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PETER

MADDISON
ANSWERS YOUR
QUESTIONS

Inspiring you to create your dream home

HIT REFRESH
THE LATEST
IN BATHROOM
TECHNOLOGY

BEAT THE
WINTER CHILL
WOOD HEATING VS
MODERN ALTERNATIVES
FOR YOUR HOME

Issue 4.3
AUS $8.95*
NZ $9.95
(Both incl. GST)

Williamstown
Bluestone

A TIME CAPSULE OF
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Benchtops

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Walls

Panels

Splashbacks

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For an unexpectedly brilliant finish

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14

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

0
80

ISSUE #4.3
30

MEET THE DESIGNERS


58
60
62
64

Elisabeth VanDyk
Thomas Bucich
Tanya Hancock
Steen Welsch

SOURCEBOOK
158

170

179

189
82

UP FRONT
17
19
20

Editors letter
Editor-at-large
Credits

BULLETIN NEWS
22
24
26
29
33
37
41
45
49
52
54
56

Design forum
Inner-city living Darwin
Sustainability in building
Jewel tones
Choosing an architect
Kitchens
Strawbale housing
Outdoor solutions
Fencing
Eco products
Home technology
Book reviews

70

58

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS


Modernise your space with
the latest technology
HEATING & SOLAR
Comparing traditional heating with
modern alternatives
FLOORING
From luxe rugs to hardwood ooring
the choice is yours
ROOFING & CLADDING
Top tips from the experts

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

94

EXPERT ADVICE
194

196
198
106

200

From my experience, architecture is at the


same time the most dicult yet most rewarding
profession Peter Maddison

202
210

ASK OUR ARCHITECT


Peter Maddison answers your
questions
REAL ESTATE
Making the best of a bad block
LANDSCAPING
Drought-tolerant gardens
LANDSCAPING TRENDS
Jason Hodges trend predictions
SHOPPING
Hot products and services
ADVERTISERS INDEX

HOUSES
179

70

TV PORT MELBOURNE
URBAN GREEN
Back in black

82

TV WILLIAMSTOWN
BLUESTONE
Back to the future

158

94

UK TV NORWICH ECO HOME


Knocked for six

106

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE


Inside out

118

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT
Out of the box

132

TREE HOUSE
One with nature

146

146

BUSHLAND HOUSE
Into the wild

15

athena_
the luminous depth and ancient allure
of marble meets the durable qualities of quartz,
engineered for modern living.

Athena (pictured), one of six new colours in the Smartstone collection. To nd out more, call 1300 888 607 or visit www.smartstone.com.au

A little something from our Eco Bulletin on page 52

FROM THE EDITOR

o you remember I told you I have


a house in northern New South Wales?
Its a modest brick-veneer home that
my parents left me. Its not in the most
exotic location, but is in a best street from 2000,
which remains well kept by the neighbourhood
to this day. I havent spent a great deal of time in
the house usually only a few weeks each year
at Christmas, Easter and the like. But since both
of my parents have now passed, the time has
come to decide: sell or renovate? At the moment,
I cant think of selling my parents home as it
has sentimental value. And apart from that, my
husband Ian loves the area and has installed
himself in the house I think it might be hard to
prise him out of it! He has already turned part of
the back garden into a food farm and has plans to
run workshops to teach people how to grow their
own food and create a microclimate to assist with
passive heating and cooling. And I have given him
a plan for the rest of the landscaping and outdoor
area to create an entertaining space complete with
an outdoor kitchen, seating area and, of course,
a green wall or two. I even have a space on the
plans for a future, natural swimming pool as it gets
very hot in summer.
Do I plan to live in the house? Thats a question
I havent really answered yet. I do plan to spend
more time there, and Im thinking Ill keep it for
a couple of years to decide what to do next. I have
thought of renovating then selling and doing
it all again, which is something I used to do in
a previous life. Even if I do renovate to sell, the
renovation while mostly cosmetic as the house
is not old, will be done with eco and sustainable
principles in mind. Retrotting an existing house
to make it more energy ecient is challenging, but
there are things that can be done. The two main

areas I need to focus on are heating and cooling.


The area has very hot summers and cold winters,
and at present, the house needs mechanical
heating and cooling. I plan to overcome this
problem with passive systems including
insulation, green walls, appropriate landscaping
and other protocols yet to be determined.
As far as the interiors are concerned, everything
will meet the eco standards Im looking for. All
furniture and furnishings, xtures, ttings,
lighting and equipment will be thoroughly
researched and all tradespeople will be required to
understand and adhere to best-practice principles.
While this grand design of mine is relatively
modest, I want to ensure that regardless of how
long I own the property, everything I do to it is
undertaken with the health and wellbeing of
the inhabitants and the environment in mind.
Its been my lifes passion to create beautiful,
sustainable buildings and interiors, and Im
looking forward to my next opportunity to make
a dierence and show that wherever you live and
whatever the budget for your grand design, you
can do the same. Watch this space!

Kate St James, FDIA


Editor-in-Chief
Follow us on Facebook
facebook.com/GrandDesignsAustraliaMagazine
SUBSCRIBE to Grand Designs Australia or
RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
at universalshop.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

Photography by Tim Bauer

EDITORS LETTER

ITS BEEN MY
LIFES PASSION TO
CREATE BEAUTIFUL,
SUSTAINABLE
BUILDINGS AND
INTERIORS, AND IM
LOOKING FORWARD
TO MY NEXT
OPPORTUNITY TO
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
AND SHOW THAT
WHEREVER YOU LIVE
AND WHATEVER THE
BUDGET FOR YOUR
GRAND DESIGN, YOU
CAN DO THE SAME

17

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Using 100% undyed fibre; as nature intended.

CARPET: BRAMANTE, COLOUR: TIERRA

velieris.com

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

19

The outdoor area from the


Williamstown Cottage on page 82

FROM
PETER
MADDISON

WE HUMANS ARE UNABLE TO SURVIVE


IN THE RAW OUTDOOR ELEMENTS, BUT
BY USING OUTDOOR LIVING, WERE
TRICKED INTO THINKING WE CAN

aving just returned from


a recent vacation, Ive realised
how important outdoor living
is in Australia. This was driven
home even further by my attendance at
the premiere of Baz Luhrmanns Strictly
Ballroom, where my favourite scene was
the outdoor Spanish dancing.
A wonderful, exotic ambience is created
in the backyard of Frans (the heroines)
parents, where Spanish amenco guitar and
communal song explode naturally, and where
Frans father teaches Scott (the hero) the
nuances of the pasodoble. Dance and guitar
combine with billboards, neon lights and
backyard grit to create a heady mix.
Likewise, this past summer, Melbournes
climate allowed outdoor entertaining to
thrive. My favourite events included a New
Years Eve barbecue and drinks held on a jetty
in the Gippsland Lakes, and having friends at
our holiday house where we entertained on
the deck under the stars, with an outdoor re
to keep us warm and a cacophony of frogs in
the background.
So what makes a good outdoor living area/
alfresco space/verandah/portico/pergola/
terrace? And how do we incorporate these

spaces into our homes? This connection to


nature can be captured in many ways and
presents great opportunities. Things to
consider are prevailing winds (avoid these as
north is generally best), view opportunities,
sun access and connecting indoor spaces
with door solutions that are adaptable.
What Ive seen on Grand Designs is some
great thinking around this subject. The
Origami House in Perth (page 68, issue
4.1) has a oorplan congured around the
courtyard. This makes eminent sense, given
the back of the house faces the prevailing
Fremantle Doctor, which arrives like
clockwork every afternoon. The owners
are able to retreat to their protected
courtyard, which also has an outdoor
replace. A real re is best experienced,
I think, in an outdoor space.
The last episode from Series 5 shows
the Faraday Aussie Bush House. A very
simple design, it comprises three staggered
pavilions. These ostensibly face north, but
the timber decks that link them are generous
enough to be furnished as outdoor living
spaces. These decking areas are only 25 per
cent of the cost of roofed space, but are just
as valuable. Cleverly, the staggered nature

of the pavilions aords dierent sections in


which one can nd shelter from the elements,
depending on the sun angle or wind direction.
Of course, an outdoor space can be
created without a deck by simply opening
a full-height bank of windows. This turns
an inside space into an outdoor one. This
is well represented in the Brookeld House
in Queensland (Episode 8). A series of eight
bi-fold doors in their living space fold back
to reveal an extraordinary view over natural
bush, and when I was there last, kookaburras
were allowed to y right into the kitchen. This
device changed ones perception of the house.
We humans are unable to survive in the
raw outdoor elements, but by using outdoor
living, were tricked into thinking we can. Its
this aspect of daring, like being in the snow
or on top of a bridge with the water foaming
below us, which challenges our fallibility and
makes living exciting. This re-ordering of the
elements removes some of the control that
many of us are fanatical about when were
only living indoors.

Peter Maddison,
Editor-at-Large

20

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kate St James, FDIA
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Peter Maddison
DEPUTY EDITOR
Annabelle Cloros
FEATURES WRITER
April Ossington
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Tom Lockley
CONTRIBUTORS
Charlie Albone
James Cleland
John Storch
Jason Hodges
Andrew Winter
FLOOR PLANS
Ian Cleland
SUB-EDITOR
Michelle Segal
DESIGNER
Kate Podger

CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Marian Riabic
Rhiannon Slatter
Sue Stubbs
Andrew Lecky
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Anna Cindric
ADVERTISING SENIOR DESIGNER
Martha Rubazewicz
ADVERTISING
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Grand Designs Australia issue 4.3 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 68 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805
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T O W E L

R A I L S

Tube Series

Floor to Ceiling

The Ultimate bathroom accessory


New Range OUT NOW
Phone 03 9464 4622
96 Commerical Drive Thomastown VIC
www.hydrotherm.com.au

22

BULLETIN

DESIGN FORUM

HOTTEST PIN

02

JUMP IN

01

03

04

POPULAR ON FACEBOOK

Join us on social media to


explore the wonders of our
architectural environment
02 PINTERESTING
Followers of Grand Designs Live
Australias Pinterest enjoyed the pin of the
Christopher Design Balinese-style house
with a cruise ship look by Mark Gacesa of
Ultraspace. Photography by Mark Gacesa
and David Kekwick.

INSTAGRAM LOVES

03 REDISCOVERED
We recently revisited the stunning
contemporary and spacious apartment
by Crown. With a mix of classic and
contemporary designs, the Spence & Lydadecorated penthouse interior is the epitome
of style. completehome.com.au/articles/realpenthouse-cosmopolitan-sanctuary

05

04 AGAINS
ST TH
HE GRAIN
Who says your grand design needs to
be on a grand scale? A young architect from
Arizona transformed a 60-year-old grain silo
into a sleek modern designer home for his
family. Check out the finished product at
inhabitat.com

05 MAGICPLAN

01 IT CACT-US UP
We are crazy about our new mini
cactus and Miss Pots pouch, and so are our
Instagram followers! These handmade fabric
pouches from Melbourne are the ideal
vessels to turn succulents into design
marvels. instagram.com/misspotspouches

MagicPlan creates indoor floor maps based


on your photos. Simply point and shoot
and this app will measure your rooms and
draw a floorplan. It also lets you make notes,
mark doorways and windows as well as
combine rooms.

06 IN THE KNOW
Keep up to date with architectural news,
events, exhibitions and seminars at
architectureinsights.com.au

FOLLOW US
facebook.com/
GrandDesignsAustraliaMagazine
instagram.com/
granddesignsmagazine_au
twitter.com/
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pinterest.com/
granddesignsau

06

1.

4.

3.

2.

9.

6.

5.

8.

7.

11.

10.

24

BULLETIN

INNER-CITY LIVING DARWIN

01

02

DYNAMIC DARWIN
FINE DINING

Better known for its crocs


and newspaper headlines,
Australias northern-most
capital city also houses
an abundance of culture,
beauty and tropical style

04 PEE WEES AT THE POINT

Designed by award-winning Troppo Architects, Pee


Wees reflects the informality and beauty of Darwin,
nestled among tropical palms on nearly four
acres of waterfront in East Point Reserves natural
environment. Food-wise, Pee Wees is as thrilling
as its sublime view, netting the 2015 Australian
Good Food Guides coveted Readers Choice Award.
peewees.com.au

EDITED BY / Tom Lockley

ARCHITECTURE
01 DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

03

05 CHAR AT ADMIRALTY HOUSE

The popular and highly rated Char Restaurant is


set in the charming grounds of the old Admiralty
House, a quaint Heritage-listed building created in
1937. The restaurant focuses on serving up dishes
created from fresh local produce to tantalise the
tastebuds. chardarwin.com.au

With gentle, rounded geometries and a manmade lagoon inspired by Darwins maritime
heritage, the architectural centrepiece of the
citys Waterfront precinct has won multiple
design and construction awards. While
youre in the area, explore the parks and
walkways dotted with public art or head to
Stokes Hill Wharf nearby for a harbour cruise.
darwinconvention.com.au

04

02 MYILLY POINT HISTORIC


PRECINCT

Built in the 1930s by architect B.C.G Burnett,


these four charming cottages survived
the WWII bombings and Cyclone Tracy to
become the last buildings of their kind in the
region, preserving the old-world architectural
styles considered fashionable just before the
outbreak of WWII. Raised for ventilation, the
houses embody the adaptation of a European
aesthetic to Darwins sunny, tropical climate.
High tea is available on Sundays, taken on
the verandahs overlooking the picturesque
tropical gardens. travelnt.com
03 CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL,
SMITH STREET

An arresting mix of old and new, the


cathedral was re-built after the devastation
of Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve in 1974.
Its vivid Memorial Window, located behind
the altar, was designed by Darwin artist
George Chaloupka to represent fishing nets
caught in the upsurge of waves during
a cyclone. christchurchcathedral.org.au

CULTURE
MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE
NORTHERN TERRITORY (MAGNT)

Home to artistic, cultural and scientific collections


of international renown, the MAGNT gives visitors
a close encounter with Territorian art and culture. Its
Indigenous Australian art collection is a well-known
highlight, featuring bark paintings from Arnhem
Land, wood carvings from the Tiwi Islands and
dot paintings from the red desert outback.
The MAGNTs Cornucopia Caf overlooks the
Arafura Sea the perfect spot for afternoon coffee.
magnt.net.au

05

26

BULLETIN

SUSTAINABILITY

WASTE NOT,
WANT NOT
With sustainability on the up, Australian builders
could be looking to bottles and glue as the next
eco-friendly building materials
WORDS BY / Annabelle Cloros

We love this!
Theres enough plastic thrown away every year to
give the entire country decent laminate ooring
Mark Hall

ts no secret Australia is one of the highest


waste producers in the world, recently
ranking in the top-ve waste-producing
nations on earth. With a massive 18 million
tonnes of waste generated every year, there
are lethal eects on Australian sea life, not
to mention the staggering amounts of energy
required to break down all that rubbish.
But now theres an innovative method to help
utilise Australian waste, and it revolves around
using recycled materials to create your dream
home as long as builders and architects
are willing to trade old methods for these
environmentally friendly processes.
Businesswaste.com.au spokesperson Mark Hall
believes theres a trend for homes that revolves
around sustainability. This isnt just some idea
for TV, he says. Australia throws away millions
of tonnes of waste which can be recycled and used
directly as a building material. The time of nontraditional building is upon us.
Although other materials have been tried and
tested including straw bales and insulated
panels according to Mark, Exterior walls
can be built from whatever material necessary.
Interior walls, xtures and ttings can be made
from recycled, refashioned and reclaimed waste.
Methods to use these materials could entail
lling plastic bottles with other waste and using
them for an inner wall. Theres enough plastic
thrown away every year to give the entire country
decent laminate ooring, says Mark. Its just
a matter of using plastics and getting them to the
manufacturers with the skills and machinery to
do this. We are literally throwing away the raw
materials to rebuild our nation.

Select your Shower Pleasure.


Raindance Select.
Rinse out shampoo with a strong Rain spray, relax under soft RainAir drops, or a massage
with the concentrated whirl spray! Now all you have to do to choose your favourite
spray on the new Raindance Select E 120 hand shower is click on the Select but ton.
www.bathe.net.au

EcoSmart technology
saves energy and water

Floors
Shower

imagine it with corian

Whatever the dream, imagine the results with Corian. To nd out more about
the endless applications of Corian, call 1300 267 426 or visit www.casf.com.au.
Shower oor and walls lined with Corian Glacier White.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

29

01
02
03

07 GARNET ANGEL
I
Inspired
by togetherness, BRABBU brings
uss the Maya two-seat sofa the perfect
c ntrepiece for any living room. brabbu.com
cen

04

08 MELLOW YELLOW
A collection of plates, trays, glasses, bowls
and carafes made from transparent injectedmoulded polycarbonate, the Jellies Family
looks and feels like cut crystal. Available at
Space, this hue is reminiscent of a citrine
gemstone. spacefurniture.com.au

01 WH
HITE HOT
T
Part of the
he Concetto
Con
collection from
Caesarstone, the White Quartz surface
makes a nice addition to a modern
bathroom. caesarstone.com.au

02 LIGHT AS A FEATHER
The Sphere silk cushion by Bandhini
features an emerald block print on paper
silk. Each cushion comes with cruelty-freee
feather inserts that are by-products of thhe
poultry industry. Available at Eco Chic.
ecochic.com.au

08

YOURE A GEM
Add some sparkle to your interiors
with homewares inspired by precious
and semi-precious stones
EDITED BY / April Ossington

03 OMG
The OMG pendant by Melbourne artist
Volker Haug is beautifully crafted from
reclaimed industrial shades that are then
anodised in a rainbow of colour options.
volkerhaug.com

04 HANDLE WITH CARE


The Celine drawer pull from Laura Ashleey
will add a touch of old
old-world
world charm to
your dresser. Made from glaass, the handle
comes in a pair and is picturred in the
Seaspray colourway. laura-aashley.com.au

0 SLICE OF HEAVEN
05
N
The Agate Slice coasters from
T
m Urban Road
are made from naturally formeed, semip
precious
gemstones pictured in aqua
and pink.. urbanroad.com.au

06 SO FRESH
S

07

Much like the light green crysstals of


green apatite, the Amalfi Opal glass
vase
v is picturedd in subtle
b l mintt green.
aamalfihomewares.com.au
f
06

05

30

BULLETIN

JEWEL TONES

13
011
0

09
10

11

09 GOLDEN CHILD
Bright in colour, the Unfold Yellow pendant
from top3 by design is simple in style but
offers a dramatic pop of colour the
perfect addition to an otherwise neutral
colour scheme. top3.com.au

14 TAKE A SEAT

Apparently ombre isnt just exclusive to hair.


The Kaiden bowl from Boyd Blue features
a unique rolled-top edge and balayage
effect that goes from dark to light purple.
boydblue.com

Upholstered in a soothing turquoise


colour called Dalton Cerulean, the
Lynden 2.5 sofa from Laura Ashley
features a contemporary
sprung seat, webbed suspension
back and hypo-allergenic filling.
laura-ashley.com.au

11 GREEN WITH ENVY

15 HEART OF GLASS

While Emerald was Pantones 2013


Color of the Year, its still a personal
favourite. This Pantone nine-cup coffee
pot will add an aquatic splash to your
kitchen. beezer.com.au

Melbourne glass artist Amanda Dziedzic


says her glass bonsai creations are
inspired by her travels to Japan.
Available in translucent hues,
they make for gorgeous groupings
or a special stand-alone piece.
amandadziedzic.com.au

10 TO DYE FOR

12 PURPLE RAIN
Handmade from individually cut and
bound semi-precious stones, the Concetto
collection from Caesarstone packs a punch
in the kitchen or bathroom. Pictured in
amethyst, these surfaces can be backlit
with LED lighting for added drama.
caesarstone.com.au

13 RED HANDED
The Wave velvet cushion from Laura Ashley
features a fabulous, rich garnet colour. Its
wave-like detailing and velvety finish will
add texture and interest to your sofa or bed.
laura-ashley.com.au

12

16 ROCK THE KAZBAH


The Moroccan green leather ottoman
pouf from Rock Ribbons features silkreinforced stitching and a star detail.
Constructed of goats skin,
each leather pouf is handmade
by artisans in Morocco and
ethically purchased using
fair trade arrangements.
rockribbonsecogifts.com

14

16

15

FREE FLAP FITTING


ONE FAMILY, MANY OPTIONS.

The ttings of the Free family engineered by Hfele give aps new freedom in movement.
This opens up more opportunities in the visual and technical design of furniture and has tangible
benets compared to hinged doors. But above all, it gives the furniture and the room undreamt
or elegance and lightness. It doesnt matter whether a ap is lifted, tilted, swivelled or folded - it
immediately provides added value.
More than 90 years of experience with furniture ttings, engineering expertise, and a close connection
to the market and the people who work with furniture ttings on a daily basis led to the development
of this product family. Inspired by the requirements of the market of tomorrow. The Free family fulls
the demands for creative freedom and choice of material, design, ease of installation and convenient
operation on a new level.
For more information on the Free Family engineered by Hfele visit www.hafele.com.au
info@hafele.com.au

www.hafele.com.au

1300 659 728

SINK
DIFFERENTLY.
Abey Australias diverse range of sinks provides you with a selection from
around the world. Visit an Abey Selection Gallery to browse the range.
Barazza Cubo Single Bowl Barazza 1 & 3/4 Bowl Barazza Easy200 Double Bowl

VICTORIA
Selection Gallery
208 York St
South Melbourne
Ph: 03 8696 4000

NEW S O UTH WA L ES
Selection Gallery
1E Danks St
Waterloo
Ph: 02 8572 8500

QUEENSL AND
Selection Gallery
94 Petrie Tce
Brisbane
Ph: 07 3369 4777

*OPENING SOON*
WESTERN AUSTR ALIA
Selection Gallery
12 Sundercombe St
Osborne Park
Ph: 08 9446 8255

www.abey.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

33

10 TIPS FOR
CHOOSING AN
ARCHITECT

Melbourne-based architect
Nic Owen shares his pearls
of wisdom when it comes to
selecting the best architect
for your dream home
EDITED BY / Tom Lockley

icking an architect to build your home


can often feel like an overwhelming
task, so we went to the owner of Nic
Owen Architects one of Australias
most forward-thinking architectural rms
to help simplify this. Nic Owen Architects is
a young design-focused company located in
the heart of Carlton, Melbourne. The group is
committed to creating architecture that is a joy
to inhabit through the treatment of space, form,
materials and light. The practice specialises
in residential architecture, which responds to
each individual site and environment, creating
unique and elegant forms.

1
2
3

Utilise the internet and publications to search architects


and their previous work.
Review design awards to search for architects and
their work.
Select an architect whose work you admire. The best
architects are good at what they do and are not all things
to all people. Its best not to approach an architect with
a totally different design language than you.
Try and select an architect who has worked on similar
projects to yours. This is not a must, as a good architect
is great at design and can tackle most puzzles.
Meet the architect to ensure you are both on the same
page and can work together. Good design is based on
mutual trust and building a strong relationship.

4
5

34

BULLETIN

ARCHITECTURE

Select an architect who understands your design


requests. It is their task to transform these as
best they can into practical design concepts for
your future home

6
7
8

Dont be afraid to ask for references from past clients


they can be very helpful.
Visit past works. The architect might be able to provide
a list of local projects which can be viewed externally.
Avoid selecting an architect based on architectural
fees alone. In an ideal world, all fees should be the
same. However, without a thorough understanding of the
architectural services required, its very hard to compare like
for like. The old saying you get what you pay for is true.
Would you select an artist based on their fees or their work?
Select an architect who understands your design
requests. It is their task to transform these as best they
can into practical design concepts for your future home.
This is your house, so it should be a positive
experience. Enjoy the process and you will love
your home.

9
10

Xylo Rails
The bold and robust range of bathroom accessories

www.avenir.com.au

Contact a bathroomware specialist:


All Bathroom Gear
46 Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba QLD 4102
(07) 3391 8628

Demor
93-97 South Road
Thebarton SA 5031
(08) 8352 7777

Elite Applicances
632 Burwood Road
Hawthorn East VIC 3123
(03) 9813 4399

NCP Bathroom Centres


90-94 Sugar Road
Maroochydore QLD 4558
(07) 5443 2522

Just Bathroomware
148 Victoria Road
Drummoyne NSW 2047
(02) 9719 3000

Vogue Spas & Bathrooms


6/19 Warehouse Road
Southport QLD 4215
(07) 5528 0077

The Source
Shop 12/53 The Parade
Norwood SA 5067
(08) 8362 2282

Lavare
14 Stirling Road
Claremont WA 6010
(08) 9230 7950

21 Rene Street
Noosaville QLD 4566
(07) 5449 7577

115 Alexander Street


Crows Nest NSW 2065
(02) 9436 3888

,WVQRWMXVWDOLIWLWVD/LIHVW\OH
Imagine being able to incorporate
elegance and style into your existing
or new home. Featuring Italian design
and engineering, this stylish modern
home lift will be an unrivalled addition
to any home when you just want that
extra touch of class and sophistication
in your home.
Master Lifts offer you this beautiful
Lifestyle Lift with a vast selection of
colours, nishes and some ultra-modern
touches; its the lift that will capture
everyones attention.
The lift is designed for easy installation
and retrotting into your existing home,
or endless options & possibilities if being
incorporated into the design of your
new home.
Flawless engineering, style & brilliance
all come together in this stunning
residential lift.
Comfort, luxury and reliability will be
yours to enjoy for years to come

0DNHLW\RXU/LIHVW\OH
www.masterlifts.com.au

1300 454 387

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

01
02

KITCHENS 101
Heres our guide to the must-have pieces every home needs
EDITED BY / Annabelle Cloros

01 MAKING A SPLASH
An advanced, aluminium-based
product, Laminexs stylish panels
and splashbacks are durable and
flame-retardant. Available in
a range of colours, theres
a hue perfect for any kitchen.
laminex.com.au

02 QUIET ACHIEVER
With three speed levels and LED
function display, the Canopy
rangehood does its job without
the billowing soundtrack
rangehoods typically broadcast.
siemens.com.au

04 FLAT WHITE OR
SHORT BLACK?
Forget sleepy walks down to
your local caf, the built-in
coffee maker from Fisher &
Paykel features adjustable
coffee strength and temperature,
multiple cup sizes and 15-bar
pressure. fisherpaykel.com/au

05 TAP OF THE LINE


The Signatr Kitchen Mixer is
made of sanitary-grade stainless
steel and features a retractable
pull-out hose and switchable
dual-spray technology.
renovatorstore.com.au

03

03 ORGANISE IT
The ELITE stainless-steel multistorage organiser is the perfect
accessory to keep your kitchen
in check. Designed for a standard
300mm under-bench cupboard, it
features a soft close and plenty of
room. renovatorstore.com.au

05

04

37

38

BULLETIN

KITCHENS

06

07

06 COOL INTENTIONS
The energy-efficient Eco French-door fridge
can provide you with an icy drink, pronto
and you dont even need to open the door!
With ActiveSmart technology, the fridge
adjusts to your needs, using clever
sensors that keep track of your habits.
fisherpaykel.com/au

07 TURN UP THE HEAT


Combining cutting-edge technology with
style, Boschs CombiInduction cooktop
boasts a pioneering function that allows
users to combine smaller cooking zones into
a single larger cooking area at the touch of
a button. bosch-home.com.au

08

08 WHATS COOKING?

10

A built-in pyrolytic oven from Siemens has


high-definition thin film technology colour
display, ensuring you can have a clear
look at your meal throughout the cooking
process. A self-cleaning system is also
a bonus. When heated to 500 degrees
Celsius, fat deposits and grease are burned
off, leaving the oven as good as new.
siemens.com.au

09 DISHY ADDITION
Its always ideal when a kitchen necessity
is also sustainable. Boschs ActiveWater
stainless-steel dishwasher uses as little as
10.3L of water per wash, includes six wash
programs, and has a 5.5 Star WELS rating.
bosch-home.com.au

10 MIX IT UP
Whipping up a last-minute dessert is a cinch
thanks to this multifunctional machine
featuring metal filaments and an improved
balloon shape. bosch-home.com.au

09

State-of-the-Art Wine Cellars

Introducing the new


Transtherm Prestige Range

Designed by French sommeliers, handmade in France

10
YEAR

A+ BODY
WARRANTY

67%

For minimalist look, professional handle is removable.

UP
TO
LESS ENERGY*

New CASTEL 3-Zone

The Professional Wine Storage


Choice For Your Home
*compared to previous range, based on room temperature of 25C.

Discover the new Prestige range: transtherm.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

THE STRAW
ADVANTAGE
Straw is an annually renewable and abundant natural material,
not to mention a green alternative for construction
WORDS BY / Tom Lockley

PAST
When the first European settlers arrived in Nebraska in the
late 1800s, they were in desperate need of shelter from
the harsh climate. The necessity to readily improvise, the
abundance of meadow grasses in contrast to the scarcity
of local timber and the introduction of horse- and steampowered balers led to the creation of the first permanent

baled hay structures. The baled hay proved to be equal, if


not superior, to the standard building materials of the time.
Bale structures ranged from barns and stables to churches
and residential homes. They proved to be durable, safe
and comfortable, with most of them still remaining in
good shape today.

41

42

BULLETIN

STRAW BALE HOUSES

PRESENT

FUTURE

Straw bale building became popular again in


the late 1970s. The revival of bale building was
greatly inspired by an article called Baled Hay,
published in 1974 in a book of essays entitled
Shelter. Roger Welsh, the author of the article,
had carried out extensive research on indigenous
and folk architecture. He strongly believed the
use of baled straw was an exceptionally valuable
alternative to modern building materials as well
as an excellent example of what can be learned
from the past.
The revival of straw bale building originated
in the US. However, we now find straw bale
building projects, workshops, research, literature
and networks all over the world including
Australia. Council and code approvals for straw
bale construction in Australia are currently given
on an individual basis with recommendations,
planning and construction supervision by
architects and engineers.

Continuous growth of the human population places


great stress on many of the earths ecological
systems. The exploitation of resources is never
sustainable, let alone equitable. As all our natural
resources are affected by decades of exploitation
and environmental concerns are constantly and
rapidly increasing, a gradual return to the use of the
natural and sustainable building materials of the
past is inevitable. With todays crucial emphasis on
protecting our environment, building systems such
as straw bale construction need to be considered as
a valuable alternative to conventional systems.
It has been estimated between 30 and 45
per cent of all energy used is consumed by the
building industry. This includes the processing
and transporting of building materials as well as
constructing, operating and equipping our buildings.
Up to half of the planets most valuable resources
such as water, timber and minerals are devoured by
this large-scale industry.

Australias largest
range of gas log fires

www.realame.com.au

Comfort and
total peace of mind

Stitching

Leather

Fabric

Springs

Frame

Webbing

Not all sofas are made equal. Plush sofas are hand crafted for comfort, built to last
and backed by an amazing 10 Year Peace of Mind Warranty.

If youre thinking comfort and total peace of mind, visit Plush today.

plush.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

OPTICAL ILLUSION
As outdoor spaces become
smaller, its crucial you get
the most out of your garden
WORDS BY / John Storch

esigning small spaces is essentially


an art theres less room to hide
garbage bins and the clothesline, and
there are restrictions when it comes to
developing the mood and style of the outdoor
room. If a design line is wrong, it is very wrong.
Some garden styles work better than others
when used in small outdoor rooms. Three
styles that work well include tropical gardens,
contemporary gardens and formal gardens.

TROPICAL GARDEN
Tropical gardens work with most designs. A creative
water feature will complement rustic paving to provide
a strong feature, and smaller elements such as an aged
sculpture or lime wash can be incorporated into the area,
too. Lighting always benefits a tropical-style garden, and
highlighting the distinguishing silhouettes can easily
transport you to your last island holiday.

45

46

BULLETIN

OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

CONTEMPORARY GARDEN

FORMAL GARDEN

This style suits modern renovated houses with


a minimalist approach. Strong accent plants or rows
of one type of plant can create a strong focus or
directional lines. The modern colour of the house may
be replicated throughout the planting and paving. For
example, steel colours can be reinforced with rows
of lavender and the grey colour of concrete paving
products. Large paving units in simply laid patterns
will provide the illusion of space, especially if used in
conjunction with mirrors on walls to create additional
and adjoining rooms. A large feature, such as a steel
sculpture sitting in front of a mirror, will give focus
to the outdoor room and a simple geometric-shaped
plunge pool positioned near full-length windows will
create a contemporary look.

Be it an English-, Italian- or a Mediterranean-inspired


outdoor room, formal gardens work well in small spaces
and are always popular. As with a contemporary outdoor
room, a formal design works best in small gardens
and courtyards. Paving in small areas is preferable
if the space will get high usage as lawn will not wear
well. However, if the area is predominantly for viewing
rather than sitting, a green lawn will soften the overall
view. Consider the use of pots and vibrant plant colour
together with lime-washed walls and tiled feature
plaques to create a Tuscan ambience. Formal spaces
allow for cost-efficient water features and the central
pond piece such as the pot in the photos can easily
be swapped for a different colour or statue when the
owner wants to update with a current trend.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

01

FENCED IN
The right fence can enhance the appearance of your property
while providing safety and peace of mind at the same time
EDITED BY / Patricia Petratos

01 CLEAN LINES
With its proven noise-reduction qualities
adding an extra element to this sleek,
modern design, Slimwall fencing offers
a stunning look that can easily be
customised to suit the style of any
existing home. slimwall.com.au

02

02 THE PERFECT MATCH


This Colorbond steel fence in River Sand
is a simple way to add colour and warmth
to your garden. With clean, crisp lines, its
made to last all year round while looking
great from both sides. Colorbond is
available in 14 different designer colours.
Match it with your roof, gutters or garage
door for a perfectly complemented home.
colorbond.com

03 SEAMLESS FINISH
Available at Knotwood, these western red
cedar posts give a uniform finish with no
unsightly screws or rivets. Knotwoods
unique range of aluminium fencing can be
installed vertically, horizontally or even on
an angle, utilising the latest technology to
create the natural look and feel of a timber
finish. knotwood.com.au

03

49

50

BULLETIN

FENCING

04 ZEN APPEAL
Create your own tropical paradise at home
with House of Bamboo. Using full-length
bamboo poles, bamboo rod screens
are ideal for new fences, screening
for privacy or hiding unsightly areas.
houseofbamboo.com.au
04

05

06

05 ONE WITH NATURE


With the unique texture of Natureed panels,
this stunning screening system provides
effective privacy while adding beauty to
any outdoor space. For quality reed that
doesnt fall apart, Natureed is available at
houseofbamboo.com.au

06 CLASSIC STYLE
This picket fence will add an elegant
touch while lending a traditional look to
your home. With a range of colours and
different edges and heights to choose from,
Fencetastic offers quality vinyl fences for
your home and yard. fencetastic.com.au

07 A CLEAR VIEW
Sit back and enjoy the scenery with a fence
that doesnt box you in. Frameless glass
fencing is the latest look for your pool or
balcony. With two styles of stainless-steel
pool clamps to choose from, this secure,
freestanding glass fence will allow you to
see all the features of your home while still
providing safety. dunnandfarrugia.com.au
07

Handcrafted Sustainable Antler Lighting

Our product is made from Austr


Australian
ralian antlers dropped naturally inn th
ralia
the
he deers annual growth cycle
cycle.

Over ten chandelier designs, table lamps and more


Custom design service also available
Designers, speciers and homemakers welcome
For more information contact us on:

m 0412 653 006 e info@rapideffects.com.au w www.rapideffects.com.au


RS025

52

BULLETIN

ECO PRODUCTS

ECO MANIA

01

02

A look at whats new in the world of eco-friendly


home and lifestyle products

03

04

EDITED BY / James Cleland

01 CORE VALUE
Sourced from around the world, EcoCore is a natural stone veneer thats
light, flexible and ultra thin. Available
in a variety of colours, it can be used
for a number of applications including
wall coverings, kitchens, furniture and
flooring. ecocore.com.au

02 SOFA, SO GOOD
Made with sustainability in mind, the
Ari sofa is built from carefully selected
materials including GECA-certified
MDF, ply and AFS-certified timbers.
The sofa is able to be customised to
suit individual requirements, making
it a fabulous choice for any room.
somethingbeginningwith.com.au

the natural appearance of the grass


from which it is made. ecocore.com.au

06 WATER SAVER
In our country, saving as much water
as possible is crucial. Adbri Masonrys
Permeable Paver is an environmentally
effective, water-saving system that
looks and works like a dream.
adbrimasonry.com.au

07 BASE LINE
Valcucines Invitrum kitchen base
cabinets use aluminium and glass,
making them 100 per cent recyclable,
water-resistant and free from toxic
emissions beauty and brains in one.
valcucine.com

03 IN THE FOLD

08 DECKED OUT

The Chestnut pendant light from


Curious Grace is designed in the
Netherlands by Studio Snowpuppe. The
piece is handmade from FSC-certified
butterfly paper and is available in
three styles and a range of colours.
curiousgrace.com.au

Eco-Core Moso decking is a highdensity board made from sustainably


harvested bamboo. It has a beautiful
and natural appearance to enhance
your outdoor space. ecocore.com.au

06

08

04 SIMPLY DREAMY
In a collaboration between Limedrop
and Ettitude, this eco-friendly
bedding range is made from certified
organic bamboo and non-toxic dyes.
The result is Cloudland, a range
of beautiful bedding suitable for
everyone. limedrop.com.au/collections/
homewares

05 FOREST FLOOR
Putting a different spin on bamboo
flooring, Eco-Core Moso combines the
hard-wearing qualities of bamboo with

07

05

SUNNY SIDE OF
MONOCHROME
YELLOW & BLACK
SHOP OUR
HOME COLLECTION
ONLINE

WWW.GRANDDESIGNSHOMESHOP.COM

Geometric Casa Rug from $699

Modernica Print $189 (unframed)

Montauk Stripe Cushion $79.95

CONTACT: ENQUIRIES.GRAND@GRANDDESIGNSHOMESHOP.COM
Grand Designs is a trademark of, and is licensed by, FremantleMedia Australia. All rights reserved.

54

BULLETIN

TECHNOLOGY

01

TECHNO FILE
Our top tech products for maximum impact
and enjoyment
EDITED BY / James Cleland

02

05
04

03

01 STRONG PULSE
The Pulse, an all-in-one system from
Bluesound, is the first streaming-capable
system in Australia that comes with
audiophile-grade speakers and the ability
to play lossless FLAC format. The Pulse
can deliver the highest-grade streaming
audio from any source connected to the
home network straight to your ears.
bluesound.com

02 ROCKET SCIENCE
The Aurisonic Rockets are no-nonsense
in-ear headphones for people wanting
the highest degree of durability while
also taking into account great sound
reproduction. With a titanium shell and
Kevlar weave cables, the Rockets can
withstand any punishment you dish out
and still sound amazing.
busisoft.com.au

03 BEAT IT
Listen to what you want, when you
want with Clipsals StarServe speakers.
Theyre unobtrusive, powerful and able
to be controlled with Bluetooth devices,
so you can have music wherever you go.
clipsal.com.au

04 ADDICTED TO BASS
The Fazon is a flagship loudspeaker
from Dali. With uncompromising audio

and aesthetic performance, its the ideal


choice for the design-conscious music
lover. For its 30th anniversary, Dali
has joined forces with some of the
best modern artists to produce
a unique collection of airbrushed sets
to commemorate a milestone for the
company. dali.com.au

06

05 LIGHTEN UP
Designed by Manon LeBlanc, the awardwinning WAT lamp works with water and
a battery to generate electricity, which
then lights up through LED strips. The
lamp is suitable for all rooms where soft
light is desired. studiomonsieur.com

06 TAKE THE WEATHER


WITH YOU
Want to keep an eye on the weather?
The Advanced Wireless Weather
Station will keep you fully updated.
Simple to install and able to connect
to your PC through USB, the latest
weather details are at your fingertips.
envioustechnology.com.au

07 PEACE OF MIND
Monitor your energy use and reduce
power bills with the Ecomind Electricity
Monitor. You can even track your use
from your computer or smart device.
clipsal.com

07

@ home with the architect

We enjoy seeing architect-designed


homes featured on shows and
magazines, what about getting a
ticket to visit one and experience
the spaces yourself?
Our At Home with the Architect
series showcases an architect
designed home every month. The
house will be open for one or two
hours on the day and you can
arrive and leave at your leisure.
The architect and/or the owner will
be there to show you through the
house and to explain the design.
Architects Tim Greer and Linley
Hindmarsh (Greer Hindmarsh
Architects) opened their home
they designed in Newtown in July
2014.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletter on
our website and be one of the first
to know about the next tour!
Photographer: Vincent Lam

www.architecture.org.au

56

BULLETIN

BOOK REVIEWS

REAL: LIVING A BALANCED LIFE


VICTORIA ALEXANDER
PUBLISHED BY MURDOCH BOOKS
$60
Utilising photography and words in a seamless application, Real: Living a Balanced
Life salutes what the world has to oer. Victoria Alexander urges us to look around
with sensitivity to see these connections and recognise the agelessness of integrity,
to value the dignity in small things and appreciate the imperfect and changing
nature of beauty. Superbly designed and packed with photography taken in 27
dierent countries, Real explores a simplied and honest approach to life and living,
drawing examples from a diversity of cultures. It contains a thought-provoking
dictionary for what is real along with an exquisite detachable poster.

HOUSES NOW:
LIVING STYLE
SABITA NAHESWARAN
PUBLISHED BY IMAGES
PUBLISHING
$60

CLOTHBOUND
JULIE PATERSON
PUBLISHED BY MURDOCH BOOKS
$60
For more than 20 years, Julie Paterson founder of Cloth Fabric has been designing and
printing contemporary textiles by hand. Her iconic patterns are inspired by the scale and
simplicity of the Australian landscape and are reproduced on furnishings, rugs and wallpapers
that are sold internationally. ClothBound deconstructs practical art to present functional and
accessible textiles that move seamlessly between the design world and the home, playing with
fabrics in unexpected ways. Eight chapters chronicle the journey from creative process to nished
product, focusing on Julies fabric and design, starting from a sketch in a notebook to the prototype
prints on fabric in her studio.

HAPPY
AMANDA TALBOT
PUBLISHED BY MURDOCH BOOKS
$50
Designer, stylist and author Amanda Talbot has immersed
herself in the science of happiness and travelled the world to visit
remarkable homes and the visionaries behind them. Throughout
this thought-provoking book, Amanda demonstrates the eect
of using food design in our homes, communities and built
environments. Happy showcases cutting-edge interiors which
represent the explosion of social design worldwide. It will guide
you through the creation of joyous living spaces that revolve
around various emotions. Happy will help you make your home
a place where you can reach the highest version of yourself.

Houses Now: Living Style is


a chic, modern book that
showcases an eclectic range
of contemporary homes
designed by an impressive
selection of architects.
Honing in on the subtleties of
interior and exterior design,
Houses Now explores how
specic architectural designs
reect living styles from
suburban masterpieces and
sprawling country homes
to sleek city residences and
breathtaking beach houses.
These homes demonstrate
that your style is your
signature when it comes to
residential design.

Total control of your cooking is what the ILVE Quickstart


pre-heat function is all about. Were talking 0 -180C in under
8 minutes plus variable temperature adjustments up to 250C.
That leaves you a lot of time to be creative.

58

BULLETIN

MEET THE DESIGNERS

Introducing the movers, shakers and style makers of the design world
PRODUCED BY / Kate St James, FDIA

ELISABETH
VANDYK

lisabeth VanDyk is an interior


designer and six-time Dulux
Colour Awards nalist in the
residential and commercial
category. Elisabeth, who loves living
on Sydneys Northern Beaches, has
more than 15 years of design industry
experience in Europe and Australia.
After obtaining several qualications
in colour and design, she founded her
company, European Colours & Interiors,
in 2005, oering professional colour
and design advice to homeowners,
architects, builders and developers for
the residential and commercial industry.
Her passion and specialty is colour.
Elisabeths dream project is to work
on a hotel to do all the design work to
create its look and feel, from the exterior
to the reception area to the hotel
room. She has created all the separate
elements that you would nd in a hotel,
but has not yet had the opportunity to
put it into action.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIAN RIABIC

This sunroom is an open, casual space with only a small wall


dividing the formal living/dining area. Together with Tapetti,
a custom-made rug was designed for this space, with a beige
background and some features/ design elements connecting
with the other two rugs [in red/aqua/dark brown/black] with
silk elements.
A stunning pendant light by Ross Lovegrove for
Yamagiwa called Andromeda creates a magnificent pattern
on the ceiling.
Custom-made, motorised Roman blinds in an ivory fabric
with a black border to link back to the Art Deco period
finished off this relaxing space. The Saarinen round table is
great for casual meals or when reading or listening to music.
And lying on the Le Corbusier lounge with a glass of red is
the perfect spot.

ABOVE This whitesilver offer box is special to me


as it was purchased when on holiday in Ibiza, where my
husband proposed to me. Originally the box came from Bali,
not Spain.

59

This was a
decorating job in an
apartment with some
Art Deco features.
The challenge was
to create a modern
interior with links to
the Art Deco period.

In this new contemporary house,


I worked from floorplans and
specified every detail in the house,
including finishes, colours, building
materials, flooring, lighting, kitchen
and bathrooms, media room and
some of the decoration. The front
door is unusual because of its size
and look, with Monument powdercoated colour, a few frosted glass
panels and a selection of exterior
and interior stones and colours and
a glass awning above.

60

BULLETIN

MEET THE DESIGNERS

I like to see every


project as an opera
in which Ive got to
create a production
that will wow the
audience while
remaining true to
the original brief
Thomas Bucich

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

THOMAS
BUCICH

s a native New Yorker, Thomas Bucich has had


a colourful and rich career in the design realm.
A graduate of the prestigious Parsons The New
School for Design in New York, Thomas earned
his stripes with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, going on to work
with the movers and shakers of the entertainment world in
the 80s, including Phil Collins, Oscar de la Renta and even
ery tennis legend John McEnroe. Leaving the Big Apple
for Sydney, Thomas established his interior and furniture
design studio in 1990, working as a method actor to inject
his projects with the spirit of sources that inspire him
personally. Classically trained in architecture and ne art,
Thomas works with his associates on an array of projects,
from residential to restaurants, always providing the
client with a high-calibre aesthetic that is both functional
and beautiful.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIAN RIABIC

OPPOSITE The
space is my library
wall in my home and
studio in Palm Beach,
Sydney.Ive always
collected books and
my library has always
been the heart of
any home Ive lived
in.Although Ive led
a bit of a nomadic
life since moving
from New York, the library is a
constant and represents everything
that interests and influences me
personally and professionally.
The table in the centre of the
space is from the workshop of my
favourite furniture designer, Andr
Arbus.The table is a part-time
desk, layout table and a place to
share meals with family and friends.

My sculpture is Dance Study


plaster and charcoal 2014. In my art
practice, modern dance continues
to be a major influence.I try to
capture the essence of the spirit
and movement without being
too literal.
As an artist and designer, Ive
always avoided being too stylistic.I
dont really pay much attention
to trends or whats in vogue.My
training and practice have always
been a mix of classic knowledge
within a modern context.I prefer to
work from project to project with a
fresh set of eyes and approach each
brief with an original solution.
In my artwork, Im always
searching and exploring new
ground in both subject matter and
the materials I work with.This also
extends to my design work, where
I like to see every project as an
opera in which Ive got to create
a production that will wow the
audience while remaining true to the
original brief.

61

62

BULLETIN

MEET THE DESIGNERS

TANYA
HANCOCK

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIAN RIABIC

anya Hancock of T01 Architecture + Interiors is more than an


architect she is a creator of wonderful environments which
encompass those who live there and is a creator of homes.
Tanya spent her initial years as an architect working
in London on projects throughout the UK and Europe. During this
time, she worked on a range of projects from large-scale residential
apartment developments to high-end residential single dwellings and
boutique commercial projects. In 2002, Tanya returned to Australia
and established T01, a multi-disciplinary studio focused on producing
contemporary design with timeless beauty and a main focus on her true
love, exquisitely designed yet functional residential projects.
Tanya is the principal design architect on all projects, and the rm has
gained recognition for design excellence locally and internationally. She
specialises not only in architectural design, but also in creating beautiful
homes that work specically for the client and their lifestyle. Her work
is dened by a contemporary feel with an emphasis on light, while
maintaining a level of warmth in the materials and overall space.
Our team has a warm yet sophisticated approach to design, with
a strong focus on working very closely with clients to evolve and develop
their brief to provide a comfortable and aesthetically beautiful place to
call home, explains Tanya. We dont subscribe to one particular style,
preferring to be uid so our work does not necessarily t into a predictable
mould. We feel that the most important ingredient to a beautiful project
is the successful partnership between our clients and us. We aim to create
projects that are a reection of the clients personality and style and our
aim is to seamlessly meld it all together.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

ABOVE Dark colours and


geometric tiling give this
powder room
a sense of elegance and
drama. Sumptuous touches
such as the chandelier and
console basin play against
the geometric mosaics
to create an elegant and
timeless look.

ABOVE RIGHT The use

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANSON SMART, SIMON WHITBREAD

of timber veneer adds


warmth and depth to
the sleek, clean lines of
the kitchen as well as
concealing the door to the
butlers pantry behind.

RIGHT The neutral palette


of the room allows the
play of light through the
traditional windows to
become the focus. The use
white lends a contemporary
feel to the existing part of
the house, creating a canvas
for a mix of old- and newstyle furnishings.

63

64

BULLETIN

MEET THE DESIGNERS

STEFFEN
WELSCH

rchitect Steen Welsch began his career in 1993


after he graduated from the Bauhaus University
in Germany, working in Vienna for three years.
Steen then moved to Australia, where he
worked for international practice Denton Corker Marshall.
This led to assignments in Russia, after which he headed
back to Melbourne in 1998. After travelling around the
globe, Steen decided to establish his own company
in 2003 Steen Welsch Architects focusing on
residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Now
a successful company, the business comprises a team of
architects from various backgrounds who all work towards
the same goal of sustainability and creating designs that
are cost ecient and focus on longevity.

Rammed earth is one


of my favourite building
materials. We have been
using rammed earth for
both country and inner-city
homes, and we like the fact
the material works well as
thermal mass and always
looks great. In winter, it
soaks up the heat during
the day and releases it
slowly at night. In summer,
it stores the heat and helps
keep your house cool. The
sound quality in our homes

matters, and we found that


rammed earth has great
acoustic properties. The
porous surface absorbs
sound and contributes to
a pleasant acoustic inside.
The material comes in
different colours depending
on what quarry the earth
comes from. It can look
sleek with modern furniture
and can feel warm and
comforting together with
personal objects.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

It took us a long time to


get something built that
uses hemp. We like the
fact that a sustainable
material has so many
other good qualities
Steen Welsch

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW LECKY

ABOVE My favourite built project is


the hemp house in Melbourne. It took
us a long time to get something built
that uses hemp. We like the fact that a
sustainable material has so many other
good qualities. It contributes to healthy
air in the house, has good acoustic
qualities, combines thermal mass with
insulation and it looks great.

ABOVE My favourite artwork is a photograph by


Oscar Perilla, a Columbian architect and professor
at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogot.
Its a photo of a fire extinguisher and hose reel taken
in Bogota that looks almost three dimensional and
hangs in my lounge room. It epitomises two aspects
about art and it is very personal since it reminds me
of a friend and is slightly unsettling and strange at the
same time.

RIGHT In principle, I like chairs to


have personality and be versatile
and ambiguous they should be
comfortable, but not too cosy. When
you sit at the table, you still want to
sit up or lean over for an animated or
interesting discussion. The Bentwood
chair from Thonet is designed by
Hermann Czech and fits the criteria
above. In addition, it was designed in
the early 90s by Viennese architect
Hermann Czech and references some
chairs designed by Art Nouveau
architect Otto Wagner. Its witty,
intellectual as well as simply practical.

65

Dry Pressed
Let your imagination run wild

Call us on 131 579


or visit www.pghbricks.com.au

Mowbray Blue from the PGH Dry Pressed collection provides a distinct
architecturally solid look that epitomizes brick manufacturing excellence.
The high compression of Dry Pressed bricks provides a grainy, yet smooth,
velvety appearance and their extremely square arris is an important part of
their aesthetic appeal.
Quality bricks that only PGH Bricks & Pavers can offer.

Mowbray Blue
Clovelly House: Sarkis Hill Architects & Destech Building Group

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

69

PROJECTS

Project by Pleysier Perkins

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

p70

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

p82

NORWICH ECO HOME

p94

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

p106

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

p118

TREE HOUSE

p132

BUSHLAND HOUSE

p146

70

TV HOUSE

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

BACK IN BLACK
This modern home revolves around the principles of sustainability,
proving style and environmentally friendly building go hand in hand
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros PHOTOGRAPHY / Rhiannon Slatter

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

71

72

TV HOUSE

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

Dark-coloured chairs create contrast


against warm timber

HOUSE Port Melbourne


Urban Green
LOCATION Port
Melbourne, Victoria

ownsizing from a large Victorian-era


property, Dr Ian Kronborg and his wife
Dr Anne Howard sought to create
a home that was ecologically sound
and equally as exible when it comes to space.
The duo wasted no time in clearing the land
a rat-infested shermans hut that had occupied
the space for more than 45 years and
beginning work on their creation, a standout
home in the suburb of Port Melbourne.
A unique design feature of the space is the
water tanks that hug two sides of the home. We
were keen to have solar power and modern water
management, says Ian. The actual appearance
of the structure was not that important, while
the function, both ecologically and socially, was
vital. In this case, the gargantuan black water
tanks add to the allure of the home, branding
it not only sustainable, but exclusive in its
aesthetic. We were impressed by the architects
idea of black square water tanks, which give
the house the impression of being an Italianate
villa, says Ian.
With a number of family members coming
and going, producing a space that was exible
and practical was high on the couples agenda.
The property needed to serve a number of
functions, says Ian. We have adult children
who have moved out and moved back at
dierent times. We enjoy entertaining and
needed spaces which could cope with this, but

Dr Anne Howard and


Dr Ian Kronborg are the
proud owners of this
unique abode

at the same time, we needed our own privacy.


Incorporating organic elements into the
design of the house was a welcome relief for
the family, who had lived in an apartment for
the past two years. It was important for us to
have access to greenery. We love the roof garden
and peaceful living room with adjacent herb
garden, says Ian. There are two decking areas
lined with bright green plants, which contrast
with the dark, jet black materials utilised
outside, producing a striking result. In the long

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

73

A bookcase between staircases


mixes up the space

74

TV HOUSE

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

The stunning outdoor area is the


standout space of the project

It was important for us to have access


to greenery. We love the roof garden and
peaceful living room with adjacent herb
garden Dr Ian Kronborg, owner

run, hopefully lots of greenery grows over the


house, says Ian.
Like all projects, this Port Melbourne home
was dealt its cards when it came to on-site
challenges. After we purchased the block, the
soil survey showed it was on the original beach,
and we were unable to put in the underground
car park and cellar we planned, says Ian.
But the inconvenience of not being able to go
underground for water storage provided the
encouragement to be innovative in the use
of water tanks. The couple were also faced
with overpriced quotes, issues with moving
powerlines and a builder who went broke all

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

From
the editor
Adding herbs and luscious
green plants on a decking area
is just as good as having
a backyard. All homes benefit
from an organic element and
plants instantly breathe new
life into high-rise living

75

76

TV HOUSE

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

Introduce colour into


a neutral space through
bright accessories

We preferred recycled materials


where possible, but we also had
a strong emphasis on lowmaintenance materials which would
age gracefully Dr Ian Kronborg

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

77

An open bathroom is
a nod to a modern design

We love

A freestanding
circular bath. This tub
modernises the room
and is the perfect
centrepiece of the space

obstacles that were overcome with persistence


and a good architect.
Despite moving into a smaller property,
this home is still relatively large, boasting six
main rooms, three bathrooms, a granny at
with bedroom/living room, two studies, a lift,
cellar, double-car garage and a music room that
is currently serving as a nursery for Ians sons
newborn baby. As our family tends to come and
go, it had to be a little larger than we absolutely
needed to cope with peak loads, admits Ian.

At the same time, we wanted to decrease the


impact of our living style with an ecologically
sound house.
With a rm focus on the materials of the
home, Ian and Anne have achieved their vision
of producing a modern house with the feeling
of open space and access to green growing
areas. We preferred recycled materials where
possible, but we also had a strong emphasis on
low-maintenance materials which would age
gracefully. We knew a large amount would have

78

TV HOUSE

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

Design tip

Tie back colours through accessories, such as this


blue rug which intertwines with the storage space

to be steel and plastic, and we were keen to have


a signicant amount of wood present to help
with the organic feel, reveals Ian. With timber
featuring strongly throughout the home in the
form of staircases, oorboards and furniture,
a slightly industrial atmosphere is generated
along with the greenery and black accents

around the home.


A standout bedroom lled with natural light
and a conjoined open bathroom is a design
feature of the house. Providing a cityscape view
and freestanding egg-shaped bath, this oasis
is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Pops of
colour are introduced through accessories such as

canary yellow towels and a red-striped bedspread


pieces that inject excitement into the space.
With an eco-friendly heart safely encased
within a cutting-edge black exterior, this home is
the ideal vessel for a family who seeks exibility
and sustainability all in one.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

LEGEND
1
Carport
2
Entry
3
Music room
4
Bathroom
5
Cellar
6
Laundry
7
Lounge room
8
Bedroom
9
Dining room
10 Kitchen
11 Store
12 WC
13 Deck
14 Herb garden
15 Lift
16 Master bedroom
17 Ensuite
18 Walk-in robe
19 Ironing room
20 Study
21 Gallery
22 Solar panels
23 Garden
24 Edible garden
25 Store
26 Plant
27 Water storage

1
5
2

15

7
27

20
19

18
27

27

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

27

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

14
13

12
15

25
11

10

15

27

26

7
24

22

23
27

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

ROOF PLAN

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT ARM

21
16

SERVICES Elevator Easy Living Elevators

13

15

12

17

Architecture (armarchitecture.
com.au; 03 8613 1888)
BUILDER Overend
Constructions
(overendconstructions.com.
au; 03 5962 1637)
ARCHITECTURAL METAL
WORK HJ Richards
(03 5962 6133)
LANDSCAPING Earth Timber
Stone Design (etsd.com.au)

(easy-living.com.au; 03 9094 8600) Lighting


control/security A/V Advanced Lifestyle
Solutions (advancedlifestylesolutions.com.au;
1300 664 771)
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Alucobond aluminium
cladding Design Cladding Systems
(designcladding.com.au) Aluminium windows/
doors Higgins and Cooper (higginsandcooper.
com.au) Architectural metal work HJ Richards
(03 5962 6133) Carpet The Floor Store
(melbournecarpets.com.au; 03 9417 3291) Cellar
Cellar Creations (cellar-creations.com.au; 03
9775 5544) Curtains/blinds Blinds in Mind
(blindsinmind.com.au; 03 5977 2117) Dining table
Brown Dog Furniture (browndogfurniture.com;
03 9650 8131) Grow wall cladding (gstore.com.
au; 03 9571 0552) Light fittings Lights Lights
Lights (lightslightslights.com.au; 03 9372 8541)
Outdoor furniture Jati (jati.com.au; 03 9427
8452) Skylights Atlite Skylights (atlite.com)
Water feature Fitzroy Nursery (fitzroynursery.
com.au; 03 9417 3272) Water tanks Aquarius
Watermaster (aquariuswatermaster.com.au)

79

TV HOUSE

80

PORT MELBOURNE URBAN GREEN

01

03

02

02
04

GET THE LOOK


Basic accessories with hints of colour are all you need to create
a home thats clever when it comes to design
n
01 Lounge from Sweetpea & Willow.
02
03
04
05
06
07

05

sweetpeaandwillow.com
Floor lamp from Out of the Box.
outoftheboxchch.co.nz
Pendant light from Idyll Home.
idyllhome.co.uk
Quilt cover set from Adairs.
adairs.com.au
Cushion from Habitots.
habitots.com.au
Cushion from Escape to Paradise.
escapetoparadise.com.au
Glass vase from The Design Hunter.
thedesignhunter.com.au

06
06
06

08 Baby alpaca throw


w from S
Scout..
scoutlifestyle.com

09 Coffee table from Alliance

10
11

Furniture Trading. Facebook.com/


alliancefurnituretrading
Dining table from Satara.
satara.com.au
Dining chair from Home Concepts.
home-concepts.com.au

08

07

10

11
09

82

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

BACK
TO THE
FUTURE
With roots rmly planted in 1864,
this Williamstown home is brimming
with tales from Australian history
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros PHOTOGRAPHY / Rhiannon Slatter

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

83

84

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

A pebbled garden and expansive


windows create fusion between the
indoors and outdoors

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

85

Upon first glance, the


home is very much
traditional in style

HOUSE Williamstown
Bluestone
LOCATION
Williamstown, Victoria
COST $650,000
DATE COMPLETED
July 2014

reserving the past is a concept thats not embraced as much as it


should be, with homeowners following the adage, Out with the
old and in with the new like theres no tomorrow. But the allure
of an abandoned cottage built in 1864 was enough for Jason and
Jennifer Brettell to create a modern house full of hints to the homes
fascinating history.
The stone cottage was one of the rst properties in the Victorian suburb
of Williamstown, owned and built by John Laerty and occupied by
a long line of relatives. In a time where entire suburbs were owned by just
a handful of people one of whom was Edward Quigley, original owner
of the Prince Albert Hotel land was abundant and used for gardens and
farming instead of shopping complexes and replicated homes.
Fast-forward more than 150 years and the cottage is no longer
surrounded by dairy farms and vacant blocks. Instead, there is a home
that has been revived from a hopeless state. The owners vacated the
house in the 1950s and left a lot of belongings in there, which remained
until we bought the house in 2012, says Jason. The cottage was
dilapidated, with a sinking facade, rotted oors and window frames
as well as plant climbers coming into the house.
With a goal to restore the bluestone cottage and bring it back to life,

Jason and
Jennifer are the
brains behind this
stunning project

86

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

Overlapping benchtops and copper stools are


part of the industrial trend thats here to stay

An exposed concrete feature wall brings


a gritty element to the clean and modern design

C opy that

Copper features heavily in the interior design.


Rather than using the material in places like the
bathroom, put this pricey metal on show in the
kitchen or living room

the couple faced the challenge of compartmentalising their


ideas due to the limited space of the house. The brief was to
maximise the site to build a three-bedroom, double-storey
home that would be respectful of the existing cottages
history, says Jason.
Along with Miniature Schnauzer Duke, Jason and
Jennifer have transformed an untouched cottage into
a home that boasts a minimalist atmosphere. Focusing
on using materials that slot into the industrial category,
timber, shades of black and white and metal feature heavily
throughout the home. We were conscious of respecting the
history, but also creating a modern industrial theme through
the use of natural elements while trying to maximise every
square inch of the space, says Jason.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

The colour palette is very neutral, predominantly white, with raw materials
adding warmth and highlighting design features. Weve added colour
through accessories and furnishings that are easily changed over time
Jason Brettell, owner

87

88

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

A warmer atmosphere is created with generous leather


lounges and personal touches

We love
A hint of humour
with this printed
dog cushion in
vibrant colours

We were conscious of respecting


the history, but also creating
a modern industrial theme through
the use of natural elements while
trying to maximise every square
inch of the space Jason Brettell
The white minimalist kitchen serves as a worthy centre
point of the home. The tiled white splashback and cabinetry
are broken up by the thunder grey marble benchtop and
conjoined timber countertop. Two copper stools push the
industrial theme, along with hanging pendants suspended
at dierent heights. The atmosphere is one of tranquillity
and ambience, created through the use of raw materials
including timber, concrete, steels and bluestone, says
Jason. The colour palette is very neutral, predominantly
white, with raw materials adding warmth and highlighting
design features. Weve added colour through accessories and
furnishings that are easily changed over time.
Reminders of the homes history are present throughout
the house, especially in the living room, where a bluestone
feature wall serves as a throwback to the original cottage.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

A distressed concrete
wall encompasses
industrial chic

Light and bright guest


rooms are always
welcoming to visitors

89

90

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE
A mosaic tiled wall
brings pattern into the
space in a subtle way

Words of wisdom

Undertake your due diligence and get


detailed documentation before signing
a build contract. We didnt do this
because we were under pressure to
buy the cottage in an off-market sales
transaction Jason Brettell
This historical aspect is favoured
by both Jason and Jennifer, who
believe the stone walls inability to
be replicated is a standout feature
of the space.
As well as being inspired by the
previous occupants of the house,
Jason and Jennifer also sought
to live in a home that was energy
ecient. There is an abundance
of natural light and the home is
6 Star and very energy ecient,
informs Jason.
With a completed house
consisting of three bedrooms, two
living areas, two bathrooms and
an outdoor entertaining area, this
residence is the epitome of old
world meets new.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT/CONCEPTUAL

DESIGN Tina Lindner


(tinalindner.com.au;
03 9399 8633)
BUILDER Portside Building
(portsidebuilding.com.au)

STRUCTURE Building surveyors

Inespark-Building Surveyors
(0419 371 829) Design drafting
building permit only 7 Design
Group (7designgroup.com.au;
03 9317 8111) Engineering
services Arx Engineering
(arxconsulting.com.au; 03 8361
7172) Design advice Design
by T (designbyt.com.au; 0438
091 096) Principal contractor
Portside Building (0408 720 565)
Structural steel Universal Steel
(universalsteel.net.au;
03 8348 9100)
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Acrylic
renderer Bartex Enterprises
(03 9331 5510) Aluminium &
skylights Boutique Windows
(boutiquewindows.com.au; 0499 999
777) All tiling supply Urban Edge
Ceramics (urbanedgeceramics.com.
au; 03 9429 2122) Air conditioners
Hot Dog Electrical (hotdogelectrical.
com.au; 0411 379 264) Appliances
Harvey Norman Commercial
(harveynormancommercial.com.au;
03 8530 6300), Asko Appliances
(asko.com.au; 0401 200 087), Smeg
Appliances (smeg.com.au; 0434
421 375) Artificial grass Ausgrass
Supplies (mysyntheticgrass.com.
au/about-ausgrass; 03 8360 3620)
Fencing Hobsons Bay Pickets
(hobsonsbaypickets.com.au; 03
9397 6077) Decking Turnley
Timbers (turnleytimbers.com.
au; 1300 733 559) Joinery Yarra
Valley Cabinets (yvcm.com.au; 03
9728 8088) Cabinets We Make
Cabinets (wemake.com.au; 03 9887
4005) Lighting design Lights
Lights Lights (lightslightslights.
com.au; 03 9372 8541) Tiler Craftile
(0418 179 236) Timber Bowens
Timber (bowens.com.au; 03 9408
6566), Newport Timber Company
(03 9397 3311) Timber floor
Beautiful Floors Naturally (0414 310
541) Timber windows Diamond
Windows (diamondwindows.com.
au; 03 5221 7088), Saxon Windows
(lexmorwindows.com.au; 03 9546
6555) Internal plaster Williamstown
Plaster (melbourneplasterers.com.au;
0418 397 414) Sheer curtains A-ok
Blinds & Curtains (03 9734 7491)
Shower screen Premium Shower

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS

Blinds & shutters The Blind Factory


(theblindfactory.com.au; 132 546)
Carpet Carpet Court (carpetcourt.
com.au; 03 9399 1311) Carpentry
Driftwood Carpentry (0418 330
728) Caulking Exel Seal (exelseal.
com.au; 03 9775 0188) Concrete
benchtops Benchmark Benchtops
(benchmarkbenchtops.com.au; 0400
673 300) Concreting RS Concreting
(0417 692 791) Hardware supplies
Bunnings (bunnings.com.au; 03 8331
5800) Home audio entertainment
Whatmough (whatmough.com;
03 9545 5152)
SERVICES Cleaning Adco
Cleaning (03 9775 0188) Electrical
services Westgate Electrical
(westgateelectrical.com.au; 0409
705 612) Painter Neil Carlin Painters
(0419 517 652) Pest control
Paramount Pest Control (1300
669 635) Plant & equipment hire
Citiwest Rentals (citiwestrentals.
com.au; 0422 678 835) Restoration
suppliers Sneddons (sneddons.com.
au; 03 9314 7172) Hydronic heating
H2O Heating (h2oheating.com.au;
03 9584 3115) Waterproofing Wet
Seal (wet-seal.com.au; 0447 652
950) Tuckpointers Heritage Green
Shamrock (heritagegreenshamrock.
com.au; 0405 774 729) Restoration
suppliers Sneddons (sneddons.com.
au; 03 9314 7172) Security Taylors
Lakes Security (0404 837 789)

Screens (1300 664 150) Spiral


stairs Enzie Stairs (spiralstaircase.
com.au; 03 9481 2255) Stonemason
Futostone (0425 737 103) Tapware
Phoenix Tapware (phoenixtapware.
com.au; 0402 849 724) Plumbing &
bathroom supplies Reece Newport
(reece.com.au; 03 9391 6111)
Polished concrete floor Hipergrind
(hipergrind.com.au; 0402 124 179)
Rendering & hard plaster Paul
Bertoia (0405 229 042) Roof &
floor trusses MB Pre-Fab Framing
(1800 013 025) Roofing & sanitary
plumbing Sexton Plumbing (0418
333 798) Scaffold Truss Guard Rail
Pty Ltd (trussguard.com.au; 0409
162 922) TV antenna Melbourne TV
Antennas (melbournetvantennas.
com.au; 0433 642 455)

1
2

10

11

12

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

14

15

13

10

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

N
LEGEND
1
Entry
2
Sitting room
3
Dining
4
Kitchen
5
Living room
6
Laundry
7
Bathroom
8
Bedroom 2

9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Bedroom 3
Spiral stair
Deck
Carpark
Bedroom 1
Walk-in robe
Ensuite

91

92

TV HOUSE

WILLIAMSTOWN BLUESTONE

02

03

04

01

06

05

GET THE LOOK


Quirky, eclectic and industrial
elements accent a humble home
09

01 Mirror from Sweetpea & Willow.


02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09

07

sweetpeaandwillow.com
Light from Boyd Blue. boydblue.com
Vase from Albi. albi.com.au
Throw from IN-SPACES.
in-spaces.com
Dining table from The Design Hunter.
thedesignhunter.com.au
Cushion from Scout.
scoutlifestyle.com
Chair from Ghify. ghify.com
Leather sofa from Beyond Furniture.
beyondfurniture.com.au
Teapot from IN-SPACES.
in-spaces.com

08

Storybook
D E S I G N E R

H O M E S

Create your own story...

www.storybook.com.au

94

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

KNOCKED
FOR SIX
Idyllic plot? Check. Innovative design? Check. Super-eco
credentials? Check. Natasha Cargills Norfolk home ticks
all the right boxes just
WORDS / Laura Snoad PHOTOGRAPHY / Darren Chung

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

95

Natasha spent three years searching


for the ideal location before she found
her plot in rural Norfolk

96

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

HOUSE Norwich
Eco Home
LOCATION Norwich,
Norfolk UK
DATE COMPLETED
September 2014

Upside-down living is
very freeing. Youre not
scampering around from
one space to the next you
can just stop and look out at
the view. It puts the brakes
on Natasha Cargill

hether its to save the planet or just


to reduce the cost of energy bills,
the majority of grand designers
are keen to invest in some sort of
eco technology. But for Natasha Cargill, whose
impressive periscope-like home in rural Norfolk
featured on the recent series of Grand Designs,
sustainability wasnt just a whim it was the
dierence between living in her dream house
and being left homeless.
The reason? Her idyllic plot, with its verdant
woodland and picturesque river, was subject
to Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy
Framework, which meant that only the most
architecturally innovative, energy-ecient,
eco-friendly building would do. Just design
a really green building, you might say, but
attaining Code for Sustainable Homes Level
6 (the signier of an exemplary piece of eco
architecture) isnt just about the nished

product. Every detail from the energy used to


transport materials to water wastage and even
the type of Portaloos and the happiness of the
builders needs to be meticulously recorded. And
if anything slips below the exacting standards,
you cant move in. It was one hell of a risk.
It seems really nave, but I didnt think there
was anything insurmountable, says Natasha
cheerfully. Her positive attitude and faith in
28-year-old architectural designer and family
friend Wilf Meynell was one of the most heartwarming elements of the show. It was always
going to be a challenge, but it could be done, so
we were going to do it. That was the soundtrack
to most of the build really, plus Wilf is incredibly
optimistic, so it would take someone with
incredible strength of mind to doubt him.
Tiring of London some 10 years previously,
Natasha moved with her son Lucas (now 12)
back to her home county of Norfolk, living in

a small cottage before deciding that self-build


was probably the only way she would ever nd a
living solution that was ideal for the two of them.
I had pretty specic ideas of what I wanted,
and it probably would have taken years to nd
the perfect place, she explains. Id spent most
of my life subterranean in my at in Clapham,
South London with the bedroom downstairs. The
interior layout of the Norfolk cottage was similar,
which I liked. Upside-down living is very freeing.
Youre not scampering around from one space to
the next you can just stop and look out at the
view. It puts the brakes on.
The plan was to make the house sustainable
right from the foundations, it would sit on
a thin and ecient insulated slab cast from
eco concrete, a material in which much of the
cement content has been replaced by y ash
and waste from furnaces and power stations.
A sculptural staircase would be made out of
the same material, providing a thermal mass
that would absorb and release heat, warming
the home in winter and cooling the building in
summer. The structure itself was to be timberframed, skinned with bre panels and stued
with carbon-neutral insulation.
Downstairs would host Lucas and Natashas
bedrooms, one on each side of the decking area,
and then upstairs on one side of the building
would sit the kitchen and dining room, with
a living space and music room on the other.
A central hallway surrounding the thermalmass staircase would be bordered by windows
to let in maximum natural light. A 6kW array
of solar panels on a sedum roof would provide
electricity, and to stop the soil pushing the
semi-submerged building down the hill, gabions
lled with local int would line the buildings
edge. With a budget of just $467,000, it was an
ambitious undertaking.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

97

Large bi-fold doors open from the


dining area onto the shaded balcony

98

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

Huge windows and a cork


floor add warmth to Natashas
bedroom. I wake up with
a spring in my step, she says

In the program, Kevin McCloud joked that Natasha was jammy


at scooping up the half-acre plot for a bargain $150,000, but one thing
the show slightly overlooked was the lengths to which she had gone to
attain such a good deal. Searching for more than three years, Natasha
had been pushing notes through peoples letterboxes and door-stepping
farmers until eventually she found the answer right in front of her nose.
After meeting architect Wilf for an initial chat about ideas, it turned out
his father was willing to sell Natasha a plot on the family estate the
problem was solved.
Building on family land was just the start of Wilfs above-and-beyond
approach to the project. Not only did he design an innovative and
considered home but, to save Natasha money, he took on the roles of
environmental engineer, planning consultant and quantity surveyor,
not to mention tirelessly ringing suppliers to get better deals. He even
convinced his dad to allow them to fell some red cedar for the buildings
trademark cladding and enlisted some architecture students to install it
for free in the name of vital experience and CV fodder.
For a young architect-in-training, its essential your rst full-sized
dwelling is exemplary of the sort of projects you want to be commissioned
for in the future, but you really get the impression Wilfs commitment to
the project went far beyond self-interest something that stood him in
good stead when the build started to get dicult.
Despite everyones best intentions, the schedule ran behind and with
some unexpected groundwork costs, Wilf had to ask Natasha to nd an
extra $14,000 to make sure they could nish on time and achieve the
Code Level 6 standard.
It was annoying and I could have done without it, but there was no
other way, says Natasha. In the general scheme of things, I now have
something that is worth more than the sum of its parts. You really have to
think about the bigger picture.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

99

Design tip

Dont let the heat get to you in the kitchen


opt for soothing colours including mint green
to add a calming element to the space

The Greenwich kitchen from Howdens was excellent


value and is the most eco design in its range. Wilfs
father Anthony felled the sycamore tree that was
used to make the kitchen table

100

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

Building on family land was just the start


of Wilfs above-and-beyond approach
to the project. Not only did he design an
innovative and considered home, but
he took on the roles of environmental
engineer, planning consultant and
quantity surveyor

We love

The use of citrus hues throughout the


home, an effective way to add instant
happiness and joy

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

101

The orange sofa was


acquired from a friend and
the coffee table is a local
Norwich design. The screen
is by Anna Glover and the
artwork by Gavin Mitchell

102

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

The family bathroom, next to Lucas bedroom, is


fitted with an eco shower and shallow bath, essential
additions to secure the Code Level 6 status

Wilf managed to battle the bureaucracy


by introducing some ecological
landscaping which tipped the project
over the 90 points needed to secure
Code Level 6 status

Lucas bedroom at one end of


the building is spacious enough
to have its own seating area

It looked as though disaster might strike again right at the 11th hour when
a site inspection revealed the build had slipped down to a Code Level 5,
largely because they hadnt provided a shower block for the builders. But
with a bit of lateral thinking, Wilf managed to battle the bureaucracy by
introducing some ecological landscaping which tipped the project over
the 90 points needed to secure Code Level 6 status.
Now shes moved in, its clear the stresses of the project have more or
less faded from Natashas mind. When asked about her favourite part
of the house, the list is endless. She darts from the sculptural staircase,
It takes on a dierent personality all the time! to the large bedroom
windows, I wake up with a spring in my step and the elegant kitchen,
with its sliding doors and balcony overlooking the river. With a total cost
of $630,000, the project stretched Natasha to the limit nancially, but
its a house she envisions staying in forever and building it has been an
incredible experience for her and Lucas. Its probably the most exciting
thing Ill ever do in my life, she concludes.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

LEGEND
1
Entry
2
Bedroom
3
Bathroom
4
Snug
5
Kitchen
6
Dining room
7
Living room
8
Music room
9
WC
10 Deck
11 Stairs

103

11
1

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

9
5

8
11

6
7

10
10
FIRST FLOOR PLAN

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT Wilf Meynell,
Studio Bark (studiobark.co.uk)
ELECTRICIAN Stolworthy

Electrical (stolworthyelectrical-co.uk)
CONTRACTOR Norfolk Pro
Build (norfolkprobuild.co.uk)
MOBILE SAWMILLING Eastern
Counties Mobile Sawmilling
(61 01986 788 559)

STRUCTURE Forestry & red cedar Berry Hall

Woodlands (berryhallwoodlands.co.uk) Roof


light supplier Daylight & Ventilation Solutions
(dvsltd.co.uk) Gabion flints East Anglian Stone
(eastanglianstone.co.uk) Timber fibre insulation,
render and building fabric Natural Building
Technologies (natural-building.co.uk)
ECO FEATURES Slab and in-situ staircase Anglia
Formwork (angliaformwork.co.uk) Insulation
Climatizer Insulation (climatizerinsulation.com),
Devana (devanainsulation.co.uk) Solar PV panels
Norfolk Solar (norfolksolar.co.uk)

FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen Howdens

(howdens.com) Windows Internorm (internorm.


com) Cork flooring Granorte (granorte.pt)
Wooden floors Quick-Step (quick-step.co.uk)
FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Kitchen table,
sills and worktops George Winks at Temper
(temperstudio.com) Contemporary screen
& cushions Anna Glover (annaglover.co.uk)
Artworks Mat Kemp (matkemp.com), Gavin
Mitchell (gavinmitchell.net), Jonny Glover
(jonnyglover.com)

104

TV HOUSE

NORWICH ECO HOME

01

02

03

04

GET THE
LOOK

05

06

British charm and industrial chic


clash in the most stylish way
08

01 Rug from C
Cranmore Home..
ccranmorehome.com.auu
mD
02 Pendant light from
Down that Little
L
e. downthat
Lane.
h littlelane.com.auu

03 Nordic coffee table from Satara.


satara.com.au

04 Fish cushion from Christopher


Daniel. christopherdaniel.co.uk

05 Oak chair from Aero Designs.


aerodesigns.com.au

06 Vase from Zanui. zanui.com.au


07 Copper stool from Down that Little
Lane. downthatlittlelane.com.au

08 Recycled ottoman from Eco Chic.


ecochic.com.au

07

PROJECT

106

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

INSIDE OUT
Blurring functionality and
new techniques make this
Melbourne home one of a kind
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros
PHOTOGRAPHY / Peter Bennetts Studio
& Tess Kelly

HOUSE Cut Paw Paw


House
LOCATION Seddon,
Victoria
DATE COMPLETED
March 2014

rom the creation of dwalls doors/


walls to the bathtub in the backyard,
barriers were pulled down to create
something special for this residence.
Comprising a renovation and extension,
the brief architect Andrew Maynard was given
by homeowners Derek Rowe and Michelle
Templeton was to make the house ridiculously
inside out. Giving an architect permission to
let their mind run wild is a rare opportunity
that must be rmly grasped with both hands.
And Andrew did just that. Cut Paw Paw is a
structure thats deliberately incomplete, he
says. We not only tested successful ideas, we
also left the building incomplete. The central
space is an unclad frame within and surrounded
by garden, he continues. It is both inside and
outside, a new building and an old ruin. It is
both garden and home.
Beginning the project with an old
weatherboard home, Derek says the place was
really rundown; in some places it was about to
fall down. It was perhaps the worst house in
a long and lovely street.
Michelle adds that when they stood at the
back door, they couldnt see where the back
fence was. And that was the moment that

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

107

108

PROJECT

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

An industrial vibe
encapsulates this
unique property

An unsuspecting
cottage houses
something special

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

109

We love

A bathtub under the


sun. You can clean off
and work on your tan at
the same time

110

PROJECT

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

sparked our interest, she says. With plans to


combine indoors and out, Derek and partner
Michelle wanted to blur the distinction between
house and garden as well as create a place that
seemed somewhat tailored to the architects
perception of us as people.
Prior to beginning the project, Andrew says
the clients requested the pre-war weatherboard
bungalow be demolished and replaced with
a two-storey sustainable house. With initial
plans scrapped, Michelle and Derek were
convinced to make the most of what they had
instead of replacing it, thus reducing their
environmental footprint. Sustainability is at
the core of Cut Paw Paw, says Andrew. We have
run the new form along the southern boundary
so its soaked in sunlight. The openings and
windows have been designed to optimise
passive solar gain, thereby drastically reducing
demands on mechanical cooling and heating.
All windows are double glazed and water tanks
and solar panels have their place.

It is both inside and


outside, a new building
and an old ruin. It is
both garden and home
Andrew Maynard,
architect

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

111

112

PROJECT

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

With a home that focuses on uidity,


dwalls were the perfect solution to
let the couple switch up areas in their
home. The bedroom dwalls allow us
to position the new elements up the
hallway to wherever we wish them to
begin, says Derek. This design note
in turn becomes an echo of the dining
area, where garden and house blur. With

rails etched into the timber oorboards,


the master bedroom can be completely
closed o or left open on display. With
its oor-to-ceiling brick replace, white
feathered chandelier and side access to
the backyard, the bedroom is a rustic but
shining example of what the home stands
for old world meets new.
Separated by a steel-framed bi-fold

Mixing soft materials


with rough enables a
room full of balance

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

113

Sliding doors enable


the bedroom to be
completely closed off
when needed

With its oor-to-ceiling brick replace, white feathered chandelier


and side access to the backyard, the bedroom is a rustic but shining example
of what the home stands for old world meets new

114

PROJECT

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

Design tip

Having two kitchen islands


ensures theres ample
space to work on dinner
and socialise with friends

door, the dining room and the outdoor area


seamlessly connect. An extensive backyard
featuring a standalone tub is a quirky element
that brings a whole lot of charm to the spacious
area that is dotted with green shrubbery
and trees.
All in all, the project was a labour of love for
the owners and all parties involved. The day
we moved in, the builders wouldnt leave, says
Derek. They loved this place and felt such
a strong sense of pride and ownership that
they kept coming back for one last thing.
Living in a new home gave Derek the
motivation to push forward in his career, and
he was approached to write his rst two-act
musical by a theatre producer just two weeks
after moving into the house. I feel the house
assisted greatly in giving me a space to write,
record and pitch music professionally, as
well as oering such a calming, serene
environment, reects Derek.
With both Derek and Michelle moving
forward in their lives, whats better than coming
home to a house that is truly and uniquely
their own?

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

LEGEND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Verandah
Entry
Bedroom 1
Study
Bedroom 2
Walk-in robe
Laundry
Bathroom
WC
Living room
Kitchen
Dining room
Deck
Studio
Existing store

2
14
15

FLOOR PLAN

Austin and Andrew


Maynard
DESIGN ARCHITECT
Andrew Maynard (info@
maynardarchitects.com)
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Mark Austin
BUILDER Marcus
Hamilton, Mark Projects
(markprojects.com.au)
ENGINEER Maurice
Farrugia and Associates
(03 9696 9073)

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS

4
6

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECTS Mark

6
5

Bathtub Apaiser (apaiser.com)


Dining pendant light Hermon
& Hermon (hermonhermon.
com.au) Benchtop Stone
Italiana (stoneitaliana.com.au)
Kitchen lights Thomas Gannan
(thomasgannan.com) Bi-fold door
system Skyrange Engineering
(skyrange.com.au)
BUILDING SUPPLIES Bricks Paddys
Bricks (paddysbricks.com.au)

13

10

12

9 7

11

3
8

115

116

PROJECT

CUT PAW PAW HOUSE

01

02

GET
THE
LOOK

03

Natural materials rule in this


sustainable and stylish abode
07

01 Pendant from Lumineur. lumineur.com


02 Sheepskin rug from Gambrell Renard.
gambrellrenard.com
Chandelier from Boyd Blue. boydblue.com
Side table from Eco Chic. ecochic.com.au
Bath from Casalusso. casalusso.com
Planter from Down that Little Lane.
downthatlittlelane.com.au
07 Eames chair from Living Edge.
livingedge.com.au

03
04
05
06

04
06

05

Pictured > Boardwalk > Driftwood

absolutely striking
Introducing Boardwalk, our contemporary level loop pile carpet. Available in 4 natural shades.
Walk through our entire collection at prestigecarpets.com.au. (03) 9708 6913. Prestige Carpets bringing your home to life.

118

PROJECT

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

OUT OF
THE BOX
Perched on a street corner in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood,
a quaint family home encompasses more than meets the eye
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros PHOTOGRAPHY / Derek Swalwell

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

119

A landscaped garden
is easy to maintain and
a nice spot to enjoy
the sun

120

PROJECT

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

We love

The timber ceilings


that tie the entire
house together

HOUSE Melburnian
Hideout
LOCATION Elwood,
Melbourne
COST $500,000
DATE COMPLETED
December 2012

hen creating a family home,


space is of the essence, but
when faced with a single-storey
brick house with deteriorating
outbuildings, you have to get a little crafty.
And thats just what architect and owner
David Vernon did, creating a family home
that is small on space but big on character.
David set out to build a home for his
young family that could bring them all

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

121

122

PROJECT

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

Contrasting timber
pieces add layers of
warmth to the space

Words of wisdom

There are so many great examples of post-war contemporary


houses, especially in Melbourne. I tend to look at those and think
about a flexible home which can allow a family to grow
David Vernon, architect and homeowner

When creating
a family home,
space is of the
essence, but when
faced with a singlestorey brick house
with deteriorating
outbuildings,
you have to get
a little crafty

area and be close to local shops


and schools, explains David. The
renovation also sought to provide
an oce studio, along with a space
designated for the kids. We work
close to our house so for us it was
about making a real home we can
enjoy at all times.
Spanning an eight-month
period, the ambitious build
included a generous living and
dining space that has the potential
to become a main bedroom
later down the track, along with
three additional bedrooms and
a bathroom upstairs. But no
structural changes were made to
the space. It can potentially be
very expensive to make signicant
changes. We only made a minor
change to the laundry by adding
a cavity sliding door, says David.
Timber features heavily
throughout the home, but
materials varied depending on
the thermal mass, comfort and
sustainability, notes David. LowVOC paints, natural oils and waxes
were used, with plywood and
timber sourced from plantations
only, he says. Low-E double
glazing with green concrete was
also used to ensure the homes
sustainability. A combination of
plywood and mountain ash timber
for wall linings and cupboards was

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

123

An industrial feel is
achieved by going
back to design basics

124

PROJECT

An open design works


in a small bathroom,
making it appear larger

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

125

126

PROJECT

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

Striking from the


street, this home
stands proud

Think about maximising the space not in size, but in exibility and quality. Having
more carefully considered green spaces makes for a more pleasant environment.
We need a balance, and that takes good design David Vernon
employed to create warmth and give the home
a welcoming atmosphere.
Given the restricted space of the project,
David aimed to make the most of the land.
We wanted to ensure we maximised the
garden and play space for the children, he
says. The footprint of the building occupies
less than 30 per cent of the site, which is just
over 450m. Boosting the garden not only
provided an outdoor space for the kids to run
around in, but also helps to keep the house
cool in summer, eliminating the need for
air-conditioning in the warmer months. We
wanted a house that breathes. I personally nd
it disappointing when any new dwelling doesnt
take advantage of the potential to incorporate
passive solar design.

When it comes to environmental


considerations, this Elwood home is full of
them. With a total oor area of 189m, the living
spaces feature north/east-facing windows,
allowing plenty of natural light to ood the
home. Narrow louvre windows provide
cross-ventilation from cooling sea breezes,
says David. An increase in air ow has been
established by a 100mm gap detail with the oor
to the rst-oor passage as well. An in-ground
22,500L rain water tank provides water for toilet
ushing, the washing machine and garden
irrigation, says David.
Creating a home that works within its natural
environment is something that is close to Davids
heart. We were mindful of making the house
work with the street and maximising what were

doing inside and out, he says. Its a social


house, we see our friends and neighbours come
past every day and its a great area to be a part of.
And Davids advice to budding builders?
Think about maximising the space not in
size, but in exibility and quality. The size of
the average Australian house is so big, which
means were compromising the space between
dwellings and our built environment suers as a
result. Having more carefully considered green
spaces makes for a more pleasant environment.
We need a balance, and that takes good design.
Making the most of a small space isnt an easy
task, but David has achieved a family home that
considers the current and future needs of his
family, who now live in a home that proves that
good things come in small packages.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

4
7
2
1

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

LEGEND
1 Entry
2 Bathroom
3 Study
4 Dining room
5 Kitchen
6 Laundry
7 Lounge room
8 Utility equipment room
9 Bedroom 1
10 Bedroom 2
11 Bedroom 3
12 Bathroom
13 Photovoltaic system
14 Solar hot water system

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT David

10

11

9
12

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Vernon Architect
(vernon.com.au)
BUILDER Mark Projects
(markprojects.com.au)

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS


Lighting Volker Haug (volkerhaug.
com) Whitegoods ILVE gas stove
and oven (ilve.com.au) Furniture
Custom made by builder

FIXTURES & FITTINGS

Wood heater Nectre (nectre.


com) Timber panelling Austral Ply
(australply.com.au) Paint Dulux;
Cutek (dulux.com.au; cutek.com.
au) Cement sheet James Hardie
(jameshardie.com.au) Kitchen
joinery Laminex; Austral Ply
(laminex.com.au; australply.com.au)
Roof Stramit (stramit.com.au)

SERVICES

Plumbing Caroma; Reece


(caroma.com.au; reece.com.
au) Solar PV system/hot water
system Camberwell Electrics
(camberwellelectrics.com.au)
Heating system Brivis
(brivis.com.au)

13

ROOF PLAN

14

127

128

PROJECT

MELBURNIAN HIDEOUT

01
02
04

GET
THE
LOOK

Nail the minimalist look


this simplistic home
achieves with these
stunning products
03

04

05

01 Fabric from Fermoie. fermoie.com


02 Bookshelf from Ghify. ghify.com
033 Fireplace from Ludlow Stoves.
ludlowstoves.co.uk

06

04
4 Chair from Satara.. ssatara.com.auu
05 Clock from The Design Gift Shopp.
tthedesigngiftshop.com

07

06 Pendant from Corner Light.


cornerlight.co.uk

07 Lamp from Cranmore Home.


cranmorehome.com.au

08 Dining table from Satara.


satara.com.au

09 House sculpture from Emporium


Home. emporiumhome.com.au

08
09

Melbourne Basement Living specialises in


basement construction underneath existing
homes. Our innovative and HIA award
winning home extension ensures that you
do not have to move out of your home and

has minimal impact on your day to day life.


Basement construction is a home renovation
that both maximises the land value of your
property and alleviates the stress of heritage
overlays and simplifies council planning

applications. Melbourne Basement Living does


all of the hard work for you to ensure that your
renovation is as stress free as possible. All that
you have to do is decide how you want to use
the space that we create for you.

Anthony 0402 661 682 | David 0412 325 554 | Office 03 9723 6824 | www.melbournebasementliving.com.au

132

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

ONE WITH
NATURE
A home that seamlessly blends with its natural environment
boasts a minimalist design featuring simple, clean lines
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros

PHOTOGRAPHY / Rhiannon Slatter

133

134

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

A polished concrete floor is an on-trend addition to


the home

HOUSE Tree House


LOCATION Glen Iris,
Victoria
COST $800,000+
DATE COMMENCED
March 2011
DATE COMPLETED
July 2012

We love

The combination of timber and polished


concrete a sustainable but stylish
aesthetic wound throughout the home

n 1913, the Californian bungalow hit Aussie


shores in a big way, making its pilgrimage
across the country to ultimately brand
itself as a cheap and chic style. The humble
bungalow became so popular that few houses
were designed in any other way. Alas, the mould
has since been broken and the Californiainuenced home has since dwindled in
popularity. Its hard to believe this modern
Glen Iris home was once part of the craze,
but a new residence stands proudly in its
place within a tree-ridden landscape.
As with many homes of this era, rooms
were dysfunctional, spaces were cramped
and insulation was poor. The lounge room
faced the street and had no relationship with
the backyard, says architect Steen Welsch.
The meals area was in the centre of the house
and was dark with no direct sunlight. Along
with a small kitchen, the home had no solar
access, average insulation and a substandard

bathroom. This gave the homeowners the


perfect opportunity to wipe the slate clean
and make a start fresh.
With a brief revolving around the concept of
creating an artistic piece with warmth and the
subtle use of colour, three separate areas were
to be established within the home, along with
bedrooms for the children and owners, an open
kitchen, dining area and living room as well
as a spacious laundry and pantry with plenty
of storage.
Not entirely ridding the home of its
Californian charm, alterations were made to
the existing single-storey structure, which is
now the foundation of the two-storey add-on.
Walls were removed and recreated to construct
three bedrooms for the couples young children
as well as a bathroom and play area. A rooftop
terrace a design feature of the home that
showcases the stunning greenery outside
overlooks the new landscaped backyard and is

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

A curved appearance
offers a cocoon-like
feeling along with the
rich timber

135

136

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

Wall-to-ceiling windows let the light


pour in throughout the day

The colour scheme is very much neutral, focusing


on the balance of light and letting nature work
its magic

also accessible from the master bedroom.


With the home completely rewired
to consist of three distinct areas
a childrens space, a communal family
section and a parents retreat upstairs
its obvious the disrupted ow of
the previous house has been banished.
Instead, the family can enjoy time in
separate areas of the home and come
together in the heart of the house,
conveniently located in the middle.
The colour scheme is very much
neutral, focusing on the balance of
light and letting nature work its magic.
Balanced light inside and outside,
as well as articulation of external and
internal rooms, is important to us, says
Steen. We chose white for the inside to
reect natural light and timber for the
outside to absorb it. The timber cladding

Design tip

A neutral colour scheme is a classic palette


that can be easily changed and tweaked
over the years
will weather and take on the same colour
and tone as the trees that dominate
the backyard.
Sustainability is a new addition to
this home, with Steen and his team
deliberately orienting living areas to
make the most of solar access. This
included applying passive solar design
principles through orientation, crossventilation, zoning, high thermal
insulation, solar hot water and 5000L
rainwater tanks.
A noted feature of the home is its
curved shape, which blends eortlessly

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

A step up to the lounge


room signifies a room
with a purpose

137

138

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

Theres plenty of room for the children


to play in this spacious abode

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

The family can enjoy time in separate areas of the home


and come together in the heart of the house, conveniently
located in the middle
into the landscape. The tree-lled backyard and sloping land
gave us the inspiration to build a house that relates to its natural
surroundings rather than the suburban built environment,
says Steen. As a result, the buildings terrace follows the slope
of the site and is directly linked to the backyard. The built form
and faade were developed to evoke the qualities of a tree, and
we feel we have achieved that.

139

140

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

LEGEND
1 Entry
2 Hall
3 Bedroom 1
4 Bathroom
5 Childrens room
6 Bedroom 2
7 Bedroom 3
8 Kitchen
9 Pantry
10 Dining room
11 WC
12 Laundry
13 Living room
14 Master bedroom
15 Walk-in robe
16 Ensuite
17 Retreat

5
10

2
6

13
7

8
9 11 12

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

17
15
16

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT Steffen

Welsch Architects
(steffenwelsch.com.au)
BUILDER P & JM Deleo
(0418 100 707)
ENGINEER Maurice
Farrugia & Associates
(03 9696 9073)
BUILDING SURVEYOR
Metro Building Surveying
(03 9497 4522;
metrobs.com.au)
ENERGY RATER
Homestar (03 9397 5589;
homestar.com.au)

STRUCTURAL TEAM Contractor


P & JM Deleo (0418 100 707)
Cabinet maker Munro Joinery (03
9466 2353) Retractable flyscreens
Phantom Screens (03 9737 1602;
phantomscreens.com.au) Windows
& doors Mouldright Joinery
(03 5221 2999; mouldright.com.
au) Landscaping PH Landscape
Constructions (0414 546 262) Steel
manufacturer Melsteel (03 9796
3090; melsteel.com.au) Polished
concrete Mentone Premix (03
9584 6289) Tectonic timber floor
Eco Timber Group (03 9421 6866;
ecotimbergroup.com.au) Timber
cladding Woodform Architectural
(03 5446 0100; woodformarch.
com) Paving Pavers Plus (03 9870
0900; paversplus.com.au)
Carpet Fowles (03 9265 5539;
fowles.com.au)

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS

Rental furniture Living Edge


Furniture Rental (03 8416 3400;
livingedgerental.com.au)

SERVICES

Heating & cooling


Call Mercury (1300 135 343;
callmercury.com.au)

14

141

142

PROJECT

TREE HOUSE

01

02

03

GET THE LOOK


Create seamless integration between all the spaces within th
he h
home
01 Lema Wow dining table from Go Modern.
02
03
04
05
06
07

gomodern.co.uk
Hand-painted wooden letter from
Love Letters. loveletters.me.uk
Cover Garden Floral No.270 paint from
Mylands. mylands.co.uk
White vase from Amalfi Homewares.
amalfihomewares.com.au
Lambs wool cushion from Oscar & Eve.
oscarandeve.co.uk
Kos chair with cushion from Aero Designs.
aerodesigns.com.au
Coffee table from Milan Direct.
milandirect.com.au

04

05

07

06

You wouldnt ask a butcher about broccoli,


so when it comes to building and renovating,

Your home project is something you want to get right


first time.
Theres no well fix it later in building. Everything is
interconnected and an oversight in one area too easily
becomes an eyesore in another.
So who do you talk to about your ideas?
You talk to someone with the degree and the years
of experience to bring it to life. An architect.
Not a designer, draughtsman or your sisters
husbands brother whos handy on a computer.
An architect.
And its never been easier thanks to
askanarchitect.com.au now online.
Its the place to find all the tips, tools, advice and
services to help you get your renovation or
building project off the ground.
So before you order the bricks, take a
few moments and a few clicks on
askanarchitect.com.au

ARCHI_J001069

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Sydney NSW 2151
T: 02 9630 8222
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Coburg North
Melbourne VIC 3058
T: 03 9354 5362
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Calacatta Gold quartz.


A revolutionary product in the
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9080 Calacatta Gold

8080 Carrara Gioia

8110 Carrara Classic

8240 French Vanilla

8270 Marquina

8250 Marmo Gris

146

PROJECT

BUSHLAND HOUSE

INTO THE WILD


Nestled within a native landscape lies an architectural marvel hidden in plain sight
WORDS / Annabelle Cloros

PHOTOGRAPHY / Brendan Finn

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

147

148

PROJECT

BUSHLAND HOUSE

Large windows and glass


doors let the light shine in
throughout the day

HOUSE Bushland
House
LOCATION Park
Orchards, Victoria
COST $1.9 million
DATE COMPLETED
February 2014

ccupying a sizable 2600m block of


land, this residence is a new addition
to the Victorian suburb of Park
Orchards but you wont catch
a glimpse of the property from the street.
Instead, the home is carefully concealed from
peering eyes and takes on a chameleon-like
persona by blending into the surrounding
landscape. In a world where privacy is rapidly
dwindling, a home protected by trees, plants
and earth is its very own peaceful abode.
In June 2010, builderowner Spence
Thomson and his wife Kerrie Charter purchased

a gargantuan block of land which was lled with


trees and a brick home built in the 1960s. The
saving grace of the property was admittedly the
11m x 6m in-ground pool which survived the
renovation and now calls itself a major feature
of the current home.
Our brief to Ramon Pleysier (Pleysier Perkins
architect) was to design a rammed-earth wall
in front of the pool to act as a fence and to
completely hide the house from the street, says
Spence. We wanted to create curiosity and
mystery to passersby and privacy while in the
pool area.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

The stunning timber door


is the perfect welcome
tool for the home

149

150

PROJECT

BUSHLAND HOUSE

Design tip

When working with a minimalist


design aesthetic, its important to
inject some creativity with dramatic
pieces, such as this orb fireplace

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

We have planted more than 3000 dierent native species


and we love the colours of the foliage, the privacy it gives
us and the wildlife it sustains Spence Thomson, owner

151

152

PROJECT

BUSHLAND HOUSE

Point of view

Our house is unique as there


is nothing else like it around.
Streetscape is normally important
to the architectural design of
the house, but we have chosen
to hide the house and create
a sanctuary, while still possessing
curb appeal Spence Thomson

As an architect, co-worker and long-time


friend of Spences, Ramon was an obvious
choice to spearhead the creation of the new
home. Ramon had free reign to come up with
the design that he did, says Spence. He made
fantastic use of our northern orientation to
the front of the house, creating sun protection
during summer and sunlight in winter.
Building a new home is a personal
experience, and using trades who double as
close friends can make the journey that little bit
easier. When building the house, 90 per cent of
the trades were friends I have worked with for
years, informs Spence. Everyone worked well
together, and are all very good at what they do.
Generous in character and size, the
requirements for the build included four
bedrooms and bathrooms, a home oce,
media room, two lounge and dining areas, two
kitchens, an 800-bottle wine cellar, four-car

Minimalist rooms are the ideal


canvas to focus on a colour and
run with it

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

The use of timber brings


a warm atmosphere to
a communal living space

garage, workshop and a self-contained studio


area for Spences parents. We had to have
a design we could build in two stages,
continues Spence. The idea was to live in the
old house while we built the garage area with
a studio apartment on top.
From day one, stormwater and septic tank
issues presented themselves as major obstacles
that were not only inconvenient, but expensive
to rectify. We had major problems with
stormwater overow from the property behind
us, says Spence. Every time it would rain, we
would have a river owing down the side of the
house. We installed large concrete pits, huge
pipes and drains everywhere. In Park Orchards,
few houses are connected to the mains sewer,
explains Spence. Our option was to put in
a sewerage treatment plant and remove the
old septic.

A linear office lets more than one person


work in the space without feeling crowded

153

154

PROJECT

BUSHLAND HOUSE

We love

The freestanding
bath right next
to the courtyard.
Instant Zen appeal

Sliding doors can be


completely hidden to bring
the outdoors inside

To address sustainability, the couple


installed foam NRG Greenboard for its thermal
and re properties, along with wall and suboor insulation, double-glazed windows and
double-thickness roong insulation to ensure
the home remains a constant temperature.
A 5kW solar system was also placed on the roof.

In keeping with the theme of its natural


surroundings, timber, rammed earth and
sustainable materials were selected to weave
throughout the property. We wanted a design
you could look at in 40 years and not change
a thing, says Spence. We have planted more
than 3000 dierent native species and we love

the colours of the foliage, the privacy it gives us


and the wildlife it sustains.
From the timeless design to the modernist
architecture, this home is a hidden delight,
enjoyed by all who can count themselves lucky
enough to dwell within its embrace.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

155

19
2
18

17
20
8

11

21

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN

12
LEGEND

12
9

10

11

13

14

15

14

16

N
GROUND FLOOR PLAN

1 Entry
2 Living room
3 Meals room
4 Kitchen
5 Pantry
6 Study
7 Media room

8 Terrace
9 Bedroom 1
10 Walk-in robe
11 Ensuite
12 Gallery
13 Laundry
14 Bathroom

15 Bedroom 2
16 Bedroom 3
17 Bedroom 4
18 Existing pool
19 Garage
20 Workshop
21 Cellar

A moody wine cellar is the


perfect place to enjoy a drop

PROJECT TEAM
BUILDER Spence Thomson
ARCHITECT Ramon

Pleysier (pleysierperkins.
com.au)
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Kerrie Charter

SERVICES Rammed earth Rammed Earth

Enterprises (03 5470 6579) Landscaping/


earthmoving T&J Landscapes (0418 357 488)
Windows Wenro Windows and Doors (03 9720
4197) Electrician Dalzotto Electrics (0413 333 878)
Plumber Rob Hough Plumbing (0432 350 561)
Cabinets Wattle Valley Cabinets (03 9728 6262)
Air conditioning Chalcot Heating and Cooling
(0418 345 156) Hydronic heating Roger Jones
Heating (0419 524 108) Painting JT Colourtone
(0418 339 447)
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Motorised blinds Interior
Solutions (0412 372 263) Timber furnishings
Arranmore Furniture (0418 508 176) Corten
sculpture Lump (03 9489 4766) Flooring/timber
supply Hazelwood and Hill (03 9808 5522)
Lighting Lights and Tracks (0408 173 412)

PROJECT

156

BUSHLAND HOUSE

01

02

06
07

GET
THE
LOOK
Create seamless inttegration between
indoors and out witth a selection
of landscape-loving
g products
d
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

03

05

Stone bath from Casa Lussso.. ccasalusso.com.au


s usso co u
Hanging fireplace from Top
p 3.. ttop3.com.au
p
u
Yellow throw from Kush Livving.
g. kkushliving.com.au
g
Leather sofa from Beyond Furniture. beyondfurniture.com.auu
Dining table from Eclipse FFurniture.
e. eeclipsefurniture.com.au
Stockholm bowl set from Davis
D
& Waddell. davisandwaddell.com.au
Cushion from Kush Living. kushliving.com.au

04

A grate selection
for a grate match.

Your design. The right grate selection, with Stormtech.


Match the perfect drain to your requirements with Stormtechs superb range
of linear, designer drainage systems.
Manufactured in Australia from marine grade stainless steel, Stormtech systems
bring the perfect balance of style, durability and sustainability to both indoor
and outdoor environments.
View our complete selection of drainage systems and product applications
on the Stormtech website, or call for more details.

Phone 1300 653 403


Website stormtech.com.au

ARCHITECTURAL
GRATES + DRAINS

Bathrooms + Showers
Pools + Surrounds
Thresholds + Doortracks
Special Needs Access

158

FEATURE

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS

Kaldewei Meisterstcke freestanding bath.


Available at Bathe. bathe.net.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

MY
SPACE

Create a new favourite room in your


house with the latest in bathroom
design and technology
WORDS / April Ossington

159

160

FEATURE

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS

Axor Starck ShowerCollection


ShowerHeaven, thermostat module, shutoff valve and hand shower head module.
Available at Hansgrohe. hansgrohe.com.au

o longer just functional areas for washing


and grooming, bathrooms are everevolving spaces that are fast becoming
places for wellness and relaxation.
Personalisation in the home is complemented in
the bathroom just as the other areas of the home,
says Dr Nicholas Matten, sales director at Hansgrohe.
The trend for colour in the bathroom continues to
grow and companies such as Hansgrohe are leading
the way with special nishes including black,
bronze, gold and nickel. As Nicholas suggests, these
colours go with everything, providing exibility
when it comes to choosing colour schemes, tiles and
furnishings. While other companies are following
suit with an inux of xtures in a range of colours
and nishes on the market, French designer Philippe
Starck has raised the bar. Featuring Hansgrohe
technology, the Axor Starck V mixers feature a clear
glass body and open-ended spout that enables you to
see the vortex of water coming through the tap. Right
on trend, the mixers are available in nishes such
as sandblasted crystal glass for the body and brushed
nickel for the base.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

Mira Platinum digital shower


mixer from Mira Showers
Australia. mirashowers.com.au

While special nishes are a popular trend,


bathroom technology has also progressed. New
technologies in colour such as PVD have resulted in
freedom and exibility for bathroom design, says
Nicholas. Physical vapour deposition (PVD) is an
electronic plating process for metallic colours that
is applied over the chrome surface. Unlike powdercoated nishes that chip o or change colour with
sunlight and wear, PVD is anti-chip and maintains
the colour throughout the products life.
Pre-empting the arrival of children or
grandchildren and preparing for a time when
they will be less mobile and capable of carrying
out everyday tasks with ease, savvy homeowners
are starting to think ahead when designing their
bathrooms. The concept of the cross-generational
bathroom is gaining popularity, with the goal of
making everyday actions easy and convenient
for all age groups. Game-changers for bathroom
functionality, Hansgrohes Select ranges

161

162

FEATURE

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS

Axor Citterio M collection from


Hansgrohe. hansgrohe.com.au

Wellness areas are


increasingly popular, with
the bathroom being one of the
few places people can escape
technology and have privacy.
Water also has a calming
eect on people
Dr Nicholas Matten
incorporate push-button technology into its
shower mixer, thermostat, hand shower and
overhead shower, making these products
instantaneous and even easier to use.
Aussies are coming on board to experience
the safety, water savings and simplicity of
thermostatic mixers in the bathroom, says
Nicholas. Increasing comfort and safety,
thermostatic showering allows you to set
a water temperature and not have to worry
about uctuations when dishwashers are on
or toilets are ushed. This function is also
ideal for families with children as it prevents
any nasty surprises. This is a fantastic

development in the Australian market, adds


Nicholas. The Ecostat Select thermostats also
have ergonomically shaped handles and large
symbols which are ideal for bathroom users of
all ages.

THE RISE OF THE WELLNESS ROOM


In an increasingly hectic world, its as important
as ever to have an area of retreat and relaxation,
says Nicholas. Wellness areas are increasingly
popular, with the bathroom being one of the
few places people can escape technology and
have privacy. Water also has a calming eect
on people, which makes the bathroom the
perfect place to unwind. A growing number
of homeowners are turning their humble
bathrooms into fully edged wellness rooms
by incorporating a steam room, spa bath, rain
shower or simply carving out a tranquil space
where they can spend time soaking away the
stress of the day. Making way for this trend, the
size of the average bathroom has increased.
Additionally, the number of bathrooms has
boosted, with many houses incorporating
a main bathroom and ensuite, kids bathroom
and guest ensuite.
This diversity gives the homeowner the
opportunity to install dierent styles of wellness
experiences, says Nicholas. For example, the
ensuite may have a complete shower system
incorporating body jets and ood showers, while
the kids bathroom may be more minimalist.

When space is a consideration, Nicholas says


homeowners are opting for double showers rather
than separate shower and bath options. This
allows for a more complete wellness experience
in the one bathroom by giving the option of
dierent shower functionalities such as ood
showers and body showers in the one space.
Carefully selected materials and nishes are
also an integral part of creating a serene and
inviting environment. Using natural materials
like timber and glass in the bathroom adds to the
sustainability and natural feel of the bathroom,
which organically has a relaxing eect on
people, says Nicholas. Light colours or pastels
and an abundance of natural light can also help
create a calming eect.
Of course, water is a precious resource, so
its understandable that an increased amount
of time spent in the bathroom would raise
concerns about water wastage, but installing
the latest technology has its environmental
benets, too. With Hansgrohes Raindance
showers, the combination of water and air
reduces the amount of water used by 60 per
cent, so guilt-free showering and relaxation
time is possible, says Nicholas. Its all about
exibility and personalisation, he adds.
Homeowners can have the bathroom experience
they always dreamed of at home on tap as
it were. Unrestricted by opening hours and
appointments, the wellness experience is just
a push of a button away.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

163

York bath by Victoria + Albert.


vandabaths.com

Axor Urquiola collection from Hansgrohe.


hansgrohe.com.au

FEATURE

164

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS

03

02

05 While special finishes are currently popular, Axor has

01

FIT-OUT

06

Whether you want the latest


technology or a complete wellness
experience, these bathroom
products have you covered
01

02

For a personalised showering experience, the


Raindance Select S 150 AIR 3-Jet Handshower from
Hansgrohe features three settings with varying
intensity: RainAir, Mix and CaresseAir. The handshower
is pictured in chrome. hansgrohe.com.au
The Axor ShowerCollection Thermostatic module from
Hansgrohe can connect to three outlets that can be
operated at the same time. Featuring a safety lock at
40 degrees Celsius, it is suitable for all ages.

06

03 The Axor ShowerHeaven from Hansgrohe

04

releases water in a square and can be used for


your head, neck or body depending on your
preference. The shower comes in two sizes and
three jet types as well as an optional light for
a complete experience.
The Mira Platinum digital shower mixer allows
you to keep a consistent water temperature even
if water is used elsewhere in the house. Featuring
a chic black and chrome design, the mixers
wireless controller enables you to set your
preferred temperature with the touch of a button.
mirashowers.com.au

05

gone one better with the Axor Starck V mixers. A glass


body and open-ended spout enable you to see water
coming through the spout for an intriguing effect. The
mixers are available in finishes such as sandblasted
crystal glass for the body and brushed nickel for the
base. Available at Hansgrohe.
Part of the ShowerSelect collection by Axor Citterio
E, the Soft Cube thermostatic mixer can be installed
to operate two outlets simultaneously. Select pushbutton on/off control makes for complete ease of use.
Available at Hansgrohe.

04

Quality stainless steel grates


& drains to suit all budgets

Drains available in multiple styles. Suitable for all applications including bathrooms,
pools, patios and driveways. Available in full stainless steel, aluminium base stainless steel top
and galvanised box and grate. We also do custom drains. Fast delivery Australia wide.

82-88 Benaroon Road, Belmore NSW 2192 | (02) 9740 1500

BUY ONLINE & SAVE

www.showerdrains.com.au

166

FEATURE

BATHROOM DESIGN & PRODUCTS

08
07

07

11

09

10

07

08

09

Using materials including metal,


glass, wood and concrete, MODA and
Axolotl have teamed up to create
special finishes for MODAs Stone
basins and baths. This bath features
the lace-like copper Cayman finish.
Available at ACS Designer Bathrooms.
acsbathrooms.com.au
An alternative to a thermostat, the
Avanti wall mixer with diverter and
hand shower from Linsol can be
adjusted internally to achieve the
required temperature and flow rate.
Ideal for children and elderly users, an
internal sprocket can be set to limit
how far the handle can be turned to
the hot water side, enabling you to set
a maximum temperature. linsol.com.au
With its handle and mixer body
melding into one, the Axor Starck
Organic mixer from Hansgrohe
features a sculptural and minimalist
design. Pictured here in the gold
optic finish, the mixer also features
separate operation for temperature
and water volume.

10

11

12

With its unique slim spout, the Calibre


basin mixer by Sussex features a solid
brass construction and advanced flow
capability. Available in rose gold at
ACS Designer Bathrooms.
The latest innovation from Teuco,
Hydroline is an invisible whirlpool
for the bathtub. Offering a sleek
and contemporary design, the
classic whirlpool nozzles have been
replaced by minimalist slits that
create continuity and can be backlit
by beams of light in eight different
colour options. Available at Delsa.
delsa.com.au
For centuries, Japanese culture has
touted the benefits of soaking in a
wooden tub. A modern interpretation,
the Ofur bathtub by Rapsel features
European attributes as well. Made
completely of larch wood, this tub
is the ultimate statement piece for
your bathroom. Available at Candana.
candana.com.au

12

La dolce Vita
MODERN BATHWARE
EXCLUSIVE TO ACS DESIGNER BATHROOMS

The Ultimate

bathroom accessory

T O W E L

R A I L S

Tube Series

Swivel Series

New Range OUT NOW

www.hydrotherm.com.au
Phone 03 9464 4622
96 Commercial Drive Thomastown VIC

170

SOURCEBOOK

HEATING & SOLAR

The Aether suspended fireplace from


Aurora Wood Fires. aurorawoodfires.com

A HEATED DEBATE
We dispel the common myths about wood heating and measure it against the alternatives
WORDS / April Ossington

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

ood heaters have received a bad


rap in the past with concerns
about air pollution, their lack of
energy eciency and their carbon
footprint, but new research has painted this
traditional form of heating in a new light.
BASIXs favourable new rating for woodburning heaters now sees them as the preferred,
cost-eective solution for making a new
building compliant, says Aaron Budai, general
manager of Jetmaster Fireplaces.

171

SOURCEBOOK

172

Universal Insert 850


open wood fireplace from
Jetmaster. jetmaster.com.au

JOELS TIPS FOR WOOD HEATING

Purchase wood from Firewood

Kemlan Coupe doublesided in-built fireplacefrom


Jetmaster

The New South Wales governments Building


Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a scheme aimed
at regulating the energy eciency of residential
buildings. All new dwellings and renovations
that cost more than $50,000 must obtain
a BASIX certicate before they can be approved
by council.
The online assessment tool checks elements
of a proposed design against sustainability
targets, which, in the case of home heating, is
measured by its contribution to greenhouse
gas emissions. Recent research conducted by
the CSIRO has found rewood produces less
greenhouse gas than all other domestic heating
options. Wood heaters now achieve a superior
score to alternate domestic heating options
including 5 Star gas heaters, 6 Star reverse-cycle
air-conditioners and even ground-source heat
pumps, says Aaron.
Joel Belnick from Jetmaster Fireplaces

explains that as the carbon released from


burning wood is absorbed when a tree grows,
wood is recognised as a renewable energy.
There is a natural carbon cycle that does
not contribute to increasing carbon levels in
the atmosphere, says Joel. However, unlike
renewable energies such as wind and solar, there
are particulates produced when wood burns. As
a result, wood-burning replaces have to meet
stringent Australian standards for particulate
emissions and energy eciency.
Newly designed heaters are able to burn
eciently and cleanly if operated correctly,
explains Joel. The contribution of particulates
from domestic wood-burning res is minute
compared to naturally occurring particulates
such as dusts, pollens and salts along with those
created by bushres and prescribed burns.
Domestic wood-burning contributions are
often measured with the maximum possible

HEATING & SOLAR

Association of Australia members


this ensures its sustainable.
Use dry wood. Burning green wood will
create excessively smoky fires that
create particulates.
Burn bright, burn right is a slogan
widely used by councils. In comparison
to a low burn that creates more smoke,
a strong-burning fire produces very
little particulates. A fire should be
burned on high for a minimum of
20 minutes before adding a log or
turning the heat down.

emission rates by EPA departments due to the


fact some consumers will operate wood heaters
badly, says Joel. Tested emission rates of 3g
per kg are often calculated at 10g per kg to try to
duplicate real-life emissions. Studies indicate
only 15 per cent of consumers operate heaters
badly, not 100 per cent as measured by EPA
departments. New technology in wood heating
is making it easier for homeowners to burn
wood correctly. Secondary air and ceramic
baes enable res to burn smoke at the top of
the rebox, providing a cleaner combustion
when burning on a low setting. Some units
incorporate timing mechanisms that will
automatically shut the unit down after 20
minutes of burning on high.
While this is great news for builders or
renovators who enjoy the charm and ambience
of an open replace, wood heating still has its
pitfalls. Traditionally, wood heaters were more
popular in rural and semi-rural areas due to
greater access to wood and space for storage.
In the past, councils had concerns about the
impact of wood res, but times are changing
and we are seeing an increase of wood res in
urban areas.
However, this type of heating may not be
suitable for every home. As wood is generally
available for purchase by the tonne or halftonne, Joel says storage may be an issue for
smaller homes. Wood heaters suit larger
homes and are often sold into regional areas
where wood can be available at a low cost, he
says. If smoke is unable to dissipate without
causing issues for neighbouring structures,
some councils may object to wood heating being
installed in low-lying, high-density areas.
Joel suggests chimneys should be high
enough to avoid smoke being blown back down
into residential buildings. Additionally, wood
heating may not be suitable for a time-poor or
elderly homeowner. Tech-savvy homeowners
may seek an instantaneous solution for their
homes rather than one that creates work. Wood
heating is an inconvenient means of heating as
there is a certain amount of eort that goes into
lighting a wood re and continually feeding
the re, says Joel. Gas and electricity can
be easily turned on and o and can often be
thermostatically controlled, allowing complete
ease of use.

CHANGING THE
PERCEPTION OF
HYDRONIC HEATING

www.h2oheating.com.au/hd

info@h2oheating.com.au
Tel: 03 9584 3115
Unit 7, 55-57 Wangara Road
Cheltenham, VIC 3192

174

SOURCEBOOK

HEATING & SOLAR

NATURAL GAS
For those who seek the authentic look of
a burning ame without the eort, gas heating
can be a convenient and cost-eective solution
for the modern home. Gas heating can be
thermostatically controlled, allowing you to set
a temperature to ensure it remains constant,
says Joel. Although burning gas does contribute
to greenhouse gas emissions, it doesnt produce
visual particles to the extent of other fossil fuels
such as coal, oil or wood.

Gas fireplace from the


Signature range by Real
Flame. realflame.com.au

176

SOURCEBOOK

HEATING & SOLAR

Heat & Glo Red 40 See


Thru gas fireplace from
Jetmaster. jetmaster.com.au

There is a range of gas heaters on the market


including portable or unued heaters, ued
indoor heaters and gas replaces. A popular
choice in Australia, ueless space heaters can be
easily installed by using a bayonet tting, though
Joel oers a word of caution about this type
of heating. Flueless gas space heaters are not
considered a healthy means of heating as the gasburning by-products are emitted into the room
and dont escape, he says. Carbon dioxide and
water vapours accumulate in the room and are
breathed in. As the oxygen in the room is used,
it is mandatory to have permanent ventilation in
the room when installing a ueless re.
The cost of this heating will depend on the
type of gas that is used. Natural gas or piped gas
is a cost-eective way of heating, says Joel. As
LPG or propane needs to be delivered in bottles,
its a more expensive option. This means houses
connected to natural gas are more suitable for gas
heating, unless you have money to burn.
Gas heating can also be energy ecient. Gas
is a controlled substance that has sophisticated
technology to burn very eciently, says Joel.
Decorative gas res have improved dramatically
over the past 10 years due to ceramic bre
material being used to mould the logs or pebbles
to provide a realistic-looking re that glows and
looks like its burning. This material also provides
eective radiant heat which replicates the
working of wood res.

Heat & Glo XLR Plus gas


fireplace from Jetmaster

Heating with Style

Heat your entertaining area for 75% less than bottled gas with 100% more style.
Heatstrip by Thermolm is the cost effective electric
radiant heater that unites efciency with style.
Ideal for your al-fresco and outdoor entertaining area,
pergola, patio, balcony. Even your garage, shed or
hard-to-heat indoor space.

Classic

Heatstrip runs at a quarter of the cost of bottled gas,


is more efcient over a larger area and wont corrode.
Its easy to install and operate, an optional controller
adjusts the timer and warmth levels.
For more information go to www.heatstrip.com.au

Max
O

address: 27 Rosalie Street, Springvale VIC 3171


phone: (03) 9562 3455 email: sales@heatstrip.com.au

178

SOURCEBOOK

HEATING & SOLAR

RL32 Australis solar


from
hhot water system
y
Rheem.
ee rrheem.com.au
ee co u

FIRE & WATER


The latest technology in solar
water heating

f youve been thinking of making the


switch to solar water heating, now might be
the ideal time. Earlier this year, Solahart
launched pioneering solar water heating
technology that delivers a new standard in
design, strength and durability. Its latest solar
water heaters feature the new envelope range
of SC and SP at plate collectors. Utilising
breakthrough at plate technology, the new
envelope range of collectors is designed and
built in Australia to withstand harsh weather
conditions, while still featuring a slimline and
unobtrusive design.
Solaharts general manager of sales and
marketing renewables Stephen Cranch says
consumers who make the switch will be able
to save 50 to 90 per cent of their water heating
energy consumption depending on where
they live and the system installed. Solahart
is setting a new standard in at plate collector
technology where envelope collectors are a
superior option to Chinese-made evacuated
tubes because they are far more durable and
better suited to our climate, says Stephen. Our
highly ecient SC series is also particularly
good for cooler regions as the products are
designed to allow the sun to heat an anti-freeze
uid in the collectors instead of the water, which
prevents problems that occur when winter
temperatures fall below freezing. Stephen adds
that with energy prices on the rise, government
incentives of approximately $1000 are still
available, and with solar technology developing
in leaps and bounds, theres never been
a better time for households to consider
making the switch.

Another star pl
h
RL32
player is Rheems
Australis system that ffeatures two models
to cater for the va
aried Australian climate. The
RL series was dessigned for
f homes that are in
temperate or trop
picall llocations. Its system
directly heats the
e water as it passes through the
collectors and then automatically circulates
it back into the storage tank. In comparison,
the RLX series is an indirect system oering
complete frost protection for cooler climates.
With an indirect system, water doesnt pass
through the collectors; instead, the anti-freeze
mixture is circulated from the collectors
through a stainless-steel heat exchanger,
transferring the heat into the water. The benet
of this process is that the system is suitable for
areas that experience frost, without risking
damage to the system.

Solahart solar water heater. solahart.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

Anna Carin for Designer Rugs.


designerrugs.com.au

COVER UP
Cosy and luxurious, theres nothing quite like
the sensation of carpet underfoot. But if you
dont want to commit, a rug can transform
any bare surface in your home
WORDS / April Ossington

179

180

SOURCEBOOK

Anna Carin for Designer Rugs.


designerrugs.com.au

FLOORING

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

181

02

03
04
01

PULL THE
RUG OUT

erfect for bare, hard surfaces, throw and


area rugs can add the nishing touch to
a room. They can be statement pieces
for a space or add colour to a neutral
palette. In an open-plan home, a throw rug can
help divide a room into zones. And a rug with
a soft pile is perfect for a lounge room or
bedroom with a hard oor for added cosiness.

05

06
01

02

03

Made from South African springbokleather,


the Springbok rug from Cowhide Rugs Online
will add a contemporary feel to your interiors.
This safari-style rug is hypoallergenic, too.
cowhiderugsonline.com.au
Monochrome is a staple in design as it blends
with everything and never goes out of fashion.
The ultra-contemporary Parka rug from Rug
Couture is hand-tufted in pure wool and available
in various sizes. As this rug is customisable,
its colours and shapes can be altered to taste.
rugcouture.com
The latest collection of rugs from Spanish carpet
manufacturer NOW Carpets is available at AJAR.
This rug was designed by Francesc Rif and
hand-tufted from wool from New Zealand.
With its unusual shape, the Funghi rug is
the ultimate statement piece for your floor.
ajar.com.au

04 Part of the UGG Home collection, the sheepskin


area rug Octo will fit into a range of styles and
rooms. Made from plush Australian sheepskin,
this piece will make your room feel cosy.
uggaustralia.com
05 Anna-Carins Forsa collection for Designer Rugs
draws on memories of her childhood in rural
Sweden. Hand-knotted from Tibetan wool and
silk, the Fence rug was inspired by memories
of her father making fences from hand-barked
tree trunks to separate the paddocks.
designerrugs.com.au
06 Part of the City range from Carpet Court, this
rug from the Chevron collection features the
timeless chevron pattern and bright accents
for a contemporary look. carpetcourt.com.au

182

SOURCEBOOK

FLOORING

01

RED
CARPET

he decision to include carpet


throughout your home comes down
to personal preference, though often
people with pets and young kids tend
to avoid it. As its the place youre most likely
to be barefoot and least likely to spill food, the
bedroom is ideal for carpeting. With increasing
concerns about the environment and allergies,
many modern carpets are conveniently
made from sustainable materials that are
also hypoallergenic.

02

01

Part of the Sunrise collection at


Godfrey Hirst, this Eco Plus carpet was
awarded a Level 4 ECS certification
and a Residential Extra Heavy Duty
6 Star rating by the ACCS. This
cut-pile twist carpet is not only
extremely soft, but features improved
stain resistance and colour fastness.
godfreyhirst.com
02 The Kennedy Point felted wool
loop-pile carpet uses Radford felted
yarn exclusive to Cavalier Bremworth
and sustainable New Zealand lambs
wool. With colours ranging from
classic neutral tones to duck egg
blue, the felted yarn incorporates
random elements of the colour used
in the contrasting woollen spun yarn,
which creates an interesting effect.
cavbrem.com.au
03 Part of Carpet Courts latest collection
Botanica, the Cherish range of
carpets was inspired by colours from
nature. The Antique Linen colourway
(pictured) is reminiscent of a lush
rainforest and is ideal for an earthy
palette. carpetcourt.com.au
04 Another addition to Carpet Courts
Botanica collection, the Morpheus

carpet from the Affinity range will


make a bold and contemporary
addition to your interiors and act as a
great contrast to vibrant furnishings.
05 Ideal for those who arent afraid of
a little colour, the Condo Candy
carpet from Godfrey Hirst comes
in a range of bold shades including
delicious Strawberry Cream
(pictured). This cut-pile wool-blend
carpet is luxurious underfoot.
06 Durable and surprisingly soft,
the Tuscan Shadow sisal from
International Floor Coverings
accumulates a minimal amount
of dust due to its tight weaving
process. Perfect for allergy sufferers,
this hard-wearing carpet contains
natural tannins that repel dust mites.
interfloors.com.au
07 Redbook green carpet is
manufactured using Sorona polymer,
which is made from 37 per cent
corn sugar. This environmentally
friendly product features colourfast
protection and is exceptionally
resistant to stains and wear, while
remaining ultra soft. Available
at Godfrey Hirst.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

07
06

05

04

183

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHONE (02) 9525 5241 OR VISIT WWW.PROLINEFLOORS.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAS
HARDEST,
CLEANEST,
GREENEST
BAMBOO
FLOORING

BALINESE TEAK SHOWN

FOR YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST PHONE (02) 9525 5241 OR VISIT WWW.GENESISBAMBOOFLOORS.COM.AU

186

SOURCEBOOK

FLOORING

03

02
01
05
04

01

02

03

04

05

INDOOR/
OUTDOOR

06

07
08

By American interior designer Bunny Williams, the


Elizabeth indooroutdoor rug in sand from Dash &
Albert features a subtle vintage pattern. Available at
Winton House. wintonhouse.com.au
Made from tightly woven recycled polypropylene
straws, the Sam indooroutdoor rug from Down that
Little Lane is colourful, resilient and eco-friendly.
downthatlittlelane.com.au
Available in a vibrant orange/red hue, the Monaco floor
rug from Rapee is both waterproof and UV
fade-resistant. rapee.com.au
Part of the new outdoor range at Rapee, the Cabana
Cove floor rug in aqua is the pop of colour every
space needs.
The monochrome/geometric trend is something that
will fit into almost any space. This Diamond outdoor
rug from Eco Chic has been UV-treated for outdoor
use and can be scrubbed or bleached. ecochic.com.au
Following the geometric trend for furnishings, the
Dash & Albert Lucy indooroutdoor rug is pictured
here in Moss and available at Winton House.
Made from recycled polypropylene plastic bags, the
reversible Tangier outdoor rug is from Eco Chic.
Inspired by the beautiful floating flower, the Waterlily
rug from Darono is suitable for indoors and out.
POA. darono.pt

Nothing says comfort


like a lavish rug thats
versatile, too
08

07

06

QUICKSTEP PALAZZO
PAL 1345 - LIMED GREY OAK

QUICK STEP
LOVES WOOD

QUICKSTEP READYFLOR
GMRF18BBTSP - BLACKBUTT 1 STRIP

Experience the real warmth of wood and natural beauty


with a Quick-Step timber oor in your house.
You can t Quick-Step timber oors in no time at all thanks
to the simple Uniclic Multit click system. Moreover, you can
enjoy the benets of your oor at once. These oors do not
need any treatment after tting, so you dont need to sandpaper
them. You dont get any dust in your house and you dont need
to give them a coat of varnish, oil, or lacquer. Thats easy, isnt it?
The oil and lacquer nishes make these stylish wooden oors highly
resistant to wear, stains, and scratches, so they are ideal for your
kitchen, living room, bedroom, or childrens playroom.

QUICKSTEP VARIANO
VAR 1629 - PAINTED WHITE OAK OILED

FIND YOUR
DREAM FLOOR.
See what a Quick-Step
timber oor would look like
in your own interior with the
Floor Advisor, the best
online interior tool. Simply visit
www.quick-step.com.au/
www.quick-step.co.nz,
upload a picture of your
room and start matching
your oor style. You can also
nd a dealer on the website.

TO DISCOVER A WORLD YOUD LOVE TO LIVE IN, VISIT QUICK-STEP.COM.AU/ QUICK-STEP.CO.NZ

02

188

SOURCEBOOK

03

FLOORING

HARDEN
UP

ard oors are a practical choice for


the home as they can be wiped clean
and are extremely durable. From
hardwood and tiles to timber-look
laminate and cork, there are plenty of options to
suit any decor and budget.

01

01

02

03

07

04

05

06

06

Quick-Step has launched a range of luxury vinyl with


the character of wood the Livyn Essential collection.
Its protective PU coating means spills can be wiped
clean and it is completely waterproof, making it suitable
for bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. A renovators
dream, Livyn can be laid on top of existing flooring and
because it is a good thermal conductor, its also ideal
for underfloor heating. quick-step.com.au
Amber Tiles has released a new range of densely
stratified stone tiles. Based on the look of French-style
stratified stone, the La Roche collection comes in three
different finishes including antiqued matte, smooth
surface and slate hammered, along with four tones
including Grey, Blanc (pictured), Ecru and Mud. Ideal
for high-traffic areas, each tile has been designed with
high-abrasion, scratch-resistant and low-absorption
properties. ambertiles.com.au
Its possible to incorporate authentic hardwood flooring
in your home with the installation flexibility of an
engineered floor. Quick-Step ReadyFlor is a popular
pre-finished timber floor made from high-quality
hardwoods including Jarrah (pictured), which ranges
in colour from pale pink/grey to deep reds. Available at
Premium Floors. premiumfloors.com.au
Quick-Steps ARC bamboo flooring is sourced from
dedicated plantations that are regrown in five- to
six-year cycles. This GECA-certified flooring boasts
long, wide boards that are rich in colour. Australiana
(pictured) features boards that vary from light to dark,
adding warmth and depth to your interiors.
Available at Premium Floors.
Quick-Step Classic laminate flooring makes
installation easy with its patented Uniclic system.
Pictured in Midnight Oak Brown, the planks feature
scratch-guard technology and come in a matt finish
for an authentic look. Available at Premium Floors.
The ReadyCork Vita collection from Premium Floors
combines the natural benefits of cork with the
authenticity of timber. Made using state-of-the-art
digital printing technology, the product is extremely
hard-wearing due to its PUR Hot Coating surface finish.
Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and with the patented
Microban treatment, the growth of stain- and odourcausing bacteria, mould and mildew is inhibited.

04

05
07

A new addition to Carpet Courts Provincial Lane


range by Darren Palmer, the Stained Oak Timber
collection is a chic and durable option for DIYers and
renovators. These timber oak boards are available in
the light and textured tones of Cashew, Hazelnut and
Macadamia, as well as the dark grey tones of Chestnut
and Pistachio. These wide planks can be easily
installed using the Uniclic system. carpetcourt.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

JUDGING A
HOUSE BY ITS

COVER

With an abundance of roong materials available, there are many ways


to give your home a fresh and classic look
WORDS / Tom Lockley

189

190

SOURCEBOOK

ROOFING & CLADDING

Their colour never fades as it is baked onto


the surface of the natural clay, giving it
qualities like no other roofing material

ROOFING
WITH MICHELLE GISSEL, MONIER ROOFING

erracotta tiles are a timeless classic


that have been used for thousands of
years as brilliant roong solutions.
They are naturally sourced from the
earth, resulting in a beautifully impressive
colour that will stand the test of time. Instantly
recognisable, terracotta tiles bring a sense
of heritage and wealth to any home design.
Reective of the natural colour of Australian
soil, traditional terracotta roof tiles are often the
dening feature of many homes. A combination
of engineering know-how and natural
handcrafted materials means they are available
to homeowners at a fraction of the cost.
Another reason for choosing terracotta
roof tiles is the authenticity of terracotta as a
material. It is natural, genuine and sustainable,
comes from the earth and can be recycled. It has
a warmth and beauty that many other materials
just dont possess.
These days, theres a shift towards authentic
and quality products that are skilfully made

to last. According to Michelle Gissel of Monier


Roong, People are more conscious of the
quality and origin of materials going into their
homes. They are on the lookout for products
that have the nish embodied within them and
that are maintenance-free and long lasting.
These qualities are found in terracotta roof tiles.
Many people are looking to use traditional
products and authentic materials in more
contemporary ways, continues Michelle. With
this resurgence in the popularity of natural
materials, the richness of colours and textures
that we can extract from the earth and be
inspired by seems almost endless.
Recently, terracotta tiles have become
available in a wide range of proles and colours,
which range from earthy, everyday reds and
browns to sophisticated greys and blacks that
produce an almost slate-like look. The colours
are timeless and dont fade under the harsh
Australian environment, making them perfect
for any house. monier.com.au

These vertically mounted roof tiles are very much


about the streetscape and you can see terracotta
when viewing the house from down the street

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

STONE
CLADDING
WITH DAVID BIRD, BORAL BRICKS

atural stone can deliver a design


element to residential projects that
is unrivalled by other building
materials. Natural stone is often a
costly and dicult material to build with due
to its weight and inaccessibility. On the other
hand, manufactured stone cladding is an
extremely aordable and accessible alternative
that provides the desired eect.
Manufactured stone cladding is a
complementary material to blend with brick,
timber and glass, helping to create design
features with dramatic visual appeal. Designed
to be used for exterior and interior areas, the
versatility of stone cladding extends to walls,
replaces, water features and wine cellars as
well as landscaping design elements.

DAVIDS TOP FIVE TIPS

STYLE
Consider the style, size and
surroundings of your home to find
a complementary texture and colour.
TEXTURE
Utilising different textures
can create a dramatic effect
indoors or out.
COLOUR
Are you looking for neutral and
warm or vibrant and muted?

MORTAR
The colour of the mortar can
have a big impact on the overall
look of the project.
MAINTENANCE
Cultured stone cladding is
virtually maintenance-free. There
is no painting, coating and sealing
required after installation.

191

192

SOURCEBOOK

ROOFING & CLADDING

TIMBER
CLADDING
WITH CLINTON
SKEOCH, BORAL
TIMBER

ardwood timber cladding is a durable


and economical way of nishing the
exterior or lining the interior of new
and old buildings. As a natural product,
it can bring warmth, texture and depth to
traditional, modern or distinctive homes. Timber
is a naturally insulating material, featuring air
pockets within its cellular structure to create
a barrier against temperatures. Construction

CLINTONS TOP FIVE TIPS

MATERIALS
Timber is a versatile and strong material
which can help maintain a connection to the
natural environment.
MAINTENANCE
Homeowners should consider how theyd
like exteriors to look over the long term and
any maintenance implications. Timber cladding
can be refinished over time or allowed to
naturally age to silver and grey tones.
TEXTURE
Adding texture to exteriors can accentuate
the contours of the homes design. Deeper and
more varied shadowlines can be achieved by
using newer, deeper-profile timber boards.

FIXINGS
The use of secret fixing in cladding
projects can create a cleaner finish and
minimise visual distraction. Homeowners can
select boards with profiles that can be fixed
underneath the board.
CLADDING EXTERIORS
Consider the grading of timber products
as this can influence the overall look and
character of a building. Timber is graded by
appearance and refers to the amount of natural
features found in the timber, including burls,
hobnails and gum veins.

design with a focus on energy eciency through


lightweight timber can minimise non-renewable
energy use and maximise comfort. The natural
thermal properties of timber can also improve the
eciency of insulation materials.
When selecting timber cladding, its important
to remember that variation of colour in timber
species is normal. A photograph can only be
indicative of colour range, so its recommended
timber species are viewed in a display showroom
before a decision on colour is made. Pre-oiled
timber cladding where boards are nished
prior to installation can help reduce costs and
create an immediate aesthetic impact.

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

193

ISTOCK

EXPERT
ADVICE

ASK OUR ARCHITECT

p194

REAL ESTATE

p196

LANDSCAPING

p198

LANDSCAPING TRENDS

p200

194

EXPERT ADVICE

ASK OUR ARCHITECT

ASK OUR
ARCHITECT
Editor-at-Large Peter Maddison
answers readers questions
3.8, the walls 2.5 and the oors 1.5. But
these values can change depending on
the overall performance window size,
orientation, eave overhangs, etc. It may
be worth getting your house assessed by
an energy rating consultant. For a few
hundred dollars, you can establish the
best strategy for your home. All this is
predicated on the overall condition of
your house, that it is sound and that you
intend staying there in the medium term.
The tangible factor in all this is comfort
level. How do you value the cost and eort
of installing new windows against not
having to wrap a rug around you at night
and not noticing that pesky dog barking
next door?

WE LIVE IN THE ACT AND HAVE COLD WINTERS.


WOULD YOU RECOMMEND RETROFITTING
DOUBLE GLAZING IN OUR 1970S HOUSE? SHOULD
WE ALSO RETROFIT WALL INSULATION TO STOP
CONDENSATION THAT DOUBLE GLAZING MAY
CAUSE? IS IT ALL WORTH THE COST? DIFFERENT
SUPPLIERS TELL US DIFFERENT THINGS!
My recommendation is to denitely look at
replacing your glass with double glazing,
particularly in the ACT where it gets very
cold. If your timber windows are in good
condition and the rebate in the frame is

deep enough, it is possible to retrot and


put in glass only. Im doing this in my
house. However, if your window frames
dont allow this, it may be necessary to
replace the whole window suite. The level
of performance does improve somewhat
with higher-performance glass and
window frames, but this may be a cost
benet analysis for you.
Assuming the roof is insulated, the
windows are probably the weakest link in
the performance of your home. In Victoria,
the ceiling insulation values required are

Q & A NEED PETERS HELP?

IM 21 AND INTERESTED IN ARCHITECTURE


AND ALL THINGS DESIGN. HAVING COMPLETED
THE VCE AND NOT KNOWING MY DIRECTION
AT THE MOMENT, IM CONSIDERING STUDYING
ARCHITECTURE. IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT
OF QUALIFYING AS AN ARCHITECT AND
EVENTUALLY PRACTISING?

From my experience, architecture is at


the same time the most dicult yet most
rewarding profession. The art/creative
side of architecture is counterbalanced
with science/business/technical/
communication skills. You are expected
to be good at everything, which of course
is very dicult. To take it on, you need to
have an underlying love and appreciation
of design and the built environment that
sustains you over time. The other thing is
that youll need a deep reservoir of tenacity
and resilience its not for everyone.

Q
A

PETER, WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF


MAKING GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA TV?
Without doubt, its when an episode is
wrapped and about to go to air. I forget
about all the hard work that goes into
making an episode and anticipate the
joy a show like ours brings.

Email your queries to homedesign@universalmagazines.com.au

IMAGE: BIGSTOCK

Im considering
studying architecture.
Is it worth the effort
of qualifying?

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CHATEAU
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+ BUILDERS

196

EXPERT ADVICE

REAL ESTATE

CONQUERING
CONSTRUCTION
FEARS

Dont be scared of a dicult block


negatives thrown in for good measure. But I wasnt
remotely focused on those features; all I saw was
a top street and a slope that gave the site elevation,
meaning breezes and views so I bought it.
In my opinion, when a block is described as
dicult or tricky to build on, it often equates
to a good opportunity. There can be the added
attraction that many other buyers refused it,
which can result in a competitive price. Equally
important is the fact that the land itself can
generate creativity and an interesting design
and that is one of the principal reasons why I love
the dicult block.
If you want to build a home straight out of
a catalogue, I suggest you forget it; you will
discover the costs are astronomical. These
are pieces of land that encourage great, often
WORDS / Andrew Winter
innovative design and individuality that tests the
brain and presents challenges that result in some
pretty inspiring architecture by default.
s a family, we built our forever house
So how do you know if the dicult block you
a few years ago. I say forever as nobody
are considering could work for you? The answer
believed us, considering we never stayed
in the same place for very long. But nearly is to identify the fundamental issues and nd
solutions. In many instances, these blocks can be
ve years on and were still here, which surprises
sitting on the market for longer than most so that
me but dont tell anyone!
can take away the pressure but you do need to
I have to confess that Mrs Winter and I are
beginning to get a little restless, but this is going to know this is a popular magazine and others may
be addressed with some minor tweaks in the decor, have read this article.
Consider investing in a soil test or enquire if
the odd upgrade or change and anything to avoid
theres a recent inspection available for you to
that sale board going up in the front garden.
review. Contact the inspector and ask questions.
Anyway, this article is all about the block, not
Seek their opinions, ask what they suggest and dig
the house. But I do wonder if our happiness with
for any ideas for economical ways of construction
the home was a result of choosing the dicult
on the site.
block in the street? The one that had been bought
If its a steep site, stay away from the traditional
and sold a number of times. We saw the design
slab there are so many other options. Search for
as an enjoyable challenge. The added attraction
builders who claim to specialise in this form of site
of a seller who was keen to sell and a lack of
and obtain an initial opinion.
competition from other buyers left us plenty of
Troublesome trees investigate the cost of
time to discover if it was a potential building
removal and ask the sellers if these trees are within
nightmare or home heaven.
the building envelope and can be legally removed.
As seasoned renovators, we were seeking
If not, this could aect your design and costs.
a crumbling home ready for the Winters touch
Consider the land as a hidden gem, where great
or a vacant block of land. We had looked at many,
views or peace and quiet can be created. This will
but then an agent mentioned a piece of land that
was in a great location and could be a great deal. enhance future value of the completed project.
Think outside the box and allow your creativity
It was a bit of an oddball, sloping situation with
to come to the fore. If you dont have much, maybe
a massive 26m-wide frontage and a measly 9m
ask someone who has dont be shy!
at the rear plus a couple of very large trees.
So the next time you dismiss the dicult or
It could be described as the runt of the street.
awkward block only to discover the price gets
Now I was getting very excited!
reduced or the land stays on the market for
There was no doubt it was the dicult block
months, maybe its time to get creative and
steep at the front with some large trees. I guess it
be brave?
was the classic fan-shaped block with a few other

Architect: Durbach Block Jaggers. Photography: Peter Bennetts

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

197

198

EXPERT ADVICE

LANDSCAPING

DROUGHT-TOLERANT
GARDENS

Drought-tolerant gardens dont have to look like the desert. You can have a lush
hideaway that uses rainfall and just a little watering

C
WORDS / Charlie Albone

GROUP PLANTS
BY THEIR WATER
USAGE SO ALL
YOUR MOISTURERELIANT PLANTS ARE
TOGETHER. THIS WILL
ENSURE MINIMAL
WASTAGE WHEN IT
COMES TO WATERING

ollecting rainwater is the best trick


for maintaining a drought-tolerant
garden, as even the hardiest of plants
will require the additional top-up.
Water tanks are the obvious solution as theyre
connected directly to the downpipes of the
house that collect the rain when it falls on the
roof. Other alternatives include using the lowest
part of your garden for a pond or retention pit.
In this instance, sh should be discouraged and
plant life should be used to maintain healthy
water. The amount of water you need to collect
and the size of your water tank or retention pit
will depend on the water dependency of your
plant palette.
Retaining water in garden beds ensures they
never really dry out completely, which will allow
your drought-tolerant garden to sustain more
moisture-tender plants. This can be done in
a number of ways:
1. Improve the soil with compost to hold onto
the moisture and apply a layer of mulch to the
surface after planting (and while the soil is still
moist from watering in the new plants) to lock
moisture into the soil and slow the rate at which
it enters the soil.
2. Reduce runo by grading paths and other
hard surfaces into garden beds rather than
directly down the stormwater drain.
3. Try to make as many permeable surfaces as
possible. This goes beyond the garden beds as
solid paving, concrete and decking all stop the
direct ow of water into the soil. Using crushed
granite, permeable pavers, pebble or ground
cover grout and root-protection grids allow for
surfaces to be used for foot trac as well as
water absorption.
4. Bioswales are mounds of earth that look
like drains and traverse a sloping garden in
a steady low gradient. These swales collect water
and slowly move it around a site, allowing it to
penetrate into the ground as it moves rather
than shooting it down a stormwater drain as
quickly as possible.
5. If you have raised garden beds, drainage cell
should be used below a layer of geotextile at
the base of the raised bed. This works like
a reservoir that plant roots can tap into.
When planning a drought-tolerant garden,
the plants are key to its success. The rst thing

I do is minimise the lawn area as lawn grass is


one of the biggest water users in the garden.
I understand gardens need the open-space
eect lawn creates, so think about replacing it
with ground cover plants or native ornamental
grasses such as poa or lomandra. I also remove
plants that require additional water and I limit
the number of pots I use as these dry out quickly
due to the free-draining nature of potting mix.
If you select the right plant for the right spot
in the garden, it shouldnt need additional
irrigation or excessive maintenance. Your plants
will tell you a few things about themselves by
just looking at them, for example, small leaves
transpire less water than large-leaved plants
and will be more drought-tolerant. Other things
to look out for are succulent leaves, silvery
reective leaves, hairy leaves and leathery
leaves, which are all good indications the plant
will be drought-tolerant.
When placing your plants, put your most
drought-tolerant at the highest point of the
garden as this will be the driest area. Group
plants by their water usage so all your moisturereliant plants are together. This will ensure
minimal wastage when it comes to watering.
Its also a good idea to water less often, but
to soak the ground when you do. If you sprinkle
your beds with a little water on a daily basis, the
roots stay at the top of the soil where its hot and
they are prone to dry out quickly if you miss
a day on the hose. If you follow the less-is-more
method, you teach your plants roots to grow
deep in the soil where its cool and moisture is
more consistent.

BIGSTOCK

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

199

200

EXPERT ADVICE

LANDSCAPING TRENDS

EMBRACE YOUR
OUTDOOR SPACE

Landscaping expert Jason Hodges reveals why its worth


investing in your outdoor areas and predicts upcoming trends

ow more than ever, people are looking


for an escape from their busy lives,
work, social pressures and technology.
Regardless of the size of your outdoor
area, it is your personal, private space that can help
restore and maintain balance in your life.

THE HEALTHIEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE

WORDS / Jason Hodges

Where else besides your outdoor room can you


grow organic fruit, vegetables and herbs to share
with family and friends? Raised garden beds
are a great way to begin your organic adventure.
Once an easy-to-install vertical retaining wall
is constructed and quality soils and watering
systems have been brought in, this new garden
bed will enable you to use narrow paths or the side
of your house and forgotten corners to grow tasty,
organic produce. One of the best things about
growing your own produce is that it gets the whole
family involved and teaches kids the importance
of healthy eating from a young age. The joy you
feel eating something youve grown yourself never
leaves you.

THE NEW FAMILY ROOM


As parents work longer hours and technology
dominates more of our downtime, family activities
enjoyed outdoors are becoming a fond memory
rather than a regular part of our lives. A recent
Planet Ark study found one in 10 Aussie kids play
outside once a week, and one in four parents said
not having time to play with their children was
one of the main barriers to their children not
playing outside. By making your outdoor room
a family room thats exciting and inviting, your
kids will be encouraged to use it.

THE NEW HOME OFFICE

THE OPEN AND


TRANQUIL
FEATURES OF
OUTDOOR OFFICES
INSTIL A SENSE OF
CALM AND FOCUS

The result of improving mobile technology and


exible working hours is leading to an increasing
number of Australians choosing to work from
home. This inevitably blurs the line between
home and oce. All the distractions and comforts
of home can make focusing on work dicult, so
creating an inspiring work space is key. We see the
growth of outdoor oces as a strong trend through
2015. The open and tranquil features of outdoor
oces instil a sense of calm and focus. This
translates into simple, easy-to-maintain garden
beds, vertical green walls, paved courtyard spaces

and water features to create a space that allows


you to be relaxed, inspired and focused on the
work at hand.

A MAJOR PART OF YOUR


HOME INVESTMENT
Your outdoor space is so much more than just
a place to entertain; it can also contribute to the
value of your home. Property sales research has
shown that spending ve per cent of your homes
value on quality, low-maintenance landscaping
could increase the resale value of your home
by up to 15 per cent. The growing popularity of
renovation television shows has inspired and
educated homeowners. We understand the
dierence renovations can make to the value of
our homes, and projects such as side paths, garden
walls, courtyards and veggie patches are no longer
daunting tasks. Homeowners are actively looking
for new ways to get their hands dirty and add value
to their homes, while also enjoying a greater sense
of personal satisfaction.
Jason Hodges is a celebrity landscaper and
brand ambassador of Adbri Masonry. For more
information, visit adbrimasonry.com.au

BIGSTOCK

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

201

202

SHOPPING

HOT PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ACS BATHROOMS STONE BATH

SCUDI RADIATOR
New from Anthraxs Griffe range of designer radiator
panels is the electric version of the famous Scudi
radiator.The creation of Massimo Iosa Ghini
a renowned designer responsible for the architectural
design of the Ferrari stores the Scudi radiator panel
is a unique shape consisting of three steel plates with
a trapezoid shape. Installation can be horizontal or
vertical, making it suitable for most applications.
H2O Heating; h2oheating.com.au

This cast stone bath by MODA is an elegant and luxurious


centrepiece. Boasting inspirational design and beauty
combined with modern-day practicality and use, MODA
cast stone products are constructed of 100 per cent
porcelite a blend of limestone and high-performance
resins. Pure white, each item is individually hand-finished
by craftsmen. All MODA cast stone products come
in a variety of colours in a matt or gloss finish.
ACS Bathrooms; acsbathrooms.com.au

PRODUCT &
SERVICE REVIEW
SPHERA RANGEHOOD
The large 65cm stainless-steel and black glass Sphera
rangehood is the perfect addition to any modern home
renovation. The touch-control hood supplies your
cooktop with a state-of-the-art recirculating ducted
flue extraction with a low-decibel output, making it
perfect for entertaining around cooking and prep areas.
Available in black or white gloss, the easy-to-use wall or
ceiling-mounted hood will transform your current space
into the kitchen of the future. Eurolinx; eurolinx.com.au

MATT BLATT
IVOR DINING CHAIR
The Ivor dining chair features a classic design that will sweep you off
your feet and straight onto its fine Italian fabric. The minimalist touch
and elegant finish give this piece a timeless feel. Constructed with
a sturdy frame crafted from solid American walnut or beech, its
a designer piece that will stand the test of time. Sleek, stylish and
comfortable, the Ivor chair can be a standalone piece or part of a set,
and comes in a range of fabric and timber options to suit your needs.
Matt Blatt; mattblatt.com.au

GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

203

LINSOL REALM RANGE


HANSGROHE RAINDANCE SHOWER
Recently released in Australia, Hansgrohe Raindance Select overhead showers now let you change
their spray option at the touch of a button. Rain is ideal for washing out shampoo and RainAir is the
spray for relaxation. Available in a classic round or contemporary shape, the showerheads can be
detached for easy cleaning. With a 15-year warranty, these beautiful pieces will retain their appeal for
many years. Bathe; bathe.net.au

The beautiful Realm range of mixers and accessories features classic


styling blended with the latest in tapware innovation. The soft-turn
handles and ceramic discs give the Realm range the smoothest control
of water temperature and pressure. The gentle lines of this range are
designed to match and complement the Chieti, Vogue and Alpha range
of accessories while still maintaining their individual look. With a 15-year
warranty, the Realm range will give you years of use while adding value
to your property. Linsol; linsol.com.au

AVENIR XYLO HEATED TOWEL RAILS

HAILO LAUNDRY-CARRIER

For the first time in Australia, Avenir is offering a range of bathroom accessories and matching heated
towel rails. The bold and robust Xylo range will add a uniform style to any bathroom. With a collection
of 25 accessories, the highlight of the rangeis the individually heated towel rails that feature an ultrasafe low-voltage connection. This allows installation flexibility as they can be installed in wet areas.
Made in Australia, theXylorange is covered by a10-year warranty. Avenir; avenir.com.au

The Hailo Laundry-Carrier from Hfele offers sufficient space for two
washing machine loads in its two large-capacity 33L baskets. The baskets
are easy to remove and carry thanks to their ergonomic handles. Supplied
with soft-closing heavy-duty Grass runners, the Laundry-Carrier is the
perfect combination of form and function. Hfele; hafele.com.au

204

SHOPPING

HOT PRODUCTS & SERVICES

PAA
ARHAMMER TIMBER DOORS
BARAZZA MADE TO MEASURE
For more than 40 years, Barazza in Italy has been at the cutting edgge off
kitchen design. Working with the best-quality AISI 304 stainless steeel,l
Barazza has the ability to incorporate its hobs, sinks and accessoriees
into one unique seamless worktop. The designer has the ultimate
freedom to create a functional piece which boasts clean lines, an
unrivalled minimalist elegance and an ergonomic finish. Highly qualified
staff and exceptionally flexible production allow the Barazza team tto
follow the entire manufacturing process from Italy. Abey; abey.com..auu

Enjoy an abundance of light with Paarhammer. Its


range
g of double- or triple-glazed timber sliding doors
includ
i
des lift-slide doors, giant sliders, stackers and
corne
c
r sliders. Sliding doors are available in a multitude
of
o connfigurations and sizes, and giant sliders can be
made up to 3m high or 5m wide per leaf as well as spray
painteed in the colour of your choice. Easy sliding action
is
i achieved through specially engineered lift-slide
functionality. Paarhammer; paarhammer.com.au

ENV
VIROTOUCH LIGHTING &
PLIANCE CONTROL
APP
Withh eelectricity prices at an all-time high, minimising
energ
e
y use is crucial. The new Envirotouch range of
energ
e
y-saving timer switches gives you the power to
contro
c
ol the usage of energy throughout the workplace
and
a hoome with a simple point-of-use control. Envirotouch
is
i for hhardwired light and appliance switches or 10-amp
GPOs. With countdown options, you can select the time
or
o cyccle required for automatic turn off. It can also be
used aas a normal on-off switch for times when auto shutoff
o is not
n needed. Thermofilm; thermofilm.com.au

MASTER LIFTS
SERVICE LIFT
The convenience is endless and
you will be surprised how often
your Master Lifts service lift will
prove its worth in your home.
Whether helping to serve up
a luncheon to friends and family
or carting your groceries, your
new lift will be ready to lend
a hand. With carrying capacities
to match your desired usage,
your service lift will become your
most important home addition.
Master Lifts; masterlifts.com.au

CLEAR EDGE GLASS SYSTEMS


Transform your outdoor entertainment area with
the installation of Clear Edge Glass Systems.
The innovative design turns your outdoor
entertainment area into a year-round, all-weather
retreat. With Clear Edge Glass Systems, you
can simply slide the glass panels into place and
partially or completely enclose an area. When the
clear-edged glass panels are closed, they form
one large sheer glass expanse with no vertical
frames in sight. When opening the system, the
innovative track design allows the glass panels
to easily slide, turn and stack away, creating
a seamless transition from indoors to out.
Clear Edge Glass; clearedgeglass.com.au

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Start your own Interior Design business or work within the many branches of this exhilarating industry.

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GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

| 205

directory

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Home Products & Services

Windows and Doors


Award winning windows & doors for energy efficiency and bushfire safety

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European Technology
Made in Australia

Dee Jackson.
Australian artist.

T. 02 9416 2265 | M. 0439 986 452


E. deejackson@deejackson.com.au | www.deejackson.com.au

art.
by jac clark

originals &
commissions

www.morabon.com.au

206 | GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

Australian artist, Dee Jackson, creates beautiful


watercolour portraits. Commissions welcome.

BALI STONE & BATHROOM


HOUSE & GARDEN

Importers and manufacturers of high quality sustainable hand crafted products


for your bathroom, house or garden.

Call (02) 9620 5531 or 0429 800 100

sales@balistone.com.au

www.balistone.com.au

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And introduction to the basic interior design
13

INTERIOR
FOCUS

BOUT THE
UTTHOR
t James, FDIA, is a highly
d interior designer and
cted
c
zi e editor who has been
zine
g
ng
i the design and publishi
ed in
tries
t s for more than 30 years.
elm of Grand Designs
e he
alia magazine, Home Design,
tion, Outdoor Rooms
Re
e Renova
aker
several additional homem
se
of
Katte is recognised as one
s leading design editors
r
ralia
expert
an
is
She
mentators.
c
com
is
i
detail
for
eye
knowledge and
s k
se
y sought as a judge for many
larly
s,
awards, TV and radio program
g a
gn
es.
e ations and keynote address
enta

this publication may be


ghts reserved. No part of
A rig
All
any means
or used in any format or by
o
produced
rep
g
including
inc
lectronic or mechanical,
hi electronic
aphic,
gra
n storage
f
g recording, taping or informatio
g,
o ing,
otttocopy
ho
ho
photocopy
ph
pho
ffrom
permi
permission
written pe
hout written
ithout
it
and retrieval systems without

CCOONNTTENTS
04 ITS ELEMENTARY
06 WHAT DO YOU WANT
TO ACHIEVE?
07 SPACE PLANNING
08 FOCAL POINT

RTIOON
SCALE AND PROPORTION
09 SC

09

10 BALANCE
12 TEXTURE
13 COLOUR
15 RHYTHM
17 FINISHING TOUCHES
03

Asymmetrical balance is
achieved in this project
by Venn Architects
vennarchitects.com

AN INTRODUCTION TO
BASIC INTERIOR
DESIGN ELEMENTS AND
PRINCIPLES TO ACHIEVE
SUPERIOR RESULTS
BY KATE ST JAMES, FDIA

mm
m etry is also found in the
human form
d we
e are most comfortable with
this type
arrangement. Asymmetrical
balance
achie
a eved with an odd number
of and/
mism
i matched elements. It tends
to be
ed in contemporary interiors
and is not
w
ways
y easy to achieve. We are
not always
mf
mforrtable with asymmetry
and this is
e the
ere
t expression feeling off
balance
m
mes from.
ad
adial
al balance is when all the element
s of
e gn are arranged around
esign
a centre point
h as a spiral staircase, circular
rug, circular
or rround dining table and chairs.

CREATING INTERIOR SPACES AND SELECT


ING
APPROPRIATE FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS
IS VERY PERSONAL. HOWEVER, THERE ARE
SOME FUNDAMENTAL RULES TO OBSERVE

FREE
GIFT

O
OVE Evverything in this elegant
bedroom, designed by Massimo
rroni, iss beautifully proportione
d, from the use of colour
he size
h
e and shape of the artwork,
cushions and furniture.
ssimoin
nteriors.com.au Photograph
y Stu Morley
T This project by Greg Natale
is an example of perfect
metric
cal balance. gregnatale.com

Radial balance is achieved


in this modern living
room by Gary Hutton of
Mark English Architects.
markenglisharchitects.com

11

Interior designer and magazine editor Kate St James knows a thing or two about design and shes keen to share her knowledge
and advice to help you create the interiors of your dreams. In this book, you will be introduced to the elements and principles of
design to help you achieve a superior result. Covering topics such as space planning, scale and proportion, colour and creating
mood boards, coupled with beautiful imagery, this introduction will give you all the information you need to get started.

Grand Designs is a trademark of, and is licensed by, FremantleMedia Australia. All rights reserved.

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elements and principles to achieve a super result

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210

INDEX

ADVERTISERS

INDEX
Abbey

32

Designer Staircases

48

Mira Showers

173

Morabon Print & Design

66

Talostone

144

206

Temple & Webster

IFC

206

Thermolm

177
39

ACS Designer Bathrooms

167

H2O Heating

Ask an Architect

143

Hfele

31

Paarhammer

Hansgrohe

27

PGH Bricks & Pavers

68

Transtherm

Plush

44

United Artworks

Prestige Carpets

117

Velieris

Proline Floors

184

Vincent Buda

187

Wonderful Kitchens

Atlas Concorde

Australian Architecture Association 55

Hydrotherm

Avenir

ILVE

Bali Stone

35
207

The Interior Design Academy

21, 168
57
205

105
18
165

Brita Water

25

International Ceramics

40

Quick-Step

Cavalier Bremworth

47

Jetmaster

12

Rapid Eects

51

The Woodworkers Company

130

Chateau Architects

195

Laminex

Real Flame

43

Xavier & Me

205

Comfort Heat Australia

175

Linsol

10

Smartstone

16

Zip Heaters

OBC

Master Lifts

36

Sovereign Interiors

23

Stormtech

Corian

28

CSR Roong

IBC

Matt Blatt

Dee Jackson

206

Melbourne Basement Living

129

Storybook Cottages

8
157
93

81

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