Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #17 2024 i Best Homes

Australians have taken to Hamptons architecture with great fervour, which is hardly very surprising. Hamptons-style homes have a timeless elegance and attention to detail similar to that of Australia’s own characterfilled Queenslander homes. In designing and building this Hamptons-inspired, two-storey display home, the guiding mantra for the team at Garth Chapman Queenslanders was to craft a breathtaking abode that faithfully represented an authentic piece of traditional architecture. “The home’s external appeal is undeniable with its multiple gables, eave brackets and Scyon Linea cladding; also the front and rear timber verandahs that draw all the elements together,” says Stephen Havas, director, Garth Chapman Queenslanders. “Then there’s the dark-grey painted timber entry door, which is surrounded by white joinery and trims. This provides a tantalising taste of the wonders to be encountered…

Boasting a classic yet modern facade and an interior designed for luxurious yet casual living, this exquisite display home from Buildcraft Constructions perfectly showcases the custom builder’s design and construction expertise, and eye for detail. Located in Bella Vista, a bourgeoning community north-west of Sydney, the luxe two-storey, four-bedroom display home was designed with both comfortable family living and easy entertaining in mind. “The front portion of the house is designed for entertaining guests in style and features a luxurious area for socialising or relaxing. The front foyer also makes a wonderful first impression. As visitors step over the threshold, their eyes are drawn to the large, light-filled entry void and the statement wrought-iron staircase,” says John Ugarkovic, director, Buildcraft Constructions. “The family area of the house features a large…

An expansive, double-entry foyer sets the tone for this magnificent interior renovation. Each room in the home has been carefully considered to create a sense of oldworld charm within a modern abode. The beautiful detailing establishes an effortless flow throughout, with custom elements underscoring the opulent effect. On the ground floor you will find stunning bespoke Versailles parquetry timber flooring, which seamlessly transitions up the impressive curved staircase to the generous wide-plank flooring upstairs, custom-stained to match. The balustrade design and stair detailing were expertly crafted to create a visual masterpiece. Creating this staircase, with its intricate detail, was challenging but Brindabella’s team of experts was able to custom-tailor each element to the exacting specifications required. In the main bedroom, the walk-through robe and ensuite exude luxury with the tranquil…

Claiming an unsullied bushland location in the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains, this eco-friendly home was designed to evoke the spirit of the agricultural sheds that dot the valleys of rural NSW. It was also perfectly placed and sturdily built using a Spantec steel flooring system to capitalise on the spectacular views. The home of an architect, Oliver from OM Design, and his partner Ben, from BD Carpentry & Building, it welcomes in the natural light and views, while offering privacy and shelter against harsh westerly winds. “Most windows are oriented to the east and south to create privacy from a road bordering the site and the roofs slope to face north for optimal use of solar panels,” says Oliver. The location also drove the selection of the exterior…

Blending versatility, timeless style and functionality, the Amantii Bespoke range of electric fireplaces is hot property. With a state-of-theart remote, adjustable colour spectrum and Wi-Fi capabilities that allow the fire to be controlled from a smartphone, every Amantii fireplace is as smart as it is stunning. Even when the heat is off, you can enjoy the ambience created by the brilliant flames produced by this superb range. What’s more, as each fireplace is equipped with a 50,000-hour LED light source, the Amantii will see you through countless seasons. Another plus is that the front flow heating and hidden venting allows recessed or semi-flush mounting, which means these fireplaces are also approved for alfresco installations. Unencumbered by unsightly venting, the Amantii boasts a truly clean face display. It also has two…

Yellow Rock Passivhaus not only harmonises with its natural bush surroundings, it caters to the owners’ diverse needs, providing a safe, sustainable and comfortable sanctuary. Winner of the Excellence in Sustainability – Residential $1.5 million & Over category in the 2023 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards, this ground-breaking project was designed by Villar Architect, in close partnership with Joe Mercieca of Blue Eco Homes, to function as three homes in one. It was essential the home be multigenerational, accommodating the evolving needs of family members and allowing them to comfortably age in place. Ensuring a healthy living environment that promotes wellbeing was a priority as was achieving Passive House Plus standards, surpassing energy efficiency requirements to create an ultra-low-energy home that minimises heating and cooling demands. Towards this aim,…

Subtle hints of country detailing can add character and visual warmth to a kitchen, imbuing it with timeless appeal, and that’s exactly the look — and ambience — achieved in this inviting, light-filled cooking, eating and entertaining space, created by the highly experienced team at Kitchens U Build Ballarat. Decorative fluted ends and Shaker-style door profiles in Polytec Stratford Style 4 form the base in shades of Stone Grey at the island and Classic White to the surrounding joinery. They team with hardwood timber floors and durable marble-look Carrara Mist benchtops by Stone Ambassador to create a classic foundation for the touches of country style that ultimately define the area. A sliding barn door, painted to match the island joinery, a ceramic Belfast butler sink, an encased rangehood, gridded windows…

In a truly spectacular transformation by Kitchens U Build Traralgon, carried out in collaboration with designer Shenaz Asraf from Impreshens, an outdated kitchen has undergone a breathtaking makeover. The original kitchen, adorned with glossy white cabinets and laminate benchtops, was in dire need of a modern facelift and a much more functional and flexible design. The vision for this project was to infuse a sense of modernity and serenity with a touch of beachside charm to create a relaxed ambience. The team at Kitchens U Build Traralgon expertly executed this brief, using a neutral colour palette that engenders a coastal vibe that is both relaxing and inviting. The porcelain benchtops, which seamlessly transition into a boxed end and a waterfall end, adding a touch of sophistication, are among the standout…

Luxury combined with liveability was the goal of the owner of this 1970s apartment when she decided to update her tired old bathroom, recalls Kirsty Duncan, founder of Bearcanvas Interiors. “The overall look was to be fun and exciting with loads of colour, and no expense was to be spared to achieve her goal,” says Kirsty. “While she was prepared to forgo some storage, the bathroom needed to continue housing the washing machine, so that was a priority.” Kirsty enlarged the bathroom by adding in the toilet space. “Turning this into a shower room gave the bathroom more length and extended it into the wasted space of the hall,” she says. “By chasing the pipes into the wall, the nowenclosed toilet door end provided a framed wall for the twin…

In the sought-after harbourside suburb of Bellevue Hills in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs sits a hidden gem — an inviting garden with a pool, spaces for relaxed entertaining, and a laidback tropical vibe. The well-considered design, devised by Concept Pools and executed with precision by Jason Chapman and the team at Elegant Landscapes, makes the most of the awkward steep site and the shaded aspect to deliver something that feels very welcoming. “The clients requested a fresh and open tropical-style oasis with a Balinese feel and low-maintenance plants. They also wanted a comfortable place where they could relax and enjoy the pool,” explains Jason. “The tiered landscape features a decked outdoor entertaining zone that steps down from the rear of the home and sits adjacent to the pool. This alfresco entertaining…

This captivating project proves that you don’t need masses of space to have a pool and spa, or an open and inviting outdoor entertaining area. The pool and spa combo, along with the entertaining space, were designed by MINT Design to transform the courtyard of a new home into an outdoor living oasis. The pool was built by TLC Pools and the landscaping expertly carried out by ACM Outdoors, led by directors Alden Meale and Chris Moloney. The owner of this property in the suburbs of Melbourne wanted a contemporary pool and spa with a seamless connection to the outdoor entertaining area. As the house wrapped around the courtyard, it was visible from the front door as well as the kitchen and living areas. To create a focal point that…

Relaxing with family and friends while enjoying a pool lifestyle in your backyard oasis is something you’ve dreamed of for some time. Why not make your life even easier by talking to your pool builder about a self-cleaning pool? A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time enjoying life while your pool cleans itself. Your pool will also be more efficient to operate and more enjoyable to swim in because of the increased circulation benefits. Owning a pool has never been this easy. Not all self-cleaning pools are the same, however. QuikClean in-floor cleaning systems feature advanced technology, they have been developed for Australian conditions, and are proven in the most demanding conditions. The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all with unique features and…

HOME PROJECTS Aspire Projects...............................................106 Black Label Developments............................100 Blue Eco Homes ............................................102 Buildcraft Constructions..................................58 Bright Build .....................................................98 Brindabella .......................................................72 Corvus Primesite ...........................................108 Garth Chapman Queenslanders........................40 Gremmo Homes...............................................46 Imagine Kit Homes..........................................80 McLachlan Homes...........................................62 Spantec Systems...............................................84 Stroud Homes...................................................76 Valley Homes...................................................66 Varcon Group...................................................52 ADVERTISERS A Total Concept.......................................19, 130 ACM Outdoors...............................................148 AEON Pools...................................................152 Arisit ..............................................................146 Artesian Pools................................................156 Aspire Projects...............................................107 Austaron Surfaces......................................26, 92 Bathrooms by Oldham...........................122, 123 Beaumont Tiles..............................................172 Bearcanvas Interiors.......................................124 Black Label Devlopments..............................101 Blue Eco Homes ............................................103 Buildcraft Constructions....................................2 Bright Build .....................................................99 Castworks...................................................10, 94 Chateau Architects + Builders....................35, 36 Cooke Industries ....................................160, 161 Comfort Heat Australia....................................16 Corvus Primesite............................................109 Earthlife..........................................................147 Cotswold InOut Furniture..................................8 CSR ..................................................................15 Dollar Curtains & Blinds .................................28 Dunn & Farrugia............................................128 Hardware & General......................................125 Earthlife..........................................................139 Ecodesign .......................................................152 Elegant Landscapes........................................136 FormBoss .......................................................171 Garth Chapman Queenslanders........................45 Greens Tapware .......................................14, 126 Hardware & General......................................125 Imagine Kit Homes..........................................82…

This spectacular home is nestled in the picturesque suburb of Pearl Beach on the Central Coast of NSW. The two-storey abode was meticulously designed by Gremmo Homes to maximise every opportunity to capture the exquisite views across the tranquil waters of Broken Bay, not to mention those of Lion Island, a nature reserve that is home to a colony of penguins. In fact, there is little that impedes the focus on the stunning backdrop. Whether you’re sitting in the open-plan kitchen or rear living space, or ascending the floating staircase with its spotted gum treads and glass balustrade, the views are there to be savoured. Considered passive solar design allows light to stream into the internal living areas, as well as encouraging gentle sea breezes to enter and cool the…

Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac in a bustling inner-Brisbane suburb, this beautiful new four-bedroom home is the culmination of a successful knockdown-rebuild project, expertly carried out by McLachlan Homes. The journey began with the demolition of a dated and rundown Queenslander, and a project team comprising building design firm Big House, Little House, interior designers Porch Light Interiors, and McLachlan Homes who executed the build and coordinated all the moving pieces to give the family their forever home. From the moment you spy the new 522.9sqm, two-storey home from the street, the high level of detail captures the eye. “The crisp colour palette of Resene’s Double White Pointer contrasted with the Ironstone Colorbond roofing allows the Hamptons-inspired design’s intricate features to shine. These include the James Hardie Linea cladding, feature…

Whether looking to accommodate a growing family or needing room for extended family during the holidays, the Wildflower 256 has something for everyone. This single-level abode defies the odds as it opens into a large, multigenerational, familyfriendly design offering both open-plan living and private spaces for curling up with a good book when some “me time” is needed. “The Wildflower 256 features spacious living areas designed to accommodate the needs of modern families,” says Tim Deans, new home consultant, Stroud Homes Coffs Harbour. “The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.” Featuring a contemporary coastal design with soft, natural tones throughout, this light and bright four-bedroom, two-bathroom home includes modern finishes such as Caesarstone benchtops, stainless-steel Westinghouse appliances, and designer fixtures and fittings. “This…

Certain architectural styles have an enduring charm, transcending the ebb and flow of short-lived design trends. Among these classics, the Hamptons Coastal look stands tall, capturing the essence of laidback seaside living. When it comes to Hamptons Coastal-style living, nothing beats the crisp, clean and timeless appeal of Weathertex weatherboards. Weathertex smooth-textured weatherboard profiles from the popular Primelok, Classic and Selflok ranges can be used to create a sharp, well-defined horizontal shadowline that’s both striking and highly characteristic of traditional Hamptons style. The pairing of these weatherboards with Weathertex Classic Shingles Plus on gables to create the perfect coastal-inspired design and give your home undeniable kerb appeal is just one option at your disposal. A key element of the Hamptons Coastal look is a neutral colour palette. Whites, creams and…

Located in Sydney’s Inner West and home to a family of four, a heritagelisted cottage had all the character they could want but there just wasn’t enough space or light. To give them the room, not to mention lifestyle they craved, the family looked to Aspire Projects to deliver a bright and airy modern ground-floor extension. Aspire Projects, armed with a design by Distinct Innovations, set about building the extension, which incorporates a new openplan kitchen, dining and living space along with a covered outdoor entertaining area, a lap pool and a well-positioned detached garage. A modern masterpiece characterised by clean lines, a contemporary colour palette, sleek finishes and expanses of aluminiumframed glass, the spacious extension provides an inviting space for entertaining — one that that flows seamlessly out to…

Swimming in a sea of soft, soothing hues and spoilt with benchspace, this long, galley-style kitchen is bright and inviting. Once pokey and dark, the original U-shaped kitchen featured drab black benchtops and outdated timber cabinetry and Venetian blinds. In other words, the kitchen was in desperate need of a facelift to make it both functional and aesthetically fabulous. That’s where the experts from Kitchens U Build Brisbane came in. As one of the largest Australian custom-made cabinet suppliers in the country, Kitchens U Build has been transforming dated kitchens and designing new ones for more than 15 years and this illuminating new space is proof of the team’s prowess. Renowned for its cohesive results, Kitchens U Build designed the kitchen island to feature matching pilasters. Boasting an undermount farmhouse…

Seeking to complement the original architecture of the building, this once humble kitchen was in desperate need of an upgrade to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality. The building was designed by Renzo Piano, a world-renowned, international designer, so it was of utmost importance to the owners that the renovation respected the building’s heritage and not disturb the original craftsmanship. To provide the kitchen with a much-needed refresh, Premier Kitchens stepped in, creating an opulent, modern space. Thanks to Anita Mitchell’s well-considered design the kitchen, now bathed in luxury, was transformed from a small, ageing space into a sophisticated culinary zone. A stunning Blue Terra natural stone was selected, in collaboration with the clients, for the island counter and splashback, and is a standout feature. Engulfing the spotlight, the stone…

The Mika mixer range from Greens Tapware offers both the Australian and New Zealand markets affordable luxury and beautiful designs. The collection is comprised of the Mika gooseneck sink mixer and Mika pull-down sink mixer for the kitchen, and the Mika basin mixer and Mika tower basin mixer for the bathroom. All tapware is designed and engineered in New Zealand, and backed by an impressive 20-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind that you’re buying superior, built-to-last quality. There are several finishes available in the Mika range with something to suit any kitchen or bathroom style or colour scheme, including on-trend brushed brass, brushed nickel and gunmetal, as well as matte black and chrome. In addition, all mixers feature a textured detail on the handle, which reflects light and adds a…

When landscaping your front garden, making a positive first impression is paramount. The design needs to complement your home’s facade, have kerbside appeal and fit in with the wider streetscape. Unlike a rear garden, the front yard is very much on show, but it’s not just that you need to consider. A front garden with lush plants, arresting design elements and easy access makes it a welcoming sight after a long day at work. The owners of this property in Diamond Valley, a rural location on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, engaged Matt Harding and the Outdoor Oasis Landscapes’ team to design and build a front garden that would work with the challenging topography of the site, provide ample space for vehicle access, and exude the relaxed country-coastal vibe they craved. “The…

This modern pool forms the central feature in a minimalist landscape and was designed to complement, not override, the composition of the overall space. In addition, the project had to meet numerous other requirements, both aesthetically and from a lifestyle perspective, to satisfy all members of the family. “We were engaged at the house pre-design stage to ensure the landscape and pool design complemented the new home,” explains Adrian Swain, director, AEON Pools. “We achieved this by working closely with the home’s designer and landscape architect to coordinate the material selections to ensure they commplemented the house. The residence was delivered to a very high standard, and with all luxury inclusions, so the pool finishes and equipment had to be of a similar level.” It also had to be fun…

Ideal for both residential and commercial applications, the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Pergo’ self-standing retractable sail system can cover a variety of outdoor areas. Here, the unique modular framed shade structure was installed to complement a stunning Adelaide home. The Shaderunner® Trax ‘Pergo’ model features an array of bolt-together aluminium joiner connectors so you can choose the best frame configuration for your site. This modular framed structure is perfectly suited to a range of applications around the home, from outdoor entertaining spaces and patios to pool areas and courtyards. Not only that, with a broad range of fabrics and colour options available, the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Pergo’ complements all architectural styles, from suburban homes of modern design to traditional country residences. The lightweight but sturdy aluminium posts, beams and running tracks enable easy…

Capturing the enduring elegance of the French provincial style but with a modern twist, Wildlife is Varcon Group’s latest bespoke addition to its collection of prestige homes. Named after the street on which it was built, it is a majestic and expansive multi-award-winning, five-bedroom display home designed to showcase Varcon’s incomparable custom capabilities. The two-storey home’s facade, with its eye-catching peaked roof and grand entrance embraced by wrought-iron fencing, creates a mesmerising first impression that carries into the interior. Upon entering the home through solid-iron doors, the natural textures combine with the finest materials and fixtures — European oak parquetry flooring, feature chandeliers, marble benchtops — to deliver a home of superior quality and opulence. The striking flooring flows through the entire ground level, extending into a modern kitchen with…

Revelling in its semi-rural location, this custom-designed acreage home offers the relaxed, indooroutdoor living the owners, James and Corrine, a working couple with a young family, sought. “The clients really loved the fresh, coastal look of an all-white home but also wanted to create something that suited the locale,” explains Rich Harold, general manager, Valley Homes. “I would describe the style as contemporary country-homestead meets cool, coastal Hamptons.” The exterior is a mix of rendered brickwork and James Hardie Scyon Linea cladding in Taubmans Alpine Snow. The double gable to the entry, garage and alfresco, as well as the stunning 1200mm Hume Haven timber entry door and the double-hung windows with their decorative bars, complete the contemporary country style of this beautiful lagoon-side home located in the Hunter Valley. Inside…

One of the attractions of a kit home is the ability to be an ownerbuilder, saving you money and giving you the satisfaction of being able to stand back at the end and say with pride “I built that”. For the fledgling ownerbuilder, it can seem a bit daunting to begin with but with the guidance and support of a highly experienced company such as Imagine Kit Homes, the result can be everything you dreamed of, and more. As so many people do today, the owner of this waterfront property searched the web looking for a kit home company that offered a diverse range of designs, the ability to customise those designs, a rock-solid reputation and excellent customer support. Imagine Kit Homes ticked all the boxes for him so he…

Black Label Developments, working in close collaboration with worldrenowned architect James Garvan, has given a worker’s cottage in Manly a new lease on life that will see it, and the family who live there, far into the future. Boasting a heritage facade, the home features a contemporary internal transformation that is a testament to the masterful design and Black Label’s unfailing attention to detail. While heeding the home’s century-long history, the architect sought to bring in more natural light and establish a stronger connection with the surrounding landscape. This was no small feat given the restricted allotment and the site’s five-metre difference in gradient. The home, designed to flow as a sequence of zones, offers a sense of openness while providing places of retreat. Changes in scale, volume and materials…

This quaint cottage, a gem in the beautiful inner-Sydney suburb of Paddington, has undergone a complete transformation. While Corvus Primesite has delivered a home that ticks all the lifestyle boxes for the modern family, its character has been retained. The front facade and roof were kept but the property was extended to include three bedrooms, a study, bathrooms, as well as light, bright and inviting new open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas. Thanks to the space-maximising design, and Corvus Primesite’s expert coordination and meticulous planning, a stunning twostorey home now floats behind the existing facade, invisible to those passing by on the street. Modern finishes intertwine and complement the original brick walls, while timber beams and floors have been carefully refurbished, providing visual warmth to soften the expanses of contemporary…

When landscape architect John Storch, the director of A Total Concept, received a call from the owners of this Sydney home — a couple with whom he had worked on two previous projects — he was thrilled. They wanted his help to develop their recently acquired property and John was immediately on board and ready to help. “Each property we’ve designed for these clients has been different because each had very different requirements,” says John. “The first, a semi-detached home, was designed to cater for the needs of a young family. The second, a large and highly detailed suburban home on acreage, was designed with entertaining teenagers in mind and as for this third property, the goal was to create a sanctuary for the downsizing couple. As a pair of…

Garden maintenance is about so much more than “mow and blow”. It’s about planning to have a dynamic landscape and honouring the original design intent. The verdant outdoor spaces that embrace this home in an inner-Melbourne suburb are a testament to the vision of the original landscape designer and the expertise of the skilled maintenance team. Van Leeuwen Green Horticultural Services, guided by managing director, Hendrik van Leeuwen, has been maintaining the gardens for close to two years and has done such a stellar job the team won the Landscape Management and Maintenance Residential category in the 2023 Victorian Landscape Awards. “We received a thorough handover from the landscape designer Robert Boyle, which has been followed by many consultations between us and Robert’s team,” explains Hendrik. “Our focus is always…

By prioritising a seamless finish and removing all boundaries with the natural environment, this unique design complements its spectacular location and is a fine example of environmentfocused landscape design and construction. The large coastal site, an undulating vision in green, is in Kiama on the NSW South Coast, and is backed by rocky escarpments and edged by the natural boundary formed by weathered sea cliffs. The breathtaking site was presented to Artesian Pools, which was tasked with bringing the design ideas of the client and BHI Architects to life. The result is an environmentally-friendly, infinity-edge concrete pool and spa in a rectangular shape. “By maximising the benefits of a wet-edge design that visually blends without obstruction into the parallel lines of the horizon on the water beyond, the client can…

professionally designed outdoor lighting plan increases the value of your property and enhances the enjoyment you derive from your alfresco spaces, which is why you need a skilled lighting specialist to ensure you achieve the best possible result and optimum return on your investment. With Pekka Uusi-Hakimo, founder of Nitetime Designs, you couldn’t be in more experienced hands. “No matter what the effect or ambience you want to create, it is imperative that you consider all your lighting needs in unison. Everything needs to be properly planned and coordinated from the outset,” advises Pekka. “By doing so, when the lights are switched on they will project a captivating, harmonised display that brings life and charm to your outdoor spaces. “The other benefit of a professionally designed lighting plan is that…

For those in search of a collection of distinctive, decorative laser-cut screens, fire pits, decor and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the undeniable leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS can work directly with homeowners, designers or architects. UDS is passionate about good design and durability, and offers a selection of robust materials and finishes. This means you can inject some colour into your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth of timber-grained Weathertex, or savour the rustic elegance of weathered steel. As a breathtaking wall feature, or as an alluring alternative to conventional fencing, UDS laser-cut screening is ideal. Screening can also be used to hide service areas or act as a stylish privacy solution. Moreover, lasercut screening…