Melbourne Custom Homes 2014-2015

MELBOURNE

2O14-2O15

LUXURY HOMES YEARBOOK - DESIGNER HOMES INSIDE & OUT Award Winning Custom Built Homes , Landscaping & Pools from Melbourne’s Best Builders Plus Stunning Interiors & Finishes

THE TRANSTHERM WALK-IN CELLARS

Rediscover the special and unique feeling which is to walk into one’s wine cellar.

Hand-Built in France www.transtherm.com.au

The modern and technological equivalent of an underground cellar Not only do Transtherm Walk-in Cellars recreate the perfect cellaring conditions for large collections, but true connoisseurs will also rediscover the special and unique feeling which is to walk into one’s treasured cellar.

Freestanding or built-in

• WALK-IN EXPERIENCE • FULLY CLIMATE-CONTROLLED

Hand-built in France for over 20 years Transtherm Walk-in Cellars are delivered flat-packed, can be built into your home in less than half a day, and can be disassembled if you relocate.

• SPACE SAVING: SIZES START FROM 1.3M X 1.2M • SLIDING OR FIXED SHELVES • MODULAR: EXTENDABLE BY 500 BOTTLES

ACCESS TO VINTEC CLUB VIP MEMBERSHIP

• Direct line to Langton’s Head of Fine Wines • Welcome gift of a rare and collectable wine

View the full range transtherm.com.au

THE TRANSTHERM WALK-IN CELLARS

State-of-the-Art Wine Cellars

D

Storage capacities from 600 to 4000 (+ extendable)

Available nationwide via appliance retailers and direct from Vintec Australia.

Enquire now with our in-house expert: 1800 666 778

Your home in paradise

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji Our boutique luxury resort, is positioned in an area renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Enjoy the peace and serenity of one of our 18 private beachfront bures, hidden amongst the palms. With their own sundeck, day beds and outdoor shower & hammock, a statement in understated luxury.

Our all inclusive resort offers individual a la carte dining highlighting the abundant fresh seafood plucked daily from the nearby reefs of Yasawa Island, all non-alcoholic beverages, motorised and nonmotorised activities, trips and tours (excluding fishing, diving, spa).

The beachfront Baravi Spa provides a spectacular setting to relax and be pampered amongst the tropical sea breezes and soothing sound of the lapping waves.

Yasawa – it’s Fijian for Heaven.

www.yasawa.com ph: 679 672 2266 reservations@yasawa.com

Domayne® QV has over 44, 000 feet of exclusive furniture, bedding and homewares on display.

Have you visited Domayne® QV yet?

Upholstered in Zepel ‘Expanding’ 09 Topiaca fabric. Pictured in ‘Anegre’ veneer timber, finished in Walnut colour. Choice of timber stains and fabrics available.

Price may vary due to customisation and fabric selection.

FABRIC

1699 CALIBRA

$

QUEEN BED

Also Available: King Bed $1999 | 1-Drawer Bedside Table $599 | 2-Drawer Bedside Table $749 | 4-Drawer Slim Boy $1299 | 6-Drawer Dresser $1799 Bed Linen: ‘Fragment’ Queen Quilt Cover Set^ $179.95 | ‘Paint Check’ Cushion $59.95 in Teal | ‘Check it Out’ Cushion $49.95 in Teal | ‘Jumbo’ Moss Stitch Throw $179 in Black | ‘Una’ Throw $139.95 in Teal | ‘Malmo’ Tripod Table Lamp $169 in Pink | ‘Bambu’ Dip Bowl $19.95 in Pink | ‘Migo’ Pendant Large $299 in Natural

Visit www.domayne.com.au

Domayne ® stores are operated by independent franchisees.

Ends 31/12/14. Mattresses, bed linen and accessories shown are not included.

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LED DOWN LIGHT IN BEDHEAD

2 LOWLINE CHESTS STACKED

1199 AMELIE

$

QUEEN BEDHEAD WITH LED DOWN LIGHTS Crafted in Australia from Blackbutt Veneer and Eucalyptus Pilularis Timber.

Pictured in Barley Stain. Choice of colours available. Casegoods can be stacked to create larger pieces.

Also Available: Queen Bed Base with 4-Drawers $2199 | King Bed Head with Lights $1499 | King Bed Base with 4-Drawers $2399 | 1-Door Bedside Table $729 | 2-Drawer Bedside Table $849ea | 4-Drawer Tallboy $1999 | 4-Drawer Lowline Chest $1899ea Bed Linen: ‘Diamond’ Queen Quilt Cover $199, Standard Pillowcase Pair $59.95 in Orange | ‘Neo’ Glasses Cushion $39.95 in Orange | ‘Studio’ Floor Lamp $249 in Black | ‘Danish’ Table Lamp $99 in Black

MELBOURNE CITY

Level 4, Shop 9-13, QV Upper Terrace, Cnr Swanston & Lonsdale Sts. 8664 4300 Under 2 hours free parking - over 1000 basement carspaces (Enter the QV car park via either Swanston or Lonsdale Streets. Once in the car park, find the nearest elevator and make your way to level 4)

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The Australian-made ‘Matilba’ can be custom made from your choice of Tasmanian Oak, Marri or Blackwood timber. This ensures that each handcrafted piece is unique, as no two pieces of timber are the same.

HOT

$

6499 MATILBA

HANDCRAFTED TASMANIAN OAK EXTENSION DINING TABLE (W222-366 X H77 X D110CM )

Also Available: Handcrafted Fabric Dining Chair HOT $599ea

TRIPLE BUTTERFLY EXTENSION

Visit www.domayne.com.au

Domayne ® stores are operated by independent franchisees.

Ends 31/12/14. Accessories shown are not included.

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HOT

$

3999 ISSIE

3.5-SEATER FABRIC SOFA (W265 X H85 X D165CM )

The ‘Issie’ is upholstered in soft Shelley and Bronte fabric, in 100% pure Australian cotton. Features a hardwood combination frame, spring support for enduring comfort and feather wrap with foam core seating for plush luxury.

HOT

$

2999 ISSIE

1.5-SEATER FABRIC SOFA (W115 X H85 X D105CM )

MELBOURNE CITY

Level 4, Shop 9-13, QV Upper Terrace, Cnr Swanston & Lonsdale Sts. 8664 4300 Under 2 hours free parking - over 1000 basement carspaces (Enter the QV car park via either Swanston or Lonsdale Streets. Once in the car park, find the nearest elevator and make your way to level 4)

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totally stylish, totally safe...totallyframeless

With over 20 years experience in both residential and commercial projects, Totally Frameless are Melbourne’s leaders in the supply and installation of glass balustrades, pool fences and shower screens. We pride ourselves on delivering premium products, superior customer service and quality workmanship no matter how large or small the project.

Visit our showroom located at 21 Encore Ave, Somerton, VIC or call us on (03) 9308 7001

www.totallyframeless.com.au

Heat & Glo

NOW FEATURES THE LATEST WiFi TECHNOLOGY FOR TOTAL CONTROL OF YOUR FIREPLACE

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR TOTAL CONTROL Jetmaster Heat & Glo have joined forces with iGloo to produce one of the first gas log fires in the world to utilise fully wireless iBeacon technology - making the Heat & Glo gas fireplace range one of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient on the market.

Download the iGloo app from the App Store Now!

Brilliant heat... beautiful to watch!

Jetmaster Heat & Glo 444 Swan Street, Richmond (near Burnley Street) Ph: 1300 219 875 Email: info@jetmastervic.com.au Web: www.jetmaster.com.au

W I N E

I S

A R T.

P R E S E R V E

I T.

In craftsmanship and performance, Sub-Zero is without rival. Its advanced technology preserves wine’s character.

subzerowolf.com.au

MELBOURNE Editor Kandi Revian

kandi@vipmarketing.net.au

Advertising Sales Jennifer Preston Kristi Welyk

jennifer@vipmarketing.net.au kristi@vipmarketing.net.au

Administration & Accounts Sharon Kullanacherry sharon@vipmarketing.net.au Graphic Design Murray Jongeling Production Assistant Sarah Field sarah@vipmarketing.net.au

Cover Image French Provincial Home by Atkinson Pontifex (see more pg’s 40-42) Cover Photographer: Gerard Warrener (Digital Photography Inhouse)

Melbourne Custom Homes ABN: 62 143735791 Contact Us: Ph 03 8679 6584 Fax 08 6311 7410 info@vipmarketing.net.au www.vipmarketing.net.au Melbourne Custom Homes magazine is supported by the following leading building portals: www.melbournecustombuilders.com.au www.melbournebuilderdirectory.com.au www.countrybuildersdirectoryvic.com.au Custom Homes publications include:

DISCLAIMER:

WA Custom Homes • Sydney Custom Homes • Melbourne Custom Homes For more information see www.vipmarketing.net.au

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Melbourne Custom Homes magazine is subject to copyright, and the contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within is accurate at the time of going to print the publisher accepts no liability for any errors or omissions or the consequences of any reliance upon these. The views and opinions contained within are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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We want to hear about your building plans...

Barcelona passionate design

So much so we’re giving away a stunning Victoria & Albert Bath & Basin set and Designer Tapware from the English Tapware Co valued at $7500.

Just complete our 2 minute questionnaire at www.wacustomhomes.com.au to enter the draw.

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29/10/13

13:36

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*see website for terms and conditions

The English Tapware Company Ltd is a The English Tapware Company Ltd is a boutique company dedicated to to providing boutique company dedicated providing the world’s best kitchen & bathroom the world’s best kitchen & bathroomtapware, tapware, sinks, bathroom accessories, towel fireclay fireclay sinks, bathroom accessories, towel and bathroomware builders, warmerswarmers and bathroomware to to builders, architects, interior designers everyone architects, interior designers andand everyone who loves their home. who loves their home.

We offer in WA the luxurious Perrin & Rowe

volcanic limestone baths

We offerandinHawthorn WA the luxurious Hill brands. Perrin & Rowe and Hawthorn Hill brands.

We offer peace of mind by guarant

We offer peace of mind by guaranteeing thequality quality of our products and off the of our products and offering a highlevel level of service before, high of service before, duringduring and aft completion of the project.

All ourAll produc completion of the project. our are to fit locallocal plumbing regulati aremade made to the fit the plumbing and to comply with Australian andcertified certified to comply with Austr Plumbing Standards. This is our assurance Plumbing Thisyou is our as we are sellingStandards. a product which can leg wehappily are selling product youf and install. aWe provide awhich minimum andwarranty happilyagainst install.anyWe provide a min year manufacturing defe

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MELBOURNE CUSTOM HOMES

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NEW 2014 BATHWARE COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE

AST069

ASTRA WALKER ARCHITECTURAL BATHWARE TAPWARE SANITARYWARE ACCESSORIES

Astra Walker architectural bathware products and accessories are designed to complement and enhance a diverse range of traditional and contemporary interior themes. From classical, understated elegant lines, to colourful bold modern forms, you’ll soon discover why Astra Walker bathware is specified by some of Australia’s leading architects and designers.

For Melbourne showroom locations or new 2014 bathware collection enquiries: Call 02 8838 5100.

astrawalker.com.au

Note From The Editor Building a new home can be both daunting and exciting – particularly if it’s your dream home.

Recent research we’ve obtained via a survey on our building portals has confirmed something we did already suspect, many of you are planning your dream home for many years. For some of year over ten years is spent, developing ideas and deciding on the style of and finish of your new home.

Given the time and effort that goes into planning the build, getting a fabulous end result is therefore a must. Melbourne Custom Homes aims to give you ideas and inspiration and of course help you to select professionals that will be able to deliver the fabulousness!

Starting with the basics of your new home, the building blocks, you may want to consider reading our article on pg 176 about the resurgence in popularity of limestone. And if building a home that is as healthy as possible for your family is important to you then please take a read of pg ‘s 70 and 71 which highlights building techniques that reduce radiation exposure.

We also have some great articles for both wine and art connoisseurs. If you already have an art collection, have a look at Art Space on pg 146 for some great ideas on where and how to incorporate your art in your new home. For those of you who may be considering starting a collection, we profile artists, Christian Maas on page 144 and David Bromley on 148. For wine lovers who may be considering a wine cellar in your new home, pg’s 118 to 122 are a must read with advice on both creating the perfect storage environment for your wine and choosing great wines to store there.

Once you’ve decided all the elements you’d like to incorporate in your home the most important decision is of course who is going to build it. The builders that feature in Melbourne Custom Homes are some of the best in the business, and our metropolitan builder features start on pg 30 and regional builders on pg 72.

Creating a fabulous exterior to go with your new home is essential and a showcase of award winning landscaping and pool builders, starts on pg 150.

As we know many of you will be still planning your home, next year, if you have any ideas about things you’d like to see in the next edition of Melbourne Custom Homes please feel free to write to me. You may also want to have a look at our intestate editions which can be purchased on iSubscribe for more ideas for your FABULOUS new home!

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Statements in

Style

by Morgan Rose

MORGAN ROSE exquisite jewellery & accessories for stockists see www.morganrose.com.au

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Contents Melbourne Custom Builder Features 32 Atkinson Pontifex

pg 35

Englehart Homes

pg 45

Stonehenge

pg 53

Glenvill Homes

pg 61

Regional Builder Features Hedger Constructions Eco Edge Homes

80

pg 83

pg 91

Interior Design Feature Costanzo & Costabile Interiors

108

pg 108

Landscapng & Pool Features COS Design OFTB

83

158

pg 158

pg 166

108

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Contemporary Classic Sensitive design and Daniel Robertson bricks combine to create a modern family home in the shadow of Melbourne’s grand Rippon Lea estate.

It’s a common dilemma when designing a new build in a heritage suburb: how to respect the context while establishing a contemporary presence. Add to this equation the modern demands for high environmental performance and the result was a challenge for Melbourne architects Jackson Clements Burrows.

To the street, this family home presents as a twostorey dwelling with an attached single-storey pavilion capped with a pitched roof, typical of the neighbourhood.

Face brickwork, in this case Daniel Robertson Roman bricks in London Blend, further contributes to the heritage response. No ordinary bricks, these are a slim 50mm high, a format favoured by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The London colour blend adds warmth and a subtle texture.

All Daniel Robertson bricks are now certified as Carbon Neutral under the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard.

This unique achievement is largely due to the use of an unusual fuel, sawdust waste, to fire the kilns that produce these premium-quality bricks.

The result is a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Remaining emissions are offset by purchasing carbon credits that assist in projects such as tree planting under the Forests Alive program.

However the real storey lies behind the facade.

The block runs west-east prompting the designers to site the two-level house along the long southern boundary, addressing a side garden bookended to the rear by a pool cabana (also in London Roman bricks).

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Almost the entire lower level opens to the garden. “The ground floor of the building folds around the northern courtyard, ensuring that the private garden can be experienced from the most parts of the house,” says JCB’s Graham Burrows.

The brickwork, floor slab and hard flooring contribute thermal mass, one of the cornerstones of energy-efficient design.

The lower level of long northern elevation is shaded from the high summer sun by a two metre overhang supporting the brick-clad

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upper level. The deep reveals on this level have retractable sunshades.

The blurring between inside and out continues at the main entrance where face brickwork enters the house, an emerging trend. “We are doing more projects now where they are integrating that external finish inside and extending the relationship between the outside and the inside,” says Joe Dema of builder BD Projects. The bricklayer was All Things Brick Block & Stone.

The sculptural informality of the building contrasts with the rectilinear garden design.

The brickwork folds around the rear corner of the northern elevation while there is a shorter but matching fold to the front on the southern side. Daniel Robertson supplied special shaped bricks to accommodate walling meeting at other than 90 degrees.

Jackson Clements Burrows can take pride in creating a modern family home that will enhance the heritage streetscape and the lives of its occupants.

F&atur&d products Daniel Robertson® London Blend clay bricks in Roman (50 mm high) and standard (76 mm high)

Visit us at Th& Brick StudioD 490 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121 t. 03 9303 4750 � sales@danielrobertson.com.au www.danielrobertson.com.au

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There’s no Denying the Beauty of Natural Stone Contemporary or Traditional, Interior or Exterior Our natural limestone has been sourced from our quarries in Mt Gambier for over 70 yrs.

Available in a range of colour tones and finishes, and architectural moulds, our limestone will add a natural and long–lasting finish to your new home. Naturally beautiful… Natural Limestone

PO Box 412, Mount Gambier South Australia 5290 Phone: (08) 8721 8000 Email: admin@bruhnlimestone.com.au Website: www.bruhnlimestone.com.au

image courtesy of Atkinson Pontifex

Melbourne Custom Builder Features Showcasing some of Melbourne’s most prestigious and awarded luxury home builders.

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The smart way to build Make big savings on building and energy costs while doing your bit for the environment with this remarkable building system The Thermacell system is an exceptionally strong system, with fantastic insulation properties. Our blocks have been cyclone rated, and have been used for new houses, high wind areas, load bearing walls, multi-storey buildings and factories.

Visit the Thermacell website to learn more about the product that’s revolutionising the building industry and letting Australian ownerbuilders create the homes of their dreams.

PO Box 447 Somerville VIC 3912 Phone: 03 5977 7996 Geoff Bennett: 0414 664 500 David Bennett: 0412 577 431 Email: info@thermacell.com.au Website: www.thermacell.com.au

superior quality :: exacting standards :: exceptional service

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

The striking exterior of this Black Rock home features meticulously laid Daniel Robertson bricks, English slate roof and double glazed windows.

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Atkinson Pontifex is a multi award-winning boutique construction company formed by childhood friends, Dean Atkinson and David Pontifex in 1985. With a passion for building luxury homes in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs, Dean and David also share a common vision to provide exceptional customer service.

The Atkinson Pontifex mission Dean and David Ribus, cus is esttwo-fold. aut apiscia sinctiores etusare quis cus passionate about building theut finest residential eat homes, mi, sequi uta aribusam, el intand autem. Ut delivering results that far exceed clients’ Pursuing volesto tatempos ea expectations. dolorem in plitatus earum excellence with everyquam home, the two hard toveritios maintain vendit ratiowork bla volupta et adolecup reputation as the elite master builder of choice in the Bayside area. tatempos mos derchiciis essum harchil ligendani They also collaborateutwith many of Australia’s most celebrated and volest, comnima gnature dolupti con cullabo. talented architects and and havequi experience with Et ininterior plisquedesigners, si cullita essendit dit vellabor award-winning landscapes prestigious Royal Horticultural magnisat asthe susaperio blaccat emporumquos Society Chelsea Flower Show. eium que nis ea con re sitiisim ius moditiassin accus inum quam ius.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

This sleek and modern two storey home incorporates three living areas, three bedrooms and two studies atop a basement level home theatre.

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Their approach is simple – each year they select only three to four homes to build. Each project is chosen based on whether it will be challenging, enjoyable, and ultimately successful, which enables them to achieve the quality and service their clients expect. While most projects are new homes, Atkinson Pontifex also enjoys the challenge of renovating and extending quality homes. Above all else, Atkinson Pontifex stands for integrity, priding itself on friendly, honest service. For the past nearly 30 years, they have established a reputation for exactly that.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

A standout area of this townhouse renovation is the designer kitchen, featuring marble bench tops, pull-out pantry and integrated fridge.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

With an extensive use of oak, wrought iron and moulded cornices, this French Provincial styled home has been finished with impeccable attention to detail and is featured on the cover of this magazine.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

Directors Dean and David are qualified carpenters and joiners with more than 50 years’ experience between them. Hands on and 100 per cent client focused, they establish direct relationships with every client, and ensure open communication from start to finish. Furthermore, clients only ever deal with Dean or David. As the number of projects each year is limited, every client receives their personal service. From the initial design phase, to completion and well into the future, David and Dean share their journey at every step.

superior quality :: exacting standards :: exceptional service

3/69 Tulip Street Cheltenham Vic 3192 P 9585 1165 www.atkinsonpontifex.com.au

info@atkinsonpontifex.com.au

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E N G L E H A R T H O M E S

ENGLEHAR T HOMES Englehart Homes has an unsurpassed reputation as a leading builder of both luxury project and individually designed custom homes.

To date, Englehart Homes have been awarded over 100 Building Industry Awards, including the HIA Professional Builder of the Year, Master Builder of the Year, The Age/D&B Victorian Business Award for Building and Allied Services, MBA Master Builder of the Year, National Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficient Homes, Bi-Centennial Home of the Year, and Inaugural 1984 Low Energy Home Award, clear testament to the enduring quality and master craftsmanship of the Englehart Homes team.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E N G L E H A R T H O M E S

Whether it’s the grandeur of a French chateau, or the nobility of a Parisian residence, La Provence by Englehart Homes is an impeccably designed home that you will fall in love with.

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From the street front, four bold yet elegantly tapered classical columns conspire to showcase the stately entrance to this home. Guests approach through the wrought iron entry gate, and traverse Bluestone sawn finish paving towards the fanlight front door. Above, a Juliet balcony awaits, replete with customized wrought iron cresting. Beautiful French casement windows set with classic mouldings complement the facade, and complement the shingled slate roof. This statement home can’t help but impress and charm.

On entry, a soaring foyer of freestanding and engaged columns draws you towards the formal living area. The room is grandly adorned with a marble fireplace, glassed cabinetry, French leadlight casement windows, and decorative cornices and moulded ceilings.

Look left and you catch a glimpse of a handsome and generous study/guest room with built in shelving and storage. To the right, a luxuriously appointed powder room/guest bathroom including marble, a frameless shower and adjoining Caesar stone laundry with ample storage and direct access to a patio.

Discreetly located beyond the main mirrored foyer is a vestibule allowing secure internal access to the garage and lift.

The centerpiece of La Provence is undeniably the curved stairway, complete with custom-made heart-shaped wrought iron balustrading, sweeping upwards to meet the balcony that enables access to the three large bedrooms and ensuites. A leadlight dome skylight inlaid with 1260 individual pieces of colored glass creates a stunning focal point, flooding the house with natural light.

Beyond the staircase, French doors reveal a vast kitchen and entertaining space. The European-style kitchen is complete with huge island bench, ceiling canopy and soft-closing cabinetry. Concealed is a butler’s pantry and service area with marble preparation areas, an in-built wine rack, large fridge and storage.

A sweeping curved window wraps around the dining area. The adjacent European-style loggia, or ‘outdoor room’ with square colonnades, molded plaster ceiling, sawn Bluestone paving and elfresco kitchen, plus outdoor TV and audio, all complement a stunning 11.5m tiled wet edge pool.

The pool is accessed from bi-fold doors in the living area, and can also be seen from the massive home theatre room.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E N G L E H A R T H O M E S

The Saville has been designed specifically with the Australian climate, lifestyle and landscape in mind. Dramatic, distinguished, stylish and substantial, this home is destined to become an “Australian Classic.”

Influenced by the architecture and vernacular philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright, The Saville is customised to our way of life. The design is classic, contemporary, luxurious.

Sweeping horizontal lines contrast with wide sheltering eaves, an expansive entertaining loggia, and statement blade walls, creating a striking street appeal.

Both impressive and timeless, the Saville evokes permanence and great integrity has been invested in the details. Indoor and outdoor living spaces blend seamlessly, in harmony with our modern entertaining lifestyle.

The front of The Saville offers an impressive lobby, square-pillared study, formal living area with high vaulted ceiling, powder-room, hotel-suite proportioned master bedroom, resort-style ensuite and double dressing rooms.

The concealed sliding door in the middle of the home opens to an expansive kitchen area, dining and living area. Combined with the adjoined loggia, the inside-outside room doubles in size. An extension of the home, the ‘outdoor room’ maximises your entertaining space, and is an irresistible place to eat, socialise and relax.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E N G L E H A R T H O M E S

The Saville is set to create a new precedent in luxurious, classic Australian design. With a number of design options available to you, along with Englehart Homes design flexibility, The Saville can also be tailored to perfectly suit your needs.

Every Englehart Home built incorporates innovation with proven design principles and environmental awareness. Our management system ensures all our ‘Everest-high’ standards are achieved, and that your requests, whims and wants - from our first meeting, right through planning, construction and after-residence service, are all carried out with a minimum of fuss.

Englehart Homes are passionate about the end result, our one-to-one personal contact with you, our tradespeople and our suppliers is exemplary. An Englehart built home is a home constructed with the knowledge and peace of mind that every facet will be undertaken to a standard few other builders can hope to match.

Englehart Homes is a Member of both the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association.

796 High Street, Kew East, VIC 3102 P 9810 2800

Display Homes now open La Provence – 289 Belmore Road, Balwyn North Saville – 25 Belmore Road, Balwyn North

F 9810 2810 engleharthomes.com.au

info@engleharthomes.com.au

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E

STONEHENGE

Narrow Block Beauty What do you do when your client’s brief for their dream home is challenged by the conditions of the site? For builders Stonehenge, this called for an exceptional design solution that is a testament to their reputation as one of Melbourne’s leading luxury home builders.

Set in prestigious Toorak, the owners of this property wanted a home which would exude the stately grandeur of classical architecture, while maximising the light filled spaces and clean lines of modern architecture. They also wanted a large, bright home with generous space. However, the long narrow block of sloping proportions, flanked by tall homes on either side, presented a challenge.

To overcome the narrow frontage, Stonehenge designers created a front façade which frames the entrance symmetrically, with a garage offset to either side, a deep and tall double storey porch and vertical windows, which all provide visual scale to the front of the home. Feature stone cladding has been used to frame the door and windows.

‘Everything in architecture is connected to a complex structure of meaning, insinuation and connotation, exactly like in clothing. The occasion in this case is the design of your house. It is a big one, a very big one, with a long aftermath, and you will be seen for many years to come and be judged by others what they see of you. So try to dress not for the night but for half a lifetime. That’s quite different.’

Hans Balwaldski, Senior Project Architect, Stonehenge

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M E L B O U R N E BU I L D E R F E AT U R E STO N E H E N G E

Thanks to clever design, the interior feels bright and generous. A practical central corridor runs from the front entry right through to the living area at the rear of the home which spreads the entire width of the block.

In the generous open plan living areas, high ceilings and windows enhance the feeling of space and add the brightness to the home that was so important to the clients ,whilst extra-wide engineered Red Rivergum floorboards without expansion joints run throughout the whole ground floor area, providing warmth and character.

This area opens out seamlessly onto an al fresco area complete with with outdoor kitchen, external fireplace, integrated seating and a tall urn water feature.

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The crisp white kitchen features an extra-long window across the full length of the work bench, providing extra light and an outlook to the green garden bed along the side boundary.

The upstairs retreat features a home theatre opening onto a large balcony. Privacy issues with the neighbouring property were overcome with a clever horizontal screen installed at the balustrading to ensure full advantage could be taken of the city skyline views.

This large home also offers four bedrooms three with ensuites, plus a bathroom, powder room, two studies, formal dining room, several alfresco areas and two large garages.

The end result is an elegant yet comfortable contemporary home with all the modern conveniences, and is the ideal environment for a growing family.

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M E L B O U R N E BU I L D E R F E AT U R E STO N E H E N G E

Escape to Paradise Capturing the ambience of a beautiful tropical resort, this stunning contemporary Balwyn home has become an urban oasis for this Melbourne family.

From the moment you step into the wide entrance gallery, the eye is drawn outdoors, in fact the entire layout of this stunning home is designed around a central pool and alfresco area that that functions as the hub of the home.

Full width bi-fold doors open onto this area from the open plan kitchen, meals and living areas providing a seamless flow between the interior and exterior living spaces.

The modern resort character is amplified by the use of white render, natural timber and rough stone finishes. Lush green landscaping completes the scene for that breezy tropical feel.

A minimalist interior provides the ideal backdrop for the clients’ colourful collection of South East Asian artworks.

Formal lounge and dining areas overlook the tennis court on the southern side of the home.

The home offers a master suite with private north-facing garden. There are three additional bedrooms with ensuites, plus a retreat area with balcony on the first floor. The basement level which took advantage of a 3metre drop in the centre of the block, has a gym, wine cellar and home theatre/sound studio plus a 3-car garage.

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M E L B O U R N E BU I L D E R F E AT U R E STO N E H E N G E

In order to enhance the visual presence of the home, a series of deep, vertical alcoves with floating shade screens and slender minimalist columns were used to stretch the visual scale upward. This results in the external design having its own unique character.

The clients’ request for a spacious modern family home with all the modern conveniences and the character of a tropical resort has certainly been achieved.

68 Clarke Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 P 9696 2522 F 9696 2511

Stonehenge enjoys an enviable reputation for having designed and built many of Melbourne’s finest homes over the past 30+ years. A boutique custom design and construction company, they have won over 60 National and State housing awards, including multiple award winners of the HIA Home of the Year and Australian Quality Builder of the Year awards. Highly regarded in the building industry, they are known for delivering fastidiously designed and exquisitely detailed homes that will stand the test of time.

www.stonehenge.com.au info@stonehenge.com.au Mark Davis Managing Director M: 0418 318 233 E: mark@stonehenge.com.au A current Masterplan Development of 53 homes.

Please review www.williamscove.com.au

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E G L E N V I LL H O M ES

Contemporary Chic A sophisticated modern design of timeless elegance, Glenvill’s Linear is an exceptional 51 square double storey residence utilising an expansive sense of space, natural light, luxurious finishes and fine detailing.

The home’s modular façade features three large blocks of full-height glazing. A dark horizontal timbered garage complements the bronze window joinery, in contrast with the building’s light render. On the façade’s upper level, ark metal external louvres control light and privacy at the flick of a switch.

Set discreetly to one side, the main entry sits beneath a cantilevered canopy, with a stone blade wall that connects the interior and exterior spaces.

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As you enter the home, your eye is drawn out to the courtyard and serene pond with its delicate Japanese maple tree. The formal living area also includes a stunning bespoke glass wine cellar.

An open plan design maximises light and space in the casual living, dining and kitchen areas, which feature timber floorboards in Harper & Sandilands Oak. The highlight of the designer kitchen is a natural Calacatta marble servery bench with matching splashback and island bench top with waterfall edge. Extras include a handy study nook.

Upstairs, the luxurious parent’s wing features an ensuite with continuous tiles of exquisite imported marble on both walls and floor, a natural stone bench stretches the length of the room whilst a frameless shower screen is finished with flush floor detail.

The Linear is without doubt a quality contemporary custom home. With superior detailing and only the finest of finishes throughout, the home is a true example of Glenvill’s unwavering pursuit of quality. Homes of distinction, such as The Linear, are the trademark of this leading builder.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E G L E N V I L L H O M E S

French Opulence Quality without concession and craftsmanship without compromise combine in Glenvill’s Avignon design - a classical interpretation of the French Provincial style home.

With expansive proportions, a contemporary entertainer’s floor plan, bespoke finishes and unrivalled attention to detail, the Avignon delivers a singular level of luxury.

A French oval motif features in the Emporite Stub screens at the entry to the sitting room. Set on either side of the superb marble fireplace, the French doors offer a glimpse of outdoor greenery. Bulkhead detail and feature cornices add to the grandeur and height of this stunning room, enhanced by flush seamless integration of the carpet and flooring.

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E G L E N V I L L H O M E S

The stylish open plan kitchen features crisp white cabinets with matte marble bench tops and island bench, offset by gleaming polished oak floors. A butler’s pantry offers an out-of-sight preparation area and food storage. Quality European stainless steel appliances complete the package.

3-4 metre high ceilings feature in the lightfilled living room, which looks out onto the pool, pergola and cabana with alfresco dining/living area.

The spacious and opulent master suite features a stunning ensuite with laser cut French motif detailing to the cabinetry and travertine tiles on both oor and walls.

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E G L E N V I L L H O M E S

For more than 50 years Glenvill has been designing and building award-winning homes that have set the benchmark for outstanding design and quality of finish.

At Glenvill, our design philosophy blends an aesthetic eye with a designer’s expertise to deliver unique homes that stand the test of time.

We take an emotional approach to design that places our customers at the heart of our thinking and is why our homes are so ‘liveable’.

840 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East VIC 3145 T 03 9573 8393 F 03 9572 8696 www.glenvill.com.au

reception@glenvill.com.au With unrivalled attention to detail, the Avignon delivers a singular level of luxury. The aged render exterior delivers a look which won’t date and attention to detail can be seen at every turn. Deep window reveals provide richness, quality and a sense of old world charm.

Sleep yourself healthier

Toxin Free Mattress with Stretch Effect The bedroom is the most important room to keep free of health burdens and sources of irritation for the body because this is where we rest and regenerate. In the quest to create the healthiest sleeping environment, the Austrian Academy of Naturopath and Radiation Protection quickly realised mattresses were a big problem.

600 Different types were tested and all failed to meet the Academies criteria. So… we made our own.

Designed by Naturopaths and Orthopaedic surgeons, these mattresses address health concerns the mass produced mattress manufacturers ignore or are often totally ignorant to.

Our mattresses are very different: -

Stretch Effect: Downward pressure is converted in a gentle traction reducing pressure in the spine to aid regeneration.

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Metal Free: Metal attracts radiation from transmitters and propagates electric field radiation from internal wiring.

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Latex Free: Far beyond Allergy testing, is intolerance testing. We found Latex to be the worst and causes intolerance reactions in most people.

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Toxin Free: Instead of using chemical propellants in the production as other manufacturers do, we use toxin free processes.

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Anti-Static: Most mattresses build up a static charge which is not good for you.

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Anti-Fungal and Anti-Ageing: Due to the high air permeability of its design, funguses are repelled and great oxygenation is brought to the skin.

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Removable and Washable outer cover: Renew your mattress whenever you feel like it.

Also optionally available with total customisation to your body size and shape.

Contact us and order yours today.

Physiologa Australia 03 9005 5020 New Zealand 09 887 0615 www.physiologa.com.au

Hydronic heating specialist www.nissleichertheating.com.au

Hydronic Specialist

Melbourne Showroom

174-176 Through Rd, Camberwell.

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Building a Happy, Healthy Home

Health is one of the quality of life factors that

His research led him to Germany and to Geovital

are measured regularly in the Happiness Index,

in Austria, a naturopathic health clinic involved in

and part of the definition is a balance between

natural therapies for 30 years. Geovital is now a

mind and body and between people and the

worldwide authority on radiation protection in the

environment.

home. Its continuing research confirms co-relations

We know sleep, exercise and eating well are important, but what we often haven’t paid enough attention to is the role our environment plays in our own and our family’s health.

We cannot always control our external world, but now a growing body of research is focused on what is happening inside our homes, and a major concern is increasing radiation exposure.

Radiation is everywhere of course. Natural sources, including the sun, have been present since the earth was formed. But in the last 200 years, industrial and building technologies have increased the artificial human-produced sources of radiation.

Exposure to radiation, even at only a fraction of the ‘safe’ limits set by governments have links to cancer, fertility issues, blood pressure problems, leukaemia and lowered immunity, compromising our overall health and well being.

Patrick van der Burght – director of Geovital Academy Australia, a company that advises people on building strategies to minimise radiation in the home says,

“What is becoming much clearer is the role that radiation exposure in our own living and sleeping spaces plays on our health.

After all, if we think about it our home is where we spend most of our time and the bedroom is where we are supposed to rest and regenerate.”

between this constant exposure and ill health, and documents a significant improvement in many clients’ health after intervention.

Although Geovital can implement strategies to minimise radiation exposure in existing homes, an optimum time to consider solutions is when a house is being built.

yet to measure for radiation exposure on a potential Mr Van der Burght explains Geovital’s consultative

site”, says Mr Van der Burght.

role in the building process: “What we do is analyse the building plans and identify weaknesses in the

“Unfortunately there is a rare type of radiation that

design that may expose occupants to unnecessary

cannot be shielded against and getting us involved

levels of radiation. The changes we suggest

early in the process could prevent potential disaster

essentially occur behind the scenes and have no

by avoiding the purchase of a site with serious and

visible impact in the home. As an example we

unfixable problems.”

may ask the electrician to run the wiring a little differently or install switches which will essentially cut power to an entire circuit when the use of electricity stops. This eliminates radiation that would normally be present in areas like bedrooms when you are sleeping. When, let’s say a bedside light, is switched on, power is instantly returned.”

In addition to modifications to the electrical wiring design, other solutions that may be recommended

by Geovital include a shielding mesh which is used inside the wall cavity. The mesh minimises the

And as for how the builders an architects view Geovital strategies? “ To date no one we have worked with has had a problem implementing theses changes. In fact most architects and tradespeople find it fascinating and are interested in learning more on the subject”. Says Van der Burght We all want to live a happy and healthy life filled with vitality. We also want to enjoy the benefits of modern design and technological development.

exposure from transmitters such as mobile towers,

Making our homes environmentally safer and free

smart meters, and internal wiring. Alternatively a

from invisible radiation contributes to this, and lays

shielding paint can be used on the wall which can

the foundation for a happy, healthy future.

be painted and wallpapered over with similar effect.

They say you can’t put a price on health, and yet surprisingly the cost to protect yourself and your family from excessive radiation exposure is

Mr van der Burght says. “Most people would be

relatively minimal in your overall building budget.

very surprised to know that inside the wall of their

It is in the bedroom where we all spend eight

home produces electric field exposure in about

hours or more a night to rest and regenerate that

95 per cent of people when we measure their

protection is most important and protection of a

body whilst lying in bed. Power cables along the

single bedroom costs on average around $3000 -

street, even if underground, can produce low level

not a lot to pay for that healthy and happy balance

radiation which can have many negative health

between mind, body and the environment.

effects.”

“We can help people who have not bought land as

In an ideal scenario however, the consultation

Geovital has an Australia-wide network of trained professionals who can offer home assessments to detect how much radiation is in your current living environment and if needed recommend solutions.

Geovital also runs workshops and training for builders, architects, and other professionals to educate them about radiation, and available solutions.

Mr Van der Burght became interested in this work

process should start some time prior to the

Mr Van der Burght is a popular speaker

after a family health scare encouraged him to make

commencement of building, in fact prior to

on the subject of radiation exposure and

lifestyle changes and learn about natural therapies.

choosing your building site.

the effects on your health.

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The Perfect Fittings for Your New Home are at Elite Door & Tap Hardware

We have an extensive range of both traditional and contemporary fittings including cabinet and door handles, tapware, basins and bathroom accessories so you are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

We supply only quality products and our friendly staff have extensive product knowledge and are available to assist you in choosing the best products for your requirements.

Available finishes

Antimicrobial Copper – Cu+

Drop into our showroom located at 337 Swan St, Richmond or call us on 03 9429 1211.

Email: info@elitehardware.com.au You can also browse our range online at www.elitehardware.com.au

image courtesy of Hedger Constructions

Regional Victoria Custom Builder Features Stunning rural homes from leading luxury home builders in Victoria

Picture: courtesy of Hedger Constructions

need a country builder? countrybuildersvic.com.au

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E H E D G E R C O N S T R U C T I O N S

Yarra Valley Vista Taking full advantage of the spectacular Yarra Valley setting was a priority for the owners of this warm and inviting contemporary home. They wanted a central communal living area flanked by two private wings under one roof line, and the home had to complement their busy work lifestyles.

Constructed of a steel frame, the house features rendered Hebel panelling with stone feature walls and chimneys complementing the panelling & providing an earthy link to the rural surroundings.

Large double glazed toughened windows are argon gas ďŹ lled and tinted to provide excellent vantages for the outstanding views from all rooms. As a contrast, recycled ironbark timber is used extensively for posts, screens and louvres, as well as lining to the soaring winged roof line.

Among the unique features of the property are the stunning rammed earth hallway walls, which creating an inviting ambience and draw the owners and guests to the expansive living areas.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E H E D G E R C O N S T R U C T I O N S

The striking central kitchen wraps around a large central island stone bench, the ideal place to gather and chat.

Other highlights are the large oor tiles, a spacious walk-in pantry and windows to that both add light and provide views to the scenic outlook.

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As for sustainability, the home has full wall insulation, an air cell to the roof lining, acoustic batts to internal wet area walls, plus the slab heating and hot water are provided by a geothermal system, reducing running costs. There are also water tanks, which provide excellent storage for rainfall from the huge roof area.

With meticulous attention to detail, and proactive and positive communication between all parties, the home was completed to the owner’s exacting standards. The result is a modern home that incorporates a range of feature materials for a rustic ďŹ nish that blends well with it’s stunning rural surroundings.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E H E D G E R C O N S T R U C T I O N S

A Modern Addition to History This Robert Mills designed extension presented a variety of challenges, most significantly was that the existing house was registered as being of historical significance to the local area. Extensive consultation was undertaken to not only meet planning requirements, but to create a practical working and living space that would meet the clients’ needs.

The stunning kitchen features Wilson Art laminate in Designer White with Albedor Thermotech doors providing sleek lines.

An integrated fridge and freezer continue the clean, seamless theme, as does the substantial island bench with breakfast bar seating.

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In the living areas, beautiful American Oak has been used extensively on the oor, as well as on selected wall areas to create a feeling of warmth.

The brief from the owners was to incorporate the expansive rural setting into the design and capture a feeling of openness. This was achieved through the extensive use of commercial glazed full height windows and sliding doors, which ensures the views are continually highlighted throughout the home.

A linking hallway subtly couples the existing tumbled brickwork with a new oor paved in bluestone, while a full height window provides glimpses of the courtyard area.

The end result of this project is a home of exceptional quality home which portrays the essence of contemporary rural living, whilst blending with its historical past.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E H E D G E R C O N S T R U C T I O N S

Specialising in custom home building in North East Victoria, Hedger Constructions have been the proud recipients of 21 awards over the past 23 years, including Regional Builder of the Year in 2008 and 2011. The company is well known for its positive client relationships, attention to detail and going the extra distance. A commitment to sustainable building practices is also a company priority.

The number of referrals and second builds for clients is testament to the solid reputation of this premier Victorian building company.

This large-scale open-plan home is built on 320 hectares on the outskirts of Taggerty. The design was for a recently retired couple.

They wanted an interesting and liveable environment that allowed for disability movement, and also took advantage of the beautiful location. The house sits within a heritage garden overlooking a large pond and has river and mountain views.

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The result is a spacious interior that minimises the use of doors, every oor surface is non-slip and all grading is practical for a disabled user with or without a wheelchair. A lift provides access to the mezzanine study and a view of Cathedral Mountain. The bathroom looks out to the rose garden. A lift mechanism for the bath is ush-mounted in the ceiling. Grab bars are usefully and subtly placed in every service area.

PO Box 343, Alexandra, VIC 3714 T 5772 2750 F 5772 1778 www.hedgerconstructions.com.au

info@hedgerconstructions.com.au

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E C O E D G E H O M E S

Something elegant A beautiful 4 acre block, nestled against the Yarra River in Warrandyte, called for a beautiful residence, something dramatic, something elegant.

Eco Edge Homes, in conjunction with BBP Architects, was called upon to create such a masterpiece. Replete with natural stone, galvanised steel, vertical stained and painted cedar lining boards and extensive use of glass, this contemporary home blends seamlessly into its natural surrounds.

Director of Eco Edge Homes, Anthony Northwood, builds sustainable contemporary architectural homes of distinction in the Yarra Valley region that are environmentally empathetic, and are award winning representations of their owners lifestyles. In 2010, Eco Edge homes was a finalist in the Master Builders of Victoria Best Custom Homes $1 million and over award, testament to the excellent workmanship and attention to detail of Anthony and the Eco Edge Homes team.

The soul of this home is born of natural stone, with over 200m2 hand laid by stonemasons living on site for 7 months. Randomly laid, the results are quiet remarkable. Concealed within the stone are the down pipes, and the

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vertical stained cedar lining boards offer a striking visual geometry set against the stone.

The external finishes of cedar lining boards, compressed sheet express jointed eave linings and natural stone were also used inside to blur the boundaries between inside and out.

The floor plan of the home was designed with zoned living in mind. Consisting of five bedrooms, two living zones, four bathrooms, a rumpus room, study, plus a double lock up garage and mezzanine storage. Offering a showcase in expert craftsmanship, large natural honed bluestone tiles flow throughout the kitchen and dining rooms, main hallway and wet areas of the home. The master craftsmanship continues into the kitchen,

itself winner of the 2010 HIA Victorian New Homes Kitchen Project Award over $40,000.

Fully appointed, with a Corian waterfall island bench top, sublime walnut horizontal veneer doors and drawers with recessed grab handles, soft close drawers, a walk in pantry and an integrated fridge. Ceiling fans, shug windows, sliding doors and louvres were used to compliment the passive solar design providing effective ventilation throughout the home.

Ceiling fans, shug windows, sliding doors and louvres were used to compliment the passive solar design providing effective ventilation throughout the home.

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E C O E D G E H O M E S

The living spaces are defined by a stunning dry stack stone hand laid double sided gas fire place, and the extensive mirror kitchen splashback creates a greater sense of light and space while bringing the outside environment inside.

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The master bedroom and living room slab was cantilevered to provide the illusion that the home is oating. This theme was carried through to the decking. Similarly, the rooine has large cantlivered areas, with alucabond fascias and compressed sheet eave linings with expressed joins. A shade awning was built to reduce the summer sun entering the home while letting in the winter sun.

The landscaping was designed to complement the home with extensive use of drystack stone retaining walls, 450m2 of exposed aggregate concrete driveway and parking bay, large garden rock placements, river side decking with pizza oven, two dry river creek beds, and the planting of predominantly native trees and shrubs throughout. An underground 70,000 litre concrete water tank, which services the entire home, also captures storm water from the gattic drain across the front of the garage, and directs it to a second water tank used for the fruit orchard.

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E E C O E D G E H O M E S

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The Eco Edge Homes building philosophy of client inclusion through the entire building process ensures that all elements of the design and build brief are successfully addressed. The result is always a truly unique and dramatic home tailored perfectly to suit the owners individual requirements and lifestyle, underpinned by Eco Edge Homes careful consideration of environmental factors and conscientious attention to detail in design and construction.

PO Box, 452 Warrandyte, 3113 M 0408 512 289 F (03) 9844 5535 www.ecoedgehomes.com.au

info@ecoedgehomes.com.au

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See more of Melbourne

If you like what you’ve seen, there’s even more to see on our Melbourne Custom Builders website.

More stunning award winning homes and more photos all on one easy to use site.

’s best builders...online

melbournecustombuilders.com.au

Bespoke Craftsmanship Meticulous Detail Unsurpassed Quality Melbourne | Geelong | Bendigo | Ballarat When looking to design and build a high-end luxury home there is no need to look further than Architectural Home Builders (AHB).

Working for only the most discerning of customers, the team at AHB pride themselves on delivering an exceptional experience.

From ultra-chic contemporary designs to the grandeur of French provincial residences, AHB delivers unsurpassed quality and finishes through meticulous attention to detail.

AHB can lead your project through all phases from design to completion; we welcome your enquiry and the opportunity to discuss your dreams.

Call AHB today on (03) 4310 2930 or fill in a contact form via our website www.architecturalhomebuilders.com.au

17 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350 Phone 03 4310 2930 Fax 03 5333 5489

LOGO www.architecturalhomebuilders.com.au

TO BE SCA IN LOWER

The sleep experience, that transports you to another place....

back to sleep specialists provide expert advice and knowledge in a comprehensive, one-on-one complimentary consultation at their state of the art, showroom in Balwyn.

We welcome you to join us for a coffee and let our experts take you on a journey to sleep better, live better™ for life backtosleep.com.au

When only the best will do...

Where dreams are made!

Poor sleep impacts our lives in so many ways.

It affects not only how we feel physically but our emotional state which in turn can damage our relationships with the people around us.

If you’re amongst the many people who experience sleepless nights tossing and turning, then the good news is that a simple change in bedding could help you improve the quality of your sleep and your quality of life.

Developed by leading Melbourne Chiropractor, Dr George Skandalellis, back to sleep offers tailored sleeping solutions, designed to ensure you have a restful night, every night.

After years of hearing patients’ complaints about poor sleep and their experiences at retail bedding stores, Dr George decided to learn more about mattresses and pillows. He was driven to develop the back to sleep range by his passion for wellness and a vision to help people sleep better, and in turn, to live better.

back to sleep is unique in the world of mattresses, pillows and sleeping products, providing expert advice and knowledge in a comprehensive, one-on-one consultation. Best of all, this service is for everyone, complimentary and obligation-free.

Since 2004, back to sleep have been at the industry’s cutting edge through developing quality Australian made products combined with a wealth of knowledge and experience to understand and improve your sleep wellness. back to sleep’s products proudly carry the Asthma Councils, Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly tick of approval on all mattress, bases and protectors and since opening the Melbourne back to sleep store in 2009, have expanded with two additional back to sleep outlets in Sydney.

Given that we spend around a third of our lives in bed it makes sense to consult quality health care professionals to help us select quality

bedding that will create the right environment for quality sleep. With a combination of education, knowledge, passion and experience, back to sleep trained health care professionals also provide advice on maintaining the best sleep posture. back to sleep products are for everyone, not just people with back or health problems to help you sleep better and live better, for life. back to sleep supplies and delivers Australia-wide.

Melbourne Showroom 313 -315 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn, VIC 3103 Ph: 1300 854 557 www.backtosleep.com.au

M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E C & C I N T E R I O R S

Atkinson Pontifex is a multi award-winning boutique construction company formed by childhood friends, Dean Atkinson and David Pontifex in 1985. With a passion for building luxury homes in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs, Dean and David also share a common vision to provide exceptional customer service.

The Atkinson Pontifex mission is two-fold. Dean and David are passionate about building the finest residential homes, and delivering results that far exceed clients’ expectations. Pursuing excellence with every home, the two work hard to maintain a reputation as the elite master builder of choice in the Bayside area.

They also collaborate with many of Australia’s most celebrated and talented architects and interior designers, and have experience with award-winning landscapes at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

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A stunning luxury home, four years in completion... a specific client brief ‘deliver a piece of Europe in the heart of Melbourne’…enter the enigmatic design duo Anthony Costanzo and Fior Costabile.

Photography by Aaron Widyanto It’s not everyday that artists get to play with a 250 square blank canvas, some may in fact find it intimidating and shy away, but for the team at Costanzo & Costabile Interiors, this beautiful Tuscan style home in Caulfield presented an opportunity to showcase the style that is earning them a reputation as one of Melbourne’s freshest interior design firms.

In the living room a rich palette of golds and reds were chosen to add warmth and further enhance the luxurious feel of the room without detracting from the client’s exquisite lounge suite.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E C & C I N T E R I O R S

Passing through the 5m high custom made entry doors, into the entry foyer it’s immediately evident that no expense has been spared in the construction of this stunning home. The European influences are abundant, from the detailed mouldings to the travertine flooring, and sweeping staircase with timber and wrought iron balustrading.

It was therefore essential for the décor to be as classic as the architecture itself.

The Costanzo and Costabile team set out achieving this through the use of quality materials and rich and durable textures to create a visual appeal that like the home would be timeless

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Sourcing furniture for this interior was both challenging and exciting. The mere scale of the master bedroom allowed it to be separated into sleeping and sitting area that feature a pair of hand carved Louis chairs, locally designed and upholstered in premium Zepel fabric.

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M E L B O U R N E B U I L D E R F E AT U R E C & C I N T E R I O R S

The rich tones and accessories incorporated in the study creates an ambience reminiscent of an old Hollywood movie, with the open ďŹ replace, leadlight windows and timber oors providing the perfect set.

The energetic approach of Costanzo & Costabile draws as much upon intuition as tradition. Staying on top of the latest trends and products, the team bring a unique quality to their styling which combines function and style and classical and contemporary idioms in rich and unexpected ways.

Of course every project is as individual as the client and this is achieved by gaining a thorough understanding not only about their likes and dislikes but how they live in their home. This knowledge enables them to deliver

the ‘dream interior’ for every client, one that is functional as well as aesthetically appealing.

Their services also extend from providing a complete interior design solution inclusive of lighting, furniture and soft furnishings through to property styling for developers and builders where furnishings, artworks and accessories are provided on a rental arrangement.

386 Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick, Victoria 3185 P 03 9077 5873 www.costanzoandcostabile.com.au info@costanzoandcostabile.com.au

Costanzo & Costabile Interiors showroom located on Glenhuntly Rd in Elsternwick offers a selection of beautiful home décor items and Objets d’art

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Beautiful one off pieces for the home & garden

Enter the Temple Door to discover a treasure trove of stunning showpieces for your home.

We search the world to bring you a collection of exotic one off pieces from antique iron gates and doors, to ancient marble sculptures and urns.

We also house a collection of modern art from world class artists including Christian Maas and David Bromley and offer a range of high quality custom made furniture including oak tables - handcrafted to your specifications by our highly skilled timber artisans.

Visit www.templedoor.com.au or phone 61 3 9824 5555 to make your discovery

www.zokk.com.au Showroom. Factory 15, 350 Settlement Road, Thomastown Vic 3074 Mob. +61 (0)4 0363 8848 Email. zoran@ zokk.com.au

Zokk Furniture’s owner Zoran Barbesoski completed his apprenticeship in Rorschach, Switzerland, and has over 15 years experience in cabinet making and interior design. Swiss and European qualities are mixed with contemporary Australian style to form a unique new take on furniture design.

In 2005, he established Zokk Furniture. Zoran’s intentions are simple: each piece of furniture is handcrafted to the highest quality, using traditional woodworking techniques and the very best materials. Zokk’s commissions range from free-standing furniture to bespoke fitted kitchens.

Zoran works closely with each customer to design a piece of furniture based on their exact specifications. He likes to visit them at their homes to create a design specific to his customer’s personal aesthetic and environment.

“I like to build furniture that I’m proud of; pieces that will last forever,” he says. Because of their originality, the unique items are all different and pleasing to the eye. Being made by hand and not machine, they reflect the individual characteristics of the wood.

‘

The unique items are all different and pleasing to the eye

’

Zokk Furniture features in the second edition of Handmade in Melbourne..

Beautiful Bedrooms

Finding fabulous furniture that will complement your new home can be both fun and frustrating.

Often a compromise between what you had in mind and ‘what you could find’ is the end result.

Now, thanks to one innovative online business – BedNest.com.au the search for the perfect bed or bedhead is few mouse clicks away!

After spending many years in retail design and product development for big names like Marks & Spencers in the UK and then moving to Sydney where she worked with private clients and local manufacturers, founder of BedNest, Nicky Line, realised that sourcing personalised quality furniture was often a difficult task for the end consumer looking for custom made décor for their home.

Starting initially with just bedheads, Nicky developed the idea of a simple online solution that would allow consumers to customise a bedheads with a simple 3 step process, choosing design, size and fabric choices to create a stunning tailor made product individualised to each customer’s needs.

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The concept was well received by both consumers and industry professionals and based on the success of the bedhead line, BedNest now also provides customised beds, chairs, ottomans, valances and other accessories to complete the look. The choice of designs and quality fabrics that are available on the BedNest site is already extensive, however customers also have the option to have products made from any fabric of their choice, making the possibilities endless.

“The ultimate idea for BedNest….’ (comments Nicky) “was to take the time and stress out of decorating. That’s why we are also here to help in anyway possible with the design process and guide customers with anything they’re unsure about. Also because each of our products is made to order, all our designs can be tweaked to suit your specific requirements. If you would like a bedhead a few centimeters higher or wider or lower, there’s no problem because it’s being made just for you it can be to your exact measurements.

As an example we recently created a complete floor to ceiling upholstered bedhead panel to suit a recessed wall for a clients new home. The options really are unlimited.”

BedNest hand-crafts all of their furniture in their factory in Sydney and most orders can be delivered to your door within 6 -7 weeks of placing your order.

For more see: www.bednest.com.au

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Pure Crafted with a unique blend of Alpaca wool.

Using 100% undyed fibre; as nature intended.

carPet: caPulet, colour: blanco

velieris.com

Keep warm all year round, with the only floor heating system that can be installed directly under all types of floor coverings.

The AHT Advantage WARMTH AHT‘s under floor heating system radiates a comfortable, even warmth, that is clean and safe to the occupants of the room.

The process is quiet and safe, with no noisy fans or blowers.

COMFORT AHT’s extra wide electrical heating elements create an even heat by eliminating hot and cold spots on the floor surface.

ELEGANCE The absence of unsightly radiators allows for more aesthetic interior design, additional flexibility in furniture placement, and full use of space.

SIMPLICITY The AHT heating mats are simple to install, in fact almost as easy as laying down a carpet. Installation time is significantly reduced in comparison to other under floor heating systems.

The heating mats are laid directly onto the sub floor and no extra layer of cement is required to separate the heating mats and the floor covering.

AHT HEATING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ACN: 163 976 841

VERSATILITY Whether you are building a new home or refurbishing an existing one, AHT’s heating mats are your perfect indoor heating solution. The ultrathin, flexible mats can be applied to the existing floor without the need for complicated structural changes.

SAFETY AHT heating mats are designed, manufactured and certified according to the most rigorous electrical safety standards.

AHT products have been tested and found to have negligible electromagnetic radiation, far below the minimum requirements of the applicable standards.

RELIABILITY AHT offers a 15 year warranty provided the product has been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

COST AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY AHT under floor heating will reach the desired room temperature faster than any other product available on the market today. This will reduce the system’s operating time and energy consumption, providing a significant cost saving.

337 Swan Street, Richmond VICTORIA 3121 03 9429 1211 info@ahtheating.com.au www.ahtheating.com.au

To Cellar or Not to Cellar: Which Wines to Store Away?

By Jean-Marie SIMART, Director of the Vintec Club Starting a wine cellar can be a great investment, or just an enjoyable pastime, however not all wines are worthy of cellaring. Jean-Marie Simart, Director of the Vintec Wine Club provides his advice and recommendations on great wines to cellar.

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Sixteen years ago a survey ordered by the wine industry found that on average, a bottle of wine in Australia was kept less than 24 hours after purchase.

I don’t know the present statistics but I would be ready to bet some of my best bottles that a bottle purchased today has a longer life expectancy in Australian households.

Which wines however are actually worthy of keeping? First let’s consider what cellaring wine is all about. Although there is no official definition, it would be reasonable to say that cellaring is storing wine until it reaches its peak. As wine is a living product it changes with time however it’s not always for the better! Knowing which wines to store is the key.

As a general rule, Australian winemakers are making their wines to be consumed within their first few years whilst European winemakers tend to make their wines for longer maturity.

So, let’s go through a few of my personal recommendations, starting with the whites.

There are of course exceptions but generally speaking, Australian white wines do not last as long as the reds, and among the whites semillons and rieslings have a much longer life span than chardonnays and sauvignon blancs.

Among our Australian whites, the wines that tend to be best after 10 years would be some of the Hunter Valley semillons, some good examples are Braemore by Thomas Wines Tower Estate Wines and Tyrell’s.

From abroad, the French Bordeaux, made essentially of a combination of sauvignon blanc and semillon can easily be kept ten years or more. Among a few I would recommend are Domaine de Chevalier, Doizy Daene and worth the extra investment - the fabulous chateau Haut Brion and the “Y” made by d’Yquem.

Most whites from the Rhone Valley are also good choices as well as the marvellous Italian: Quintarelli bianco.

When it comes to dessert wines many can be kept for years and will increase in depth and complexity whilst aging.

Specially recommended are French sauternes, Australian de Bortoli Noble One and all botrytised semillon.

When it comes to reds we have a much larger selection of good cellaring options, however as a general rule lighter reds like pinot noir, Grenache and mourvedre have a shorter lifespan than heavier shiraz’s, cabernets and merlots. The lighter reds usually have a maximum cellaring life span of around ten years whilst heavier wines can potentially be kept 50 years or more.

Recommendations for Pinot Noirs include those from New Zealand wineries, Central Otago, Felton Road, Gibson Valley Reserve and Mount Difficulty. Of our Australian Winemakers: Picardy, Giaconda and Domaine A are good choices.

For French Burgundies my recommendations are; Santenay, and Vosne Romanée, which can be kept for many year as well as many wines again from the Rhone Valley.

Shiraz’s? … of course there’s no going past the famous Grange whose 1951 vintage is still enjoyable at $40,000 plus (or so I have been told ) but if your budget doesn’t quite extend there then these are great wines to consider are St Henri, Bin 707, RWT, the St Hugo from Orlando, Henry’s Seven from Henshke, Thomas Kiss, the shiraz viognier from Clonakilla, Meerea Park, and the Maurice O’Shea shiraz.

When it comes to Cabernet sauvignons and franc, and cabernet merlots many of these are worth cellaring, often for ten years or more. In Australia, these mainly come from Margaret River and include; Cullen’s Diana Madeline, Moss Wood, Howard Park and Vasse Felix.

From South Australia great options are Penfolds Bin 09 and Bin 407, all wines made by Clarendon Hills, Wynns and John Riddoch. From the Yarra Valley: Yarra Yarra, Yarra Yerring and Hunter Valley: Lindeman’s St George.

When it comes to the French reds, most of the Bordeauxs must be kept several years to reach peak drinkability. among these are grands crus Haut Brion, Domaine de Chevalier, Petrus and Cheval Blanc. There are nearly no exceptions among the great Bordeaux reds from the Left Bank - leave them at least ten years!

Of the Italian reds, cabernet franc by Quintarelli is excellent (if you can get your hands on some).

The above are just some of my personal suggestions from my own journey into the wonderful world of wines but your own choices shouldn’t be limited to these by any stretch.

For additional advice and recommendations there are many books and reviews regularly issued by professional wine writers such as James Halliday, Robert Geddes, Huon Hook and Peter Bourne, along with professional magazines such as Decanter, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Winestate and of course, the famous classification made by Langtons.

The best way to build your cellar though is to start with the wines you love. Find out direct from the winemaker about its intended maturity and how long it could be cellared for.

Many winery websites will already share this information with you and if they are worth holding on to, take patience by drinking some great younger wines in the interim!

More wine resources and cellaring advice is available on www.vintecclub.com.au including the following interesting further reads: • Do All Wines Age Well: www.vintecclub.com.au/whysome-wines-age-well-and-how-and-why-some-not/ • A Guide to Ageing Potentials: www.vintecclub.com.au/ageing-potential/

Its very first vintage, the 1951 Grange is said to still be very drinkable (at $40,000 plus!)

Aging Gracefullly

If you’re considering a wine cellar in your new home, we’ve prepared a must read guide on wine storage that will ensure you’re drinking and enjoying your wine for years to come.

Some like to drink their wine young and fresh, but if you’re a wine enthusiast who appreciates wine that has aged gracefully with the additional body and character that only time can add, then storing your wine in optimal conditions is the key.

As a basic guideline, the cellaring option you choose for your home should recreate similar conditions to those found in the best natural underground cellars.

There are five basic factors to consider when deciding how and where to store your wine: 1. Stability of Temperature: daily and seasonal ambient temperature fluctuations denature wine, accelerating or stunting normal maturation, and creating “spoiled fruit” flavours.

2. Maintaining a High Humidity: it’s important that the humidity of the environment is at least 60% . This ensures that corks do not dry or shrink, allowing damaging air to “oxidise” wine and cause off-odours.

3. Exposure to UV Light. UV light causes hydrogen sulphide compounds in wine and affects the tannins and the colour of your wine.

4. Environmental Stability – Vibrations and movement prematurely deteriorate wine by speeding up chemical reaction, keeping wine in a consistently stable environment will ensure optimal aging 5. Airflow: lack of appropriate ventilation can make wine cellars become stale and mouldy and effect the integrity of the wine, it’s therefore important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation and fresh air available in your chosen wine storage area.

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Common Wine Storage Mistakes 1. Near appliances that radiate heat. A recent trend, is wine racks above or beside the stove in the kitchen. Heat literally ‘cooks’ wine resulting in unpleasant and “jammy” flavours. This goes the same for other appliances - e.g. fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and heaters and fireplaces. Even short bursts of intense heat can quickly deteriorate wine.

2. By windows or doors. Placing cabinets near windows or doors provide exposures to damaging UV light.

3. Dark areas that fluctuate in temperature. Those who are aware of the above, often choose dark cupboards or perhaps even have a ‘wine cellar’ under the house, however if the climate in this area fluctuates within more than a few degrees your wine will also not keep well. In Australia and particularly areas which can experience very warm summer days and very cool winter days the fluctuation in temperature may be 20 degrees at times.

Ultimately if you do not have a proper, purpose built wine cellar, the hard and fast rule is that it’s best not to waste money trying to keep wines – buy just what you need for the next few days as one does groceries - wine is a fragile and “living” product.

Incorporating all these elements into a purpose built wine cellar is not as simple as it sounds. excavating underground wine cellars can be prohibitive on both a practical and financial basis.

One of the best alternatives to custom built wine cellars is cellaring cabinets – purpose built wine storage cabinets have been the option of choice in Europe for many years.

If your collection is for investment purposes, then being able to prove provenance and proper cellaring will also maximise your return on investment.

Climate-controlled storage options such as Vintec and Transtherm wine cabinets will ensure that your wines are always stored in the perfect conditions for maturation.

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How to Choose the Perfect Wine Storage Cabinet for your Needs?

There is a large range of wine cabinets on the market, some of them being sleek and attractive pieces of furniture, with many styles and capacities available – but not all wine cabinets are created equal and it’s crucial to choose carefully.

First, make sure you choose a wine cabinet, not a “wine cooler” or “wine fridge”: wine fridges and ordinary refrigerators generate intense cold and remove ambient humidity, which will affect your wine over time.

There are some easy ways to tell a proper wine storage cabinet from a wine fridge:. Good wine cabinets will always have a humiditymanagement system (to preserve corks), tinted glass and dark interiors along with LED light only to protect from light exposure, and finally wooden shelves (to absorb imperceptible vibrations).

Second, when choosing a cabinet, consider your personal needs; How many bottles will you need to store? You’ll want to be able to add to your collection so make sure you have enough space to grow.

Where will you place your wine cabinet? There are free standing models and built in models available that can be incorporated into kitchen cabinetry.

Are you looking to cellar or serve with your wine cabinet? Single temperature cabinets are ideal for cellaring (all wines cellar at 12°-14°), whereas multi-temp models are designed to serve your reds and whites at the proper drinking temperatures.

In summary, the right wine cabinet for you will be largely determined by your own personal requirements however if you’re serious about investing in wine then the first investment you should make is in a quality professional, wine storage unit.

For more information on Vintec and Transtherm Wine Preservation technology see: www.vintec.com.au

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The Range

Real Flame are the industry leaders in fireplace design and manufacture.

Conceived, designed, researched, developed and built in Australia.

All of our products have been meticulously finished using only the highest quality materials, with style ranging from classic to contemporary.

We have a fireplace that will add value, warmth and ambience to any home.

Head Office 1340 Ferntree Gully Road Scoresby T 03 8706 2000 F 03 8706 2001 Richmond VIC 300 Swan Street T 03 9428 4443 F 03 9428 4445 Geelong VIC 2a Gordon Avenue T 03 5229 0844

Chatswood NSW 654 Pacific Highway T 02 8905 0189

Milton QLD 46 Douglas Street T 07 3368 2011

Miranda NSW 36 Kareena Road T 02 8513 6202

Osborne Park WA 47-53 McDonald Steet East T 08 9444 9900

Dandenong VIC 9 Lonsdale Street T 03 9791 9285

Fyshwick ACT 88 Wollongong Street T 02 6280 5522

Norwood SA 173 Magill Road T 08 8132 0371

www.realflame.com.au

Leaders in Gas Fireplace Technology

Having had countless solo exhibitions all over the world since the 1980’s and as a six time Archibald Prize finalist, there wouldn’t be too many Australians that don’t know the name David Bromley.

Some may also be aware of criticisms about the commerciality of his work, but an inherent passion for his subject matter and lack of interest in what the critics have to say drives this artist to continue to create art that reflects the same iconic work that first drew worldwide attention to him many years ago.

Starting his artistic career as a potter, and entirely self-taught, Bromley has built a solid reputation as one of Australia’s eminent modern artists. Named several times by Art Collector as one of the 50 most collectable Australian artists, Bromley likens his drive to produce art as similar to the way surfers are drawn to the ocean. This might also be the reason this Sheffield born artist, a long time Melbourne resident has now based himself in Byron Bay close to his roots in Noosa where he first developed his passion for both surfing and painting (and now paints surfboards that are sold for over $10,000).

Bromley’s consistent narratives are ones that he claims to have ‘fallen in love with’ which is an endearing explanation for why he finds them so hard to leave behind. These include his ‘Children’s Adventure’ work that has derived from his love of comic books from his own childhood and ‘Boys Own’ annuals - which were moral tales for the young from before the turn of the century. Rather than moving on to other themes, Bromley has continued with the same tales of childhoold innocence and adventure experimenting with mediums including bronze, paper mache, and embroidery.

Another of Bromley’s well known themes are his female nudes. Working predominantly from photos taken by himself, these paintings are usually larger than life and feature beautiful young women, usually bare breasted in portraits that Bromley describes as ‘keyholes to an abstract painting’.

As a portrait artist, David is in high demand and his portraits have included celebrities Kylie Minogue, Megan Gale, Miranda Kerr and Lily Allen - commissioned by Harpers Bazaar for their cover.

Although diverse in subject matter, all Bromley’s work has a consistency in its pop art style with bold use of colour and gold and silver leaf that is reminiscent of Andy Warhol, another of his professed inspirations.

An appeal to broader community is another concern of Bromley’s, it’s not about commercialism but making a connection with every day people through art that they can relate to, believing that a lot of the stories told by paintings are for the art literate only. His popularity and the longevity of his career is certainly a reflection of that mass appeal.

Ultimately self-expression and following your own path is the very essence of a true artist and Bromley has certainly remained true to himself by following the passion he has for his subject matter despite the critics.

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Ever walked into a room and been awestruck by a stunning piece of art?

An artwork can not only enhance a room as an aesthetic accompaniment to your soft furnishings and furniture but set the mood and act as the central showpiece of a space.

If you’re an art lover and the proud owner of an existing art collection, then where and how to display your art in your new home is likely to be something that you will discuss at lengths with your architect, if however you’ve not previously invested in original art the design phase is an opportune time to consider how you might incorporate art in your new home.

The key to successfully displaying original art, is to achieve a balance of extracting the atmosphere from a unique piece while simultaneously maintaining the space as an area for work, entertainment, or rest. Considering the placement of art in the initial home design phase allows you to determine where art might best be placed, in the same manner you might discuss the ideal

Art Space

position for the lounge or television.

Large bare walls are obvious options for wall art, but there are a myriad of other considerations that can ensure your artwork is optimally displayed rather than it being an afterthought in the decorating process.

Wall recesses provide dedicated areas in which to hang art and lighting can be unobtrusively positioned within the recess to highlight the art.

The textural change in this wall creates a perfect blank canvas for feature art. Image courtesy Zorzi South 134

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The wall that divides this room becomes a floating platform for feature art (Image courtesy of Hedger constructions)

Original art is a dominant feature in the stunning home built by Tallwood Constructions with the use of recessed walls painted stark white to highlight the art and feature lighting.

Recess for sculpture or objets d’art has been cleverly built into storage in this home built by Weststyle

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After 13 years trading from their showroom on the Gold Coast, luxury home furnishings retailer, Sovereign Interiors has opened an extensive new showroom in the heart of Alexandria.

Having gained a nation-wide reputation as suppliers of exquisite imported furniture, the expansion into Sydney has been on the table for some time, and the right premises were finally secured earlier this year in the well known ‘designer’ precinct. As interior designers, the fit-out of the showroom was undertaken by Sovereign themselves, and in record time too with their doors opening last month.

On their expansion, Wayne Scrooby, Managing Director of Sovereign Interiors, comments, “We have a very high customer service standard, always aiming to exceed expectations and our Sydney showroom will allow us to better service our NSW and Victorian clients who have previously attended our Gold Coast showroom to view our range” The Sydney location certainly makes it more convenient for NSW and Victorian residents but the offerings available at Sovereign Interiors are certainly worthy of travelling to at any location.

There is a strong emphasis on luxury and Sovereign have several exclusive distribution arrangements with world leaders in designer furniture, lighting and soft furnishings. These are sourced mainly from Europe and the USA. “We pride ourselves on the fact that our collections are of the highest quality in the world” says Scrooby. “Quality is often used very loosely in our industry, but we go to great lengths travelling throughout Europe and the USA to find unique designs of exceptional quality .There is no “lucky draw” scenario when purchasing our furniture, as we are extremely selective of who we purchase from as we know we are only as good as our suppliers.

The Sovereign Interiors Sydney showroom is located at 69 O’Riordan St, Alexandria and is open 9.30 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Tel 02 969 35780 or info@ sovereigninteriors.com.au Sovereign has qualified interior designers on hand to assist you with your interior decorating needs and you can also view their range online at: www.sovereigninteriors.com.au

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Planet Maas Where will you find human skulls the size of a room, ferocious oversized bulldogs, furniture covered in reptiles and erotic naked women? Welcome to the world of French sculptor Christian Maas…

Known somewhat for his eccentricities, Christian Maas has been labelled as

Given the uniqueness of his work it’s no surprise Maas has developed

one of the great contemporary sculptors of the 21st Century. Maas works in

somewhat of a celebrity following, with friends and collectors such as

a traditional way in both bronze and aluminium to produce pieces that are

Bridget Bardot and Prince Albert of Monaco.

truly unique. Humorous, bizarre and often erotic his works include animalia, life size ‘Bond’ girls, and celebrity representations including those of Grace Jones, Michael Jackson and more recently Kate Moss.

Since coming to the world’s attention in the 1980s, Maas has won multiple awards and exhibited his symbolic and fantastic sculptures in New York, London, and the Middle East as well as his own galleries in Monaco and St Tropez. Maas has also been commissioned for over 100 public monuments,

In Australia, Christian Maas work is available exclusively through Melbourne art dealer, Sculptura based in High Street, Armadale.

According to gallery owner Sean Basset, Maas’s profile is also now increasing in Australia. “We have several serious collectors now in both Sydney and Melbourne who love Christian’s work and view him as one of the most significant sculpture artists of this time”.

including de formula 1, a tribute to the Grand Prix found in Monaco.

A new exhibition is planned for early 2014, additional information can be found at www.christianmaas.com.au

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The English Tapware Company Ltd is a boutique company dedicated to providing the world’s best kitchen & bathroom tapware, fireclay sinks, bathroom accessories, towel warmers and bathroomware to builders, architects, interior designers and everyone who loves their home.

We offer the luxurious Perrin & Rowe, Acquello and Hawthorn Hill brands.

We offer peace of mind by guaranteeing the quality of our products and offering a high level of service before, during and after completion of the project. All our products are made to fit the local plumbing regulations and certified to comply with Australian Plumbing Standards. This is our assurance that we are selling a product which you can legally and happily install. We now provide a 15 year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

We are fastidious about which products we sell and if we would not have them in our own homes, we would not expect you to put them into yours.

Our close relationship with our suppliers enables us to provide a bespoke service to our customers. Let us know what you need and we will do what we can to turn your dreams into reality.

Melbourne 03 9818 1403 Sydney 02 9362 4736 Nationwide 1300 01 61 81

volcanic limestone baths

Barcelona passionate design

Contemporary double-ended bath & basin Deep, opulent and curvaceous - escape with the Barcelona collection, the latest in freestanding design from Victoria + Albert.

Like every Victoria + Albert... » Made from QUARRYCAST® - One piece casting of volcanic limestone and resin - Harder and more durable than acrylic

» Easy clean high gloss finish » Exterior can be painted » 25 year guarantee

www.vandabaths.com

volcanic limestone baths

Victoria + Albert are at the forefront of freestanding bath design and innovation.

We are 100% committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence through developing inspirational products that range from authentic period classics through to the latest contemporary models.

Every Victoria + Albert bath and basin is made from QUARRYCAST®, a naturally white composite material comprising of finely ground volcanic limestone and high-performance resins. Created at the dedicated Victoria + Albert factory in

Amalfi

South Africa, each bath and basin is cast – making them 100%

The Amalfi with its stunning good looks, a modern interpretation of a Victorian slipper bath, features softly contoured sides flowing gracefully to the floor. Its extended backrest provides full head support; essential for those long luxurious soaks.

solid – and then hand finished by skilled craftsmen. Every model is packed with desirable properties including excellent scratch and stain resistance, high insulation and solid, easy to clean internal surfaces. Also thanks to the UV stability of the material, a popular option is to install product outside.

Ravello The stunning Ravello bath and matching Ravello 60 basins combine classical elegance with contemporary sophistication. Bold straight lines combine effortlessly with gentle curves, reflecting the latest trend in interior design. The bath is 1,743mm long and the Ravello 60 basin 600mm, making it ideal for striking ‘his and hers’ countertop applications.

www.vandabaths.com

Napoli Low slung and with a shallow height of 495mm, the asymmetric Napoli bath fuses cutting edge design with ergonomic appeal for an indulgent bathing experience. Entirely rimless, the Napoli’s clean lines will make a contemporary statement in any bathroom.

Unit 2/37, Osborne Park, Western Australia 6017 t: 08 9446 3288 | f: 08 9244 2257 gro@myoffice.net.au | www.groagencies.com.au

NISSL EICHERT When Quality Matters...

Throughout our 30 years in the hydronic heating industry, Nissl Eichert Heating has built a reputation based on quality workmanship, customer satisfaction and attention to detail.

At Nissl Eichert, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of professional service and are known throughout the building industry as the superior choice for all hydronic heating solutions.

Our dedicated team of in-house technicians are passionate about hydronic heating and providing our customers with all the knowledge, expertise and service you’d expect from Nissl Eichert.

Let us tailor a heating solution that provides you with all the luxury and comfort of hydronic heating that suits both your budget and individual lifestyle.

Showroom 174-176 Through Rd, Camberwell.

Phone 03 9836 1484 Web www.nissleichertheating.com.au

Hydronic Specialist

BURJ | BATH FILLER MIXER

Designed and Built in Australia 25-27 Bellevue Crescent, Preston VIC 3072 t 03 9484 0960 e info@partaps.com.au www.partaps.com.au superior design and innovation

image courtesy of Atkinson Pontifex

Simply Stunning Exteriors Breathtaking pools and landscape design from some of the best in the business

M E L B O U R N E L A N D S C A P I N G F E AT U R E AT K I N S O N P O N T I F E X

Award Winning Gardens

With nearly 30 years’ industry experience, the team at Atkinson Pontifex has developed a reputation for delivering beautifully executed, award-winning gardens.

Based in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs, Atkinson Pontifex provides a holistic approach to the home building and garden landscaping process, eliminating the need for a separate landscape contractor, pool builder and homebuilder. Instead, they offer a complete package incorporating the construction of the home and all landscaped garden elements. They also work with a range of celebrated landscapers, including well-known designer Paul Bangay and Mark Browning.

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One of Atkinson Pontifex’s recent projects is a renovated 1960s home in Brighton. The project comprised a significant renovation at the rear, including converting the larger swimming pool into a smaller pool with a water tank used to sustain the newly landscaped gardens, along with a strong focus on reclaimed timbers.

Showcasing their skill to the public, the team was invited in March to create two gardens for the 2014 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Within a tight schedule of only nine days, the team completed a highly structured garden designed by Paul Bangay, featuring a striking water feature, pavilion and borders lined with magnolia flowers. Bangay’s signature wide garden beds and hedging was also a focus.

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The second garden was for the charity Family Life, offering a challenging design focused on three oversized large flowers. Constructed from exterior plywood, two of the petals came together to emulate Family Life’s heartshaped logo.

superior quality :: exacting standards :: exceptional service

Atkinson Pontifex has also proudly participated in their fifth RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held in London each May and considered the world’s most prestigious horticultural event. The Atkinson Pontifex team was part of the Australian team hosted by Fleming’s Nurseries, and last year - for the first time ever – won the most coveted ‘Best in Show’ medal.

3/69 Tulip Street Cheltenham Vic 3192 P 9585 1165 www.atkinsonpontifex.com.au

info@atkinsonpontifex.com.au

Art for a

Enjoy stunning pieces of art with no capital outlay with our art rental options.

Complement a water feature or create a dramatic impact indoors or out, in your luxury home, corporate foyer or lavish development. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, developer, landscape designer or simply have a passion for beautiful objêts d’art, you’ll appreciate the way our unique pieces can transform a space.

rt’s sake

For further details call +(61) 3 9824 5555 or visit our website for national stockists or to view further pieces www.sculptura.com

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P E LRBTO H M URN B EU LI A LN D DESRC AFP E I NAG T FUE R A TEU RREI V C OE SR D S ETSOI GNNE

A garden with soul Renovations to the rear of this period bungalow in inner Melbourne prompted a stylish backyard makeover, with a pool as the number one requirement.

Enter Steve Taylor of COS Design, one of Australia’s most highly regarded and awarded landscape design firms.

“Owners Andre and Emma, together with their three children, wanted a rustic yet sharp, inner city café-style space that oozed “all that is Melbourne” with a warm, inviting, funky vibe. They were looking for a garden with soul,” Steve said. “I think we delivered exactly that. The space just works on every level and quite simply, you just feel good when you’re in it.”

The clients’ love of timber along with natural tones and textures is highlighted in the Yellow Stringybark deck, steel arbors with recycled Hardwood infills and rear water feature screen of roughsawn Silvertop Ash. They wanted to keep the large central Ash tree, so it became the focal point of the deck area. The off-axis circle filled with cliveas creates interest and allows the tree to thrive.

The large deck was designed to match the internal floor level, providing a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. A pizza oven, barbecue and contemporary outdoor dining area provide the ideal place to entertain family and friends. cus estchallenging. aut apiscia sinctiores etus quis cus The pool design provedRibus, somewhat Digging was mi, sequi ut uta aribusam, eat el int autem. Ut impossible due to the need to avoid tree roots and the huge volesto tatempos ea dolorem in plitatus bedrock base beneath the back yard’s surface. The decision wasearum vendit ratio blaPlacing voluptathe veritios et dolecup made to bring the poolquam out of the ground. pool along tatempos mos derchiciis essum harchil ligendani the side of the home provided the perfect opportunity for a lap ut volest, comnima gnature dolupti con lane and wet edge and minimised the amount of pool fencing cullabo.

Et in plisque si cullita essendit qui dit vellabor required. magnis as susaperio blaccat emporumquos Design features include the recycled red brick walls of the pool moditiassin eium que nis ea con re sitiisim ius backdrop and studio, which matches the front façade of the accus inum quam ius. home, and blends the old in with the new. The arbours over the pool were added to provide a sense of enclosure and to ground the raised pool, while offering structural interest.

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Stunning metallic glass mosaics were used on the curved wet edge of the pool, as well as the spa. A large, chunky polished concrete plinth doubles as a bar for guests outside the spa and a seat for those inside. The frameless glass fence and balustrade allow an unhindered view of the pool’s features.

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P E LRBTO H M URN B EU LI A LN D DESRC AFP E I NAG T FUE R A TEU RREI V C OE SR D S ETSOI GNNE

With its lush green height and wispy nature, Slender Weaver bamboo was the perfect choice as a softening backdrop for the pool, while also enhancing privacy. The Water spout was also added to further soften the mass of hard surfaces and draw the eye down the length of the pool.

The clever use of both strip and up-lighting highlights the texture and movement of the water and adds a warm ambience in the evening, while the fire pit extends the use of the space into the cooler months.

The clever level management hereest also edge of thequis deck Ribus, cus autallowed apiscia the sinctiores etus cus to become a natural seat theut fireuta and gives theeat tight space yet Ut mi,for sequi aribusam, el int autem. another functional zone with out any additional clutter. volesto tatempos ea dolorem in plitatus earum quam ratioclients, bla volupta et dolecup “I want to sincerely thank thevendit amazing Andreveritios and Emma, tatempos mos derchiciis essum harchil ligendani for giving me an exciting new brief to play with and entrusting ut volest, comnima gnature dolupti con me with their intimate outdoor space,” Steve said. “This was a cullabo. in Iplisque si cullita essendit ditneed vellabor very rewarding project Et and had a blast doing it.” wequi also magnis as susaperio blaccat emporumquos to thanks Serenity Pools and Signature landscapes for their role in moditiassin eium que nis ea re sitiisim building this amazing pool and landscape under ourcon guidance andius accus inum quam ius. contract administration services.

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COS Design was formed in early 2000 by Steve Taylor and has since become one of Australia’s most highly regarded and awarded design companies.

Steve and the team specialize in a professional design process from consultation to concept plans through to part or full working drawings, 3D modelling, tender management and contract admin/project management services.

Steve himself is a qualified builder and designer, and employing only highly skilled landscape architects and drafts people, the COS team ensure your project is completed with both expertise and style.

With his extensive construction experience, core engineering principals, and knowledge of local laws and building codes, overcoming challenging levels, access and environmental restrictions are Steve’s specialty.

Steve is also the host of Australia’s newest garden show, “Best Gardens Australia” screening on channel 7TWO. Who better to entrust your landscaping project to than the team at COS Design.

392 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124 P 9889 3329 F 9889 3328 www.cosdesign.com.au

Top Glass

When it comes to the glass in your new home, quality workmanship is paramount, not just for a professional finish but more importantly to ensure the safety of the people you love.

Unfortunately though, not all glass suppliers and installers are created equal. One which stands above the rest is locally owned business Totally Frameless.

Steve Temouskos and his team have forged a reputation for innovative design, quality products and superior craftsmanship that has assured the continued growth of the business over the years. Steve attributes this to a number of underlying business principals; “Firstly, we only use high quality materials.

As an example our pool gates are made with 12mm glass and feature high quality pivot style hydraulic closer mechanisms to prevent

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slamming. We also use only solid stainless steel mini posts for our MP series pool fences and balustrades. Many of our competitors use cheap hollow ones to cut corners, but these do not stand the test of time. The glass we use is also of a premium quality, clearer than cheap alternatives with hand polished edges and smooth radius corners, so there is no roughness or sharp edges. Our product range is also extensive, and we have the ability to tailor designs specifically for each client’s needs.”

“Our installers are all employed by us, we do not use sub-contractors and in doing so we ensure our installers have both an appropriate level of experience and product knowledge to complete each job to a high standard. We also place a strong emphasis on attention to detail, along with customer service and reliability and the tradesman we employ understand these expectations and work under the same ethos.

As a result our workmanship is second to none. I am proud of the team I have and the reputation we have earned over the years.”

Most importantly, Steve credits his team of skilled professionals for the company’s solid industry reputation.

The Totally Frameless showroom is located at 21 Encore Ave, Somerton V6C .

Ph 03 9308 7001

Lucas Morris - Innovative Living

VILLA NOVA

DISPLAY HOMES Open 1pm to 5pm Saturday to Wednesday or by appointment.

Villa Nova With over 50 years experience in creating Award Winning luxury homes, it’s not just expertise that makes a Lucas Morris Home spectacular, its also attention to detail,

Sanctuary

craftsmanship and drive for a top quality affordable home

62 Belmore Rd BALWYN Mel Ref: 46 B5 Phone: 0477 888 866

that sets the Lucas Morris brand apart from the rest.

VILLA NOVA

5 Flowerbloom Crescent, CLYDE NORTH Mel Ref: 113 C8 Phone: 0400 768 087

Add design flexibility and you’re sure to find more than a

A MEMBER OF THE AWARD WINNING ENGLEHART GROUP

display home, but a beautiful place to call home.

Head Office: 796 High Street, Kew East 3102 Ph. 9810 2888

VILLA NOVA

SANCTUARY

lucasmorris.com.au

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Without compromise Retrofitting a new pool can be challenging at the best of times, add to this difficult access, waterlogged soil and a requirement to work around existing landscaping and retaining walls and you have a project that many pool builders would shy away from . Thanks however to the highly skilled team at Out From the Blue, this Balwyn home has been enhanced with a pool that not only exceeded the expectations of the client but blends beautifully with its preexisting surroundings.

The first challenge for OFTB’s landscape architects was to ensure the pool size and location integrated comfortably within the already existing lines of the house and garden. Extensive consultation and co-ordination with structural engineers, builders and landscapers was required to complete the project - especially given the proximity to the existing retaining walls.

The next obstacle was the poor site access. Located at the rear of the home the excavation crew needed to excavate in a confined area and remove soil, entering and exiting, via a narrow opening at the back of the garage, down the driveway and onto the street. The excavation was further hampered by water logged soil which made it especially difficult to excavate the cantilevered swim out bench an engineering specification that would maintain the integrity of the retaining wall fittings.

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Defying the difficulties of the site and its relatively compact size, the resulting courtyard pool is without compromise. It’s both visually appealing and packed with features.

was not only part of the warranty conditions but a necessity to ensure that no flaws were magnified through the acrylic panel, a task that sets the benchmark of a truly skilled tradesman.

A four metre long acrylic panel is the focal point of the pool design, providing a greater connection between the alfresco area and rear garden. It also delivers inviting views from inside the home, particularly at night time when the pool is under lights and showcases the stunning Bisazza mosaic glass tiles which line the pool.

Laying the mosaics with exacting precision

The Remco Swimjet is proclaimed as ‘the best feature of all’ by the client, converting what might otherwise have been a large courtyard plunge pool into an exercise space as functional as a lap pool that can be utilised all year round thanks to the installation of gas and solar heating systems.

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Around the outside of the pool, Spotted Gum timber decking beautifully complements the existing bluestone paving and connects with the fully covered alfresco area which provides all year round entertaining, complete with bbq, sink, fridge and storage. The pool equipment and a convenient ‘pool toilet’ is in easy access at the rear of the garage but cleverly hidden behind frosted glass.

Despite the difficulties, and the relatively small courtyard area , the outcome of this project is a highly functional outdoor entertaining area with every amenity one might expect of a much larger exterior space, and a testament to the skill and experience of the OFTB team.

The multi award winning team at OFTB are comprised of landscape architects, horticulturalists and pool builders who work closely on each project to create highly individual, imaginative and exciting landscape outcomes such as this.

48 Church Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 P 03 9855 1950 F 03 9855 1951 www.oftb.com.au

info@oftb.com.au

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Recreational dreams become reality With outdoor living such a huge part of the Australian lifestyle, home owners are demanding a greater use of their outdoor space. Ultracourts have developed a flair for luxurious yet affordable custom-designed outdoor recreational and entertainment facilities, including inground concrete pools, spas and tennis courts.

The owners of this Toorak property required a multi-functional facility which would fully utilise the outdoor space, including a pool, tennis court and entertaining area, but which also had a luxurious aesthetic.

The first step was to relocate the existing tennis court to one side of the property in order to accommodate a new lap pool.

The new tennis court features “Pro Court” commercial quality synthetic grass on the surface and draw curtains installed on two sides of the court.

Night-time games are illuminated by four 1000 watt environmental metal halide lights, set on black powder-coated square towers.

Requiring special engineering and formwork, the elevated lap pool is fully-tiled and measures 20 metres in length. It features a negative edge with spillover feature wall, plus lumascape underwater lights. Beside the pool is a sundeck, with kitchenette, equipment room and seating area for the tennis court located beneath. A 95,000 litre water tank was installed below the tennis court concrete base to accommodate the automatic top-up of the pool plus water for the garden.

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At Wonga Park on Melbourne’s outskirts, the owners brief was for an environment of exercise, family fun and entertainment.

The space was architecturally designed to integrate with the grand design of the home and to fully utilise the incline of this stately property.

The surface of the full size tennis is covered in “Ultracourts Pro” commercialquality synthetic grass, which is specially manufactured for Ultracourts.

Beside the court itself, there’s specially designed spectator seating, an umpire’s chair and four 1000 watt metal halide lights for illumination.

Spanning the entire width of the house, the impressive fully-tiled swimming pool includes a spa.

Extras on this project include two golf putting holes and a 60,000 litre water tank under the tennis court slab.

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For more than 20 years, Ultracourts have specialised in the custom design and construction of prestige recreational and entertainment facilities, including in-ground concrete pools, spas and tennis courts.

Throughout this time, the Ultracourts name has become synonymous with quality workmanship, meeting the exacting standards set by clients who are investing substantially in their home, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Ultracourts Pty Ltd & Exotic Pools Unit 33, 513 – 515 Maroondah Hwy Ringwood, Vic 3134 Tel: 03 8870 5988 Ultracourts Tel: 03 8870 5999 Exotic Pools Fax: 03 8870 5900 sales@ultracourts.com.au & sales@exoticpools.com.au www.ultracourts.com.au & www.exoticpools.com.au Contact: Rob Johnson

Building to stand the test of time It seems these days when you consider natural and authentic materials it immediately translates to ‘twice the price’. This is true in many cases, especially when building a new home – real hardwood timber floors, as opposed to laminates, marble as opposed to composite stone.. the list goes on. There is however one natural resource where this is not the case and it is currently making a resurgence as the preferred choice for many builders – limestone.

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Limestone is one of the oldest building materials known to man. The pyramids in Ancient Egypt were built with large limestone blocks and many medieval churches and castles in Europe are made of limestone.

In recent times, it has most commonly been used in landscaping elements in Australian homes, however a recent increase in limestone home construction indicates that builders are again recognising the qualities of this natural material that has seen it stand the test of time.

Andrew Carmody from BRUHN Limestone comments on this trend, “Although the building industry has recently seen some tough times, the demand for our stone has increased substantially over the last 5 yrs. Feedback to us suggests that this is to do with our products being both natural and affordable. There is a perception that limestone is costly, however the price is comparable to building in brick render.

Combine this with the many positive properties that limestone offers and it becomes a perfect building material for some of the harsh climates we have in Australia” The positive properties Andrew refers to are many. Aside from the obvious aesthetic

appeal, limestone is a hardy, durable material that hardens as it oxidises over time. Because they are cut directly from the stone quarries, limestone blocks will last for many years without cracking and with little or no erosion.

Internally limestone has marvellous acoustic qualities acting as a sound barrier which of course enhances harmony in the home. It’s also a natural insulator so an excellent material if you’re striving for that 8 star energy efficiency rating.

Of course another reason for BRUHN’s growth can be attributed to the company itself. A third generation family run business, BRUHN have been supplying natural limestone from their quarries in Mt Gambier for over 70 years.

With licenced builders and stone masons on staff BRUHN can provide itemised quotes from working drawings and have a range of products that suit both contemporary and traditional designs. The expert knowledge of the team enables them to provide advice and recommendations when needed.

range of solid limestone decorative moulds that complement the ashlar blocks we produce. We also deliver our products direct to site on shrink wrapped pallets making the process as easy as possible for our clients.

BRUHN Limestone supply Australia wide. Their limestone is available in a range of colour tones, from light creams to a rich biscuit colour and finishes to suit varying architectural designs.

Like their product their business has stood the test of time, attributed by Carmody, not just to the quality of their products but to their commitment to “good old fashioned customer service” something that stands up in any economic climate.

For more information on BRUHN Limestone see www.bruhnlimestone.com.au

“We work really hard to get the formula right here at BRUHN” says Carmody. “To meet market demand we recently introduced a

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AS SEEN ON AUSTRALIA’S

BEST HOUSES

Stunning Pools, Outside & In!

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They certainly have the WOW factor but building pools with windows to interior spaces requires careful consideration and planning as we have discovered from leading Melbourne pool builder Aloha Pools.

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Precise engineering is needed prior to construction which is why this type of pool is best built in conjunction with your new home.

Of course, no one wants a tidal wave in their living room, so naturally the selected glass/ acrylic has to be able to take the weight of the water once the pool is full. It also must be adaptable to the varying temperatures of the pool, particularly in cases where the pool may be heated in winter and cool in summer months. These changes in temperatures also need to be considered when fitting the window as the glass expands and contracts at different rates to the surrounding concrete.

A water proofing membrane is also applied to the entire pool structure and any adjoining rooms to prevent dampness from leaching through the concrete and into the house.

As the window essentially acts like a microscope into the pool, it’s also imperative that the pool finish is exceptional as any minute flaw is highlighted.

Melbourne pool builder, Aloha Pools has spent the last 35 years building a reputation for both quality construction and design innovation, one that has seen them win an array of awards and status as one of Melbourne’s leading custom pool builders. www.alohapools.com.au

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Thermacell is the smartest, safest, easiest and most cost-effective way to build a home.

curved walls are possible

Brought to Australia in 1980, and used in Europe since 1932, the Thermacell system is so easy to assemble that any handy person can build with it.

So impressed was Geoff Bennett, he not only built his own home with Thermacell blocks, but also bought the company. Geoff’s home in Sommerville houses the head office and storage facility for the company.

“We are happy to show customers our home and introduce them to all facets of our system. We can refer them to contractors if they wish to have their buildings built for them, or we can oversee owner builders at their sites.”

pouring concrete into blocks

This level of personal service from Geoff and son David Bennett, combined with the reduced costs, ease of construction, environmental and costs saving factors, means you cant go past Thermacell when building. Thermacell is also virtually maintenance free, with an end cost comparable to brick veneer, but that’s where the comparison ends.

Thermacell is stronger, and has superior accoustic and insulation qualities. The walls don’t expand or contract, meaning no expansion joints are necessary, and no cracks ever appear on the interior walls.

Thermacell by definition is a smart insulated concrete form, or ICF technology, engineered using polystyrene to form a strong fire-retardant formwork, used to cast concrete wall and floor structures. The blocks are dry-stacked without mortar, and have keyways top and bottom which push together like Lego blocks. The hollow blocks are then filled with concrete.

completed stucture befofe render

Customers choose Thermacell for the quality of our product and our personal service. We believe that we make the finest ICF systems in Australia, and our system stands alone for speed of build, accuracy and quality.

The simplicity of our system also makes it attractive to owner-builders who have little building experience, as well as professional builders who choose our system because it is so quick and easy to use. Our company website at www.thermacell.com. au for more information about Thermacell.

perfect for multi-storey homes

overlayed with natural rock

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“We have a house that is structurally very sound and will save us even more money by not requiring much heating or cooling.

It also means we are doing our bit for the environment. Building with Thermacell has been a very positive experience and we are more than happy to endorse the product.”

Stec e Ryan E owner builder

“A lot of people don’t like to think outside the square, they’re a little bit scared I think, set in their building practices, whereas, especially with the utility costs in this day and age, they keep rising, and you’ve got to look at avenues to save on power usage, heating and cooling - and you can’t go wrong using this product”.

S ichael Pratt E Pratt Builders

PO Box 447, Somerville VIC 3912 Geoff Bennett: 0414 664 500 David Bennett: 0412 577 431 p. 03 5977 7996 info@thermacell.com.au | thermacell.com.au

lding Paint

o wall radiation protection with Geovital T98 Alpha. This is achieved by ng a highly electrically conductive layer which deflects or leads away ion. This unique paint with its graphite base can simply be apered or paintedDid over. you know a few small changes

in the building process can create a home that lding Mats supports your health as well as your lifestyle?

radiation protection is incorporated into the flooring during ruction the home is protected from the outset against natural nces. Geovital has over 30 years of reliable results in protection eping areas or an entire home.

ningful electric wiring

well thought out electrical cabling the greatest source of home made onic pollution can be avoided. The correct choice of materials and ding provides the desired results. In this regard average electricians he worst source of information as they lack knowledge and practical cation in this field.

to 99.999 % shielding effectiveness!

s efficiency is certified in a test report by the man Armed Forces University in Munich.

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What do you expect from your own 4 walls?

Should your home only be a safe haven against bad weather and burglars? Or should it also protect your health?

Did you know?

The way most homes are built exposes you and your family to radiation from internal wiring and external sources like power cables, phone towers and smart meters.

Did you know?

That solar panels are great for the planet but can be detrimental to your health unless well placed and potentially shielding is put in place.

If you have questions, please call us:

Geovital Academy for Building Geobiology and Radiation Protection PO Box 7002 Did you know?

Upper Ferntree Some buildingGully sites have unfixable radiation exposure that even at 250 times BELOW the government VIC 3156 Australia allowable limit has been linked to cancer, leukaemia, low immune systems and fertility issues.

Phone AU +61(0)3 9020 1330 Living healthy is vitally important. People who live healthy fight disease effectively and replenish Phone NZmore +64(0)9 887 0515 their life’s energy reserves.

The cost is insignificant in consideration of the value of your new home and is a great investment in your families health.

Safe guarding your well-being is the most important function your new home should have.

Contact us, or one of our consultants near you for further information ideally before a site/land purchase.

Are you an Architect or Builder?

Your Geovital Academy radiation specialist works with you and your architect to uncover the weak points in your new home design which would burden you and your family due to undesirable radiation levels. We then develop a strategy to improve this by implementing materials and small (behind the scenes) design changes that will have a significant impact on the level of exposure to you and your family.

help@geovital.com.au www.geovital.com.au www.geovital.co.nz www.geovital.com

Join us on

Geovital trains doctors, therapists, architects and builders about living and building radiation free.

Join our team and learn to incorporate healthier living into your designs.

Consulting across Australia and New Zealand National Numbers Australia 03 9020 1330 New Zealand 09 887 0515 www.geovital.com.au www.geovital.co.nz RADIATION FREE LIVING

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We want to hear about your building plans...

Barcelona passionate design

So much so we’re giving away a stunning Victoria & Albert Bath & Basin set and Designer Tapware from the English Tapware Co valued at $7500.

Just complete our 2 minute questionnaire at www.wacustomhomes.com.au to enter the draw.

VA16579 - AUS Barcelona DPS.e$S:Layout 1

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*see website for terms and conditions

The English Tapware Company Ltd is a The English Tapware Company Ltd is a boutique company dedicated to to providing boutique company dedicated providing the world’s best kitchen & bathroom the world’s best kitchen & bathroomtapware, tapware, sinks, bathroom accessories, towel fireclay fireclay sinks, bathroom accessories, towel and bathroomware builders, warmerswarmers and bathroomware to to builders, architects, interior designers everyone architects, interior designers andand everyone who loves their home. who loves their home.

We offer in WA the luxurious Perrin & Rowe

volcanic limestone baths

We offerandinHawthorn WA the luxurious Hill brands. Perrin & Rowe and Hawthorn Hill brands.

We offer peace of mind by guarant

We offer peace of mind by guaranteeing thequality quality of our products and off the of our products and offering a highlevel level of service before, high of service before, duringduring and aft completion of the project.

All ourAll produc completion of the project. our are to fit locallocal plumbing regulati aremade made to the fit the plumbing and to comply with Australian andcertified certified to comply with Austr Plumbing Standards. This is our assurance Plumbing Thisyou is our as we are sellingStandards. a product which can leg wehappily are selling product youf and install. aWe provide awhich minimum andwarranty happilyagainst install.anyWe provide a min year manufacturing defe

year warranty against any manufactur

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DANIEL ROBERTSON

w w w. d a n i e l r o b e r t s o n . c o m . a u

Daniel Robertson Australia master crafters of clay brick and paving have been supplying the building industry for over 150 years. Working with architects and owners, the Robertson team embrace the opportunity to realize architectural dreams.

Daniel Robertson’s bricks and paving are showcased in many of Australia’s finest homes.

DANIEL ROBERTSON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 490 Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria Tel: (03) 9303 4750 Fax: (03) 9894 1804 Email: sales@danielrobertson.com.au

www.danielrobertson.com.au

ENGLEHART - A STATEMENT OF SUCCESS

La Provence From classic Australian to French Grandeur our design team

Open 1pm to 5pm Saturday to Wednesday or by appointment.

home is a creation of fine design, consummate workmanship

La Provence

and only the best materials. Step inside an Englehart home and experience the luxury and style that cannot be categorised and one that is aimed squarely at those who know award winning quality and innovation at a glance.

La Provence

Winner of over 100 Awards, including Master Builder

Contact us to discuss the Englehart Services including: • Individually Designed Homes • Dual Occupancy Solutions • Architectural Renovations

WINNER 2012

WINNER 2012

WINNER 2012

289 Belmore Rd, BALWYN NTH Mel Ref: 46 F5

SAVILLE 25 Belmore Rd BALWYN NTH Mel Ref: 46 A4 Lucas Morris Homes Associatied Company Offering Affordable Luxury Sanctuary 62 Belmore Rd BALWYN Mel Ref: 46 B5

and Professional Builder of the Year.

The Saville

Display Homes:

will create a home as individual as you are. Every Englehart

Villa Nova 5 Flowerbloom Crescent, CLYDE NORTH Mel Ref: 113 C8

• Knock Down Re-Build • New Transformations

• House and Land Packages

WINNER 2012

WINNER 2012

WINNER 2012

WINNER 2012

La Provence - Australia’s most awarded Display Home.

Head Office: 796 High St, Kew East Ph. 9810 2800 Mobile: 0408 364 975

engleharthomes.com.au