Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue#8 2018 i Best Homes

This block in South Coogee, overlooking the ocean in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, featured a very old brick house that no longer took advantage of its enviable location. The solution was to knock it down so that the new homeowners could build their dream home, which they can enjoy for many years. “The site was steep and very narrow, which made it difficult to work with, however due to our many years of building experience, this was not the first time that we had to work with a narrow site,” say Nino Sanzari and Jon Vithoulka of Starr Constructions, who were entrusted with the build. The clients, a family of two adults and two children, envisaged a very luxurious, modern family home. Ultimately they wanted their dream home. Inspiration for the…

For their vacant block in Sydney’s Hills district, these clients — a family with two young children — requested an upmarket French provincial-style family home with a point of difference upon entry. “They presented me with photos of mostly French provincial-look houses, and I showed them some homes that I had previously designed,” says designer Bruce Fyffe of Fyffe Design Services. The custom-designed four-bedroom home with study, brought to life by Balmoral Homes director Craig Egginton and the Balmoral team, offers three living areas plus an upstairs gallery. The master suite boasts a sitting space with Juliet balcony, a luxury ensuite and large walk-in dressing room. Bedroom two offers a walk-in robe and ensuite, and bedrooms three and four incorporate walk-in robes and a shared bathroom. Bedrooms two and three,…

Porter Davis celebrated its first year in the Queensland market on December 3, 2017. Less than a month before, it enjoyed its first win in the 2017 HIA–CSR Brisbane Housing Awards, winning the Display Home Over $500,001 category. The winning home was the Marriott Grange 49, inspiration for which came following a tour of the grand homes in the Hamptons, USA, undertaken by the Porter Davis design team. The Marriott Grange 49 features the Porter Davis best-in-class Hamptons interior paired with the coastal and classic tones of the Long Island facade. Located at The Rochedale Estates, just a short drive from Brisbane’s CBD, the Marriot Grange 49 is Porter Davis’s most sought-after home. It delivers seven-star hotel-style luxury and a sense of grandeur to those looking to live and entertain…

When a mature-aged couple decided to swap their hectic city lives for the sea-side tranquillity of Sorrento, they wanted to create a retirement home that had all the style and mod-cons of a luxurious Melbourne residence — not just a little holiday cottage. The 45-year-old timber bungalow they discovered was a typical old beach shack you’d expect to find on the peninsula. “The bungalow was on a really generous block with ample boundary side access,” says Janine Carter, interior designer at Canny, who, along with Canny Architecture, transformed the bungalow. “The clients needed it to be large enough to have their family come and stay too, so a generous home with lots of space was required. With adult married children and grandchildren often staying overnight or for dinner, this house…

Tailor-made for young families and second-home buyers in search of additional space, the award-winning Huntley 30 ticks every box. It offers flexible living and adaptable spaces, is ideal for entertaining, and allows every family member the room they need to do their own thing without treading on each other’s toes. Not only did Rawson Homes design the Huntley 30 with the lifestyle needs of today’s family very much in mind, it was designed especially for smaller, narrower, modern-day blocks. Even though this home is perfect for a 13.5m-wide block, it still feels light and roomy and manages to provide an abundance of interior space across its two cleverly designed floors. At Rawson Homes, the design process for each home is very considered. This ensures each element is rigorously reviewed before…

These NSW Central Coast clients — working parents with two young children — chose Broadworth to design and construct a three-bedroom, modest-sized home with just enough space for their young family. Architecturally, they wanted the home to reflect the local/coastal materiality of weatherboards/lightweight cladding, while having a contemporary form and roofline. They had renovated a home and lived in it, but their second residence was a project home that left them disappointed with the process and surprise costs throughout the build. They had previously built using in-situ construction methods, but decided to utilise the modular system for their third house — their first modular home build — to benefit from the reduced construction time and a predictable budget. The clients had just sold their existing home and needed a quick…

Storybook Designer Homes is committed to producing beautiful residences. These projects are state-of-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 owner-builder 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 began 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 enthusiastic…

Before beginning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you’ll want to determine your design brief (what do you hope to achieve?) and decide on your baseline budget (how much are you prepared to spend?). If you have no idea where to start, you may initially need a designer to help you prepare a concept design and establish a ball-park budget. CONCEPT DESIGN Concept design is the first stage of the design process, in which the broad outlines of your project are defined, ideas are brainstormed and various options are explored. Investing some energy, time and money into this stage will help you approach the rest of the project with confidence. After working with your designer, you may decide you’re ready to go, or perhaps hold back and save a little more…

Italians are known for being market leaders when it comes to fashion and design, and the 3N1 Multitap from InSinkErator is no exception. Coming in two finishes, matt black and chrome, and three different striking designs to suit kitchens ranging in style from contemporary to country, the 3N1 is sure to have a look that you will love. Not only that, but thanks to an augmented reality app, you can picture the tap in your own kitchen, allowing you to get the look that’s right for you. The InSinkErator delivers steaming-hot water in a flash. This function is delivered thanks to the Neotank, a 2.5L tank that allows you to heat only what you need while conserving energy. You can receive water at temperatures of up to 98 degrees Celsius…

The owners of a tired backyard in Sydney’s Neutral Bay wanted to transform their space into a tranquil haven, perfect for relaxation while still providing room for their children to play. They enlisted the help of architect Chris Owen and Artesian Pools and the backyard was given a total overhaul. It now features a new pool, stunning landscaping and beautiful stone retaining walls. This is a busy family so functionality was a key element of the pool design. The new pool was constructed inside the original kidney-shaped pool, which was set at the rear of the property. The site had difficult access points so keeping the pool in this part of the backyard was the best solution possible and kept the largest grassed area for entertaining and children’s activities. A…

Positioned on a 700–800sqm block in Kellyville, in Sydney’s Hills district, this modern rectangular pool is the ultimate in entertaining. It flows beautifully from the alfresco to become an extension of the entertaining area and also includes a 2m x 2m spa, perfect for entertaining all year round. The pool also features an extended deck with pergola within the pool area — ideal for relaxing while enjoying the outdoors. “The homeowner asked us for a pool that he could use for entertaining family and friends,” explains Gavin Bazley of Aquastone Pools and Landscapes. “He trusted us to develop a pool design that would complement the new home and create the ultimate in outdoor entertaining. “A good design is something that meets a client’s brief. As well as being great for…

What’s better than being able to enjoy year-round alfresco living alongside a gorgeous pool that sparkles day and night? “The brief was clear: embrace the architectural lines of the home and integrate this into the pool design,” says Brett Cantwell, one of the two directors at Form Pool Designs, the Melbourne-based company that designed and built this stunning pool. Given the home has large floor-to-ceiling windows across the entire back of the ground floor, as well as expansive windows on the second storey, this pool can be seen from many rooms so it needed to be spectacular. The 5m x 4.8m slim-line pool is nestled into the space between the alfresco area and the back boundary — the best position for maximum sunlight exposure and visibility from the outdoor entertaining…

The modern family wants it all. Space to entertain, a swimming pool so they can cool down in summer, and somewhere the kids can play. Thanks to Grant Tattersall of Grant’s Landscapes, the owners of this property in Emu Plains in Sydney’s outer western suburbs have all of this — and a great deal more. The homeowners’ brief was for a modern, low-maintenance rear garden that would be a showpiece. Grant came up with a contemporary design that maximises the space and has a resort-style vibe that makes every day feel like a holiday. For the front garden, the look needed to be equally modern and provide the home with maximum street appeal. In the backyard, nestled beneath the raked roof of a pergola, is an above-ground spa. Stone-veneer-clad walls…

Designed by Jade Pools in conjunction with the owners, this pool emerges like a tropical oasis out of the bush. 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 filter,…

Sometimes garden lighting is a bit of an afterthought. A lot of care goes into choosing paving, plants and pots, but how much attention is paid to what should be illuminated and how? Thinking about how you will light your garden during the design stage makes all the difference to how it will look — and feel — at night. Integrating lighting into your original garden design plan means the end result will look intentional rather than like a late addition. Moreover, it can save you money and considerable hassle in the long run. Finding an outdoor lighting expert with horticultural knowledge and landscape design experience is the key to success. So, too, is choosing premium-quality fittings. Castlight, a company specialising in low-voltage (12-volt) architectural and landscape lighting, ticks all…

A luxurious poolscape is created when a beautiful pool is surrounded by an equally outstanding landscape. It can be difficult to determine exactly what is needed to perfect your pool environment, but often the decking can be the most striking element. With decking and timber features that are well cared for and tastefully designed, a polished and elegant finish is the likely outcome. Versatile enough to be used for decks, pergolas, prominent features or furniture, timber continues to play a vital role in the modern landscape. The effect can be as subtle as incorporating an element of polish into a more rustic space, or as bold as using timber to give your landscape a special lift. A practical but elegant decking area, large striking woodwork and intricate timber designs are…

Avacant block of land presents the opportunity to create something special without any of the hindrances that occur when a pre-existing structure lies in the way of your new abode. And that’s exactly what this Bella Vista (Sydney) home, designed by architects Aspect Designs, was afforded. In a typical family residence, occupants tend to live on top of each other and spaces are filled to the brim. This modern take on a family home prioritises space, and there’s plenty of it for a couple with two young children. “The client wanted a spacious house in which they would feel comfortable,” says Nino Sanzari from Starr Constructions. Beginning from scratch, there was a considerable amount of work to be completed, including a cinema, multi-car garage, courtyard, living and kitchen area, laundry,…

Gremmo Homes’ latest display house began with a simple concept. “Our objective was to create a contemporary design with a relaxed feel,” says Richard Gremmo. “There are finishes and inclusions that you wouldn’t usually find in a display home. We have more than 20 years of experience as a custom home builder, and we are well aware of the design concepts and inclusions that are both popular and also functional. We have worked hard to create an adaptable layout that can be easily adjusted to accommodate unique circumstances, such as narrow-width lots and sloping sites.” The home has a substantial street presence, accentuated by two advanced native Brachychiton ‘Bottle’ trees. Welcoming wideformed stairs provide a subtle transition from the footpath to the entry of the home, framed by a double-storey…

This impressive luxury abode is the jewel in the crown of Castle Glenn Homes. In 2017, it not only won for the prestige builder the coveted title of Queensland Home of the Year in the HIA–CSR Queensland Housing Awards, it also won the Custom Built Home, Outdoor Living Project and Steel Frame Project of the Year categories. The creation of this spectacular two-storey waterfront residence overlooking the canals of Raby Bay was, in every sense, a Castle Glenn Homes’ family affair. The design, a contemporary masterpiece capitalising on the unsurpassed view of the canals, is the creation of Dean Bolger. Dean’s father, Glenn, built the home to the highest standards, and Glenn’s wife, Toni, brought the home to life, creating stunning interior and exterior spaces of refined design and timeless…

There are many benefits to investing in solar power. Of course, the obvious one is that solar is a sustainable solution for both now and the future, as solar energy systems are capable of offering homeowners savings of up to $3000 per year, not to mention increasing the property’s value. However, an independent study of 1000 participants, conducted by roofing expert Monier, showed some homeowners have reservations about investing in solar. The main reason is that consumers find it all quite complicated, and there is also a lack of trust in the advice they are receiving. This attitude could be driven by the fact that there are many small one-man bands with little experience pushing solar because it’s currently on trend and they are hoping to make a quick buck.…

Located down a leafy, picturesque street in one of Brisbane’s most prestigious suburbs, this abode uses a combination of minimalist-style and contemporary features for breathtaking results. The brilliantly designed project was spearheaded by O’Shea & Sons Builders and encompasses sleek lines and an open layout that’s perfect for a summer of entertaining. As with most projects, there were some hurdles to overcome during the build. The property was previously located on an overgrown, elevated vacant block of land with a protected Australian gum tree at the front. As it is on a small lot, the space between the house and the adjoining property was limited. It is also sited on a narrow street with restricted parking due to the proximity of the University of Queensland. However, Nick O’Shea of O’Shea…

Extending over 14 squares, Swenrick Constructions’ Sea Haven design is a stylish, sleek and inviting option for a couple or family who want to bring a touch of the coast to their home build. With a walk-in robe and ensuite in the master bedroom, and built-in robes to the other two bedrooms, Swenrick Constructions has incorporated storage solutions that maximise the available space. The open-plan family, living and kitchen areas allow for individual touches to be made throughout the build, and floorplans can be further modified to cater for individual preferences. Suiting both country and seaside living, the design of Sea Haven aims to promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle through durable building materials and design considerations. Aluminium awnings, sliding windows and sliding doors come in a range of colours to…

When you’re looking for a home builder, experience is important, but so too is local knowledge. Working throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Stroud Homes is a group of licensed and locally based builders, each with many years of design and building experience. Each builder is also an expert in their local area and is fully accustomed to the demands of local councils and land developers. With Stroud Homes, finding a package to fit your land, budget and family is easy and with a commitment to ensuring your build goes smoothly, you can be assured of an excellent end result. The quality of a Stroud Homes’ build was recognised multiple times in the 2017 HIA-CSR Queensland Housing Awards, with the company receiving awards for six of its homes located…

NEW RIMLESS YORK TOILET RANGE With easy-clean glazing and removable slim soft-close seat, keeping your toilet clean and hygienic has never been easier. The innovative design of a rimless ledge keeps water from flushing outside the bowl without compromising a total flush. NEW PVD BRUSHED PLATINUM TAPWARE RANGE More environmentally friendly than traditional coating processes, PVD is one of the most durable finishes available today. Innova’s PVD brushed platinum tapware range includes basin and kitchen tapware, showers and bathroom accessories to give timeless, long-lasting style to your home. PVD Gun Metal, PVD Brushed Brass and PVD Vintage Brass also available on request. Innova provides the highest-quality contemporary luxury bathroom products to Australia. Each model has been handpicked to bring unique flair into the bathroom while maintaining exemplary quality standards. Products…

Baumatic Appliances has always been synonymous with style, performance and reliability. Baumatic puts thought and passion into the finer details to enhance the beauty of the most elaborate kitchen designs. The appliances are crafted with the aid of state-of-the-art technology to achieve premium quality and ease of operation. The company has had a proud history in more than 40 countries worldwide for more than 25 years and consistently works with major appliance retailers and commercial businesses in Australia. Baumatic has a dedicated commercial sales and administration team that controls the process from proposal through to order and project delivery. Baumatic’s mission is not only to offer you a quality product, but to also provide you with support when you make a purchase. Your appliance is supported by a specialised inhouse…

The brief from the homeowners was to create a contemporary resort-like space incorporating a swimming pool and cabana with lawn and gardens, as well as upgrading the elevations of the house. Shaun Wright, senior designer at A Total Concept, has met the brief perfectly, creating a space for the homeowners that incorporates everything a family could want for both day-today living and weekend socialising with friends. The entire project has been designed in a contemporary style, with simple clean lines to totally integrate the home with the pool, cabana and garden area. The rear of the property looked out onto a bushland reserve but had little privacy from adjacent neighbours, so a formal hedge garden was planted along the perimeter. This has created a concealed space in which Shaun was…

Classic and with a dash of French provincial flair, the front and rear gardens that embrace this home are simple, sophisticated and dateless. Designed by Les Edwards from ED Landscapes, who worked in close collaboration with Rod Lindner from Homestead Homes, the gardens provide a stunning outlook from every vantage point inside and around the two-storey house. “The brief was straightforward: to create functional, family-friendly gardens with a hint of French provincial style to complement the house,” explains Les. “The design also needed to take into account the property’s location on Sydney’s upper North Shore and be both stylish and elegant.” Les, who describes the design as “classic, sophisticated and unfussy”, also says there is a formal air to it, yet warmth and softness, too. The latter elements are provided…

Of relaxed formal design, this captivating garden has charm and grace in abundance. More importantly, it’s a garden that provides the family with myriad places in which they can unwind, entertain or play. The garden, designed by Liam McKenzie of Vivid Outdoors, in collaboration with landscape architect Hugh Burnett, is sophisticated and classic. The house had been recently renovated so the owners wanted to create a seamless connection between the residence and the garden, in addition to providing spaces both adults and children could enjoy. Boasting strong, clean lines, the garden strikes the perfect balance between modern functionality and traditional formal design. This can be seen in various elements, including the large-format stepping stones. The steppers, along with the paving used for the outdoor room and swimming pool surrounds, are…

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START? I started my career with the usual landscape construction jobs — paving, planting and the like — but during a trip to Mt Buffalo in Victoria, I came across some stunning waterfalls and rock pools. I thought it would be wonderful to re-create these in my own backyard. I then discovered Waterscapes Australia, a company that creates beautiful natural-looking ponds and streams. Inspired, I decided that was what I wanted to specialise in so I drew on my experience and qualifications (an Associate Degree in Environmental Horticulture and a Certificate III in Landscape Construction) to embark on a new business venture. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? Nature knows best — the key is to work with nature, not against it. Also, any man-made elements…

Urban Design Systems (UDS) creates its own unique range of decorative laser-cut concepts including laser-cut screening designs, sculptures and other garden elements. UDS laser-cut concepts can be applied in many forms for both commercial and residential applications and the company works in consultation with architects, designers and developers or direct with residential clients. UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create products that can add intrinsic value to a project. It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes to generate the look you want for your project, so add colour to your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth and texture of timber-grained Weathertex, or appreciate the earthy and rustic elegance of weathered steel. SCREENING AND FENCING Laser-cut screening offers a creative alternative to the…

With its considered combination of hard landscaping, lush planting and arresting artwork, this elegant garden in Prahran, Melbourne, was no ordinary project. The facade of the original house has major heritage significance, which needed to be acknowledged in the garden design. Of course, the modern two-storey extension also needed to be recognised, with the garden playing an important role in seamlessly combining the two very different styles of architecture. “Creating functional spaces around the garden where the owners could entertain was equally imperative, as was establishing a sense of privacy,” explains Merrick Hide, principal of Merrick Hide Design. “Given the layout of the house, this required careful consideration in the selection of the appropriate trees and their placement. And there was one more thing. The homeowners are devoted art collectors…

Dso it tough and do it right — that’s how the team at Tufright get things done, with a superior and environmentally friendly range of composite decking and cladding. As well as loving the earth, Tufright products are durable, non-slip and moisture and termite resistant. Plus there’s no need for oiling, painting or resealing, and even less concern about warping, fading and chipping. Tufright uses an existing or new decking frame to lay its low-maintenance composite boards that require little more than the occasional sweep and hose down to keep them looking fresh and new. Guaranteed not to split or crack, and with no exposed nails to trip you up or split your toes, composite boards are the hottest trend in alfresco design. Tufright composite decking boards are made from…

Little Wobby Beach is a small river settlement on the lower Hawkesbury River, opposite Brooklyn where the railway line crosses the river. Access to this steep site, in bushfire-prone land, is via boat only, with everything brought in by barge. The site is in a potential land slippage area and extensive excavation was required as the home to be built had to be kept as low as possible to meet council height constraints and allow the shared views of neighbouring properties. Hillside excavation required extensive geotechnical, engineering, builder and owner efforts at site-prep stage. The site had an existing wharf and boatshed and the existing boatshed was to become an intricate part of the development’s roof design, both aesthetically and to provide entry to the new home. As such, it…

A few years ago, Lisa and Jason became completely fed up with going to house auctions in inner Melbourne every weekend. The prices kept going up and they had to compromise more and more. Then one weekend, it hit them — why not build one of those “Harkaways” they had admired in the past? Before long, they had bought a knockdown property in a great location and were sitting in the showroom at Harkaway Homes’ head office, feeling a bit nervous about their sudden decision. Fast-forward to just 12 months later and they had already moved into their beautiful two-storey Gabled Victorian Traditional home. Lisa and Jason’s house, which offers charm and comfort in abundance, is an impressive 34m² in size, with living and dining areas downstairs and four bedrooms…

When building a new house, you want both beautiful design and practicality — and it can be incredibly hard to achieve both at the same time. However, for Brisbane homeowner Kristy Gilchrist and her family, that’s exactly what they achieved with the selection of their Monier Cambridge roof tiles (in Soho Night), along with Monier’s newly released InlineSOLAR roofing solution. The end result created a perfect coastal look with a slate-inspired tile topped off with seamless A-line ridging. InlineSOLAR is an industry first, allowing solar panels to integrate seamlessly into the roofline and providing the Gilchrist family with a streamlined look, while still allowing them to save hundreds of dollars on their electricity costs. “People who walk past the house can’t believe that we have solar,” says Kristy. “The property…

Once you’re completely happy with the design and orientation of your new home, it’s time to start looking at the building materials, products and finishes you will use. When selecting products for a new home or a home renovation, you need to consider what will help improve the thermal comfort of your abode. Ian Fry from Frys Energywise shares his top 10 tips, not necessarily in order of importance, for making eco-friendly, sustainable choices. TIP 1: WINDOWS Installing energy-efficient windows will not only help reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable to live in, it will also protect interior furniture and furnishings from being damaged by the sun. TIP 2: WINDOW FURNISHINGS Window furnishing (blinds, curtains, shutters) also help protect the interior of your home from the…

Parkwood Modular Buildings’ clients were a working family from the North Shore of Sydney. The family chose to pull down their existing beach holiday fibro home and build a modern holiday home suited to their property’s special position by the water, opposite a ferry wharf on the Central Coast. “They had architect-approved plans already drawn up,” explains Parkwood Modular Buildings’ manager Kathy Hall, “but found they were too expensive and they had just finished renovating their home in Sydney, which was costly and time-consuming. The clients didn’t want to incur similar blow-outs in costs and instead looked for a fixed-price contract without the hassle of managing the build. “When the client contacted us, they said they had been recommended to look at pre-fab homes as an alternative. They were looking…

Architecturally designed in conjunction with the homeowners, this project brief was straightforward. It called for co-ordinated joinery throughout the entire home including ensuite, bathroom, walk-in-robe, laundry and a kitchen that was easy to work in and ideal for entertaining. A number of factors contribute to this room’s functionality. When combined, the generous workspaces, clever use of kitchen zones and practical placement of appliances create a space that is wonderfully efficient. The island bench, complete with reconstituted stone benchtop with waterfall ends, is deeper than the standard benches, ensuring the workspaces are both striking and spacious. Thanks to the clearly defined work zones, the kitchen perfectly accommodates entertaining, as guests can sit at the island bench and chat while the homeowner prepares meals. The visually stunning American oak cabinetry, chasing streamlined…

“Before the renovation, this kitchen was more than 20 years old and was located in a separate room. With the removal of an existing wall, the contemporary space is now a far cry from the previously outdated design. The owners were after a modern kitchen that opened up to both the living room and outdoor terrace and view. The integration of the kitchen into the living and dining areas provides a wonderful entertaining and family space, while a marble benchtop provides a dash of something special to go with the view. The kitchen itself has loads of storage with Blum internals to maximise functionality. The overhang on the breakfast bar provides a key informal meeting space in the middle of the home, while a mirrored splashback reflects the view and…

As Australia continues to foster a world-class foodie culture, more and more home cooks are searching for innovative equipment to cater to their growing needs. ILVE Australia heavily influences the design of its global appliances and cooktops is where ILVE shines. ILVE’s VERSA cooktop cleverly combines the brass “infinity” wok burner with a four-zone induction cooktop to cater for those who regularly cook with a wok, which is the only way to perfect many Asian recipes. The burner allows the heat to reach around the side of a wok so ingredients can be cooked at the same intensity when stir-frying, which allows for restaurant-quality cuisine. Induction is now hugely popular due to the power and precision of the technology, so ILVE has integrated both cooking functions into one clever appliance.…

A recently renovated residence was the point of inspiration for these clients when it came to their new pool. They envisaged a striking, modern, one-of-a-kind pool that could be admired from the house above and the harbour below — a space that maximised and reflected the location, with the gorgeous Sydney Harbour as the backdrop. The existing pool was dated, extensively damaged and had very little space for relaxation or entertaining; it was a simple concrete rectangle with a 1m-wide walkway to its perimeter, isolated by a pool fence. The basic pool didn’t have any real design features or any link to the residence above. The renovated pool was designed to reflect the stunning location and the clients’ brief. The pool was to be completely modernised to incorporate a wet…

With a passion for outdoor entertaining and a strong desire for a swimming pool, the owners of this tricky site in Sydney’s southern suburbs knew they would need expert help if they were to have the alfresco paradise they wanted. To achieve their dream, they turned to Samuel Ward of Metropolitan Landscapes. “The lower area of the backyard was unusable and unsafe so we levelled it off and took the space to its limits by installing a pool and a pergola,” says Samuel. “To connect the house to the pool area, we installed wide stairs that give safe and open access to the lower-level entertaining zone. For me, the streamlined access from the pergola area to the pool is a standout feature of the design. To ensure an easy transition,…

On a stunning property on the tranquil Sydney foreshore, this pool seamlessly blends with the home’s natural surroundings. Its timeless design represents the expertise of Pride Pools’ signature range. In conjunction with building project manager Doug Ditchfield, Pride Pools was able to present a classic and luxurious pool that blends effortlessly with the grandeur of the house. Each element was chosen with meticulous care to embody a natural flow to suit the remarkable location. Unique luminous blue tiles by Bisazza, laid by Pride Pools’ own tilers, cover the entirety of the pool and spa. Warm-white underwater LED lights by Aqua-Quip were installed to cast a radiant glow over the water, creating a magical ambience for those swimming at night. Gas heating by Astral Viron keeps the water at the most…

The inviting outdoor spaces that wrap around this renovated home in a north-western Sydney suburb provide the perfect setting for entertaining — or for simply relaxing at the end of a hard week. The creative force behind this alfresco oasis is Justin Dibble, managing director and principal designer of Fluid Design, who worked in close collaboration with the homeowner. “The owner of the property is an inventive builder who had just completed a beautiful renovation of the home and wanted the outdoor entertaining area and garden to reflect this, with the pool being the showpiece,” explains Justin. “He had really great ideas about how he wanted things to look and our role was to understand his vision and bring those ideas together in a functional way so his construction team…

For an outdoor living space you can use year-round, you need the experts from Outrigger Awnings & Sails. Outrigger specialises in the creation of high-quality custom-designed shade and rainproof fabric structures for all domestic and commercial applications. Designs include retracting, batten and cantilevered awnings, awnings for carports and pergolas, as well as shade sails and outdoor blinds. Designed for strength and longevity, Outrigger’s impressive awnings are the ideal choice when you want year-round coverage in a high-wind area. Outrigger retracting awnings can withstand winds up to 100km/h while the company’s fixed awnings are rated for winds up to 140km/h. All awnings are custom designed and engineered and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be specifically tailored to your site and your…

Glass is unquestionably on trend right now and is used in many of Australia’s best homes to create the light, open-plan living spaces we love. Whether it be feature glass windows, frameless shower screens, bifold doors or glass pool fencing, glass surfaces create a spacious, designer aesthetic. But how do you keep them clean and looking like new? EnduroShield creates an invisible protective barrier that helps protect against contaminants etching into the glass surface, which is porous. Instead, water and contaminants bead up on the protective treatment just like in a non-stick frying pan, and are then easily wiped off with a damp microfibre cloth and a mild detergent. In the bathroom, glass shower screens are protected from a build-up of soap scum and grime, substantially decreasing the time and…

Are you sick of wasting time cleaning your pool? Don’t spend precious leisure hours doing maintenance work for your new pool when Waterco’s Q360 in-floor pool-cleaning system can do it for you. It automatically cleans most of the pool, even while you swim. Virtually invisible, the Q360 system is fully automatic and can handle high debris levels, so there is no need for an additional cleaner with hoses and cords that tangle. The Q360 also circulates water through the pool, resulting in less algae growth and better heat and chemical dissipation, with increased operating efficiencies and reduced chemical and heating costs. Though in-floor pool cleaning systems have been around for years, the Q360 has fewer moving parts and a valve design that propels water more effectively through the system. “This…