Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue#9 2018 i Best Homes

The build of this multifaceted new home began when the homeowner saw possibilities for the site that became too intriguing to ignore. Recognising the potential of the site in the Sydney suburb of Bella Vista, 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…

These NSW Central Coast clients — working parents with two young children — chose Broadworth Modular 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 and 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 the 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…

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 surroundings. 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 as well as a clubhouse. “The clients had very 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 that would be closely aligned to a series of pavilion-style sleeping pods, each with a…

This home’s previous kitchen was a very dark timber space that had been designed in a classic style. It featured an awkward angled island bench that took up too much of the area for the small amount of storage it provided. Though the kitchen was quite functional, the new homeowners wanted to replace it as they were dissatisfied with the layout. The homeowners requested a Hamptons-style kitchen which would have the added benefit of being exceptionally functional. The end result is an on-trend kitchen featuring the best of classic design with the benefits of new technology. The new kitchen is refined and elegant; the galley style offers a neat work triangle and the most efficient storage possibilities. The island bench was straightened during the renovation to open up the corner,…

There is no white in sight in this modern, semi-industrial-style kitchen. The space is characterised by soft greys, warm timber tones and storage galore thanks to two large appliance cabinets. The statement piece is undoubtedly the huge 6m island, which accommodates the cooktop, large sink area and a versatile space for seating and serving. A dark colour for the benchtop adds a stylish accent to this natural-look kitchen and ensures the high-use surface is low maintenance. Stainless steel was chosen for the washing up and food preparation area for easy cleaning, and to lend an industrial vibe. Part of a total redesign of the lower floor, circulation across the entire level was an important consideration. The homeowners wanted to avoid bulky ventilation systems and create thermal efficiency in the large,…

One of Australia’s leading stone companies, Talostone® has introduced two new colours, Imperial Danby™ 9020 and Calacatta Luxe™ 9030, adding to its already impressive collection of natural marble-look, low-maintenance surfaces. The finish is extremely smooth and pleasant to the touch, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and most interior surfaces. In addition to offering stunning good looks and a natural feel, Calacatta Luxe™ is available in a jumbo size of 3200mm x1600mm; thicknesses of 20mm and 12mm are also available. The 12mm thickness is perfect for splashbacks and wall panels for bathrooms. As with all Talostone® products, the new colours are highly stain-resistant and easy to clean, yet durable enough to handle the demands of a busy family kitchen. The newly released colours — Imperial Danby™ 9020 and Calacatta Luxe™…

Multitap3N1™ is a high-end, Italian-designed and -manufactured range of tapware for those who want style and convenience in equal measure. A standard kitchen mixer tap with the added functionality of steaming hot water, the Multitap3N1™ comes in two colours — matt black and chrome — and three different shapes, ensuring a look to suit all kitchen styles. The tank boasts a revolutionary design, which means that all the heat it generates is released through the tap itself. Another standout feature is the safety lock mechanism on the steaming hot water lever. Offering the convenience of instant steaming-hot water at the flick of a lever, the Multitap3N1™ can be used for endless applications that will save you time in the kitchen. These include: • Making tea and coffee• Blanching vegetables• Preparing…

A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Pool Designers was commissioned to design the external areas of this elegant Sydney estate to incorporate a swimming pool and associated entertaining areas, a refurbished tennis court, driveway and formal front-entry court, all to be set within stunning traditional gardens. The residence needed no work, but the grounds had not been touched since the house was built more than a century ago, so they required major reworking and upgrading. “The best way to describe the external areas in real estate terms would be ‘in an original state’ or ‘a renovator’s delight’, which effectively gave us a free palette to work with,” says John Storch of A Total Concept. “There were four very distinct external areas to be designed and developed. First, a period-style driveway…

The best gardens have a sense of place. They look like they belong, not just to the house they envelop, but also the wider environment. Here in this stunning bushland location in the New South Wales Blue Mountains, the LMLS Group has built such a garden. Given the property’s steep slope, this project presented a raft of challenges, but it also provided the opportunity to create something special. The brief from the owners was very specific. “The new outdoor spaces didn’t just need to be functional, it was important they complemented the home’s facade, a contemporary mix of concrete, rust-effect walling and glass, and capitalised on the views around the property,” says David Croft, director of LMLS Group. The trickiest part of the brief was taming the precipitous 30m slope.…

For this family’s very steep waterfront block, which boasts stunning multi-million-dollar harbour views, a glass infinity-edge pool design was chosen and brought to fruition by Artesian Pools. It not only fulfils the family’s need for an outdoor entertaining space, it also capitalises on the spectacular outlook. The company is a firm believer in making the most out of the available space and taking advantage of the natural focal points of each property, and this rectangular pool and its enviable location in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is no exception. “The pool is located as close to the water as possible to take advantage of the harbour views,” explains Zeb Rodrigues of Artesian Pools. “All of the available space has been utilised and the addition of the cabana means there are facilities close…

It’s been 20 years since Andrew and Liz Fenton of Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces started making Australian backyards warmer. First, they introduced us to the joys of the Mexican clay chiminea, after which they went on to manufacture an Australian version — the cast-iron Aussie Heatwave chiminea, which is made in rural Australia. While the charm of a clay chiminea is undeniable, they soon discovered that the Mexican version did not always handle Australian conditions well. Sadly, they cracked and fell apart. As a result, they set about making a virtually indestructible version and the solid cast-iron Aussie Heatwave was born. The Aussie Heatwave chiminea is made from thick, premium-quality cast iron using a single-piece casting. There are no joins or welds, moving parts or air vents, and no grates either…

With the stunning Hayman 39, you won’t need to wait until vacation time to enjoy the full island paradise experience. Featuring a lavish resort-style master suite with a private balcony for mum and dad, and a relaxing Bahamas-inspired interior, this home makes every day feel like a holiday. Designed by Porter Davis’ expert team, and with a focus on family living, this house allows you to leave behind all the stresses and pressures of modern life and enjoy sundrenched living spaces and luxurious indoor-outdoor entertaining zones. The Hayman 39 is spread over two levels, with plenty of living space for those who love to have family and friends over. Smartly designed with free-flowing open-plan living spaces, it includes a luxe kitchen with a galley and pantry, four bedrooms, four living…

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…

Quality joinery is a crucial element of every new home build or renovation project. We asked Andrew Jhavery of Ark Joinery to share his expert advice on how to get the best results. Q. What advice would you give to people planning a new home or renovation? A. I think having real trust in the company you’re working with is crucial. It’s always easier and much more productive if a client comes to us and says, “Hey, we’ve got X amount to work with and this is what we’re hoping to achieve out of it.” It gives us a solid starting point and allows us to work out in what areas we can reduce costs, while making more allowances in other areas to achieve the client’s end vision. We’ve worked…

Old meets new in this rustic yet refined kitchen. Elements of the surrounding countryside were brought into this gorgeous space to create a high-end finish to this newly built home. Exposed recycled brick walls and polished concrete floors were chosen to mimic the fertile soils beyond the window and provide a rustic canvas for this beautiful kitchen. The space glows with an inviting country vibe, full of rich textures and colours. Reminiscent of farmhouses long past, this hard-working family kitchen doubles as a communal space that’s perfect for entertaining or drawing the family together. The myriad textures are included with purpose — the brick walls that extend beneath the stone mantle to support the heavy structure, the load-bearing piers hidden behind a panel front that speak volumes about the thought…

Part of a new home build, this traditional kitchen mixes carefully chosen details and superb design into a chic, cohesive space. With the kitchen situated in the heart of the home, there were many details to consider that factored in the positioning of the walls, doors and open-plan layout. Offering a glimpse into the past, this kitchen utilises classic elements such as the ESSE electric cooker, detailed mouldings, and the imported birdcage pendant lights to exude a timeless aesthetic. The prime feature of the kitchen is undoubtedly the mantle surrounding the stove, the heavy body complementing the light and airy feel of the room. Full of functionality, from the easy-pull drawer handles to the stainless-steel inserts and spice unit, this kitchen brims with plentiful storage and practical components. A breezy…

Founded on the design principle of innovation, BORA has taken the world by storm with its revolutionary downdraft rangehood systems that offer you greater functionality, freedom and extraordinary design possibilities. The company is an award-winning German brand specialising in high-end cooktop extractor systems and corresponding cooktop ranges that include surface induction, teppanyaki, induction wok and gas. The latest models of the three ranges — BORA Basic, Classic and Professional — are on display at the beautiful modern showroom in Drummoyne, Sydney. Led by a team of experienced staff with industry backgrounds, BORA prides itself on an exemplary level of customer service from beginning to end. Besides giving professional advice on choosing the right system and appliances, the company works alongside architects, builders and cabinetmakers to optimise your design to ensure…

Evoking images of a leafy tropical resort, this rear garden in the suburbs of Sydney has become a summer sanctuary for one very happy family. The homeowners wanted a comfortable and stylish outdoor entertaining area, a place where the kids could play and a pool zone that was inviting and fun to use. They turned to Jason Chapman and the Elegant Landscapes’ team to build their dream outdoor haven and they couldn’t be happier with the results. There are many standout features in this outdoor retreat, but the barbecue area is perhaps the most impressive. Built to look good and function well, the concrete barbecue bench is a contemporary touch. It provides ample room for food preparation and wraps around a bar fridge and storage space. The spotted gum timber…

This space was designed and built to provide the privacy, entertainment area and functionality the homeowners wanted for their residence in the inner-Sydney suburb of Enmore. The result of a clever design by GOODMANORS Pool + Garden, the space now boasts an impressive alfresco area, strategically placed outdoor lighting and a sleek and “unexpected” plunge pool. To maximise the tight space, it was decided the pool would sit right on the boundary, with the rendered blockwork rising out of the pool as the boundary barrier. High-level consideration at the design stage ensured an elegant solution to the pool fencing boundary was achieved. Importantly, the footings were contained on the client’s property. The pool’s positioning allowed for increased safety with the glass fencing, which meets the NSW Pool Boundary Regulation, allowing…

Designed by Jade Swimming 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, which makes it appear as if it’s 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…

A beautiful swimming pool can become an eyesore simply because the wrong fence was chosen. Aqua Glass Pool Fencing believes the best glass fence is the one you can’t see — one that offers uninterrupted views of your pool and its surrounds. When you choose a product from Aqua Glass Pool Fencing, you can be assured it will provide the safety and strength of traditional pool fencing and balustrading while allowing you to maintain a clear view of your pool, garden and any vistas beyond the boundaries of your property. This pool perfectly showcases the Aqua Glass Pool Fencing frameless glass fencing system, which is made of 12mm-thick toughened clear glass with rounded and polished edges. To ensure the fencing had the perfect look and fit, a number of custom…

Sometimes garden lighting is a bit of an afterthought. A lot of care goes into choosing the paving, plants and pots, but how much attention is paid to what should be illuminated and what type of fittings used? 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 hassle in the long run. Finding a 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…

The appeal of a firepit is undeniable. The flicker of the flames is mesmerising, the ambience it creates is cosy, and the heat it provides makes spending time outside when the weather is chilly a pleasant proposition. As a firepit is often the centrepiece of an outdoor living space, it needs to make a design statement and the recently launched, Australian-designed Ring FirePit does this with great panache. The Ring FirePit is the result of a collaboration between The Melbourne Fire Brick Company and GelliKovic Architects, a Sydney-based architectural design firm. Explains Ben Guilford, owner of The Melbourne Fire Brick Company, “We were working with GelliKovic Architects on the design for Atlas Dining, an incredible new restaurant in the Melbourne suburb of Prahran. The design called for a firepit unlike…

Urban Design Systems (UDS) creates its own unique range of decorative laser-cut concepts including screens and sculptures. UDS laser-cut concepts can be applied in many forms for both commercial and residential projects 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 any outdoor or home project. It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes, which means you can 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 conventional fencing and can be used for stunning feature…

A place for family to gather, make memories and feel safe, this Sydney home’s design was dictated by the surrounding landscape. The owners wanted a house that would accommodate the changes that come with having two young children, so it was important the residence provided ample space, but it also had to be stylish. To achieve this, they enlisted Starr Constructions to help them realise their dreams. “The clients wanted their home to stand out from the rest and we achieved this by giving it a unique, architectural look with a design by Aspect Designs,” says Nino Sanzari, co-director of Starr Constructions. “We incorporated a lot of glass windows that look out to the backyard and pool and allow light to enter the building. Architectural steel beams enhance the overall…

In a well-established Bayside suburb in Melbourne, a character-filled four-bedroom, two-bathroom Victorian gabled traditional residence from Harkaway Homes looks like it has been in situ for more than a century. The 232sqm home, however, was only recently built by proud owner-builders Toby and Kirsten. The couple had serendipitously chanced upon the Harkaway Homes’ website more than 10 years ago and from that point on aspired to own one of Harkaway’s beautiful traditional homes. “I’ve always had a dream to build my own home,” states Toby, “and Harkaway Homes offered me the opportunity to create the residence I had long visualised for myself and my family, namely a traditional house with a charming classic exterior and a highly functional modern interior.” A few years ago, when the family was looking at…

W hen you operate a successful business, you want to be able to switch off and relax when you go home at the end of a working day — and this home, located on 30 acres of land in picturesque Buxton, a small town just over 100km north-east of Melbourne — truly is a place of sanctuary. Overlooking a large lake and surrounded by bushland, this home takes full advantage of its location and provides the owners with the tranquil lifestyle they craved. Having found their dream location, the homeowners began the search for a builder who could offer design flexibility and safely guide them through every step of the project. Using local contacts, they found their way to Swenrick Constructions. Swenrick works closely with clients from start to finish.…

Reducing the amount of water your home and garden 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. Q. What are the key things you can do when building a new home to minimise long-term reliance on mains water? A. 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…

This home’s previous kitchen, though still in good condition, was outdated and a little too beige. Although the space was quite large, there was previously no island in the centre, decreasing the kitchen’s functionality. The homeowners made the call to renovate, opting for a unique, on-trend design. They requested a highly functional space with matt black finishes, and all the latest accessories from Blum for the drawer internals. Ensuring the new kitchen fitted in seamlessly with the home’s existing aesthetic played an important role in the renovation’s end result. Prior to the renovation, the homeowners had replaced the original floors with beautiful timber boards in a herringbone pattern. The matt black finishes juxtapose the flooring beautifully and further timber elements were added to the space to soften the look. The…

The light in this kitchen cuts neatly through the space to establish a clean and contemporary area. Open at both ends, the spacious galley-style kitchen carries momentum and functionality through the core of this home. Quantum Quartz tops the lengthy island bench, with Smartstone’s Milan collection Petra Grigio benching around the stove top and in the hidden appliance sill. Light timber flooring complements the Polytec Ravine Black wenge cabinetry, grounding the modern culinary zone in natural tones. For all its aesthetic advantages, this kitchen does not skimp on practicality. A built-in appliance cupboard, upright utensil drawer and tip-on overhead cupboards are typical of the ease and organisation afforded by the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Bar stools make things social and offer a front-row seat to a suite of stainless-steel kitchen tech, which…

This home’s previous bathroom was very old and dated. Irregular-shaped walls, a low ceiling and the exposed hot water system made the room appear cramped. The homeowners wanted a bathroom that utilised the space to its full potential and let in more natural light. They also wanted an in-wall toilet cistern, a larger shower, a relocated hot water system and a new design that accounted for the age of the house while also providing a contemporary feel. To achieve this brief, Designline Kitchens & Bathrooms included skylights to improve lighting and open up the space. The hot water system was removed to allow extra room, and the irregular walls were relined to simplify the area. The ceiling was raised to match the hallway’s more expansive dimensions, maintaining the smooth lines…

Choosing the right designer for your project is arguably the most important step when planning a new kitchen or bathroom. Before you start looking for a designer, however, it’s important to understand the various stages of design and construction. CONCEPT DESIGN Concept design is the first phase of the design process, when 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 you may want to hold back and save a little extra cash to complete the project of your dreams. The Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) has many members who…

When the owners of this property in Sydney’s rural outer west began planning their new home, they knew they wanted a multi-functional outdoor living space to complement it. To help them achieve that, they called in Justin Dibble, managing director and principal designer of Fluid Design. “The brief was to create an outdoor retreat with a modern country-style feel. It needed to provide several areas for entertaining and feature a relatively low-maintenance garden to bring it all together. Essential elements included an outdoor kitchen area, a traditional woodfired pizza oven, ample space around the swimming pool for lounges etc, a firepit and a chill-out lounge space,” explains Justin. There are three buildings on the site — the house, a gym and a pool house — yet the garden feels open…

Looking at the spectacular final result of this pool and spa in Wodonga, Victoria, it’s hard to believe the construction period presented so many challenges. “We built it in one of the wettest winters in 10 years,” explains Javen Nawodycz, owner of Everlast Pools & Spas. “We were faced with constant cave-ins and water-logged ground during the process, we couldn’t access the site so everything had to be brought in by hand at times, and there was no vehicle access because of the weather.” Despite its rocky start, the clean and contemporary design was the result of the homeowners’ own inspiration, and their large, flat, urban site that backs onto a tree-covered hill. The family of five includes teenage children who are all very busy and active in the community,…

With its clean-lined, space-maximising design, this swimming pool, designed by Gavin Bazley from Aquastone Pools and Landscapes, more than meets the needs of the family who call this property in the outer Sydney suburb of Castle Hill home. Explains Gavin, “The family wanted a pool that would fit into their unusually shaped backyard and could be enjoyed by all the family — adults and kids alike. The pool meets this brief by being cleverly integrated into the backyard, making the space more usable and functional. “Keeping the needs of all ages in mind, the pool consist of a spa for the adults to enjoy as well as a large step area where the kids can play,” he adds. “Also, the pool is positioned directly next to the alfresco entertaining area…

When constructing a beautiful new pool or renovating an existing one, what’s the secret to keeping your glass fencing looking like new? The answer is simple: EnduroShield. Maintaining the stunning appearance of the pool fencing featured here (top of page) is easy with EnduroShield protective glass treatment. The glass pool fencing around this pool in Sydney’s Whale Beach has been treated with EnduroShield, as has the glass fencing on the home’s double-tiered verandahs, allowing for breathtaking uninterrupted views. EnduroShield creates a protective barrier that stops contaminants soaking into the glass. Instead, water and contaminants bead up on the protected surface and are easily wiped off with a damp microfibre cloth and a mild detergent. EnduroShield keeps glass cleaner for longer, significantly reducing upkeep. Not having to clean your glass fencing…

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, engineered and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be perfectly tailored to the specific requirements of your site…

With the right treatment, it’s easy to keep even the most porous natural stone and paving, as well as tile and brick, looking great for many years. Treating a porous surface with the right impregnating sealer also makes the process of cleaning much easier. Staining is the most common problem affecting porous materials such as stone paving and steps, but there are other common types of damage. Water can be harmless, but if stone or paving is wet for long enough, mould and bacteria can take hold and the material can be softened and weakened. Water also contains minerals (salts) that can leave unsightly residues or stains and even cause major corrosion of pavers and tiles. Australia is a land of innovation and it’s no surprise the world’s most advanced…