Innholdsfortegnelse for #3 i Best Homes

This 962m² vacant block of land, just 400m from the beach at Rye, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, was part of a 1788m² block containing this old family holiday home, where the homeowners enjoyed many summers while growing up. The siblings decided to remove the old home, divide the larger block and separate this block, with a plan to build three small beach homes. The clients’ wish list was quite comprehensive as they wanted their extended family to be able to enjoy the lifestyle they had loved so much themselves, which in turn added to the footprint of the “small” beach home. The aim was to create a home that could accommodate the owners in retirement, with enough room to cater for the extended family and all their toys on weekends…

It demonstrates a high level of detail to both internal and external finishes and a great connection between the house and pool. Jakin Construction Group worked with Sally McCosker Architecture to produce a beautiful modern three-level home with large, open living spaces for a growing family. Like all Jakin homes, it demonstrates a high level of detail to both internal and external finishes and a great connection between the house and pool, so that the homeowners can make the most of the outdoor area and move easily between the two spaces. Built on a very steep site, the house has been designed to blend in with its surroundings and the open-plan living maximises views to the valley’s bushland. The highlight windows, combined with high ceilings, not only offer a unique…

“We developed a cost-efficient floor plan that reduced the purchase price by 20 per cent without compromising the luxurious feel, sophistication and craftsmanship that is synonymous with the Lubelso name.” — Damian Canny The homeowners bought the property, which was originally a run-down block that housed a dark and claustrophobic double-storey rental home, with the intention of knocking it down and rebuilding their dream home. After attending a dinner party at Lubelso by Canny’s Spring Road project, they fell in love with the company’s design aesthetic and knew it was the style they were looking for. The brief was to create an architecturally designed, contemporary home for a young growing family on a unique sloping block. “On the back of the success of the Spring Road home, our objective was…

The build of this multifaceted new home began when the homeowner saw possibilities in the site that became too intriguing to ignore. Recognising the potential of the Bella Vista site, the homeowner worked closely with Jeremy McCulla from Urban Harmony Design to set things in motion. New sketches were drawn up to create an integrated design that featured a curved swimming pool and a circular sunken lounge room. The brief in its simplest form called for a build that maintained the architectural character of the area, while also adding aesthetic elements that distinguish it from other homes on the street. Externally, the facade juxtaposes the simplicity of the smooth, rendered walls with Alpine Stone cladding and blackbutt timber screening. The northerly rear aspect of the site includes glazing elements that…

Harkaway Homes reproduces the very best heritage-profiled verandah housing. Authentic looks, heights and profiles are the specialty of Harkaway Homes, which was established in 1986. Harkaway Homes markets itself in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and southern Queensland. Its designs have attracted the attention of the building industry and it has won the Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing Award for four years running. There are eight ranges of homes to choose from for those looking for something traditional. All of Harkaway’s designs employ the traditional features of homes from times gone by, but using today’s technologies. On offer are many ranges of homes featuring the premier variations of authentic Victorian- and Federation-period rooflines. One of the main attractions of a traditional-style house is the high ceilings, as…

These owners had an extensive wish list of textures, finishes and fixtures for this kitchen project, designed by Adam Williams for Wilko Cabinets, using DuPont Corian®, and it can now truly be considered the hub of the home. Of major importance was the inclusion of the pre-existing granite walls and using natural timber in a variety of different finishes to create a warm atmosphere. To this end, timber was used in the panels, open shelves, raised benchtop and under the counter, as well as the messmate timber bearers and joists that were salvaged from Shepparton Primary School. The finishes include a mix of limewash and Danish oil on the ceiling joists, Treatex oil on the panels and shelves, and Organoil on the raised bar, turning each surface into an attraction…

When planning their new outdoor space, these homeowners envisaged a design that modernised their backyard using natural materials, utilised the existing hedges to maintain privacy, and allowed for a variety of entertaining spaces across no more than two levels, with new gardens to complement these. The plan was to take the indoor space outside and incorporate a TV/fireplace, barbecue, as well as an area for relaxing with family and friends. Most importantly, it was to be a spot they could enjoy for many years to come. Designed by Justin Dibble, owner and designer of Fluid Design and 3D Pools, in conjunction with Sand & Stone Landscapes, the new space is modern, stylish and warm, according to Luke Roodenburg, director of Sand & Stone Landscapes, whose company carried out the construction.…

Antique Stone products were skilfully used for the update to this Sydney backyard, pool and front entry, as well as a major extension to the home’s upper level. Designed and constructed by Beecraft, the project involved updating the pool and front entry of the house in conjunction with altering the living space to give the owners a better-functioning home, while also improving the space inside the pool area with a new deck and stone surrounds. For the renovation, Antique Stone provided 500x500mm pavers and pool coping that was made to a specific size and shape to suit the owners’ requirements. Graphite stone was used at the front entry while traditional pavers, pool coping and step treads were used in the backyard. “Antique Stone is more cost effective than having stone…

Designed to closely integrate with the luxury home, this garden is an entertainer’s paradise. From the shimmering plunge pool to the curvaceous built-in sun lounge, this is a garden that was made to be enjoyed. “We were asked to create a landscape in which the outdoor entertaining area and swimming pool linked seamlessly with the home,” says Adrian Swain, ecodesign’s head designer. “This required us to coordinate our work with the project architect, interior designer, home builder and, of course, the pool builder. “Of paramount importance was the inclusion of a plunge pool, an area of grass for the children, a large outdoor entertaining space and garden views from all windows of the home — and this all had to be addressed in a manner which complemented the look and…

Located in the picturesque Sydney suburb of Maroubra, this pool seamlessly blends into the homeowner’s backyard. Featuring a geometric design and an Antique Stone finish that is both natural and stylish, this highly practical and aesthetically pleasing pool would suit any backyard. Designed and built by Pride Pools, the clean lines enhance the space and give the illusion that the yard is larger than it actually is. Pride Pools incorporated a well-proportioned urn and a waterfall water feature to the rear of the pool that add interest and complement the surrounding lush-green foliage. Near-invisible glass fencing creates a safety barrier and allows an unobstructed view of the pool area. This pool is a great addition to the backyard and is ideal for all ages. It is large enough for the…

“A good design is one that meets the needs of the whole family,” says Gavin Bazley, co-owner of Sydney-based Aquastone Pools and Landscapes. In this instance, the owners of this stunning acreage design in Sydney’s northwest have young children, so they wanted a pool that their children could not only enjoy now, but also well into their young adult life. The generous proportions of their 9m-long, solar-heated pool ensure the kids have plenty of room for fun, but there are also some great spots for mum and dad to enjoy as well. The design incorporates a ledge area with steppers and as the ledge is only 500mm deep, it’s perfect for young children to sit on and play. The step area also boasts waterspouts for the kids to swim underneath,…

Axi is a ceramic material that rediscovers, with surprising realism, all the beauty and uniqueness of irregular veining caused in nature by weather. It interprets, in a contemporary manner, different timber essences enhanced by the natural ravages of time on surfaces rich in contrast. The vital energy of timber filters through the full-body coloured porcelain stoneware, in which every detail accentuates the marked character of the material that inspired the collection. The look of natural timber combines with the advantages of porcelain stoneware — an anti-slip, anti-frost, anti-thermal shock- and weather-resistant material. Axi is suitable for indoor and outdoor venues requiring excellent technical performance, guaranteeing the highest safety and the perfect continuous effect from living room to garden. more info? Atlas Concorde atlasconcorde.it/en/info@atlasconcorde.it…

Known for its live performance and restaurant culture, Enmore in Sydney’s inner west offers a unique display of elements both young and old. The streets are lined with quaint heritagestyle homes while the walls of buildings are covered in graffiti — a characteristic that has been turned into a feature of this new development. Bold accent pieces pay homage to the graffiti that now marks the walls of this new block. Inspired by the vibrancy of the graffiticovered walls and the retro feel of the surrounding area, ACG Building, together with Alec Pappas Architects, transformed a neglected commercial building into a multifunctional, four-storey hub in Enmore’s town centre. With commercial spaces on the ground floor, the top levels host one- and two-bedroom apartments that evoke a modern, industrial feel with…

Balmain, in Sydney’s trendy inner west, is not only home to an abundance of chic cafes, but also a multitude of historic workers’ cottages, some of which have been updated, while others remain in their natural state. This dilapidated fibro, single-front dwelling has now been transformed into a four-bedroom, contemporary family residence that exceeds the owners’ brief for a two-storey home with natural ventilation that is, most importantly, energy efficient. Designed and built for a family with two young children, the home’s high level of design and detailing allows for flexibility of both use and space, while taking advantage of every available passive design opportunity on-site. “It is a very inexpensive building to operate due to the high initial investment in design, glazing, lighting and heating,” says Frank Sciacca, director…

In 100 years, this Federation cottage in Ryde (Sydney) had seen a lot of changes. To mark its centenary, its owners wanted a major makeover, with the requirement that all works had to be sympathetic to the existing home’s Federation character. “The clients’ extreme passion for Federation houses inspired the design,” says builder Brett Blandin de Chalain of BDC Building. “They wanted to retain as much heritage as possible in their quest to enhance the Federation character of the existing house.” The 1912/13-built single-storey threebedroom Federation cottage had an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area added to the rear in approximately 1990. The property was purchased in the late 1990s with a detached single-brick garage at the front. The garage was demolished in 2007 and replaced with a single carport, its slate roof…

The featured double-storey modern beach house in Callala Beach, Jervis Bay, uses a combination of render, cladding and stone tiles for its eyecatching front facade, giving it a sense of depth. The facade also showcases a verandah on the ground floor that looks out to the front yard. The client wanted to achieve a luxurious home that includes all the modern fixtures and finishes. Walking through the front door, you are immediately drawn to the American walnut staircase, which is accompanied by glass panels, a stainless-steel handrail and a beautiful feature wall with patterned wallpaper. The high void ceiling, sliding door to the verandah, skylight and floorto-ceiling windows all combine to create a welcoming, bright open space. The passivesolar-designed home maximises the use of natural light in every room. Walking…

A functional kitchen is a must in any family home, but the one in this house was far from practical. Small, enclosed and dated, it had laminate doors and a benchtop with a raised servery that invited clutter. A basic corner pantry housed most of the kitchen belongings, while the entire space was dark and uninviting. The owners approached the professional team from Dana Kitchens to create a space that would transform their home. Having spent some time in the USA, the clients had grown to love American-style kitchens with their grand scale and classic look. It was vital the new kitchen was an open, inviting area that blended with the dining and living zone. With small children in the family, a large island bench is a much-loved area for…

John Storch, principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, was commissioned to design a swimming pool, entertaining deck and gardens for this Sydney property more than 15 years ago. Last year, the company was requested to incorporate an extensive cabana and redesign the gardens and entertaining deck, allowing the owners and their children to relax and socialise. “The location of the cabana was set adjacent to the swimming pool, to the rear of the property, to visually maximise the lawn and garden,” recalls John. This in turn took advantage of the level changes to utilise the underside of the cabana as an extensive workshop and double-car garage with rear lane access. The cabana is located adjacent to the pool; it not only services the swimmers of the family, it also…

In keeping with the clean architectural lines of their newly built home, a landscape of simple contemporary design was what these owners were after. They turned to Matthew Glass of Optimal Outdoor Design for their dream garden. At the rear of the house, the landscape needed to flow from the open-plan kitchen and living area, facilitating indoor/outdoor living and providing diners with a clear view of the swimming pool. In addition to outdoor entertaining, the rear garden needed to cater for the needs of the children and the family dog, Molly. Matthew and his construction team used Australian hardwood timber to build the dining deck, which was then coated with a natural decking stain. Mechanical drop-down blinds were installed to shade the area and block afternoon sun from flooding the…

Nestled in the green bushland, this pool emerges like a tropical oasis. Designed by Jade Pools in conjunction with the owners, the featured pool takes full advantage of the sloping backyard, with a raised spa spilling into the pool and a spillway over the pool flowing into a catch tank, acting as a natural waterfall. The pool was built into the slope, appearing to be elevated from the ground. Dark-timber decking lines the perimeter of the pool and provides enough space for entertaining as well as relaxing. A small cabana is located at the rear, next to the raised spa, adding a touch of luxury. Built by Jade Swimming Pools, this sleek and modern design features a Polaris 280 pool cleaner, Thermo solar heating panels and a Davey CC28 sand…

At the heart of the featured pool was the drive to create a space that would accommodate the owner’s three children, act as an ideal place for entertaining and generate the ultimate impact. Using clever design and a combination of textures, together with bursts of fresh colour, Innovative Pools and Spas delivered exactly that for the overjoyed owners. The challenging site inspired an innovative design that cleverly utilises the otherwise unused backyard space and sloping block. Designed and built by Innovative Pools and Spas, the pool, spa and decking area are designed in three tiers so that each element blends into the next. A spa sits at the top so that the overflowing water cascades down into the large pool. An infinity edge to the pool continues the flow of…

Design is only as good as the demand it meets, and for the owners of a property situated on a jagged cliffface, the need was to transform an almost unusable plot of land into an urban oasis. Working closely with architects, designers and the clients, Urban Escape carried out both pool and landscaping projects, creating a design that is not only visually stunning but also highly practical. By utilising the entire length of the property, the company has constructed a masterpiece that marries contemporary design with the needs of a young family. The clients wanted to make use of the entire property and turn the most difficult of landscapes into a family-friendly entertainment area. A pool was a must, as was a spacious lounge area — and with a soccer-mad…

Imagine your swimming pool shimmering with the sparkle of a thousand flawless diamonds, adding elegance to your pool and surrounding area. For style, quality and entertainment value, it’s hard to go past the enduring beauty of Designer Beadcrete. With its patented glass bead technology, Designer Beadcrete adds a diamond-like shimmer and clarity to pool water. Designer Beadcrete contains a mixture of coloured irregular glass spheres and clear-glass round spheres. These spheres are embedded in a unique cement mix that contains a number of patented additives. The result is a pool interior of absolute durability, which reflects sun and artificial light throughout the water, bringing a spectacular and elegant look to any concrete shell pool. Whether a pool is recently built or has become old and tired and could use a…

Waterco’s Hydroxypure water treatment system is set to make a splash in the minds of pool owners across the globe. For pool water that is completely free of odours and taste, while being soft and gentle on the skin and even eliminating the need for showering post-swim, Hydroxypure is a dream. This is fantastic news for those looking for a healthy alternative to chlorine. Endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia and approved by its Sensitive Choice program, Hydroxypure is recognised as a product that is supportive of asthma and allergy care. A pure alternative to traditional sanitisers, Hydroxypure eliminates regular consumables such as salt, chlorine and stabiliser. It also allows your family to swim in fresh, clean water. Hydroxypure is especially suited to indoor pools as the fresh water…

The brief from the owners of this wedge-shaped corner block was to create a large open floorplan in a modern three-level home design that not only addressed all facades of their block, but also maximised their beautiful water views. As this was an open corner site not hemmed in by homes on either side, there was greater design freedom as the home would be visible from all sides. Designed by Douglas Design and crafted by boutique builder Benchmark Homes, the unique residence features a multitude of modern inclusions for today’s lifestyle, in addition to a large private entertainment area and landscaping. The home’s contemporary design aesthetic flows throughout all four elevations on the exposed corner site, which, despite its position, still allows for privacy. The critical point with the final…

Sometimes the only way to get exactly what you want in a home is to have it designed especially for you so that it’s precisely how you dreamed it would be. This thought process led this young family of four (which has since grown to five) to Bruce Fyffe, designer/manager of Fyffe Design Services. “My clients could not find a project home design that satisfied their requirements and had everything they wanted,” says Bruce. “Any variations to existing designs were expensive and at the end of the day, they would still live in a project home. So they came to me with a simple brief: a layout that suited their family and could also accommodate four large cars.” Their wish list was for a five-bedroom home plus study, with three…

Aspect has a unique service, which sensitively blends individual design relevant to today’s lifestyles with practical construction expertise. With unparalleled excellence in authentic architectural diversity and more than a generation of experience, Aspect has become a benchmark in the prestige residential marketplace offering an all-inclusive service of building, interiors and landscape design as well as project management. Our philosophy at Aspect Designs is to combine detailed and innovative concepts with a strong and continual personal interaction with every client. In doing this, we create a superior product reflecting the client’s self-expression and individuality, Through our close relationship with our preferred builders and by co-ordinating all the vital links in the chain of constructing an individual home, we are able to produce a superior result and save you time and money…

Initially just a standard residence in a great location, this 15th-floor apartment wasn’t taking advantage of its positioning on the north-east corner of a Potts Point block. The interior was also in desperate need of an update and so CMS Project Management & Construction, together with Graphite Architects, was given the task of turning this apartment into an entertainer’s oasis that encapsulated the picture-perfect scenery outside. Residing in this apartment is a single, professional woman who desired a luxurious, contemporary home that was both bright and warm, and truly made the most of the views of Watsons Bay and around to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. “The client brief was to totally strip the apartment and create a luxurious and stylish living space that would also be perfect…

Storybook Designer Homes is dedicated to producing beautiful residences. These projects are stateof-the-art, high-character design solutions at extremely competitive prices. Clients have the option of choosing traditional, classic, beach or modern styles and regardless of the building site — level, sloping or narrow — Storybook will create something special. Pictured are a few of the 2000 individual designs Storybook Designer Homes has created recently for its ownerbuilder clients. The process of individual design does not depend only on the floorplan and external shape of the house. Rather, it is the total desired impression inside and out. Storybook Designer Homes started out by providing products to satisfy the cottage and traditional market, but quickly realised there was a demand for more contemporary and coastal looks. Today, Storybook is proud of its…

Winner of the Freeform or Natural Concrete Pool up to $50,000 at the 2014 Master Builders Association NSW awards, Honey’s Pool by ACG Building is a masterful creation of clean and focused design. “The area was a large green-grassed backyard, empty and with no real landscaping to be mentioned,” says ACG Building’s Peter Phokos of the space before construction, adding, “the space was sloping to the back of the property and was unusable.” Following a body of work that involved excavating landfill and sandstone, pool concrete construction, custom-made coping and tiles — which were cut to size — constructing a custom-made Balinese-style cabana, installing an outdoor bar and sink area, and custom frameless glass fencing … the space now ticks all the boxes for the homeowners. The client was a…

With limited space in their backyard, the owners of this property wanted to make it feel larger, with different areas to escape to for both entertaining and relaxation. Before the transformation, landscape designer Matt Leacy, director of Landart Landscapes and Pools, was confronted with a completely flat, paved space that could best be described as harsh and uninviting. “Because it was very flat, once you arrived at the back door the entire space was revealed and there was no reason to go beyond the door,” says Matt. “I wanted to create a softer, more intriguing and organic area that invited you outside.” The resulting outdoor space that he and his company created is structured in a sense, but also very relaxed and casual — a contemporary space with hints of…

Looking out over a stunning view is awe-inspiring. Becoming a part of it is nothing short of remarkable, and that is what this pool permits. Designed and built by Crystal Pools, the pool has transformed a natural marvel into an interactive space made for both fun and relaxation. Driving this metamorphosis is the family lap pool, designed and constructed to marry the clients’ home with the water’s edge to create a never-ending horizon that begins in their own backyard. It not only dramatically increases the value of the home, but it enhances the clients’ lifestyle and the surrounding environment. The pool was designed to connect the residence to the sprawling coastline while creating an ambient atmosphere in harmony with the character of the home. It serves as an example of…

Not only did Design Pools successfully create this pool and outdoor living area, the company also undertook the complete home renovation. The result is a project that clearly demonstrates Design Pools’ devotion to the construction of high-quality pools and landscapes that cater to clients’ everyday needs. By incorporating an alfresco into the design, the company maximised room for the pool and provided shade around the dining area to ensure the space can be used all year round. The elevated alfresco features an outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue, sink and drinks fridge. The alfresco offers an unimpeded view of the pool, allowing adults to supervise children, while at the same time, providing a perfect outlook of the entire yard. Glass fencing surrounding the pool not only fulfils safety requirements, but also…

We aren’t always fortunate enough to have opulent spaces, but generally we can plan our own small sanctuary to its best potential. This usually entails an outdoor deck and shade cover and privacy for dining and relaxing. The more natural the setting, the closer to nature we feel. House of Bamboo has helped countless Australians achieve their own sanctuary. The company has been an Australian pioneer of eco-friendly and sustainable products since 1975. A specialist in all types of bamboo products for both outdoor and indoor use, House of Bamboo now provides the latest generation in natural fencing, shading and decking materials. Perhaps for your setting, a simple fence cladding is ideal. A natural fence cladding such as bamboo can hide unsightly fences and provide a sense of cohesion. Or…

The temperature may fall, but outside heaters mean families can enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. And the good news is that not only can you stay toasty warm regardless of the weather, you can also forget about hefty energy bills. HEATSTRIP CLASSIC A stylish electric radiant heater, Heatstrip Classic provides even and comfortable heat. With a distinctive slim profile and black face, the Heatstrip Classic blends elegantly into any decor. According to Thermofilm Australia, it is one of the most energy-efficient heaters available, with running costs starting from just 30 cents per hour. Heatstrip can be used anywhere around the home, including houses and apartments with undercover outdoor living and alfresco dining areas such as barbecue zones, patios, verandahs, courtyards and balconies. They can even be installed under an…