Innehållsförteckning för September Issue #24.4 från BuildHome

Multigenerational 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…

If 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…

With 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, they wanted to…

After 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…

The 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,…

By 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…

Classic 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. VICTORIAN TRADITIONAL 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…

This 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…

In 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. The exposed conditions present another challenge. How much wind, sun…

This 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. A low…

South 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…

Dual-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, a large alfresco, an abundance of storage, a spacious master bedroom with a magnificent ensuite with a large shower…

Suited 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…

Reducing 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…

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. 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…

Families 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…

The 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…

Inspired 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…

This 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…

The 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…

Casafico 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 used as load-bearing walls. The result is a pre-built, user-friendly, lightweight wall with good thermal and fire-rating properties. The thermal efficiencies of the polystyrene core provide superior 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…