its sympathetic but edgy approach to using Hamptons-
inspired materials and detailing ensures the Boston 36
stands out against its competitors.
First impressions count and from the moment you spy the
front facade, with its complementary mix of materials in a
colour palette of soft white and grey, a feeling of relaxation
washes over you. This sensation is enhanced when you step
into the entry, where detailed timber ceilings provide visual
warmth and a feeling of tranquillity, and the direct sightline to
the rear of the home evokes a sense of space.
Although the Boston 36, with its host of separately zoned
living areas, pays homage to a traditional architectural style,
it is a home designed for the way the modern family likes to
live. Starting on the ground floor there is a home theatre and
a study which, if you choose, can be converted into a self-
contained guest bedroom. This is located at the front of the
home so that it affords the occupants greater privacy, which
is important in a house that is tailor-made for entertaining.
The centrally located kitchen, with its scullery/walk-in
pantry, is the hub of an airy open-plan area that incorporates
expansive living and dining spaces. In turn, this area opens
indoor and outdoor spaces is seamless, due in large part to the
continuation of two key interior details — the intricate ceiling
panelling and the herringbone-patterned flooring.
Moving up to the first floor, you will find a children’s leisure
room which feeds into the three generously sized secondary
bedrooms. Also on this floor is the large master suite. Situated
at the front of the home, the suite has its own private balcony,
creating what is, in effect, a parents’ retreat.
Throughout the Boston 36, the material palette is timeless,
creating a classic backdrop for the feature joinery items and
the signature wainscot wall panelling. Contributing to the
look of refinement, the ground-floor tiles — from front porch
through to the grand alfresco — are a light grey in a classic
herringbone pattern. And as you would expect, only premium
materials (such as Quantum Quartz waterfall-edge kitchen
benchtops) and appliances (such as the Miele oven) were used.
As with all Clarendon Homes’ floor plans, the Boston 36 has
a variety of customisable elements — for example, the master
suite can be located at the rear of the home if you prefer —
and there are many different lifestyle options to choose from.
Another bonus is the fact that the Boston 36 can comfortably
fit on a 12.5m-wide block.
As you can see, the Boston 36, from Clarendon Homes’
new Boston Series, offers absolutely everything a growing or
multigenerational family could possibly want — now and in
the future — all at a great-value price.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Parklea Super Centre, Size of home: 336.16sqm CLARENDON HOMES
Clarendon Drive, Parklea NSW 2768  Bedrooms: 4 Phone: 13 63 93
Name of design: Boston 36 Bathrooms: 3 Website: clarendon.com.au/nsw
Year completed: 2018 Floors: 2

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Welcome to the
Clarendon Homes
Super Centre
The home of 13 display homes
and our new Granny Flat range.

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It’s a new home experience you won’t get anywhere else.

There’s so much to see at Parklea:

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| 0DGLVRQ6KHULGDQ0.,,DQG%URQWH| | Boston 36 |
 display homes | mcdonald jones homes

A home to treasure
With its impressive design and luxury inclusions, this home will
transform everyday rituals into treasured experiences

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build home
 display homes | mcdonald jones homes
Photography: Phil Winterton
T
he stylish San Marino is a perfectly sculpted,
flawlessly balanced home that is in absolute
accord with the lifestyle desires and needs of
the modern family. “Showcasing innovative
architecture at its best, the San Marino
acknowledges and responds to the way all
family members use their home throughout
the day. Just as importantly, it caters for the
years ahead and the changes they will bring” says Nathan
Thurston, marketing manager, McDonald Jones Homes.
The design enriches daily experiences in myriad ways.
There are generous living zones, cleverly positioned study
nooks for the children and tranquil, resort-inspired spaces
where parents can escape the daily grind and just relax.
“The San Marino undoubtedly acknowledges the needs
of every member of the family, no matter what they may
be,” says Nathan. “What’s more, it has an indoor-outdoor
living hub that is an entertainer’s dream. This typifies how
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the San Marino celebrates the relationship between home
and landscape, in the process, capturing the essence of
luxurious and timeless modern living.”
In designing the home, care was taken to create versatile
spaces that could adapt as a family’s needs change. One
example of this is the separate accommodation area, perfect
for children of any age. At the heart of this space is an
activity room and bathroom. By providing an independent
area for the kids, especially important during the teenage
years, this also caters to the needs of the parents.
“And speaking of the parents,” adds Nathan, “the
cleverly positioned master suite offers a spacious walk-
in robe and large ensuite. It also provides access to the
outdoors via sliding or bifold doors, enabling parents to
enjoy their own private personal oasis.”
The rear of the home, which incorporates the living and
dining spaces, the kitchen, the home theatre and the alfresco
living zone, is all about entertainment. “This is the real hub of
the home,” says Nathan. “It’s where the indoors effortlessly
 display homes | mcdonald jones homes

EXPERT TIP: Consider how long you will live in your new home. Will it need to adapt
to your family’s needs as they grow? A smartly designed home will cater to your
immediate lifestyle needs while providing plenty of flexibility for the future.
extend to the outdoors and the natural environment feels like a split level option; the choice of stacker or bifold doors to
it is being drawn inside. The seamless transition of these areas the alfresco living area and master suite; and an alternate
is a reflection of how much we love the outdoors and our keen kitchen layout with wall oven tower along with a selection
desire to enjoy year-round alfresco living.” of kitchen appliances. By working with the experts at
The San Marino has a variety of customisable elements. McDonald Jones Homes, you can create a home you and
These include the ability to adapt to varying lots, thanks to your family will treasure for many years to come.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Lot 3510 Webber Loop, Size of home: 305.69sqm MCDONALD JONES HOMES
Oran Park Town NSW 2570 Bedrooms: 4 Address: Level 4, 62 Norwest Boulevard,
Awards: 2016 HIA-CSR Hunter Housing Bathrooms: 2 Baulkham Hills NSW
Award for a Display Home $300,001-$325,000  Floors: 1 Phone: 1300 555 382
Website: mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au

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Transform the
way you live.
For over 30 years we’ve been building dreams for Australian families,
driven by passion, innovation and a commitment to exceptional
craftsmanship and customer experience.

:HLQYLWH\RXWRGLVFRYHURXULQVSLUHGDQGD΍RUGDEOHDUFKLWHFWXUDOGHVLJQV
and to appreciate what makes a McDonald Jones home so special.
Tulloch 31 - Marsden Park

Display Home locations

• Sydney NEW Homeworld Leppington • Homeworld Kellyville
• Marsden Park • Jordan Springs • Willowdale • Oran Park
• UWS Campbelltown • Hunter NEW Huntlee • NEW Billy’s Lookout
• Fern Bay • Homeworld Thornton • Harvest • Waterford County
• Wallis Creek • Lochinvar

For all display locations visit our website

For more information visit or call us on

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au
1300 555 382
NSW: Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232 – BLN 41628. T/A McDonald Jones Homes.
ACT: McDonald Jones Homes (Canberra) Pty Ltd ABN 64 150 533 298 - ACT BLN 20121296.
Architect Registration Numbers: NSW: 4234 . ACT: 2470

MJHD0044MMDPS
 THE MODERN JOURNAL OF
INSPIRING HOMES

Empowering
consumers to form
their own sense of
style and be able to
navigate the world
of interior design
and renovation
for an impending
project

Home Design is dedicated to providing you with a

comprehensive overview of new developments and
design directions at the upper end of the residential
market. It showcases the latest ideas and trends from
some of Australia’s most talented architects, designers,
builders and artists to help you with your quest to createe
your perfect home. This stunning publication includes
up to 380 pages of brilliant design ideas that explore
residential architecture and building design, interior
design and decorating, kitchens and bathrooms, smart
homes and outdoor living, along with the latest news
and product reviews.

To subscribe to Home Design or to purchase single copies for your reference,

visit universalshop.com.au or call 1300 303 414. We have special offers waiting for you.
 Proudly sponsored by Parkwood Modular Buildings
Modular homes
While modular and prefabricated homes cover a wide
range of price points, they can be a very a cost-effective
option for those who need to keep a close eye on the
budget. With a modular or prefabricated project, the
dwelling is built in a factory before being split up into
truckloads and delivered to site where it is re-joined and
completed. A main benefit of this approach is the speed
of construction. One reason is that the site works and
footings can begin while the construction of the factory
component is underway, resulting in a compressed
timeframe. Modular and prefabricated homes appeal to
first-home owners as well as older buyers who are onto
their second or third home — people who are looking
for a speedier and more controlled building process.
modular homes | parkwood modular buildings

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build home
 Rooms with a view
Maximising the view from every direction, these modular
dwellings are perfectly at home in their bush surrounds
 modular homes | parkwood modular buildings

EXPERT TIP: When placing a modular home in a natural bushland setting, to achieve
the best result try to keep the dwelling low-set and choose materials and finishes
that will help the home to seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment.
Photography: Marian Riabic two or three by using a converting daybed, a kitchenette and

T
his cluster of pavilion-style buildings, nestled into
bushland on the Central Coast of NSW, shows just
how stylish modular homes can be — and how
seamlessly they can be blended into their natural
surroundings, creating a real sense of place.
Parkwood Modular Buildings was called
in when the owners of a successful equestrian
business (consisting of yards and an arena for
clinics) decided to expand their enterprise by offering deluxe
on-site bed and breakfast accommodation.
“The clients had definite ideas of what they wanted and
our designer worked closely with them to come up with
a concept plan,” explains Jacky McDougall, owner of
Parkwood Modular Buildings. “They wanted a stand-alone
clubhouse with dining and kitchen facilities which would
be closely aligned to a series of pavilion-style sleeping
pods, each with a bathroom. It was important that the
buildings be low maintenance with a breezy open feel, and
that they had plenty of glazing to maximise the different
bushland views from each pod.”
For the clubhouse/meals cabin, Parkwood used their Smart
Studio pre-plan layout while the four bedroom pods were
based on their De Maistre granny flat pre-design (this is a
two-bedroom floor plan with a kitchen/laundry). “The floor
plans were simplified to a single large bedroom able to sleep
wardrobe storage area off a spacious bathroom,” says Jacky.
Of the sleeping pods’ interior design, she says, “It
exemplifies an easy living approach and an unashamed
attempt to have guests feel a little pampered after a hard
day’s riding, while still offering a unique, unfussy farm-stay
experience with touches that are a little playful and quirky.
“The exterior of the main living and kitchen cabin is
painted in a rust finish to simulate Corten steel, while the
exterior of the four sleeping pods features a dark charred
colour with galvanised sections of cladding,” continues Jacky.
“Each has merbau hardwood decks and entry surrounds as
well as a rainwater tank, giving the cabins an appealing,
raw Australian country aesthetic. Also of note is the angular
feature glazing, which allows each cabin to enjoy a different
aspect of the property.”
To accommodate the owners’ needs, Parkwood delivered
the units in stages. The clubhouse was supplied first to support
the equestrian side of the business. The bedroom pods were
supplied later, in separate instalments, giving the owners time
to install the required infrastructure.
Of course, the Parkwood units offer more than just quality
and style. Explains Jacky, “One of the benefits of a Parkwood
modular unit is that it can be 100-per-cent recycled and,
should the use or focus of the property change at any time, the
cabins can be easily relocated and reused.”

The facts The details

Location of project: Somersby, NSW PARKWOOD MODULAR BUILDINGS
Time taken to complete: In stages during Address: 7-11 Kangoo Road, Somersby NSW 2250
a 12-month period Phone: (02) 4340 4077
Year completed: 2018 Website: parkwood.com.au

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 modular homes | broadworth modular

Modular marvel
This tasteful, modern home really is something right out of the box

B
y considering a modular solution for their
new home, a young working family now
has all they were looking for and more in a
family abode — all wrapped up in a stylish,
contemporary package. This was the third
time the family had undergone the building
process — and it was by far the least stressful
for them. They’d previously renovated,
then built a project home and were slugged with surprise
additional costs and a lengthy, complicated build process.
In choosing a modular build, they were delighted
with the whole process, from the easy design stage
right through to the quick turnaround and hassle-free
construction process, which meant they were enjoying
their new residence a whole lot sooner.
The homeowners wanted a coastal feel, including high
ceilings, light interiors and plenty of timber throughout.
They also sought to create a sense of interconnectedness
between the outdoors and the interior for ease of entertaining
and to keep an eye on their kids at play outside.
Broadworth Modular worked alongside Mark Burgess of
Coast Aligned Building Design to deliver the project. After
development approval, demolition of the existing brick
veneer house began while, simultaneously, construction of
the prefabricated modules started in the factory.
After six weeks of factory construction, the modules
were delivered and the on-site completion works
commenced, along with the landscaping. Even a potential
challenge with an over-height transport restriction didn’t
hinder the process. The raked roof over the kitchen/
dining area is actually a hinged steel-frame panel, which
was lowered for transport. The roof was then raised to

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 modular homes | broadworth modular

EXPERT TIP: When you need a reliable home-building solution that is

affordable, hassle-free and quick to build, look to a modular home.
its final height with clerestory windows added. The final family and no wasted space. The open-plan living and
result? A project that was delivered on time and within dining areas also include room for a study nook, plus
budget, which meant some very happy new homeowners. there’s a media room, a well-appointed, spacious kitchen,
The house is warm and welcoming with a laid-back three bedrooms and two bathrooms — all constructed
coastal vibe, an open-plan design, plenty of room for a with attention to detail and superior finishes.

The facts The details

Location of home: Bateau Bay, NSW BROADWORTH MODULAR
Type of project: Modular new build Address: 5–7 Newbridge Road,
Time taken to build: 6 weeks factory construction, Berkeley Vale NSW 2261
9 weeks on-site completion, 15 weeks in total Phone: (02) 4389 1595
Year completed: 2013 Website: broadworthmodular.com.au

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5-7 NEWBRIDGE ROAD, BERKELEY VALE NSW 2261 | (02) 4389 1595 | INFO@BROADWORTHMODULAR.COM.AU
BROADWORTHMODULAR.COM.AU
 Looking for the ultimate design inspiration
for your home or business?

Look no further! Our home and garden magazine range offers the
most up-to-date information on the latest trends in the market.

SINGLE ISSUES OF SUBSCRIPTION DEALS ARE AVAILABLE AT UNIVERSALSHOP.COM.AU

Proudly sponsored by PAAL Kit Homes
Kit homes
Kit homes come in an array of designs and styles
to suit every budget and lot size. While the diversity
of designs is a major drawcard, for many the main
benefit is that with a kit home the construction
process is simplified, making it possible for a first-
time owner-builder or an inexperienced owner-
manager to have the satisfaction of building their
own home. With a kit home project, the materials
and components you need to build the home —
the cladding, windows, doors, roofing, insulation,
internal walls etc — are packaged up and delivered
to your site in well-planned stages. The actual
construction methods are similar to a traditional
build, but some elements are built in a factory to
be joined together (just like a huge kit) on site,
streamling the entire process, from start to finish.
New Paal Elizabeth design
showcases latest home trends
Paal Kit Homes’ popular Elizabeth design has been reworked
to provide a spacious open-plan family area.

“Separate formal dining has given way to the concept of

a combined living, meals and kitchen zone, which is more
inclusive and sociable,” said Paal product development
manager Philip Weymouth.

Paal’s classic country home now has floor space available for
a multi-purpose study or nursery. The formal dining area has
been converted into a lounge/media room as a retreat from
family activities.

“People nowadays want their meals area next to the kitchen,

in-keeping with the modern trend of not hiding the chef’s
work away from family and guests,” added Paal housing
consultant Michael Christie.

The rebuilt Elizabeth can be inspected at Paal’s display centre

at Emu Plains in Sydney’s west.

The Elizabeth has been enhanced throughout with luxurious

new finishes including 140mm skirting boards and crafted
internal doors that give the home a custom-built look.
Matching new vanities in the, bathrooms and a free standing
bath complete the picture.

The floor plan now provides a computer nook off the

main living area, from where children’s homework can be
unobtrusively supervised.

“In line with the flexibility of Paal’s designs, all these innovations
can be applied to our other homes, whether or not the
changes appear in the standard plans,” said Philip.

“That’s the great thing about building with Paal. The designs
can be altered without difficulty, to give you exactly the home
you want.”
more details
See for yourself...visit the Elizabeth and 2
other display homes at Paal’s display centre,

113-115 Russell Street,

Emu Plains NSW 2750.
P: 1800 024 912.

www.paalkithomes.com.au
 kit homes | paal kit homes

Timeless elegance
This owner-built steel-framed kit home is large,
comfortable and perfect for a growing family

T
he owners of this home, a working couple in
their 20s with three young boys, were looking
for a stylish family home they could build
themselves. The couple, Steven and Michelle
Clydsdale, were referred to PAAL Kit Homes
by a happy former customer where, with the
help of a PAAL consultant, they decided on
a large, attractive country-style family home
with two living areas, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
What informed their decision was the need for enough
space to accommodate three fast-growing boys and a
home that allowed for outdoor entertaining. It was also
important to the couple to be able to enjoy views from
three sides of the home, something PAAL’s Camden
design — with modifications — allowed for.
The homeowners were building in the Upper Hunter
region of NSW, where termites can cause problems. This
was one reason among many why they chose a steel-framed

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 kit homes | paal kit homes

EXPERT TIP: For those who choose the owner-builder option, a kit home streamlines
the process, a boon for first-timers, and gets you into your home much sooner.
design from PAAL Kit Homes to construct themselves. the insulation, fix the internal doors, architraves and skirting
From start to finish, the PAAL process is simple. With and engage a plasterer to hang the plaster board.
your PAAL consultant you customise your design, which The kitchen and prime cost items are then delivered and
the company then prepares and presents to you for approval. the client works with a tiler, plumber and electrician for the
Next, PAAL formulates your plans and sends them to final fitout of the items, installs the kitchen cabinetry and
council for approval. Once you receive the green light from does the final painting work.
council, the next step is to have your foundations prepared With this home, the materials were chosen for aesthetic
and laid, after which PAAL delivers all the necessary reasons as the couple wanted an abode that sat well in its
materials to get you to lock-up stage. country environment. Lightweight weatherboard cladding
With an owner-built home such as this one, the client will material was selected for the exterior as it gives the home a
erect the frames, install the windows, fix the cladding and traditional look and feel; Colorbond roofing was chosen for
roofing, and engage a plumber and electrician for “rough in” the same reason. The colours were picked from a traditional
work. Once lock-up stage has been reached, PAAL delivers palette of muted greys and whites which give the home its
the internal kit materials. The client is now ready to install timeless elegance and help it sit easily in its surrounds.

The facts The figures The details

Location of home: Aberdeen, NSW Size of home: 316sqm PAAL KIT HOMES
Name of design: Camden (standard floor plan) Address: 113–115 Russell Street,
Time taken to build: 6 months Size of land: 20,234sqm Emu Plains NSW 2750
Bedrooms: 4–5 Phone: 1800 024 912
Bathrooms: 2 Website: paalkithomes.com.au
Floors: 1

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 kit homes | harkaway homes

Charm of yesteryear
Character-filled homes that faithfully reproduce the classic
architectural styles of the Victorian and Federation eras

C
lassic exteriors, perfect profiles
and the highest quality in design,
materials and service — this is
what Harkaway Homes is known
for and what they offer every
client. Established in 1986 and
operating in five states (Victoria,
NSW, southern Queensland, South
Australia and Tasmania), Harkaway Homes
specialises in homes that offer the charm and
character of yesteryear with the conveniences of
modern-day living. With eight ranges to choose
from, there are options for every location, from
a suburban block to rural acreage, and every
lifestyle. Here we look at three of Harkaway’s
most popular period design series.

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 kit homes | harkaway homes

VICTORIAN TRADITIONAL EXPERT TIP: If you enjoy the distinctive

The Victorian Traditional series, which encompasses the
architectural style of circa-1860 onwards, features the
Victorian era’s most recognised and admired roofline.
Homes of this style were built across Australia, in cities
and towns, and ranged from humble cottages to the grand
homes that typified the Gold Rush period. These homes had
high ceilings, central hallways that acted as a breezeway
(an especially welcome feature when that long-awaited
cool change finally arrived), verandahs that shaded the
home and French doors that fed onto the verandahs, adding
further functionality to the home. Boasting all of these
practical and charming features, a home from the Victorian
Traditional series will sit proudly in any setting, be it
acreage in the country or an inner suburban block.
PAVILION ROOFLINE
Ideally suited for acreage, the Pavilion Roofline series is
one of the most popular and a major pillar upon which
Harkaway Homes has built its unique reputation and high
degree of success. These homes have been built by clients
in many states across Australia, with rarely a floor plan the
same as the next. The Pavilion Roofline series displays all
of the character you would expect of a Harkaway home,
along with the requisite country-lifestyle practicalities,
such as a traditional wrap-around verandah and the option
to have a Coolgardie at the rear of the home.
design and classic character of a period
residence, look for a well-regarded home
company that specialises in authentic,
architecturally designed reproductions.
FAIR DINKUM FEDERATION
Circa-1900 Federation homes were built across the nation
in their thousands and many fine examples survive to this
day. Recognised by their distinctive steep, angled bell
roofline, as well as their front and side-return verandah,
Federation homes also bragged boxed bay casement
windows, feature entrances, French doors and an abundance
of leadlight windows. Interiors featured high ceilings, fancy
cornices and a central hallway complemented by carved
timber friezes. Harkaway Homes’ Fair Dinkum Federation
series offers all of these true character features and the
homes are suited to both country and city lifestyles.
If you love the architectural styles of the Victorian or
early-Federation eras, it doesn’t matter whether your goal
is to build a home in the country that is surrounded by open
space or on a suburban block close to shops and cafes.
Harkaway Homes has your dream design.

The details
HARKAWAY HOMES
Sales and display centre: 57 National
Avenue, Pakenham Vic 3810
Phone: 1800 806 416 or (03) 5943 2388
Website: harkawayhomes.com.au

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 Over 50 Designs to Change ANYTHING on Design your dream
choose from any of our designs home from scratch

True Design Flexibility

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Proudly servicing all of Australia

1300 548 663
www.kitome.com.au
The Kitome
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We have over 50 designs
to select from, but that’s
just a starting point. At
Kitome, YOU create the
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 kit homes | storybook designer homes

Picture perfect
Living happily ever after in a dream home has never been so affordable

S
uited to almost any location — be it a farm,
suburbia, acreage or beachfront — Storybook
Designer Homes’ residences are always
inviting. In fact, the attic-style houses on
offer at Storybook Designer Homes look like
they’ve jumped straight out of a picture book.
Boasting a team of highly experienced and
professional staff, the company strives to
please and accommodate all of its clients. It understands
that designing and planning are the most important aspects
of building a new home — or adding an extension to an
existing property. Whether you’re looking for a modern
or traditional-style residence, the company has a design
to suit. And while there are more than 2000 designs to
choose from, Storybook Designer Homes remains focused
on providing an individual design service for all clients.
According to managing director and designer, Phil
Malcolm, “Storybook clearly understands the powerful
influence emotive architecture has on those who live in
or visit such houses. It enriches their lives.”
When designing your new home, Storybook Designer
Homes takes into account all necessary details, including
constraints such as trees, degree of slope, neighbouring
properties, views, your family’s indoor and outdoor

EXPERT TIP: For the best possible end result, look for an experienced home-building
company that will consider all details, from site constraints to your lifestyle needs.

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 kit homes | storybook designer homes

lifestyle needs, budget, council requirements, materials
and energy efficiency. Add to this the opportunity to
become involved in the building process as an owner-
builder, or with other tasks such as painting or installing
decking, and the construction of your new home can
be quite cost-effective. According to Phil, “Anyone can
be an owner-builder provided they receive the right
technical and practical assistance, which we provide.”
For owner-builders, a “help package” is available from
Storybook Designer Homes. The package includes site
evaluation, designs, costings, permit applications, technical
assistance as well as a list of sub-contractors and suppliers.
Storybook Designer Homes can help build your dream
home while saving you thousands of dollars in the process.
The details
STORYBOOK DESIGNER HOMES
Phone: (03) 9787 5500
Website: storybook.com.au

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Storybook
D E S I G N E R H O M E S

Create your own story...

www.storybook.com.au
Contact Us: (03) 9787 5500
 NEED HELP WITH BASIX?
We’ll save you time, money
and energy costs too
SEE WHAT SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP BUILDERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FRYS ENERGYWISE

“As a manager who has multiple staff using the Frys EnergyWise service, I ¿nd it extremely easy
to manage my team knowing that they will receive timely and accurate reports and assessments.”
“Frys Energywise team has provided a terri¿c service for our company. His timeframes and service
have always been in line if not exceeded our expectations.”
“Ian and his team have a good understanding of the residential housing industry,
which ensures our energy compliance is both timely and cost effective. Their experience
and technical advice is a valuable asset to our business.”

Frys Energywise are experts in BASIX Compliance and the thermal
assessment of buildings, usually required to meet BASIX Compliance.
Whether you’re building or renovating it’s worth seeking advice from
Frys in relation to BASIX Compliance. Whilst simple do-it-yourself
methods are available for compliance, having knowledge of BASIX and
how it works can be invaluable. In fact having a BASIX completed by
the DIY method can cost you thousands in improved windows
and alike. The cost of completing a BASIX from Frys is often less
than the cost of just one improved window.
Frys can also help you reduce the energy costs on an existing home.
Conducting a Thermal Assessment of your existing home can help
identify which rooms are performing well and which rooms are
performing badly. Allowing you to make cost effective decisions
about improvements you can make to your home, making it more
energy ef³cient and saving you money.
Why not contact Frys to see how we can help you
save time, save money and save on energy costs.

p 02 9899 2825 | e comply@frysenergywise.com.au | www.frysenergywise.com.au

ABSA and BDAV Nationally Accredited Thermal Assessors

ENERGY & THERMAL REPORTS FOR NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

SWIMMING POOLS | SECTION J COMPLIANCE | MULTI RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
 Image courtesy of Thermacell
Products & services
Whether building or renovating a home, it’s important
to remember that using 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 use on the
walls, the materials you choose for your roof and the
quality of the consultants who assess your home’s
energy efficiency — these are all crucial decisions.
You need to do thorough research, shop around and
use only reputable suppliers and service providers.
 products & services | frys energywise
Be sure to harvest rainwater.
Pictured here, the Aqua-Link
rainwater tank from Stratco.
Water wisdom
Using environmentally-friendly design principles and well-chosen
appliances, your home can be water-wise and cost less to run
R
educing the amount of water your home uses is
good for the environment and your bank balance.
Here, Ian Fry from Frys Energywise explains
how you can design, build and equip your home
to use the least water possible, reduce your
reliance on the town water supply, and contain
your water bills throughout the year.
What key things can you do when building a
home to minimise reliance on mains water?
Consider the aspect of your home and design your landscape to
make the best use of orientation, thereby reducing the need for
additional irrigation. To further reduce irrigation needs, select
plants with low water requirements, such as Australian native
or indigenous species. Also allow space for as much rainwater
storage as you possibly can; consider installing underground
tanks, using retaining walls as water storage systems, and
diverting as much roof water and hard-surface drainage as
possible to the various storage systems.
Why is it important to consider the efficient use of water
when choosing fixtures for the home?
A major area of water saving comes from household use,
mainly showers, toilets, dishwashing and clothes washing.
If you are building or renovating, it is a lot cheaper to buy
efficient water fixtures and fittings from the start rather than
paying for expensive modifications later. By doing this, it can
lead to significant long-term savings on your water bills.
When it comes to appliances, will choosing those with a
high WELS rating lead to lower water bills?
When buying appliances for a new home, such as dishwashing
or clothes washing machines, look for those that offer you
a high WELS star rating and buy the highest star rating you
can afford. Each appliance, be it for the kitchen, bathroom
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Greywater is a source of water
for irrigation of ornamental
flowering plants and lawn.
or laundry, will have a WELS label and is rated out of six
stars, with six denoting the highest level of water efficiency.
Similarly, if renovating bathrooms and other wet areas, select
toilets, showerheads and other fittings with a high WELS
rating. Another good tip to prevent water wastage if you have a
swimming pool is to add a cover to reduce evaporation.
How important is it to harvest rainwater and how can this
water be used in and around the home?
Water tanks are generally a requirement when building or
renovating, especially in NSW. While the use of rainwater
tanks is generally associated with gardens and topping up
swimming pools, they can also be reticulated to service toilets
and washing machines, and there are many filters available
for this purpose. I would urge all new-home builders to try to
make the best use of rainwater, installing underground water
tanks and charging gutters to maximise the amount of roof area
that can capture this precious source of water.
What role does greywater play in the home? What can this
water be safely used for?
Greywater is the household water that has been used in the
bath, shower, spa, hand basin and washing machine and is
usually discarded down plugholes. Whether you can use
greywater systems and what kind (diversion or treatment)
will generally depend on local council regulations. With most
systems you can’t reuse the water on edible plants, however,
the water can be used on flowering plants and turf.
The details
FRYS ENERGYWISE
Address: 29/159 Ridgecrop Drive, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Phone: (02) 9899 2825
Website: frysenergywise.com.au
Use drought-hardy native
plants as Phillip Johnson
Landscapes has done here.

A pool cover, such as this one

from Remco, significantly
reduces water evaporation.
 products & services | casafico

An innovative approach
This family-run company is conscious of the impact the building
and manufacturing industries have on people and the planet

C
asafico builds homes, innovates and
manufactures building products that allow
you to construct quickly, minimising
environmental impact. Developed by Casafico,
Polystat prefabricated walls are an all-in-one
product, combining the frame and insulation,
with cavities for services and a finished coat,
ready for accelerated installation on-site.
Polystat uses waste materials, including newspaper,
carpet, polystyrene and glass, saving them from ending up
in landfill and transforming them into composite walls ready
for on-site building construction and strong enough to be The details
used as load-bearing walls. CASAFICO PTY LTD
Address: 18 Tarnard Drive, Braeside Vic 3195
The result is a pre-built, user-friendly, lightweight wall
Phone: (03) 9580 5700
with good thermal and fire-rating properties. The thermal Email: info@casafico.com.au
efficiencies of the polystyrene core provide superior Website: casafico.com.au

140
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insulation, saving energy to heat and cool the
building, while the recycled materials forming
the coatings and panelling provide the fire-
rating requirements.
Conscious of the impact the manufacturing,
building and construction industries have on
people and the planet, Casafico is also forging
partnerships with industry and academia
to foster greater awareness and take-up of
the need and opportunity to develop further
sustainable construction solutions.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Lightweight • One installation team
• Built-in steel frame • Made to measure, no
• Insulated waste on-site
• Clear cavity access for • Reduces time, money
services and environmental
• Fire-rated impact
• Pre-coated or pre- • Australian owned
finished and made, patented
• Coharo premium building concept
“green” coatings — • Free quotes
designer solutions for
any level of finish

141
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 products & services | thermacell
The smart way to build
Save on construction and energy costs while doing your bit
for the environment with this advanced building system
T
his large, three-storey, 105-square home was built
by Trevor and Megan Ryan on Phillip Island,
Victoria. It features many curved walls and is an
excellent example of what can be achieved with
the Thermacell building system.
Commercial builders are learning what many
owner-builders have known for years — that
Thermacell, the fire-retardant polystyrene
formwork used for casting concrete structures, is the smartest,
safest, easiest and most cost-effective way to build.
After completing the multi-level home on Phillip Island,
Trevor says he would happily recommend Thermacell. “I have
no hesitation in recommending Thermacell and I’ve done so to
friends and other owner-builders,” he says. “As owner-builders
ourselves, we found Thermacell to be a fantastic building
product. Its noise and insulation factors have proven to be
better than expected.”
Thermacell blocks have keyways top and bottom and push
together like Lego blocks. The flame-retardant and vermin-
resistant blocks are hollow and filled with concrete, meaning
the strength of a Thermacell building far exceeds that of any
other type of building system.
Homes constructed using Thermacell blocks are virtually
maintenance-free and the cost is comparable with brick veneer,
but that’s where the comparison ends. Brick veneer and double
brick can’t match the quality, strength, acoustics and insulation
obtained by building with Thermacell. The reinforced concrete
walls don’t expand or contract, meaning no expansion joints
are necessary. The walls never move and no cracks ever appear
in the plaster sheet on the inside of the walls.
Thermacell provides your new home with sound insulation
between rooms and from noisy streets. And because of the
superior insulation qualities, smaller heating systems are
required and air-conditioning is seldom necessary. Energy
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build home
savings can be about 50 per cent using Thermacell and up to
80 per cent using double-glazed windows when compared with
the average uninsulated brick-veneer home.
Owner-builders with no previous building experience will
find the product easy to work with and very cost-effective. “If
you decide to mix and pour the concrete yourself, filling the
blocks a couple of rows at a time, you won’t need to brace the
walls,” says Geoff Bennett, Thermacell’s owner and managing
director. “This will save you a lot of money as hiring braces is
a big additional cost when building a home. Thermacell can be
pumped in one go, up to 3m in height at a time.”
Thermacell is a strong formwork made entirely from
fire-retardant materials such as concrete, polystyrene and
steel. Instead of a flammable timber frame, a steel-reinforced
concrete core is used so that both the exterior and the interior
walls are concrete-filled. Furthermore, the concrete core has no
cavity, meaning there is no space for white ants to build nests
or for fire to travel up to the ceiling.
To further protect the home from fire, the exterior can be
rendered with acrylic cement render, which has an additional
one-hour fire rating.
Geoff explains that, when building in bushfire-prone areas,
Thermacell’s walls can be “battened and covered with a
fireproof board such as Promat, making it unlikely
that fire would ever penetrate the walls”. These materials and
procedures used by Thermacell are especially utilised to make
the home as fire-resistant as possible.
The details
THERMACELL
Address: PO Box 447, Somerville Vic 3912
Phone: (03) 5977 7996
Email: info@thermacell.com.au
Website: thermacell.com.au
 RIGHT Cabbage Tree House, winner
of the Wilkinson Award for Residential
Architecture — Houses (New).
Photography by Michael Nicholson
In the news
VICTORIA GOES FOR GREEN
In a bid to make new housing estates
in fringe areas greener, the Victorian
government has launched a $2.18 million
pilot program. Through the program, the
state government will partner with three
large-scale volume builders and land
developers in growth corridors to develop
zero-net-carbon homes
According to the state government, two
million new houses and apartments will be
built in Victoria by 2050 — many of which
will be led by volume builders. In a bid
to help the sector innovate, government
agency Sustainability Victoria will facilitate
the design, construction and marketing of
zero-net-carbon houses that generate as
much energy as they use.
NSW ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
The Australian Institute of Architects has
announced the winners of the 2018 NSW
Architecture Awards, with the Wilkinson
Award for Residential Architecture — Houses
(New) going to Cabbage Tree House by Peter
Stutchbury Architecture. This is a house that
sits elegantly against an escarpment of Sydney
sandstone. The building is almost cave-like and
has a horizontality that places the layers of the
building as primary contours of the hillside.
Chapter Awards in the same category went
to Coastal Garden House by Neeson Murcutt
Architects and Three Piece House by TRIAS, and
a Commendation went to Killcare Beach Bush
House by MORA — James Fraser Architect. The
Located at Cape Paterson, this is
Victoria’s first 10-star-rated house.
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Hugh and Eva Buhrich Award for Residential
Architecture — Houses (Alterations and
Additions) went to Jon Jacka Architects for
Laneway House. A Chapter Award went to Bolt
Hole by panovscott and a Commendation to
Italianate House by Renato D’Ettorre Architects.
According to a spokesperson for the
Australian Institute of Architects, “Residential
awards and commendations this year
demonstrated achievements of design
excellence at modest scales across diverse
housing types, through careful integration with
the existing landscape and through explorations
of how we might live with comfort and amenity
in densely populated urban areas.”
Sustainability Victoria chief executive Stan
Krpan said there was growing interest in going
off-grid and reducing a building’s carbon
footprint. “What we’re seeing is huge interest
in solar, and we’re seeing lots of interest … in
battery storage,” he said. “But we’re not seeing
that in the mass market.”
According to industry groups, however,
demand for carbon-neutral housing is not strong,
especially among budget-conscious buyers.
Master Builders Association chief executive Radley
De Silva said a public awareness campaign was
needed to spark interest in zero-carbon homes.
“For example, a first-time home buyer may not be
prepared to pay more at the start for a net-zero-
carbon home if they are not aware they will likely
recover that extra expense later on with savings in
heating and cooling,” he said.
New state government modelling has found
a carbon-neutral home can reduce greenhouse
gas emissions to six tonnes a year, compared to
the 12 tonnes a standard house emits. Last year,
Victoria’s first 10-star-rated energy-efficient house
was built in an ultra-sustainable development in
Cape Paterson, with its builders estimating it could
cost as little as $3 per year to run.
Stan Krpan said the pilot aims to develop and
build several prototypes for carbon-neutral
homes by 2020, which, ideally, would then be
adopted by builders across the state.
 RIGHT The Meridian from
Metricon’s Signature series.
BENEFITS OF PASSIVE BUILDING
Improved building outcomes, such as greater levels of thermal
comfort, lower energy costs and increased building structure
longevity, can all be achieved as a result of compliance with the
Passive House Building Standard.
According to industry experts who presented at a
Passive House ‘Under Construction’ workshop hosted by
Aurecon and Monash University held in Melbourne earlier
this year, passive house construction, when successfully
implemented, can have a significant impact on the quality
of buildings and comfort for occupants.
Johanna Trickett, ESD consultant at Aurecon, said that
passive house construction provided high comfort and quality
of life without sacrificing energy efficiencies or increasing
costs. “Australia and New Zealand are at the start of this
journey and due to initial obstacles and challenges, such as a
knowledge gap in industry as well as availability of products
and materials, the Passive House Building Standard will
likely incur greater costs than will be the case once this
standard becomes normalised. However, the passive house
benefits of user comfort and energy efficiency outweigh the
costs,” she said.
Jesse Clarke, Building Science manager, Pro Clima
Australia, said the emerging issues that minimal compliance
buildings were faced with included moisture and mould in
cooler climate locations, and exacerbated summer cooling
issues in warmer climate locations. “The Passive House
Building Standard has solved both of these issues by delivering
comfort through control over thermal fluxes over the building
envelope, combined with adequate thermal bridging. This
provides stability of indoor conditions,” added Jesse.
According to Susanne Hundert, associate at Aurecon,
passive house construction requires very high levels of
building fabric air tightness to provide the thermal comfort
and low operating costs expected. She said the key areas to
consider when delivering a successful passive house building
is the building envelope and the building services. Both the
envelope and services must be carefully considered at the
same time during the design process.
For more information, visit passivehousaustralia.org
The MARTak Passive House by
American design firm Baosol.
news
NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY
Metricon’s Signature Residences, once designs, including the Aura, Bayville,
only available in Queensland and Victoria, Bordeaux, La Pyrenee, Lavelle, Lindrum,
are now available in NSW, bringing to Meridian, Bridgeport, Florence and
the residential building market in this Somerset. The homes feature a range of
state a new range of luxury options. high-level inclusions from luxury brand
The Signature series is comprised of 10 partners Villeroy & Boch, Franke, Miele,
architecturally inspired home designs Smeg, Siemens and Caesarstone.
that can be customised to reflect “Metricon is on the pulse with
individual tastes and needs. residential innovation that enhances the
“The Signature Residences range client’s lifestyle. With the installation of
allows customers to customise their revolutionary technology in each home,
home from the floor plan to the fixtures including the Tesla Powerwall 2 home
and finishes, allowing them to live in battery, every customer can enjoy the
a home they define as luxurious,” said lifestyle luxury of sustainable and cost-
Metricon design director, Adrian Popple. saving energy,” added Adrian.
Signature by Metricon showcases 10 For more information on the Signature
exclusive single- and double-storey collection, visit metricon.com.au
SEACHANGE OR TREECHANGE? Byron Bay delivered the strongest
growth during the past five years.
Whether a seachange or treechange is the
right move for you is a personal decision,
but it pays to consider the opportunity for
capital growth when weighing up the pros and
cons. RiskWise Property Research recently
undertook an analysis of Australia’s most
popular treechange and seachange areas to
determine which would deliver stronger price
growth. The results of the research showed
that over the past five years, seachange areas
delivered more than double the price growth
than treechange areas (43 per cent compared
to 18 per cent respectively).
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said part of this
was due to the popularity of beachside areas, which had significantly increased in the
past few years. “However, treechange areas in general are significantly more affordable,
with a median price of $378,000, and seachange, $686,000,” he said.
In NSW, Byron Bay delivered the strongest price growth of 102 per cent over the past
five years, with Terrigal and Kingscliff the two next best performers at 68 per cent and 62
per cent respectively. Bryon Bay was recently identified by RiskWise as one of the Top 7
regions in Australia to retire to because it offered good lifestyle options and solid capital
growth. However, with a median house price of $1.37 million, where beachside properties
cost multi-million dollars, this area requires very healthy equity.
In Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, including Noosa Heads, also made it to the top
seven list of places to retire to due to lifestyle and capital growth, with a median house
price of around $1 million. When it came to treechange areas, Dayboro in Queensland
topped the list for capital growth over a five-year period at 35.7 per cent, with Birregurra
in Victoria following very close behind at 33.7 per cent.
For more information, visit riskwiseproperty.com.au
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Image courtesy of McDonald Jones Homes
Avid Constructions .................................... 8
Bellmarch Homes ....................................66
Bellriver Homes .................................84, 88
Broadworth Modular......................110, 114
Buildcraft Constructions .......................... 2
Casafico..................................................140
Clarendon Homes ..............................90, 94
Finesse Home Builders ...........................76
Frys Energywise ...................... 40, 136, 138
Hamik Luxury Homes ........................10, 44
Index
Harkaway Homes ...........................126, 129
Horizon Homes ......................................... 6
Hume Building .........................................52
Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Institute ....................................................21
Kitome ....................................................130
McDonald Jones Homes ..................96, 102
Oran Park Town .......................................82
PAAL Kit Homes ......................... 4, 118, 122
Parkwood Modular Buildings ...........29,106
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Plustec .....................................................12
Rawson Homes ......................................104
Reg Lark Architect ...................................60
Starr Constructions .................................72
Storybook Designer Homes ...........132, 135
The Residential Lift Company ..................15
Thermacell .............................................142
Young Homes .....................................54, 58
Rawson Homes ......................................148