“It takes decades of experience to learn the skills needed to fabricate a fireplace as exceptional as an ADF. Starting as a family-owned metalworking business founded in 1976, ADF has changed the landscape of what the modern Australian fire looks like, performs like, and last like”
Complete air purification wherever you go
Panasonic air conditioners feature nanoe™X air purification technology, and can be controlled using the Panasonic comfort cloud app, wherever you go, even while you’re away from home.
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The Panasonic comfort cloud app and CZ-RTC6Z or CZ-RTC6BLW (CONEX) deliver convenient control, connectivity and comfort. Seamlessly adjust temperature, monitor energy efficiency, consumption, change modes and more all from one just smart device.
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Our award-winning range of electric and gas outdoor heaters boast sophisticated designs that not only look great but also provide smart comfort and warmth. Whether you’re looking for a DIY, wall or ceiling mounted, portable or mains connected option, HEATSTRIP® heaters offer the perfect solution for any outdoor living space. Discover the full range of stylish and practical designs at www.heatstrip.com.au
All electric models come with remote, app plus smart home connectivity. Compatible with Google and Amazon smart home platforms.
Termimesh is the safest, most effective and technically advanced termite mesh barrier for new homes.
Our ultra-marine grade stainless steel mesh is so strong termites cannot eat or destroy it. Think of it as a heavy duty security screen against termites. Proven over 30 years in more than 500,000 Australian homes. Plus it’s backed by our unique extendable 10 year Pledge guarantee.
For more information visit termimesh.com.au
Timbershades Blind, Plantation Shutter and Awning Solution Centres have been providing Quality Products, Expertise and Experience to our clients in Sydney, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast for over 35 years. Window furnishings are an essential part of every home and can make a significant difference aesthetically as well as increasing comfort and saving on heating and cooling costs.
There are many great options available and Timbershades can assist in finding the product best suited to your needs. We supply Plantation Shutters for interior and exterior use. They can be shaped and even motorised. We have Roller Blinds, Honeycomb Blinds, Romans and Timber Venetian Blinds. We have many exterior blind and awning options to enhance your outdoor living. Contact our Offices to arrange an in home, Free Measure and Quote.
2022 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $3m to $3.5m – WINNER
2020 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $3.5M - $4M - WINNER
2022 MBA NSW Contract House $2m to $2.4m – WINNER
2020 MBA Design & Construct House $1.5M - $2M - WINNER
2022 MBA NSW Contract House $2.6m to $2.7m – WINNER
2019 MBA Master builder of the Year - FINALIST
2022 HIA NSW Custom Built Home $2m to $2.5m – WINNER
2019 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $1.7M - $2M - WINNER
2015 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $4M+ - WINNER
2021 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $1.8m to $2m – WINNER
2013 HIA NSW Home of the Year - WINNER
2020 MBA NSW Design & Construct House $3.5m to $4m – WINNER
02 9634 6888
www.chateau.com.au
50 years
Est. 1970. Architect Designed and Master Built for 50 years
WINNER2013
WINNER2019
Est. 1970. Architect Designed and Master Built for over
Finished to the highest standard and expertly built, this multi-level luxury home is a lifestyle-enhancing haven for the whole family
Nominated for the Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) Building Excellence Awards 2023, this stunning four-level residence is a jewel in Hedger Constructions’ crown. The home, put forward for the Best Custom Home $2 Million – $4 Million awards’ category, sits on a tight block in the Melbourne suburb of Eaglemont and was designed by Gary Mcfarlane & Associates.
The design intent was to create a unique and timeless home with a clean aesthetic; one that used different materials and textures to foster a welcoming atmosphere. As it had to cater for a family of five, the home needed to be functional and easy to maintain, but prioritising a relaxed lifestyle was just as important.
Given its height, care was taken to prevent the home from being imposing, which is why one floor is located below ground level. To ensure privacy for the family and their neighbours, the outdoor entertaining areas, including the pool and fire pit, were positioned with equal care.
Externally, spotted gum timber and Coolum stone cladding work in accord with rendered
surfaces; with timber-lined eaves adding more natural tones and contrasting the Alucabond boxed gutters and Klip-Lock roof. Commercialprofile, double-glazed Rylock windows add clean lines to the facade while allowing light to penetrate deep within the home.
The impressive front entry incorporates timber posts, exquisite hand-laid stonework, and a warm-hued spotted gum feature door. The moment visitors step into the vast entry lobby they are greeted by an atrium that soars straight up to the upper-floor areas.
Feature pendant lighting bathes the space in a golden hue, illuminating access to the floating oak staircase with its glass balustrade and the internal home elevator. Adjacent to the entry is an inbuilt saltwater aquarium.
Energy-efficient hydronic underfloor heating warms the home’s entry level and European Oak herringbone flooring draws the eye to the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space.
The kitchen was designed for effortless entertaining and features integrated appliances, including a cooler drawer, for a sleek look, and
overhead cupboards which are electronically operated via the home automation system. Stone benchtops, which extend to the eyecatching waterfall-end island bench, provide ample prep and serving space, which is ideal when entertaining. There is also a generous butler’s pantry with a second sink and storage, adding valuable workspace. For a clean, contemporary look, the white 2 pac custom cabinetry is handle-free.
An example of indoor-outdoor living at its finest, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living
area flows out to an extensive alfresco space. With limestone paving, a wood-burning stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and a ceiling lined in spotted gum, this space can be enjoyed yearround. For privacy from the adjacent spa and pool, there is a reeded glass screen.
An internal bar and rumpus area can also be accessed via the alfresco. This flexible space includes Blackstone finishes, a feature stone fireplace with gas heater, and a timber-lined bulkhead that conceals key services. Also on the ground floor you will find a generous guest bedroom and ensuite featuring floor-to-ceiling tiles, back-lit mirrors, and a private retreat space. A laundry with ample cabinetry leads to the outdoor services area through a rear door.
The middle level opens with a living zone featuring Messmate cabinetry, hydronic heating panels and P50 skirting boards. The children’s bedrooms, each with a full ensuite, are on this floor as is a stunning bathroom with freestanding bath, recessed blinds, and electric windows.
The master suite, incorporating an expansive retreat space, is on the upper level. Recessed full-height doors and an extensive walk-in dressing area with a roof-access skylight are complemented by a large ensuite with a freestanding bath and floor-to-ceiling Venetian
plaster. All bedrooms have hydronic panel heating, sensor lighting and a laundry shute.
The basement level contains a four-car garage with epoxy-coated concrete floors. The services section of this floor houses a 2000L water tank and a 12,000L stormwater retention tank with diesel pump backup. This floor also caters to family entertainment, with a cinema room, infra-red sauna, home gym, and cellar.
A CBUS system to provide for the family’s entertainment needs was a priority. This enables the lighting throughout the home to be controlled by an app; so, too, the music programming, which is supported by quality indoor and outdoor speaker systems. Security cameras, the front electronic gate and door, pool heating, intercom system, and blinds are also controlled by the system and can be set to timers to minimise energy use.
Further reducing energy use, a Tesla Solar System was installed. Double-glazed windows provide thermal breakpoints to improve energy efficiency, and electric-opening Hi-Lite windows allow for passive ventilation.
The interiors throughout the home were thoughtfully designed by Peta Stefanetti of CFS Interiors. Artfully decorated with textured, natural materials and quality finishes, the result
is a home boasting a series of cohesive spaces that foster a feeling of tranquillity.
With more than 30 MBAV awards to date, including multiple Regional Builder of the Year wins, it’s easy to see how Hedger Constructions has built a reputation as one of Victoria’s best custom home builders. Specialising in luxury custom homes, Hedger Constructions is redefining modern living with homes that transcend the traditional. Every Hedger Constructions’ home is masterfully crafted with a considered approach toward innovative and sustainable design, and this new Eaglemont residence is no exception. Hedger Constructions services metropolitan Melbourne, North East Victoria, the wider Yarra Valley region and the Surf Coast Shire. The build team places a high value on developing collaborative relationships with clients, encouraging creative input and maintaining open communication to achieve their goal of total client satisfaction.
Hedger Constructions
1300 291 101
hedgerconstructions.com.au
Of incomparable design, this home delivers a command performance
From the geometric facade with its contrasting colours and finishes, to the dramatic interior design, this is a home that commands attention. Inspired by the principles of industrial and Brutalist design, and built by Gremmo Homes, it uses a combination of natural materials, bold colours and differing textures to create something unique. The visual impact upon entering the home is immediate. A lightly-sawn Oregon-plank texture-formed concrete feature wall captures the eye, a theme that continues from the entry foyer to the rear of the home. Large-format marble tiles brighten the ground floor and are complemented by the marble slabs used for the stairs connecting the various levels. The size and weight of these slabs presented a logistical challenge, while the detailed back-lit LED design required expert installation.
A large custom sky roof was located in the centre of the home, between the kitchen and living space, providing natural light for the occupants — and the many plants that soften the industrial textures. Charcoal-toned ceilings add to the dramatic feel and sense of grandeur. The centrepiece of the living area is a custom, low-line fireplace with a smartly designed recess that houses a decorative display of firewood. This adds further texture to the space and accentuates the rough-sawn concrete finish of the surrounds. The dining room sits adjacent to the living area, which is framed by a raised courtyard, welcoming northern light and the outdoors into the space.
The modern kitchen boasts a dropped ceiling with feature spotted gum battens, providing separation from the living area. Dark, dramatic tones pair with the warm hues of the timber veneer cabinetry, while a Dekton benchtop provides subtle organic patterning with its fine veining. The splashback window features a planter box for growing herbs, adding a pop of colour to the space. A custom butler’s pantry ensures the kitchen is a chef’s dream.
The ground-floor powder room is a hidden gem that adds more colour and texture. The freestanding Phoenix basin is a statement piece, while the round mirror with warm-white LED strip lighting highlights the texture of the Diamond White stone wall cladding, juxtaposed with the spotted gum ceiling cladding.
Native spotted gum timber was also used to fashion the staircase treads which cantilever from the formed concrete wall through recessed steel beams. Stainless-steel wire
has been used as a balustrade, enhancing the floating effect of the cantilevered treads while soft LED handrail lighting emphasises the texture of the concrete wall. The staircase detailing is impressive, with extremely low tolerance for error in its implementation.
All of the windows throughout the home are double-glazed, while retractable Centor screens have been used for the bifold and sliding doors leading out to to the alfresco areas.
A Crystal Fire Burner is the centrepiece of the cosy outdoor fire pit which, for privacy, is framed by Chestnut-colured DecoWood screening. The Chestnut finish is repeated in the front facade and pool area for continuity.
The design of the infinity-edge pool is striking. Iridescent deep-green glass mosaic tiles allow the shimmering light to dance in different tones throughout the day. A sleek cantilevered roof provides partial coverage while dramatically defining the space.
Of course, a home of this calibre features the latest home technology, including multi-room sound systems, automated window coverings and a security system, all of which can be operated by a palm device or mobile phone. The impact of the home on the environment has also been considered with photovoltaic electricity generation and water harvesting used in combination with efficient solar passive design. The architectural vision of Douglas Design has come to life in this home. A stunning fusion of inspired interior and exterior design, along with meticulous detailing and precision execution, has resulted in a home that demands you sit up and take notice.
Brimming with authentic period details and custom features, this home is a homage to the 1920s and a labour of love
The original Californian Bungalow.
Having bought a 1920s one-storey Californian Bungalow-style home in need of renovation, Brett Blandin de Chalain knew the perfect builder for the job — himself. As the founder of BDC Building Services, and having previously renovated several period homes in the same street, Brett was well-placed to carry out a renovation that respected tradition while creating a comfortable, modern home for his wife, Emily, and their four children. Together, he and Emily worked through every detail of the project to turn the property in the Sydney suburb of Ryde into their dream abode.
“While not wanting a huge home, we are a busy family of six so we needed something spacious. The home, which has five bedrooms, is large enough to allow family members to have their own personal space while also offering entertaining areas where we can all comfortably gather on weekends,” says Brett.
“More specifically, we wanted an Art Decoinspired home that would complement the style of homes in our street. Although we set a strict budget, we were committed to using traditional materials from the period, such as slate for the roof, sandstone for the exterior, and hardwood for the floors. Throughout the home we have used traditional architraves and skirtings, as well as ornate ceilings. We also included a traditional staircase and styled the interior with authentic Art Deco pieces and complementary items of designer decor.
“I was involved in the complete process, from the layout and roof design to seeking council approvals and sourcing materials. Emily, who is a naturally artistic soul, was heavily involved in the internal design and spent a lot of time researching traditional styles, finishes and period details. She produced numerous drawings to show what she thought would be appropriate finishes, decorative detailing and joinery.”
There were hurdles to overcome, such as council restrictions regarding the construction of a second level, and issues to do with pool positioning and compliance, but all were resolved by Brett, the architect and pool designer working in concert. There were also some challenges working with traditional and recycled materials but again, every problem found its solution.
Just some of the materials used in this project include the Canadian Glendyne slate for the roof, the sandstone for the pool coping, and the granite cobblestones that give the driveway, which extends all the way to the backyard, such character. Inside the home, solid recycled tallowwood was used for the stairs and flooring, while marble gives the bathroom floors a look of luxury and the curved kitchen island bench, with its lamb’s tongue edging, all the classic elegance you’d expect of a 1920s-inspired home.
Although this is a home that respects the past, as evidenced in the Rosieres Paul Bocuse range cooker and antique Art Deco light fittings and switches, it’s been designed to suit today’s lifestyle, so there is a gas insert in the traditional fireplace, ducted air-conditioning, and electrically-operated external blinds at the rear of the house. And it’s been designed with energy-efficiency and sustainability in mind.
“We maintained the Californian Bungalow structure of the home and kept the traditional high ceilings, which helps the home to stay cool in the summer months,” says Brett. “The placement of the powered blinds to the rear of the house also helps to decrease the heat in summer.
“The walls have been insulated to achieve the highest possible R rating to prevent heat loss, and to keep outside noise at bay, we have used acoustic plaster board throughout the home. Recycled timber windows and doors were used to minimise our carbon footprint, as was recycled timber for the floors and staircase. Rainwater tanks supply water to flush the toilets and top-up the pool.
“This was a special project due to the high level of detail, the period-style design, and the fact that Emily and I custom-designed so many elements which then had to be hand-made. A lot of extra time was also involved in carefully
restoring the recycled doors and windows, and finding original Art Deco lighting and furniture so every room would have a consistent and authentic Art Deco look and feel. It’s not often we get to build for ourselves, which is why we put so much effort into creating something that was very personal to us.”
As with any successful build, this one was the result of close collaboration between all parties, including the BDC Building Services’ team, Brett’s architect-friend Gabby who came out of retirement to lend her expertise, pool designer George of Pool Plans by Design, Vestal Electrical and Edmonds Roofing. Also the skilled stone masons and tilers, the master plasterer and the “no problem” painter who helped construct this very special home.
“I used the same tradespeople and teams we have used time and time again on our awardwinning builds,” says Brett. “BDC Building Services specialises in custom builds with a special focus on traditional-style homes, so the teams we call upon to help build or renovate our clients’ homes have all the requisite skills as well as extensive experience. Whatever style of home a client wants, we have a team ready to turn that dream into a reality.”
Boasting a classical yet modern facade and an interior designed for luxurious yet casual living, this exquisite new display home from Buildcraft Constructions perfectly showcases the custom builder’s design and construction expertise and eye for detail.
Located in Bella Vista, a bourgeoning new suburb north-west of Sydney, the two-storey, fourbedroom display home was designed with both comfortable, day-to-day family living and easy year-round entertaining in mind.
“The front portion of the house is designed for entertaining guests and features a lavish area that’s ideal for socialising or relaxing. The front foyer also makes a wonderful first impression. As visitors step over the threshold, their eyes are drawn to the large, light-filled entry void and the statement wrought-iron staircase,” says John Ugarkovic, director, Buildcraft Constructions.
“The family area of the house features a large kitchen with an enormous island bench and butler’s
pantry, which is spacious enough to accommodate the needs of any-sized family. There is also a wine cellar located off the kitchen, ensuring you will have everything you need right at hand when entertaining family or friends.
“Designed for comfortable everyday living, the family area caters for every mood and social situation. You can sit back and relax on the lounge or stroll out to the spacious alfresco area, with its unobstructed view of the swimming pool, and share good food and good conversation with friends. The four bedrooms are upstairs, providing privacy from the downstairs entertaining areas.”
Buildcraft’s thoughtful design includes a large ground-floor study that is perfect for work-fromhome professionals and anyone running a business from home. This space could also be used as guest accommodation if need be, delivering the kind of flexibility the modern family demands.
Only high-end materials were used in the construction, each chosen for its quality, durability and value for money. “The timber flooring, laid in a classic herringbone pattern, and porcelain tile floors complement each other and ensure the formal and living areas feel seamless as you walk around the home,” says John. “Full-height porcelain tiles were used in the wet areas to showcase a clean, modern look. All joinery items were designed and built using custom materials.”
The same attention was lavished on the home’s imposing yet welcoming facade. The landscaping completes the picture and ensures the stunning home makes a grand first impression.
Ideal for large or growing families, this home has a modern floor plan but all the charm and comfort of a farmhouse
There aren’t too many homes that could claim to have a zebra in the front garden, but this is no ordinary home. Located in one of South East Queensland’s newest communities, The Avenues of Highfields, which is just a short 15-minute drive from Toowoomba, the home showcases the high standard of workmanship you can expect from Stroud Homes.
A four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home, the Inverell 260 was built as a display by Stroud Homes Toowoomba. “The goal was to showcase the exceptional level of standard inclusions incorporated as a baseline in all our homes. By showing clients exactly what they will get as standard, it removes any ‘grey areas’. Clients don’t have to wonder what they’ll be getting — they can see for themselves,” says Patrick Neville, owner of Stroud Homes Toowoomba.
“With this home, we were also able to clearly highlight the design flexibility and functionality of Stroud standard plans and show how the Inverell 260, built with the Mountain facade, is the ideal acreage home.”
The floor plan is geared towards growing and established families with privacy top of mind. The master bedroom is situated at the back of the home and offers a luxurious ensuite and multiple robes. The remaining three bedrooms are grouped together on the opposite side of the home at the front. A study/ children’s retreat is tucked between two of the bedrooms and there is a media room nearby.
The hub of the home is a large, centrallylocated open-plan zone where you will find the kitchen and adjoining dining and living areas. In turn, these open onto a spacious outdoor entertaining space. The paved alfresco area has a custom-built outdoor kitchen that includes a barbecue, sink and ample storage. This area is furnished with a dining table and chairs as well as lounge seating and it overlooks a very special inclusion — a pool. A 4.6m-long, precast Plungie Original pool with a generous underwater bench, to be precise.
“We incorporated a Plungie Original pool into the design to showcase how easy it is to include a pool when building a home and emphasise the value it can bring. A pool not only adds to the resale value of a home, it’s a lifestyle asset that will be the focus of many fun family times and a means of making lifelong memories,” says Patrick.
Moving back inside the spacious home, the design leans towards the traditional, with a few well-considered nods to industrial farmhouse style — this is in recognition of the home’s location in the Darling Downs, a region with a long and rich farming tradition.
“The home conveys farmhouse comfort,” says Patrick. “We chose a neutral palette with green tones to reference the Toowoomba escarpment’s natural surrounds. The creative use of green begins with the Wattyl Alabaster wall colour, which ties into the Wattyl Run Forest feature wall in the living area.
“The Mountain facade ensures the home blends in with life on the Darling Downs with the timber, stonework and galvanised gable bracket giving it the look of a home that would be fit for a ranch. The use of Bluestone Veneer Stone, which closely reflects the bluestone that is mined in the region, further connects the home to the area while the distinct merbau colouring of the timber creates a beautiful aesthetic for any passer-by. With the signature Mountain facade, you know someone has built a Stroud home from hundreds of metres away, and that’s why we love it.”
Ideal for any block with a wide frontage, and with a floor plan designed to make day-to-day family life easy, such as direct garage access to the walk-in pantry, the Inverell 260 is a home that perfectly blends traditional style with all the features the modern family expects. more info?
Stroud Homes
1800 787 663
stroudhomes.com.au
Northbry Lodge by McLachlan Homes is a luxurious, multi-award-winning plantation-style home designed to sit comfortably in its bush surrounds. This is achieved, in no small part, by using natural materials, such as the stone walling that embraces the home without dominating the landscape.
“The grand port cochere offers a sense of arrival, taking advantage of the hip scissor roof trusses and 4m-high raked ceilings finished with feature timber and soft shadow lines,” says Sally McLachlan of McLachlan Homes. “The long covered walkway, with its stained timber decking, leads you to the rotunda. This space
mirrors the porte cochere, but with the addition of water features and tropical landscaping.
“Stepping through the custom pivot door into the grand foyer, you are greeted with a vaulted timber-clad ceiling, large fixed-glass windows, feature timber battens and stackstone. External feature elements such as stone, brick and timber have been cleverly showcased within,” continues Sally. “The natural stone flows from the entry into the living room and creates a delightful ambience when paired with the ceiling-height stained timber battens behind the wall-mounted TV. Then there is the 4.5m-high internal brick feature wall that houses a gas
fireplace and is framed by a recycled timber mantel. This invites you into the dining and sitting areas that flow into the kitchen.”
The large kitchen features a show-stopping 5m-long, 100mm-thick stone island benchtop with elegant pendant lighting located above, a butler’s pantry and a martini bar. The Miele appliances, including integrated fridge/freezers and dishwashers, wine fridges, a coffee machine, warming drawer, steam oven, pyrolytic oven, and induction cooktop, are of premium quality.
“Each of the five bedrooms boasts a custom walk-in robe,” adds Sally. “The master suite is a parents’ retreat with a walk-in robe straight out
of a Hollywood movie — elegant seating, feature lighting and innovative storage solutions. The suite also includes a concealed TV, a balcony and a lavish ensuite featuring a curved wall, walk-in shower, freestanding bath, built-in makeup table and separate WC with a smart toilet. Adjacent to the master is a large home office.”
There is a spacious, centrally-located alfresco living area equipped with a barbecue, fridges and an entertainment system, which can be an open
outdoor space or a fully-closed indoor room. Step down a level to discover another generous entertaining area with an L-shaped pool and resortstyle swim-up bar. This area enjoys a picturesque outlook with views to Moreton Island.
Winner of Queensland House of the Year, Best Individual Home over $2 Million and Best Residential Swimming Pool in the 2021 Master Builders Queensland Housing & Construction Awards, this home is about
lifestyle and escaping from the stress of daily life. “It’s a truly memorable home,” says Sally. “One that will stand the test of time while catering to the family’s evolving needs.”
McLachlan Homes 07 5498 9866
mclachlanhomes.com
Located on Lamb Island, a peaceful isle just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, this contemporary owner-built kit home makes the most of its highly sought-after location and calming water views. The block slopes towards the road and water beyond, both factors the Imagine Kit Homes’ design team was able to use to advantage.
A covered deck spans the front of the home. To ensure an unobstructed view, whether sitting on the deck or looking out through one of the home’s three large glass sliding doors, the balustrade is of frameless glass.
The glass doors of the living room, above which stretches a highlight window, can be opened to encourage cooling breezes and make indoor-outdoor entertaining effortless.
The living space is part of an open-plan zone that incorporates the dining area and kitchen. Tucked neatly behind the kitchen is a built-in pantry and laundry. From the laundry you can access the cosy and private rear garden.
The master bedroom is located to one side of the home and features a generous ensuite. The second bedroom is on the opposite side, along with a bathroom and study.
Scyon Axon vertical cladding was used on the external walls, its clean lines emphasising the raked angle and stepped design of the roof. The elevated front section of the home was put to excellent use as covered off-street parking.
This home was built using steel frames, which is standard for Imagine Kit Homes. The company uses steel in its kits for several reasons: it’s lightweight, extremely strong, won’t burn, is termite- and borer-proof, and won’t shrink, twist or warp like a conventional timber frame might do.
Working with steel frames allows Imagine to produce designs that would be impossible with other materials and it gives clients more design choice, often resulting in less expensive builds.
The company offers hundreds of designs, ranging from duplexes and eight-bedroom,
four-storey multigenerational living homes to four-bedroom, two-storey single-family homes and one-bedroom granny flats/ guest accommodation. Styles run the gamut from the traditional, such as Hamptons and Queenslander, to contemporary designs.
To meet a client’s lifestyle needs or personal preferences, Imagine Kit Homes can customise all of its designs. It can also adapt designs if you have a tricky site, a sloping block or are building in a bushfire-prone zone or high-wind area. And if you already have plans, Imagine Kit Homes can custom-design a steel kit to suit, whether you plan to call in a builder, be an owner-manager or do the build yourself.
Located on Sydney’s leafy North Shore, this home has a contemporary facade that blends perfectly with its surrounds, while its interior wows guests.
Suiting either a growing or multigenerational family, this four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence was cleverly designed by New South Homes around a major easement.
“The owners purchased a parcel of land which had always been vacant due to a large sewer easement which burdened an extensive portion of the block,” explains Wally Gebrael, director, New South Homes. “They wanted the home to contain all the mod-cons today’s families expect, so the home would appeal to
the astute buyer and take away the negative perception associated with the easement.”
Despite competing with another builder, New South Homes was awarded the project, based on its extensive experience working with challenging sites. “We were able to prove to the authorities that the weight of the scaffolding required for the build was distributed evenly around the area, hence not impacting on the existing pipes below,” says Wally.
Built on a strategically-placed concrete slab, the home features an earthy colour palette that is modern without going overboard.
“Hybrid flooring is used on the ground floor and plush grey carpet on the first floor. These
were seamlessly connected via a mono-string open-riser staircase, centrally located to bring natural light throughout the core of the home,” says Wally. “The layout of the home contains a long hallway running from the front of the home to the rear, which was necessary due to the large sewer easement on the property.”
The impact of the lengthy hallway has been minimised by incorporating large windows to bring an abundance of natural light into the home on both floors, purposely built around a central courtyard, creating a stunning feature for the home’s residents to relax in.
Two back-to-back fireplaces give the modern home a luxe feel, with one serving the indoor
living space and the other warming the large and welcoming outdoor entertaining area.
Another luxe inclusion is the lift-shaft, including all provisions for a future lift to connect the lower garage floor to both the ground and first floors.
The air-conditioning unit posed a challenge for New South Homes, given the low cavity area available in the roof space for all ducting. The builder avoided this issue by using a unique, wall-mounted commercial-type unit installed on the first floor, which serves its purpose well.
“I take a lot of pride in my company and the work we do, and make myself available to meet with customers during the design stage, and on-site during construction, to provide them with the confidence that they are working with a reputable builder who cares about the quality of the homes we build,” says Wally.
New South Homes 02 9481 7441 newsouthhomes.com.au
We are yet to build two homes the same, offering high-end, bespoke custom designs.
Our expert team will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, according to your wants, needs, property and budget.
Showroom: 90 Pacific Highway, Waitara
Display Centre: 100 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills
If properly designed, your home automation system should be simple to use and work discreetly in the background
Home automation has been high on the wish list for people building a new home or undertaking a renovation for decades now and there is a growing number of companies offering bespoke automation solutions for any situation. Deciding which automation system to choose is influenced by many factors — price, ease of operation, even the company pitching for the project. However, in many cases the decision is based on something as simple as the keypads on the wall.
“Most people aren’t especially interested in how their automation system works. They just want it to be reliable (most are), do the job (most do) and complement the decor of the home — and that is where the differences come in that can be deal breakers,” says Christian Lambros, general manager, Len Wallis Audio.
“At the end of the day there are only two features of an automation system that are obvious to the user. First is the interface — how easy it is to use and how well it serve its purpose. Second are the keypads — the bits that you see — and the chief concern usually is whether or not they match the decor.”
“While home automation companies spend a lot of time and money on ensuring their automation systems are intuitive and robust, they are also aware of the visual aspect,” continues Christian.
One company leading the field in this regard is American automation giant Lutron. Recognising that every build is unique, the company has developed a range of keypads to ensure there is something to suit all decorating
styles. The designs are diverse and include the Palladiom, Alisse and seeTouch series.
The offering from Savant (another USbased company and maker of one of the best automation systems available) is stunning. Both Savant’s minimalist Ascend and more traditional Echo designs have won many world-wide awards and are a popular choice.
“In addition to the keypads there are other control interfaces — stand-alone remotes, either hand-held devices manufactured by the company itself or via an app on a smart device,” says Christian. “While there is some technological romance surrounding the concept of controlling your home from your smartphone, we suggest this should be in addition to the use of keypads.”
“Experience has shown us that while initially exciting, the idea of finding your phone, logging on, then finding and opening the app just to turn on the lights soon wears thin,” says Christian. “The one big advantage of using an app on your smart devices, though, is the ability to monitor and control your home from a remote location. For example, if the doorbell rings while you’re at work, you can see who’s at the door, and if you wish, grant them access.
“There is another danger with using standalone controllers which is the temptation to do away with keypads entirely. No matter how appealing the Jetsons’ lifestyle may appear, you should always incorporate a back-up plan.
“On too many occasions we have dealt with clients whose Wi-Fi network has crashed, along with any control of their home. In the most severe cases services, doors to the house and garage, lighting, security, etc. all cease to work.
“Keypads and other physical interfaces such as motion sensors and biometric devices, along with touch panels and phone apps, combine to form a multi-point pathway and should be retained so you always have complete control.”
“There isn’t a downside to home automation but you shouldn’t ask too much of it,” says Christian. “Your home automation system should look after the things that you need it to look after, but this shouldn’t be an extensive wish list.
“Almost anything is possible, but the more complex you make the program — and remember, your automation system is little more than a computer program — the more difficult it becomes to navigate, and the more unstable it becomes. A properly designed and implemented home automation system should enhance your lifestyle, not complicate it. If an automation system is difficult to navigate it has been poorly designed, and the more commands you ask the system to undertake the more difficult it will be to navigate.
“If ever there was a time when the KISS (keep it simple, stupid) mantra was relevant, this is it,” emphasises Christian. “Many things should happen without your input at all. For example, when you open the garage door at night, the lighting leading to your living area is activated. At dusk, the garden lights come on and turn off again at a predetermined time.”
It’s also worthwhile exploring the difference between an automated home and a smart home. The two terms are often used as if they are interchangeable but, in reality, they are different things. A fully automated home is controlled by a single central processor, which forms part
of the home’s infrastructure. A smart home relies on third-party servers, such as Google or Amazon, or it runs as a standalone app, and generally involves multiple app interactions to achieve a desired result.
“While the initial set-up in terms of structure and cost is greater for an automated home, there are many long-term advantages,” says Christian. “The interoperability of various sub-systems in your home is greatly improved, which means disparate systems such as heating, blinds, access control, security systems and lighting all communicate with one another, reducing the need for multiple apps. And, of course, the level of automation itself is increased.
“More importantly, the home automation infrastructure forms part of the wiring of the home, and home automation is quickly becoming a standalone trade. Smart home devices, on the other hand, have a far greater reliance on the existing home network.
“The low cost of automation today, relative to overall build-cost versus the benefits, makes home automation, even a basic level, an obvious new-build or renovation inclusion.”
Len Wallis Audio lenwallisaudio.com
The new Intabloc inverter heat pump range is here. The range includes 9KW, 12KW and 18KW in single phase and 24KW in three phase. All have the environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant, quieter fan and improved performance. All models are reverse cycle with Monobloc construction for easy installation. All models have an inbuilt controller with WiFi capability Contact Comfort Heat Australia to discover more
When winter arrives, it can take willpower to leave the comfort of your home and brave the cold. That’s why everyone loves curling up next to a fire with a good book and a glass of wine — or snuggling up with a special someone to watch your favourite show on Netflix.
There’s nothing quite like lighting a fire at the end of the day and hearing the sound of the wood crackling as it ignites. There’s just something about heating a room the oldfashioned way that brings even more warmth than the fire itself. This, and a fireplace’s architectural appeal, can make any home feel more cosy and welcoming.
Sculpt Fireplace Collection, an Australian owned company, specialises in architectural, wood-burning fireplace products that will bring warmth and a look of luxury to your home. Sculpt offers three ranges — Seguin, Axis and JC Bordelet — that are handcrafted by artisans in France using the highest quality materials.
The Seguin range, fashioned from 100 per cent pure, original cast iron, boasts an industrial, cheminee-style design that would suit highly contemporary home designs as well as more rustic or traditional looks. Axis fireplaces, on the other hand, have a sleek, modern appearance and feature laser-cut, highquality steel fireboxes with warrantied ceramic High Resistant Refractory firebricks.
If you want a touch of drama or to create a sculptural focal point — even just add a little playfulness to a space — the JC Bordelet range of suspended designer fireplaces is ideal. JC Bordelet fireplaces are made in limited quantities each year, ensuring exclusivity when featuring one of these designs in your home. The metallic fireplaces are renowned for their quality production, avant-garde designs, audacious colours and fluid shapes.
There are five designs in the JC Bordelet collection: four offer 360-degree viewing; the others, 180-degrees. Each fireplace is handshaped and spun from 4mm-thick steel and is available in Anthracite Grey and Metallic Black as standard, or you can avail yourself of the more than 180 available colour options.
Both the Seguin and Axis ranges have DAFS (Double Air Flow System) technology which injects oxygen directly into the fireboxes, making it perfect for 6-star rated homes. DAFS also
increases burn time, reduces CO2 emissions, provides total combustion of firewood, and minimises maintenance as the glass and bricks are cleaned as the fireplace operates.
The range of designs is impressive but it’s not just about aesthetics — it’s also about maximising viewing angles. In addition to their single-sided fireplaces, you have a choice of double-sided, three-sided and even four-sided options, allowing flexibility when planning viewing angles in a room. A multi-sided fireplace can also be an attractive centrepiece in a room or large open-plan space.
The Seguin Multivision 8000 four-sided slow combustion Chemenees Fireplace is a stunning example. It features two glass sides and two swinging glass doors, which means wherever you sit in a space you can enjoy both the heat and cheery sight of flickering flames.
The range of sizes is just a broad. If you have a grand space to heat, you might like to consider the contemporary Axis H1600 XXL,
Australia’s largest inbuilt wood fireplace with a 1.7m glass viewing area. It can be used as a slow combustion wood heater or an open fireplace, offering you flexibility and a means of creating a compelling focal point.
Sculpt Fireplace Collection products are designer features created to give homes the wow factor everyone craves — and they do that while providing optimum heat and functionality. Install one of these exquisite, handcrafted fireplaces and it will soon become the heart of your home.
There is always a ready supply of stock on hand and products are available through more than 45 exclusive Sculpt Fireplace Collection stockists all around Australia.
Sculpt Fireplace Collection
1300 851 304
info@sculptfireplaces.com.au sculptfireplaces.com.au
Soft furnishings play a major role in any interior palette, but sometimes we mistakenly think window furnishings are purely functional when, in fact, they can bring great beauty to a room — like the icing on a decadent cake. Beautiful window furnishings can completely change the look and feel of a room, and add a textural layer.
Whether blinds, curtains or shutters, window furnishings should be functional, of course. They need to provide you with the shade or privacy you require and, importantly, the type of window coverings you choose can help to reduce your energy bills, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be inexplicably beautiful.
Whatever your chosen interior palette, you can add visual depth to a space by selecting the right fabrics. You need to carefully look at the textures, consider the lining, and play with
layering different types of window furnishings. Also keep in mind that layering increases your home’s thermal efficiency, leading to a warmer home in winter and reduced energy bills.
Your window treatments can provide an understated backdrop, subtly bringing colour and texture into a room, or they might be the show-stopper that takes centre stage as a stunning artwork might. Tuiss can help you make the right choice for your interior design.
Your preference might be iconic designer prints from the likes of Clarissa Hulse, Emma Bridgewater or William Morris, or one of Tuiss’ in-house designs, either way, there are more than 2000 products to explore on the Tuiss Blinds Online website that are bespoke, designed to be DIY, and unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Today, most people are looking for window furnishings that will enhance their home’s
aesthetic appeal while also providing thermal gains to improve energy efficiency. Tuiss makes it easy to achieve both, offering a wide range of window furnishings that show how easy is is to combine beauty and function.
To help you make an informed decision, the Tuiss Blinds Online website offers up to 10 free fabric samples so you can see and feel a variety of fabrics before making that allimportant final choice.
Whether you’re seeking sheer curtains or Roman blinds, Tuiss has you covered, so why not explore the full range from Tuiss today?
Blinds Online by Tuiss blindsonline.com.au
A minimalist home takes advantage of its stunning ocean backdrop
Its striking design inspired by Brutalist architecture and radiating minimalist grandeur, this oceanfront residence, dubbed Riviera and built by Mactech Constructions, won the highest accolade at the 2022 HIA – CSR Queensland Housing Awards — Queensland Home of the Year.
Claiming a prized location at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, this open-plan, uber-luxurious family home, designed by Brisbane architect Joe Adsett and completed in 2021, features a simple, pared-down palette of materials that the judges praised for “belying the scale of the project and complexity of the project”.
Class 1 off-form white concrete is the dominant feature and shapes virtually every aspect of the structure, from the thick slab roof to the smoothly contoured walls and floors. The home draws on the rough Brutalist beauty of concrete to make a strong design statement, yet counterbalances and softens the effect by the use of natural timber throughout.
Flawless blackbutt shiplap cladding is used to powerful effect, curving along the home’s facade and warming the communal and private areas of the five-bedroom, three-bathroom one-storey abode. The same timber can also be seen in the detailing of the precision-built custom cabinetry.
Mactech Constructions, guided by director Nick McDonald who was integrally involved
in the project every step of the way, cleverly elevated the home and employed 3.5m-high recessed Vitrocsa glass sliding doors to ensure uninterrupted ocean views. An internal courtyard and pool subtly partitions the large kitchen, dining space and living area from the three-car garage and pool room, adding to the open feel of this beachfront property.
A home designed and built with a view to enjoying the finer things in life, including lavish entertaining against a stunning ocean backdrop, it also provides the family with everything they need for day-to-day living and more private activities. There is a cinema room for relaxed movie nights, a gym for staying trim, and a study for those business matters that can’t wait until the next working day.
Thanks to the generous size of the site and frontage, it was possible to build the residence on one level, but due to the C-shaped design of the home, it is deceptive when viewed from the street. From kerbside, you just see the offform concrete gates but as you travel along the driveway to the internal courtyard, the ocean vista opens up and is all-encompassing.
While the simplicity of the off-form concrete is what makes the architecture of the home so intriguing, the process involved in its creation is far from stress-free because the result you get is what you have to live with. When everything
goes to plan and you get it right, as Mactech Constructions did here, the outcome is stunning.
The goal of the HIA – CSR Queensland Housing Awards is to celebrate the skill of the state’s builders and to reward exceptional workmanship as demonstrated in a variety of projects that push the boundaries of design and construction innovation. Mactech Constructions — and Riviera — ticked these boxes, also winning the Queensland Custom Built Home of the Year award.
Mactech Constructions is an innovative, multi-award-winning company specialising in the construction of custom luxury homes. Each individual home is tailored to meet the client’s unique needs and is delivered with the company’s customary personalised service, transparency and integrity. Mactech Constructions was founded over a decade ago and with its uncompromising commitment to quality and craftsmanship, it has developed a reputation for building some of the Gold Coast’s finest, most lavish homes, each displaying meticulous attention to detail. more
Constructions
Of modern, minimalist design, this sprawling custom-built home is a haven for owners Adam and Bec and their two teenage daughters. Designed to nestle in its tranquil location on Brisbane’s outskirts, the low-set home is not just a place where the family can make memories, it’s the couple’s business base.
While incorporating a home office was imperative, so too was ensuring a sense of separation from the rest of the house. When the working day was over, the couple wanted to be able to shut the office door, enjoy the rest of the home and put business to one side.
They also wanted family living to be at the heart of the home, so worked with architect Ben Walters to create a H-shaped floor plan with a central zone where they could gather and entertain. This zone enjoys seamless access to landscaped gardens and a pool.
“Our clients had built before with a project builder but this time around they wanted a custom builder who could provide the attention to fine detail required to bring their unique vision to life and give them the luxury family
home they had long dreamed of,” says Jay Mostyn, owner of Luxury Lifestyle Homes.
“Every finish has been carefully considered and professionally constructed, including the high ceilings and polished concrete floors that are a feature of this home. The same applies to the custom-designed joinery. From the butler’s pantry to the master bedroom, the cabinets and cupboards add to the feeling of luxury and complement the home’s minimalist architectural style.”
The sense of luxury continues in the step-up cinema room, the guest bedroom with ensuite, and the master bedroom, which is a lavish parents’ retreat. The master features custom sheer and block-out drapes, a beautifully designed wardrobe, and an ensuite that includes a freestanding bathtub, heated towel rails, a double vanity and a shower with a skylight.
The young ladies of the home are also well catered for with bedrooms featuring custom robes, desks and access to a double bathroom.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and boasts a raft of expertly crafted features, including the curved island bench and the splashback and benchtop finished in 20mm Super Natural Premium concrete-look SmartStone. Combined with the flush ZETR power points and brushed gunmetal tapware, the look is minimalist yet high-end.
To capture the maximum amount of light and encourage air flow, every window type has been chosen and positioned with great care. You will find fixed-panel glass, louvres, sliding windows and bifolds, all complementing the spaces they frame. Breezeways throughout the home help to deal with the hot climate, along with ducted air-conditioning and motorised block-out roller blinds.
As you would expect with such a distinctive custom build, there were challenges. “The ceilings in the main living area are more than 5m high, which created challenges with the completion of the finishes,” says Jay. “Also,
this was a large structural steel installation — the framing for the expansive outside opening doors spanned around 9.5m — so the engineering approval and installation of this structure required special attention.”
The owners worked with interior designer Polina Radchenko to ensure no design detail was overlooked and used Luxury Lifestyle Home’s online portal during construction to keep fully abreast of progress.
Luxury Lifesytle Homes prides itself on its commitment to client satisfaction and systemised processes, an approach that paid off with the home being named a finalist in the 2022 HIA – CSR Queensland Housing Awards’ Custom Built Home $1 – 2 Million category. more
Luxury Lifestyle Homes 0404 799 127
luxurylifestylehomes.com.au
With a beautiful 100-year-old home in need of some major attention, the owner sought the expertise of Designing Interiors. The house was laid out in sections with the kitchen located at the back of the property, tucked away down a rabbit-warren hallway where it was hidden from the hub of the home. This made entertaining challenging and weeknight-cooking for the family a secluded practice.
“It was our goal to achieve the maximum return on investment, lifestyle and aesthetics, all within a mid-range budget,” recalls Dawn Carey, founder of Brisbane-based Designing Interiors. “After reviewing the floor plan, the obvious solution was to rip out all the walls between the living area and existing kitchen to increase the blueprint we were working with
and achieve an open-plan living space that would be filled with an abundance of natural light.”
As with any renovation project challenges were encountered, such as low ceiling heights in some areas and the location of existing windows, which had low sill heights — these fixed elements had to be accommodated in the new design. As an example, says Dawn, “A freestanding cooktop had stood beneath a window in an area with a low ceiling height. This area was reworked to provide more bench space and a light-filled spot for herb-growing.”
To provide the additional storage that was so desperately needed, cabinets were added and a cleverly concealed walk-in pantry included.
“When working on this heritage home, one of our priorities was to ensure that the original character and features were maintained and
highlighted,” adds Dawn. “This included retaining the original fretwork around the entry to the kitchen and living spaces. We brightened the interior by painting these features, along with the walls and ceilings, a fresh white.”
As testament to the excellence of the end result, this character-filled project, which was built by Naild It Constructions, was named a finalist for the 2022 HIA Brisbane Region Renovated Kitchen $30,000-$50,000 award.
Designing Interiors 0420 299 059
dawn@designinginteriors.com.au
designinginteriors.com.au
Pittwater Hideaway, an impressive three-storey, architecturally-designed home located in Newport, a soughtafter suburb in the Pittwater Bay area north of Sydney, boasts a magnificent waterfront position. The remarkable residence, built by the multi-award-winning team at Gremmo Homes, seamlessly connects to the outdoors with water views visible from every bedroom and each living space.
Walking through the large pivot front door, the warmth of the oak flooring draws you inside and invites you into the spacious, light-filled living areas and kitchen. Continue your journey and large stacking doors will open, ushering you into the outdoor entertaining space.
The generous modern kitchen and butler’s pantry is the hub of the first floor. This level also offers a study, a dining and lounge room with an elevated ceiling complete with clerestory windows, and a lavish master suite containing a walk-in robe and large ensuite.
The home has been designed as a haven for entertaining with an area for socialising, or just getting together with family, on each level. There’s also an alfresco entertaining area with a luxurious mosaic-tiled pool and a selfcontained boat house on the waterfront. This has a kitchenette, air-conditioning and WC.
Pittwater Hideaway was also designed with the tech needs of today’s family in mind, so it features the latest in home automation and offers all the mod-cons, from underfloor heating and a multi-room sound system, to a video intercom, strong Wi-Fi network system and car turntable at the base of the driveway.
Externally, the house reflects a modern Australian aesthetic with the lower levels lined with Wamberal natural stone complemented by spotted gum timber cladding and eaves.
The house, set on a battle-axe block with a 50m-long driveway, was designed to take advantage of the steep hill running down to the water, so the sandstone foundation was built
to give the home a split-level finish and the unique architectural layout of angled terraces was devised to extend right to the foreshore. The end result is a home with a distinctive architectural edge that maximises the outdoor connection and ensures a sense of serenity. A truly inspiring home, it won the Design & Construct – House $4.5 Million and Over category in the 2022 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards. The judges, who were very taken by the project, said: “The design of this home fits the owners’ brief in every way, which makes it a very impressive house that makes best use of the block. An excellent job with lots of smart design features, luxurious finishes and excellent stonework.”
According to the project architect, Joe Snell, this remarkable home sits “like an eagle’s nest” on top of an escarpment in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood. The clients had lived on the site for 24 years before they decided it was time to demolish their old dwelling and build their dream family home in its place. Bold and contemporary, the new home was designed to focus on the needs and desires of the family while maximising the stunning views.
For One Up Building, this was a complex build but all challenges were met head on, with the project winning the Contract Houses $5 Million – $5.5 Million category in the 2022 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards.
Both site access and material handling were extremely challenging given the steep terrain. Also, before construction could begin, the dilapidated rockface at the front of the site had to be addressed as segments of rock were falling away. To make it stable, the entire street rockface elevation had to be anchor-bolted
back into the hillside. Stabilisation works were also required later in the build for the basement, which was treated with Shotcrete.
One Up Building designed a cantilevered footing system to suspend the house over the rock. It also established a series of retaining walls in the front garden which act as stabilisation buttresses for the ground, undertook extensive excavation work to create an underground utility room and storage area, and established a pedestrian entranceway through the rockface that had fallen away.
Creating this modern home that stands proudly in its elevated position required close collaboration between the owner, architect and builder, with One Up Building invited to contribute to all aspects of the project.
One Up Building 0416 237 502
oneupbuilding.com
Claiming a prime by-the-sea location in Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW, this architecturally designed home hasn’t just brought a big smile to the face of the owners. The builder, J and B Projects (Aust), is also pleased with the end result, as were the judges of the 2022 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards who named it the winner of the Contract House $4.4 Million–$4.5 Million category.
The immaculate lines and quality finish of the concrete walls and overhangs, in fact of all the exposed concrete surfaces, is what sets the home apart. A modern masterpiece, it was built in close collaboration with the architects
and structural engineers, with J and B Projects, a builder of luxury homes in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, more than fulfilling the owners’ brief. This remarkable residence was designed to provide natural ventilation and lighting through fixed and open glazing systems on all sides. The concrete retains thermal mass in winter, while overhanging balconies, canopies and screens protect the glazing in summer.
An 8kW solar system services the entire property, including hot water, energy-efficient lighting and the electric pool heat pumps, all controlled and monitored via an Apple smart home system. Water-efficient measures include 5-star-rated taps and toilets, as well as an
in-ground rainwater tank that provides for all garden requirements through zoned irrigation. The judges said of the luxury project: “This beautiful high-end home sits at ease on its coastal cliff, oceanfront location. The precisely formed concrete walls and overhangs are the heroes of this beautiful home, which have been blended with a host of different materials using superb skill. A great job built in a great spot.”
J and B Projects (Aust) 0415 761 921 jandbprojects.com.au
Photography: Paul A Broben Photography
The precisely formed concrete walls and overhangs are the hero of this beautiful home, at ease in its environment on a coastal cliff
Emerging as a masonry masterpiece, built in close conjunction with the architects and structural engineers, J & B Projects delivered exactly to the owner’s brief, after they closely followed our construction of a similar home in the area.
This stunning dwelling was designed in a way to provide natural ventilation and lighting through fixed and open glazing systems on all sides of the building. Concrete structure retains thermal mass in winter, whilst overhanging balconies, canopies and screens protect the glazing through summer.
Swimming pools form the hub of a family’s outdoor entertaining, so it’s important to get the design and construction processes right. Not only does the size and location of the pool need to be carefully considered, so too does the pool’s interior finish, coping, paved surrounds, lighting, fencing and any special inclusions, such as feature walls.
This project by Tectonic Pools is a case in point. In the 2022 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards, it won the Concrete Pools $100,001-$150,000 category and the judges were fulsome in their praise, noting the meticulous planning that went into the project, culminating in a functional and attractive layout which were the “hallmarks of a truly excellent swimming pool”.
The awards’ judges also said: “Worthy of notice is the feature wall, which boasts a modern and sleek design, with sharp lines.
The pool positioning was paramount to ensure the perfect alignment of tiles, considering the adjoining alfresco entertaining area, combined with the proportional measuring of the spa, beach area, internal pool corners, feature wall and entry steps to achieve symmetry.
“The complexity of this build was also in the excavation process. It was necessary to drive in a 3.3-tonne machine beside the existing home, as well as ensuring access for a Bobcat.
“Special attention was given to the pool lighting, with multi-coloured LEDs ensuring full illumination of the pool and spa. At the same time, the pool lights needed to fall into perfect synchronisation with the garden and other outdoor lights. Power and energydemanding equipment used throughout the build have been offset through high-end solar power panels on the roof of the house, meaning the pool achieves the modern demand for environmentally-friendly solutions.”
Tectonic Pools Pty Ltd 0412 506 618
tectonicpools.com.au
A kitchen design professional will help you make the best decisions from the beginning, saving you time and heartache in the long run. They’ll consider:
Positioning: what are the rooms adjoining the kitchen? From which direction will the kitchen be entered and exited?
Access and safety: will access to an under bench oven be tricky? Will overhead cupboards be within reach?
Cooking styles: are most meals prepared on the stovetop, baked in the oven or reheated in the microwave or steam oven?
Storage requirements: is shopping done in bulk? Will a new fridge be required now, or should it be allowed for in the future?
Budget: will the kitchen investment be in line with the value of the home?
KBDi Members are committed to their profession, and know all the right questions to ask to get you the kitchen of your dreams. Learn more about our nation-wide membership at kbdi.org.au.
a new kitchen?
A NEW KITCHEN IS A BIG INVESTMENT, AND YOUR NEW SPACE SHOULD BE AS PRACTICAL AS IT IS PRETTY.
This light and spacious contemporary kitchen was designed as part of a home renovation. The new design by Peter Gill of Kitchens by Peter Gill blended the dark-timber chopping block and chairs with the soft timber floors and the white cabinetry to create a harmonious yet striking appearance that makes a design statement.
The natural light that pours in from the large windows in the living area, combined with the kitchen skylight, allows the featured materials to really shine. An LED strip light, rebated into the underside of the upper cabinets, provides extra illumination for the benchspace.
The cabinet fronts have been custom-made to have 20mm stiles and rails instead of the standard 70mm, while the cabinet internals are dark instead of the standard white.
There is an exceptional amount of storage space in the base cabinets, through to the tall
cabinets and on to the two sets of upper cabinets, which go straight up to the ceiling. This also creates a seamless floor-to-ceiling balance. There’s a hidden TV behind an upper cabinet to meet the clients’ request for easy entertaining.
Ergonomically designed, the kitchen has separate cooking, preparation and washing zones, streamlining traffic flow-through. The extra-long island benchtop (designed to comfortably seat six), custom-made chopping block, and TV all work together to create the ultimate entertaining space. The large chopping board at the end of the island allows for easy entertaining and provides a very unique look you don’t see every day.
Designer Peter Gill C.K.D AUS, C.B.D AUS, C.O.I.D (RMIT) of Kitchens by Peter Gill Architect Emma Tulloch Architects Cabinets & panels Dulux Natural White
Benchtops White Dekton; island 60mm
Superwhite CDK Stone, honed finish Handles Finger recess and push-to-open
Splashback White Dekton
Oven & cooktop Gaggenau 400
Rangehood Gaggenau
Dishwasher Gaggenau
Refrigerator Sub Zero
Sink Franke
Taps Gessi Oxygene
Accessories Zip Hydrotap
Kitchens by Peter Gill
51 Power Road, Bayswater Vic 03 9839 3900
163 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn Vic 03 9894 4550
kitchensbypetergill.com.au
Working with a new build means a refreshingly clean slate, which is exactly what the designers got in this newly-built home. Texture and a variety of materials were used to deliver this modern and highly versatile space, creating a hub for cooking and entertaining.
Storage was a key requirement in this busy space. Rather than having everything kept hidden away, a combination of open shelving and glass cupboards was used to allow the homeowners to display their favourite pieces and collection of cookbooks. Spring-latched cupboards were also used throughout, creating clean lines with a minimalist finish.
For the drawers, the matt-black recessed rails continue this slick trend, with sharp yet refined edges carrying throughout. A cleverly hidden bifold storage area makes for easy access as well as easy use for those oftenreached-for appliances.
By keeping the colour palette neutral, the strong layout really shines. It also serves to tie in with the natural rock on the nearby fireplace, enhancing the visual flow from the kitchen to the surrounding entertaining areas. The way the clean lines juxtapose the subtle asymmetry of the cabinetry and bench space adds another layer of interest to a design that is bold and modern, but never harsh.
Design & build Kitchens U Build Traralgon
Cabinet doors Polytec
Drawers BLUM
Benchtops Stone Ambassador
Kitchens U Build 03 5174 0737
traralogon@kitchensbuild.com.au
kitchensubuild.com.au
Victoria — Bayswater, Carrum Downs, Pakenham, Cheltenham, Geelong, Traralgon, Ballarat; Queensland Capalaba
This kitchen project was a redesign for the client’s mother and the must-have list presented to Kitchens U Build had quite a few boxes on it that needed to be ticked. Aside from needing to deliver a generous amount of storage space, the kitchen had to be functional, have an easy-to-use layout, and feel as bright and airy as possible.
Space was also required so the homeowner could display her treasured keepsakes in open view. Operating within such a small area required some creative thinking, but the final result is a beautiful and intuitive room.
The shelving surrounding the fridge allowed for the pops of colour that make this house a
home, whereas the comforting matt forest green of the cabinetry generates a calm ambience while delivering a contemporary look. Forest green is fresh and timeless, and it works in harmony with the white countertops and touches of timber throughout the kitchen.
To maximise space, the island serves as a food preparation area and there are plenty of drawers located beneath the white benchtop providing ample storage. The built-in oven and microwave also free up bench space and are hidden by the island to lessen their visual impact. This small room now feels and looks spacious — and it delivers the functionality the hub of the home needs.
Design & build Kitchens U Build Ballarat
Cabinet doors Polytec
Drawers BLUM
Refrigerator Fisher & Paykel
Kitchens U Build 03 5336 0748
ballarat@kitchensbuild.com.au
kitchensubuild.com.au
Victoria — Bayswater, Carrum Downs, Pakenham, Cheltenham, Geelong, Traralgon, Ballarat; Queensland Capalaba
Built within the confines of a home the owners consider their castle, this elegant space is fit for royalty — the kind that do their own cooking, it seems. Designed by Impreshens and built by Kitchens U Build, this classic fairy tale took a dark and poky room with no storage and retold it as a modern narrative with a stylish yet moody theme.
Renovating an older space is always a challenge, and Kitchens U Build was required to work around a few tricky elements to successfully transform what was once a dank and dated spot. Limited room and brick interior walls, outdated appliances and a pre-existing dark timber decor were just some of the barriers that needed breaking through to let this kitchen really shine again.
Briefed by the homeowners to maintain the inherited integrity of the space but with a modern theme, Impreshens designed a new kitchen that kept the existing timber ceiling beams but used a neutral material palette to bring in more light. Shaker-style cabinetry in
a vinyl-wrap black satin finish lines the lower half of the kitchen. This run of darkness is kept seamless with the inclusion of a black ceramic butler’s sink that blends into the cabinetry yet adds a textural element with its fluted front.
The span of upper cabinetry offers a lighter contrast in Prime Oak melamine, bringing in additional texture with a wood-look element. Extending the height of the upper cabinets to reach the ceiling elongates the space to make it feel larger, while also providing extra storage. A glass splashback beneath reflects light from the nearby window into the room, further enhancing the sense of space.
The peninsula carries a waterfall edge of richly veined Smartstone White Cloud porcelain. Special ridged cove panels line the back of the peninsula beneath the white stone, providing a visual connection to the fluted butler’s sink.
The sharp angles and linear planes showcased in this light-filled room are softened by the curves of the windows that sit either side of the sink. Mirroring the curved door that leads to the laundry room and the arched openings that
lead to the adjoining dining and living spaces, the arched windows are a clever addition that offer plenty of character. The inhabitants of this modern tale are sure to live happily ever after.
Build Kitchens U Build Traralgon
Cabinet doors Prime Oak melamine (upper), vinyl-wrap black satin finish (lower)
Hinges & drawers BLUM
Benchtop Smartstone porcelain in White Cloud
Handles Impreshens
Splashback Impreshens
Bin Vauth Sagel
Kitchens U Build Traralgon 03 5174 0737
traralgon@kub.com.au
kitchensubuild.com.au
Victoria Bayswater, Carrum Downs, Pakenham, Cheltenham, Geelong, Traralgon, Ballarat; Queensland Capalaba
An abundance of storage space is high on the agenda for most kitchen renovations, as was the case with this modern marvel designed by Stacey Pierce and built by Kitchens U Build.
A clean and seamless approach was applied to the cabinetry. Rather than using protruding handles, access to the ample storage options is gained via bevelled-edge recessed rails.
Adding a sense of drama to the scene and enriching the colour palette, dark upper cabinetry in Polytec Adriatic Smooth, a deep teal-blue colour, offsets the Classic White lower cabinets and melds beautifully with the honey tones and visual warmth of the timber benchtops and matching kickboards.
A large picture window bordered in black ties in with the dark cabinetry and polished floors, as well as the black pendant light
floating above the island bench, for a cohesive look. The window rests above a long bank of benchspace, making it a fabulous spot to prepare meals while enjoying the vista.
Moving to the cooking zone, equipped with an underbench oven and electric cooktop, you note the splashback of white subway tiles laid in a vertical arrangement that produces a linear aesthetic that is easy on the eye. With its sleek sink and plethora of storage, the wood-topped island encompasses a dedicated space for seating, allowing it to double as a breakfast bar or moonlight as a space to complete homework or household admin.
The kitchen wizards from Kitchens U Build in Ballarat, Victoria, have outdone themselves with this picture-perfect project, creating a warm and inviting space that is effortlessly chic and extremely elegant.
Design Stacey Pierce of Kitchens U Build Ballarat
Build Kitchens U Build Ballarat
Cabinet doors Polytec Adriatic Smooth (upper), Classic White (lower)
Panels Polytec Classic White
Handles Bevelled-edge recessed rails
Internal hardware BLUM
Kitchens U Build Ballarat 03 5336 0748
ballarat@kitchensubuild.com.au kitchensubuild.com.au
Victoria — Bayswater, Carrum Downs, Pakenham, Cheltenham, Geelong, Traralgon, Ballarat; Queensland Capalaba
Gorgeous greens always add an earthy appeal to kitchens, but layering the hues with textural elements can add a whole new level of interest. Here, the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) features three kitchens cleverly put together with forest green schemes and touches of texture.
Let’s begin with the stunning kitchen, pictured top right, designed by Melbourne’s Carmel Wylie of GIA Renovations. Carmel confidently combined moody pine greens, Tassie Oak tones, brass details and dip-sealed terrazzo floor tiles to create this kitchen. Designed for a professional chef, the kitchen is as practical as it is pretty and is fitted out with the finest appliances.
Sarah Nolen and the Birdblack Design team, based in Wollongong, NSW, went all out with the spectacular kitchen pictured middle right. Alpha Verdi green marble benchtops and splashbacks are the obvious heroes, and the metallic finishes and brass accessories add a glossy and glamorous appeal.
Then there’s the alluring kitchen, shown bottom right, from NSW designer Eliesha Paiano of Paiano Design. The forest green cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the rustic red convict bricks used in the splashback of this award-winning kitchen. Eliesha pulled together a gorgeously earthy scheme for this passively-designed home, proving that ecofriendly can offer plenty of eye candy, too.
Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi)
kbdi.org.au
@kbdi.org.au
Carmel Wylie, GIA Renovations Sarah Nolen, Birdblack Design
It takes a touch of bravery and a fair bit of boldness to make black the key colour in your kitchen. Here, the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) shares how three award-winning KBDi designers used these attributes — combined with some serious skill, of course — to create striking kitchens for their clients.
Perth designer Richard Bell of Flexi Renovations Group, the creative force behind the project shown top right, was charged with creating a “dark and moody” kitchen for his clients. With Black Caviar cabinetry dominating the space, an expansive polished black stone benchtop and bronze-tinted mirror splashback, he certainly met the brief.
The Wormy Chestnut timber is the feature of the fantastic kitchen shown middle right, but it’s the clever use of matt black cabinetry that brings the warm timber tones to the front. Adelaide designer Nathan Wundersitz CKD Au of SpaceCraft Joinery is a master at making timeless kitchens. This striking space is an excellent example of a design sure to be enjoyed for many moons.
In the kitchen showcased bottom right, a spectacular Cote D’Azur stone is by far the star of the show, and the beautifully blackened veneer helps to set the stage. Melbourne’s Penny del Castillo of Studio del Castillo has created a stand-out space, meeting the client’s brief to “make a statement”.
To see more of these talented designers, along with a plethora of inspiring kitchen designs, visit the KBDi website.
Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi)
kbdi.org.au
@kbdi.org.au
Richard Bell, Flexi Renovations Group Penny del Castillo, Studio del Castillo
In business since 2014, Buildmat is a well-regarded manufacturer of superior sinks and a supplier of exceptional architectural products for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Having begun with the kitchen sink market, Buildmat expanded its range to include the supply of premiumquality products to provide an innovative selection for designers and homeowners who wanted more than the industry was offering.
A 100-per-cent Australian-owned and -operated online retailer, Buildmat is based in Melbourne and lives by the motto: “If it’s not a product we will have in our own home, then we won’t be selling it”.
From stylish bathroom basins and tapware to laundry tubs, faucets, mixers and, of course, the kitchen sink, this premium manufacturer is an award-winning business with much to offer.
Handcrafted from 304-grade, 1.5mm-thick stainless steel — on average more than 0.5mm thicker than that used by its competitors — Buildmat sinks are made to last. Formed in modern, clean lines and with slightly rounded corners for an easy-to-clean finish, these hardy offerings include a brushed hairline look for a matt aesthetic that suits most modern kitchens.
Designed in Melbourne, these handmade sinks and basins are a reflection of the innovation for which Buildmat is known. With a focus on product development and a desire to meet customers’ needs, Buildmat has brought several effective products to market that defied convention. It continues that tradition today, always looking to the future to ensure the best products for its clients — which is why the company was award the 2020 Architecture Masterprize Product Design Award.
More than just an award-winning company, Buildmat understands the importance of educating its customers so they can make the right choice for their projects, guaranteeing a successful outcome and product satisfaction for years to come. In addition to its marketleading sink range, Buildmat also supplies an extensive range of premium architectural products, from elegant and durable tapware to bespoke kitchen accessories made to the exact specifications of its stainless-steel sinks
Buildmat
1300 123 122
sales@buildmat.com.au
buildmat.com.au
Turning Kitchen Sinks into centrepieces with stunning hairline brushed texture and crafted with 20% thicker stainless steel.
This new-build champions texture and warmth with a variety of wood finishes set against an otherwise pared-back palette. Aside from the visual warmth, Purmo electric radiant heaters provide actual warmth and are extremely stylish, low maintenance and easy to install.
With a versatile open floor plan and large sliding doors, this home design balances a feeling of lightness with the depth of the materials used, which includes timber and concrete. Clean lines further highlight the texture in the materiality, allowing the details of the vertical roof bracing to create visual interest in an otherwise subdued space.
The Purmo electric radiant heaters echo the simplicity of the home design, with true radiant heat emitted from each unit — all
without the noise and air movement usually associated with other types of heaters.
The heaters’ simple yet elegant design allows them to blend effortlessly with any space and sit discreetly, as they do in the kitchen and bathroom, or make a statement, like the unit in the living area that parallels the lines of the featured wood elements.
Of robust construction, Purmo electric radiant heaters provide a gentle, comfortable heat. They also have an electronic thermostat, power-saving operation, and are half the price of a hydronic heating system.
Available in ribbed and flat-faced finishes, these affordable electric home heaters can be installed with very little infrastructure needed. They also have a minimalist design that suits a very wide range of home styles and makes
them well-suited to smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, and rooms, such as kitchens, where you want the heater to warm the area but without obstructing movement.
Thermosoft Australia
Richmond showroom: 393 Swan Street, Richmond Vic Frankston showroom:
1/3 Franklin Court, Frankston Vic 1800 951 439
info@thermosoftaustralia.com.au
thermosoftaustralia.com.au
@thermosoftaustralia
THERMOSOFT AUSTRALIA
Luxurious Electric Radiant Heating
Purmo electric oil-radiators fill your home with cosy, radiant heat, without the cost and hassle of installing a central hydronic system.
FEATURES
• Strength – strong & robust European construction
• Economic – precision electronic thermostat, power saving operation
• Allergy free – does not burn or spread dust
• Quiet – completely silent operation
• Design – simple, elegant designs in a wide range of sizes
• Easy-installation – takes less than 30 minutes per panel
• Comfort – provides a soft, comfortable radiant heat
• Centralised control - via new Unisenza+ smartphone app, Google Home or Amazon Alexa
REASONS TO CHOOSE THERMOSOFT AUSTRALIA
• Australia-wide shipping
• Free quotes with radiators precisely calculated to suit each room
• Friendly, personalised service
• Installation service available
• 10 year panel and 2 year electronics warranty
OFFICIAL AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR OF:
ELECTRIC HEATING PRODUCTS
FREECALL: 1800 951 439
EMAIL: info@thermosoftaustralia.com.au
www.thermosoftaustralia.com.au
White-on-white tiles and grout have been used in wet areas for what seems like forever. There is no denying the popularity of this classic combination and it doesn’t look like the trend is going anywhere in a hurry.
Wondering how the pictured statement Kit Kat-tile splashback with all those grout lines is going to stand up to repeated splatter from the stove? That’s where EnduroShield will help.
EnduroShield is a protective, easy-clean coating that helps repel water and oil-based stains, ensuring surfaces stay cleaner for longer. This low-maintenance, highly durable protection, when applied directly to tiles and grout lines in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry, means your whites will stay that way no matter what is thrown at them.
Both designers and homeowners swear by it. This testimonial from @buildingouraston is just one of many: “I often get questions about our white tiles and about the white grout ... is it annoying to clean, does it stain? And I always reply with the same thing, NO,
no need to worry when you’ve sealed them with the best home tile and grout treatment by EnduroShield! ( Disclaimer: I only ever share products I love and swear by. )”
There is an ever-changing range of new and beautiful tile products to choose from for inside your home. With so many choices and decisions to make when building or renovating, it is often the finishing touches that can be overlooked. No matter what type of tile or colour you opt for, prioritise protection to keep your investment looking as good as the day it is installed.
EnduroShield has dedicated surface-specific protection available for glass, tile, grout and stainless-steel surfaces, available in a simple DIY kit or as a professional service.
EnduroShield
1300 720 050
sales@endurosheild.com
enduroshield.com
tapware
shower tiles
There's nothing worse than scrubbing until your arms feel like they're falling off, only to take a step back and still see streaks and grime! That's why EnduroShield exists. It's an invisible layer of protection that helps repel dirt, soap scum and grime, making surfaces easy to clean. Perfect for new and existing surfaces, EnduroShield can be applied using a simple Do-It-Yourself-Kit or professionally applied by our team.
This contemporary resort-inspired outdoor retreat provides places for entertaining, relaxing with family or unwinding after work
Thanks to the design expertise and project management skills of A Total Concept, a company specialising in landscape architecture and swimming pool design, the owners of this Sydney property have a rear-garden retreat that exceeds their every expectation.
“We wanted to create a total concept. A contemporary resort-style space incorporating a cabana and pool along with an expanse of lawn and gardens,” says John Storch, director of A Total Concept. “What we have achieved for the owners is a space that incorporates everything
a family could want for both day-to-day living and weekend socialising at home.”
This was a project of many parts, explains John. “The rear of the property looked outward onto a bushland reserve but had little privacy from adjacent neighbours, so we bounded the entire area with a formal hedge garden. This has created a concealed space in which we were able to develop a stunning outlook from the kitchen and living areas of the home, day and night,” he says.
The cabana was created to service the pool users of the family. It’s where they can dry off
after a swim and relax while watching sports on the wall-mounted LCD television or share a meal. The owners are great entertainers and love cooking, so the cabana includes an elaborate kitchen with built-in cabinetry, mirrored splashbacks, a Caesarstone benchtop with waterfall sides, an under-mounted sink, stainless-steel fridges, a drawer dishwasher, an eight-burner barbecue and a wok burner. This ensures every whim and desire is catered for.
The cabana’s skillion roof allows for very high ceilings, which makes the interior seem bigger and airier. There is a ceiling fan to
ensure everyone keeps their cool in summer and there is mood and task lighting. “At night, the cabana is well lit with both concealed strip lighting and LED down lighting, offering maximum functionality,” says John. “This, together with energy-efficient LED lights in the swimming pool, lawn and garden areas, creates a number of different mood effects with washes of light and dancing shadows.
“In addition, there is a quality underwater sound system which is linked to and switched with all other electrical components, including garden lights, irrigation, the swimming pool
heater and pool lights. This can be controlled from either the cabana or residence.”
Seasoned second-hand bridge timbers were used in the construction of the cabana, giving it a warm look. This is enhanced by the use of sandstone-patterned porcelain paving for the poolside areas, cabana and the veranda of the upgraded home. Not only does the sandstone-look paving add the softening effect of natural hues, it creates a seamless link between each area.
The pool was designed for family enjoyment. “The large pool steps and extensive underwater benches act as a safe haven for young children
and double as informal seats within the pool. There is also a heated spa which provides the perfect warm place for parents and their children to relax and chat,” says John.
The plants add the finishing flourish. Due to the aspect of the property there is sun most of the day and shelter from winds — perfect conditions for the limited palette of viburnum, gardenia and box. The finished result is an outdoor retreat in which every individual element — from the home to the cabana, pool, lawn and gardens — have been seamlessly integrated to create the ideal space for family
fun, weekend entertaining and escaping the stresses of work at the end of the day.
Based in Sydney, A Total Concept is a well-established, multi-award-winning design and management practice specialising in the integration of beautiful and functional swimming pools, gardens and cabanas for projects ranging from simple family homes to elaborate residential properties and boutique or resort-style developments.
Here, the talented and highly experienced team at A Total Concept, headed by John Storch, has succeeded in creating a stunning outdoor environment for the homeowners; one that reflects the practice’s philosophy of “A Total Concept” and adds immeasurably to the lifestyle amenity and value of the property.
A Total Concept
02 9957 5122
design@atotalconcept.com.au
atotalconcept.com.au
The rear garden of this terrace home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs may be small, but its layout and flow make it feel considerably bigger. A two-storey studio with parking above had been added at the end of the garden, so when designing the outdoor space it was important to complement the new timber-and-concrete structure for a seamless visual transition.
The inclusion of a water feature was also essential, with the homeowners eager to enjoy the sense of calm it would bring year-round — and its cooling effect during summer.
“This is a well-defined garden. It has a strong sense of order while being engaging, just like our clients,” says Steve Warner, principal of OUTHOUSE design. “It is also practical, which it needed to be. With pet dogs to accommodate and the clients’ busy lifestyle, the garden needed to work well and be easy to maintain.”
Broad concrete steps link the two garden levels and forge a visual connection with the defined concrete slab of the garage. Concrete forms part of the pared-back palette of materials, which also includes timber and Corten steel. Each works in harmony with the other: the grain in the timber,
the exposed aggregate in the honed concrete, and the earthy, rusted patina of the Corten edging.
Simple yet captivating, the water feature is a mesmerising work of art, the focal point of which is a freestanding deep-grey, fine-ribbed Sakura stone fountain from Yardware. This has been paired with a custom-made bench that is long enough to allow someone to lay down yet equally ideal for just sitting, taking a moment and dangling your feet in the water.
“Creating the one-piece, 1800mm-long concrete seat was a bit of a challenge, but with the help of Urban Garden Enrichment and a skilled concrete team, we came up with a great solution. Formwork and reinforcement allowed a one-time pour for the water feature bench, the main seating configuration as well as the concrete tops,” says Steve.
The colour of the poured concrete blends well with the existing on-site concrete to create a unified look. It also harmonises with
the Eco Outdoor Linton sandstone pavers, used in a random-length format for the main entertaining area and stepping stone path.
The planting was challenging, too, as the garden has two key microclimates: full shade on one side, full sun on the other. Also, a way had to be found to incorporate an established magnolia tree — for balance, pear trees were planted on the opposite side of the garden.
For Steve, the most satisfying part was the water feature. “We don’t often get a chance to design and install a traditional pond, so when we do, it’s great to be able to create a feature that brings a garden to life in the evening and cools the space in summer,” he says.
OUTHOUSE design
0415 764 775
outhousedesign.com.au
The homeowners’ brief to Steve Warner, principal of OUTHOUSE design, was crystal clear: make the garden feel bigger, create a connection between indoors and out, and ensure the space offered flexibility when entertaining, be it a small, intimate gathering or a large holiday catch-up.
“They love to entertain and potter in the garden at weekends, but they also like to travel and are busy people so creating a low-maintenance space you can lock up and leave was key. We also needed to create storage and cover for a motor bike, push bikes, bins and tools, plus find space for a cook’s barbecue, a place to grow herbs, and, well, the list goes on,” says Steve.
The design features clean lines, intriguing curves and a modern, edgy feel — including pops of colour to appeal to the clients’ aesthetic — and an innovative layout.
“The layout set the tone and established the design platform from which everything else rolled,” says Steve. “People with tight courtyards tend to place planters and garden
beds along boundaries, we see it all the time. What you need to do is step back and consider how you can best maximise the space. As this courtyard design shows, laying out the garden on an angle can be very effective. This allows deeper garden beds and visually stretches the space, making it feel bigger. And by using rounded shapes you ensure an easy fl ow.”
To provide storage for the motor bike, create privacy from neighbours (important given the built-up inner-Sydney location), and offer sun protection, the OUTHOUSE team designed a curved overhead structure. “This can be moved if needed so isn’t deemed a permanent structure on the boundary, which would have triggered planning obligations,” says Steve.
“The structure was fabricated by PO Box designs from lightweight aluminium that was painted and clad on-site. Heavy-duty industrial casters allow it to be repositioned. This really does show that in small spaces, bespoke objects can deliver beyond your expectations, without breaking the bank.”
Accoya timber, rated Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold, is a recurring element throughout the space, used to clad the face of the planters, overhead screen and seating. The paving is a modular split-stone tile from Eco Outdoor, called Lichen. Its earthy colours create a visual connection with the internal timber fl ooring of the home, helping to establish a seamless indoor-outdoor fl ow.
The homeowners constructed the garden themselves. “This is a really great example of a landscape design giving someone without prior experience the confidence and knowledge to enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment,” says Steve. “Of course, our design office guided them all the way and it was a real pleasure to see the garden take form.”
OUTHOUSE design 0415 764 775
outhousedesign.com.au
Cosily nestled into a corner, a versatile swim spa is the focus of this lush rear-garden retreat in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. It’s somewhere the family can cool down in summer or use to hang out with friends in colder weather. Just as importantly, it’s a means of getting in a little exercise. When not in use, the swim spa serves as a large, pond-like water feature, an effect enhanced when the decorative jets switch on.
Being able to entertain in complete comfort was important for the family, explains Darren Willmott, director of DJ Landscapes & Pools. As was creating privacy, ensuring spaces were low-maintenance, and implementing a look that was modern yet warm. To achieve this, the family asked GreenDaze Garden Design to come up with a design and then engaged Darren and his team to turn their dream into reality.
For privacy and to mask the fence around the swim spa and outdoor entertaining area, the team installed spotted gum vertical batten
screens. “The screening is complemented by the timber decking in the entertaining space at the side of the house and the feature floating seats that embrace this area — all similarly fashioned out of spotted gum,” says Darren.
While a natural material such as timber brings visual warmth to the garden, using it to create the built-in cantilevered (floating) bench seats and screening injects a modern element, which is just what the owners wanted.
Working in harmony with the timber, lawn and plants, honed bluestone was used for the steppers and the paved area around the bench seats in the corner opposite the swim spa.
“Another want was an outdoor room-style space offering a flawless transition from the home’s kitchen and meals area to the alfresco entertaining area. To make that flow seamless, the decking was built to sit flush with the floor of the home,” says Darren.
“This area features an outdoor kitchen with bench and storage space, a sink and barbecue.
There is also a ceiling fan, heating and remotecontrolled outdoor blinds that can be lowered for shade or when the weather is inclement. Lighting in the entertaining area, as well as throughout the garden, ensures the spaces are a pleasure to use after dark.”
The planting palette was very carefully considered. In two sections of the garden fig trees screen the fence and enhance privacy; in another part, next to the home’s kitchen and butler’s pantry, espaliered fruit trees clothe the boundary in green. These were attached to reinforcing mesh which was fixed to hardwood posts. The planter boxes feature a mix of species with trailing Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ softening the edges. Perfection!
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FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT www.steelbrand.com.au
The key to the success of this project in Mosman on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is that the swimming pool and landscape were designed and installed in tandem with the Hamptonsstyle home, ensuring total integration.
“The landscape and pool finishes were designed to match that of the luxury home,” explains Adrian Swain, director of ecodesign, The Other Side Landscapes and AEON Pools. “To achieve this, we worked closely with the architect to ensure the materials ran seamlessly from the interior to the exterior.”
The homeowners, a young professional couple with four school-aged children, envisaged an outdoor space where they could spend time together, creating memories. This meant a home with a large alfresco entertaining area and a garden with a pool, cabana, fire pit zone and sitting walls.
All material and design decisions were made to harmonise with the architecture of
the house, constructed by Chateau Architects + Builders. “This includes the classic-style pool designed to complement the Hamptonsinspired home,” says Adrian. “The style of the pool is elegantly simple but the level of detail, construction and teamwork involved in the design and build was impressive.”
AEON Pools installed the pool shell before the house was constructed. The clean-lined, fully-automated pool offers everything the young family needs, including an integrated paddle zone and a spa.
Originally, there was a tennis court in the backyard where the pool now sits. “We created interest in this area by raising garden beds and creating mounds and walls within the backyard,” says Adrian. “We left the tennis court fence on two sides and planted wisteria, which will grow to create a green wall with gorgeous flowers.
“The original tennis court area offered no established trees, so we had to create instant impact and screening by planting three mature olive trees around the fire pit zone. We also planted an advanced English oak and once it eventually grows big enough, there are plans to build a tree house into it.”
The vivid glass mosaic 50mm x 50mm pool and spa tiles from Europe Imports that clad the interior surfaces, were custom-made in a deep blue colour that aligns very closely to the 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year, Classic Blue. These perfectly contrast the pool surrounds of Eco Outdoor Chalford, a natural limestone with a distressed finish.
Complementing the paving, the cabana’s feature wall, plus the sitting walls positioned around the fire pit and in the turfed area, were built using Gosford Quarries’ white sandstone.
Inside the cabana there is a built-in bench seat with a storage box concealed within and, nearby, a custom-built enclosure featuring cladding that matches the house. This elegantly conceals the pool equipment.
The end result is an expertly integrated garden, cabana, pool and home that work together to create the perfect Hamptons-style haven for a growing young family.
ecodesign
ecodesign.com.au
The Other Side Landscapes theotherside.com.au
AEON Pools
From a weed- and rock-strewn backyard to an enticing home resort, this project demonstrates how a holistic plan and a dedicated team of professionals can utterly transform a landscape. Every part of the project was carefully considered to develop a sense of continuity between the house and landscape. One way this was achieved was to use bricks and stone for the cabana and pool area. These same materials are featured in the home’s exterior so create visual connection and an overall feeling of harmony.
The open cabana is the perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy the serenity of the plantencircled pool zone. It provides a space for the homeowners to unwind with a drink in
the evening or escape the sunshine during the heat of the day. A WC and shower have been built into the cabana so pool users can avail themselves of the facilities without bringing wet feet into the home.
The stunning Ezarri pool tiles are a feature worth mentioning as they’ve been custommixed to reflect the colour of the Sardinian coastline — a nod to the homeowners’ heritage.
The project was designed with the owners’ love of the outdoors in mind. They wanted a lush, visually appealing garden they could view from inside the house — one that provided colour and foliage throughout all four seasons. A raised vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for their kitchen was essential.
The spectacular garden and pool were designed by ecodesign. Sister company AEON Pools built the pool while an other sister company, The Other Side Landscapes, looked after the construction of the cabana, hardscaping and planting.
“We look at the whole integrated landscape and this project represents what we do. It’s a good balance between hardscape and softscape,” says Adrian Swain, director of all three companies.
The property, located in the leafy Sydney suburb of Lindfield, had several established trees which had to be accommodated in the pool design. The terrain was also rock-based, which required a bit more effort in terms of planning and excavation, but it was nothing the talented team couldn’t handle.
“Their starting canvas was little more than dirt, rock and weeds and we were blown away by their professionalism and expertise,” say homeowners, Viv and Karen. “From the new pool and cabana to the carefully crafted garden beds, the selection of plants and the placement of walkways, every aspect of the project was executed with utmost care. The finished result is a true oasis; a place where we now love to spend all our time. We are so grateful to have found such a talented and dependable landscaping team and we would highly recommend them to anyone looking to transform their outdoor space as we did.”
ecodesign
ecodesign.com.au
The Other Side Landscapes theotherside.com.au
AEON Pools
aeonpools.com.au
A steep site offered the ultimate design inspiration for this standout pool overlooking a Sydney beachside suburb
Asite with a dramatic slope does have the potential to be problematic when it comes to the design and construction of a pool. However, Artesian Pools embraced the challenges of a steep site and used them to its advantage when building this pool for a young Sydney family.
The homeowners requested an outdoor entertaining area that made optimal use of their very steep site, situated in Coogee, a gorgeous beachside suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Their spectacular rectangular in-ground concrete pool was designed in conjunction with the architect’s vision and brought to life by Artesian Pools.
“The clients had a backyard that they were not utilising as it was such a steep block,” explains Zeb Rodrigues, founder of Artesian Pools. “Now they have a pool that they can use year-round, with a new cabana that’s easily accessed from the house, while enjoying lovely views of the district.”
In addition to being very steep, the site also had restricted access. “This meant excavation had to be done by hand and the spoil removed
manually. Not just that, all materials were also carried up to the pool manually,” says Zeb.
The most compelling point of difference for this 9.5m-long infinity-edge pool, which also incorporates a balance tank and sheer-descent water feature, is the unusual position of the pool over the level of the house. “Making the most of the available space, the pool is a stunning feature that works perfectly with this block,” adds Zeb.
Designing a pool that is both functional and a feature of the property is very important to the team at Artesian Pools. Creating something that complements the home, with the best use of available space and adding value to the property, is integral to the company when carrying out any design.
Artesian Pools was started by Eusebio (Zeb) Rodrigues in 1994. The company works on 25 to 30 pools a year all over Sydney and country NSW, with a focus on quality, not quantity.
The expert team specialises in the design and construction of concrete swimming pools
and the renovation of existing concrete pools. Their commitment to customers is to deliver a beautiful swimming pool using the best materials and high-quality workmanship. When you deal with Artesian Pools you deal directly with the builder, from the quotation through to the construction process and handover. “We spend a lot of time with the client ensuring the pool will suit their requirements and become a feature of their home,” says Zeb.
Artesian Pools is a member of the Master Builders Association (MBA) and has won a multitude of accolades in recent years. In 2021, the company was a finalist in the Concrete Pools $150,001 – $200,000 category in the NSW MBA Excellence in Housing and Pools Awards. In 2020, Artesian Pools won the Traditional or Geometric Concrete Pools $50,000 – $100,000 category and was joint-winner of the Traditional or Geometric Concrete Pools $100,001 and Over category. In 2019, the company was jointwinner in the Traditional or Geometric Concrete Pools $50,001 – $100,000 category and winner
of the Traditional or Geometric Concrete Pools $100,001 and Over category. These are just a few of the many awards won by the company.
Pool construction Artesian Pools
Size of pool 9.5m x 3m
Heating Zodiac gas heater
Cleaning Dolphin M5 Supreme
Filtration Zodiac filters, pumps and chlorinators; Aqualink control system
Coping Ceramic
Tiles Ezarri glass mosaics
Pavers Ceramic pavers
Lighting Spa Electrics Multiplus
Fencing Frameless glass
Artesian Pools Pty Ltd
20 Barry Avenue, Mortdale NSW 02 9570 1955
info@artesianpools.com.au
artesianpools.com.au
With a self-cleaning pool you can enjoy your backyard sanctuary without having to worry about dirty water or time-consuming maintenance
Relaxing with family and friends while enjoying a pool lifestyle in your backyard oasis is something you’ve dreamed of for some time. Why not make your life even easier by talking to your pool builder about a self-cleaning pool?
A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time enjoying life while your pool cleans itself. Your pool will also be more efficient to operate and more enjoyable to swim in because of the increased circulation benefits. Owning a pool has never been this easy.
Not all self-cleaning pools are the same, however. QuikClean in-floor cleaning systems feature advanced technology, they have been
developed for Australian conditions and are proven in the most demanding conditions.
The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all with unique features and advantages, are designed to suit your unique pool and lifestyle requirements. Whether you have a heavy debris site, want the latest look or value genuine energy efficiency, QuikClean has a system for you.
Before making your final choice, you need to very carefully consider what features are important to you and your new pool — this is because an in-floor cleaning system has to be installed in your pool during the construction stage. As a consequence, this means that you
only have one opportunity to make the right decision for you and your family.
QuikClean in-floor systems are supplied and installed nationwide by an extensive network of QuikClean-accredited installers supported by Cooke Industries, a family company with a history of award-winning innovation.
Cooke Industries
250 Etiwanda Avenue, Mildura Vic 1300 652 076
info@cookeindustries.com.au
cookeindustries.com.au
Set seamlessly into its picturesque rural surroundings, this freeform pool sits on a hill with an enviable outlook. Natural stone paving and timber decking have been chosen to complement the style of the pool and gently place it within its coastal environment.
Castlemaine random stone paving was the perfect choice for this project, with its warm, earthy tones of brown, gold and terracotta. It’s sourced from the original Castlemaine stone quarry in Central Victoria, one of only a few local quarries still producing. This iconic stone has been mined since 1953 and has truly stood the test of time. It’s a popular choice due to its durability, gorgeous colouring as well as its availability in so many forms. It’s also slip-resistant and salttolerant, which is why this unique stone is ideally suited to use around pools.
“The organic-shaped Castlemaine stone steppers add another earthy element to the picture,” adds John Hardy, Yarrabee &
Castlemaine’s sales and marketing manager. “Castlemaine random paving has also been used on the ledges and steps within the pool and as the waterline tile.”
Timber has been incorporated into the landscape design — both the fence and also the pool surrounds. Around the edges of the pool the paving is broken up with random circles of timber decking to add texture and visual interest. “The rustic timber frame to the pool fence and the vertical timber fence add to the natural charm,” says John.
The pool was constructed by Aquadreamz Luxury Swimming Pools and designed by Lilly Sabo of Sabo Design Landscape Architects. The landscaping completed the project thanks to the fantastic workmanship of Michael Stephenson and his team at Formed Landscapes. “The finish and attention to detail are superb,” says John. “Perfectly aligned, rounded timber elements and beautifully jointed Castlemaine random paving give this pool the feel of quality it so richly deserves.”
| Patrick Redmond Photography
Enjoy your pool whatever the season with a custom-designed enclosure
Offering complete protection from the weather, a retractable pool enclosure will utterly transform your lifestyle and ensure you get maximum enjoyment out of your pool or spa.
TPEC Pool Enclosures are custom designed to suit your specific needs and optimise your outdoor living space. Constructed of materials that can withstand the rigours of any pool environment, TPEC enclosures not only improve your lifestyle, they stand the test of time and add value to your property.
TPEC retractable enclosures provide the ultimate solution for any pool, making it possible to use it no matter what the season, and when the weather allows, your pool or outdoor area can be opened within minutes. This makes a TPEC retractable enclosure the most versatile and stylish solution for enclosing a pool, spa or outdoor space.
Other major benefits include reduced maintenance, increased safety and savings on pool running costs. When closed, the enclosure helps keep out leaves, dust and
debris. This has a flow-on effect in reducing maintenance and ensures your pool is ready to swim in at any time, summer or winter.
For many pool owners, the ability to significantly reduce energy and water bills is a major attraction. Outdoor pools are subject to water evaporation, which leads to heat loss. When enclosed, evaporation is slowed down and the water temperature can be maintained. This makes an enclosure cost-effective.
TPEC offers a variety of designs so you can select the enclosure which best aligns with your needs, style preferences and the size of your space. High enclosures are ideal if you’re looking to add an extra room to your property as they provide usable space inside.
A medium-height enclosure is perfect in smaller, tighter pool areas, or for use over lap pools. A low enclosure is a great option when you want to avoid affecting a nice view or dominating a garden. They can also be installed in confined pool areas and the enclosure retracted with absolute ease as needed or when the weather permits.
Another option is a lean-to pool and spa enclosure. These are designed to be attached to a building, retaining wall or other structure that forms one side of the enclosed area.
TPEC’s experienced team provides a free design service, consultations, site meetings and project management to ensure the best result for your pool, spa or alfresco space. It also works with leading pool builders, home builders, landscapers and architects to produce premium enclosure projects.
TPEC Pool Enclosures offers the largest range of residential, commercial and allabilities solutions Australia-wide. In addition, it holds an array of accreditations, has won multiple national and state awards, and is a member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA).
Swim year-round in fully retractable comfort.
• Customised European Design and Quality
• Keep Leaves and Debris Out
• Reduce Heating, Maintenance Costs
Chemical Use and Evaporation
• Increase Safety
Australia’s Most Awarded Retractable Pool, Spa and Terrace Enclosures
The Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System is ideal for a wide variety of applications around the home, from outdoor entertaining spaces and patios to swimming pools and courtyards. With a broad array of fabrics and colours available, the Shaderunner® also complements all architectural styles, from modern suburban homes to traditional country residences.
The architect-owners of this lovely home in Adelaide’s leafy Eastern Suburbs recently created a raised deck to complement their Modernist house. To provide protection from the elements and make best use of the outdoor space, a fully-retractable Shaderunner® shade system was installed. This extends out from the house over the deck, with the running wires attached to posts in the garden.
While most Shaderunner® systems are manufactured from a durable polyester mesh fabric for shade protection, this particular system was specified with waterproof PVC fabric, which features a PVDF lacquer coating on the top side to make keeping it clean easy. This lightweight PVC is translucent, so light transmits well even on overcast days. Just as
importantly, it provides on-demand, cooling shade and protection whatever the weather.
Most Shaderunner® shade systems feature an easy-to-use, manually-operated endless cord system, but the remote motorised control option is growing in popularity. For this application, motorised operation, featuring a durable Somfy motor housed in a slim-line powdercoated head box, was selected. For ultimate convenience, a remote controller is used to extend and retract the Shaderunner®.
Further automated control can be provided with the addition of sun or wind sensors to extend or retract the Shaderunner® during weather events. At the touch of a button, the Shaderunner® can be deployed to provide thermal comfort when required, or an automated sun sensor can perform this function automatically. Similarly, the remote controller can be used to fold back the Shaderunner® when it’s not in use, but with the addition of a wind sensor, if the wind picks up the sensor will automatically retract the system.
The Shaderunner® is manufactured from durable components, which include marinegrade 316 stainless-steel fittings and Ronstan
yachting ball bearing pulleys, resulting in a robust, retractable shade solution for both residential and commercial applications. The flexible design of the Shaderunner® enables it to be installed to a range of support structures, such as a pergola, between walls or fascias, or on support posts. The unique qualities of Shaderunner® enable large areas to be spanned and protected with minimum support structure. So, when designing an outdoor entertaining space or swimming pool, practical retractable shading should be at the forefront of the design process. The combined effect of reducing the impact of the sun during the summer and making the most of the available light and warmth throught the winter months will extend the use of your outdoor spaces.
With an extensive network of distributors in each state, the Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System is available Australia-wide.
Shaderunner® Australia 1800 495 645 (free call) shaderunner.com.au
If you want designer style without the designer price tag, Lume Outdoor Living offers an array of unique products. From exclusive statement pieces to designer furniture you can mix and match, you have all you need to create a look of luxury.
Whether it’s a patio or poolside you need to furnish, Lume’s furniture range is extensive and includes lounges, dining tables and chairs, daybeds, and sun lounges. There are umbrellas to help you keep your cool and to give your outdoor entertaining space a finishing flourish there is wall art, garden decor, lanterns, table runners, artificial plants, scatter cushions, and a large selection of outdoor rugs and mats.
“Our extensive range makes it easy to transform your outdoor living room into a personal retreat or entertaining hub,” says Nicole Arrowsmith of Lume Outdoor Living. “Long gone are the days of having to have the same furniture as everyone else. Today you
can easily mix and match your way to a setting that is uniquely yours, stamping your outdoor living area with your personal style.
“While trends come and go, our teak and ceramic collections are always popular,” she continues. “So are our statement pieces that combine multiple materials, including teak, wicker, ceramic, rope and aluminium.”
One example is the luxe Stockholm corner lounge, featuring double-wide teak slats and an inverted Y-leg (available with matching coffee table). Another is the Caldena lounge set, a vision of vintage style with its recycled teak frame and weather-resistant Olefin cushions.
“Our Artemis collection provides entertainers with deliciously attractive pieces that incorporate fresh white aluminium and a weatherproof resin wicker that resembles natural cane for the ultimate in outdoor living,” adds Nicole.
The owners of Lume Outdoor Living, Bill and Leone Arrowsmith, have more than 23
years of experience in the outdoor furniture industry. For 18 years, they were the owners of The Outdoor Furniture Specialists store in the southern Brisbane suburb of Macgregor. Five years ago, they rebranded as Lume.
“We are committed to providing our customers with the widest, most up-to-date range of furniture and we have a warehouse full of new-season furniture that’s ready for immediate delivery or pick-up,” says Nicole.
It’s not just the extensive, ever-evolving product range that impresses clients, however. “Our Gold Service Delivery — where we deliver, assemble, set up your furniture and remove packaging — is very popular,” says Nicole. “So are our personalised in-store styling sessions where we help customers put together a whole look using our cushions, rugs and decor. At Lume, we’re committed to helping our clients create personalised, lifestyle-enhancing outdoor spaces.”
Heating your outdoor space isn’t just about keeping the family warm in winter or taking the chill out of the air on a crisp autumn evening. For many, looks are as important as functionality, maintenance and running costs. For ambience — and to add a sculptural element to your garden — fire pits are ideal.
Unique Fire Pits, established more than a decade ago, specialises in wood-burning fire pits made from durable cast iron and stainless steel. The fire pits are fabricated in Sydney and available in a variety of designs and sizes.
Each fire pit is a work of art and a source of heat. “Even when the fire pit isn’t in use, it can still function as a sculptural piece,” says Ricardo Fioravanti, owner of Unique Fire Pits.
“All of our fire pits are round so fit seamlessly into any outdoor space where they are sure to very quickly become the family’s new social hub,” he adds. “We work with many landscapers, designers and architects, and have the skills and experience to customise fire pits to suit specific designs or individual specifications, according to the requirements of each project.
“We also offer accessories such as cooking grills, fire pokers and lids to complement our fire pits. Adding a cooking grill increases the fire pit’s functionality and overall appeal.”
The Cauldron, shown here, is the outdoor social hub of Heartwood Farm, a picturesque property in the Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW. The owners of the 100-acre cattle farm offer boutique accommodation and wanted to create a cosy fire pit zone to offer guests a complete rustic farm-style stay.
“They loved the simple, open design of the dish-shaped Cauldron, and they appreciated its maintenance-free, 10mm-thick cast-iron construction,” says Ricardo. “It now sits in the centre of a fire pit area encircled by timberbench seating so guests can enjoy sitting under the stars, warmed by the crackling flames.”
The Cauldron is available in five sizes — 800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and an amazing 1800mm diameter — and the simplicity of its design makes it just as well suited to a modern garden as a rural setting.
Ricardo, a licensed builder with more than 25 years’ experience, has extensive knowledge
of the industry. “This is an asset,” he says, “when working with architects, designers and landscapers, in relation to the design, fabrication and installation of our fire pits.”
Unique Fire Pits
0410 264 126
ricardo@uniquefirepits.com.au
uniquefirepits.com.au
“Whether it’s a uniquely designed BBQ to socialise around, a custom centre piece for your backyard to marvel at or you wish to mazimise your backyard’s potential during the cold winters nights – Unique Fire Pits can make your dreams a reality”
If you’re in search of a versatile cooking option for your backyard or deck, Morsø has the perfect solution. But what to choose? The Morsø Forno outdoor woodfired oven? The Grill ’17, which functions as an outdoor kitchen, or the little Morsø Grill ’71, which also comes in a table version? Or, perhaps, the Hergom fire pit and grill?
Let’s start with the Morsø Forno oven. This fine example of Scandinavian design is made from solid cast iron and will immediately form the centrepiece of your outdoor entertaining area. The only limit is your imagination when conjuring up new and delicious dishes in the Morsø Forno. You can use it to prepare pretty much anything, from hot-smoked salmon and crisp pizzas to exquisite desserts.
Optional accessories allow you to transform your wood-fired oven into a smoker, to smoke or roast that perfect piece of meat. Or you can add the Tuscan grill, rapidly turning the Morsø Forno into a standard grill that bestows those
perfect grill lines to anything from steaks to asparagus. Then, when stomachs are full, the oven can be used as a sculptural fire pit.
The cast-iron Morsø Grill ’17, fuelled by charcoal, briquettes or wood, is ideal when you need to cook for the entire family. The base is pot-shaped and it has a grill grate and frying plate you can move to the side and adjust in height so you can use them separately. As an example, you could grill meat on the plate at high heat while preparing vegetables or bread on the grate at a lower temperature.
Then there is the Morsø Grill ’71 Table, a new interpretation of the iconic Morsø Grill ’71 but in a smaller version with a height of 31cm, a diameter of 33cm and a weight of 12.75kg. That makes the Morsø Grill ’71 Table perfect for preparing a cosy meal with all your favourite dishes from the grill. This Morsø grill has a moveable grate, just like the Morsø Grill ’71, so, if you choose, you can use it as a fire bowl before and after dinner.
A new addition to the range is the Hergom fire pit. With a beautiful curved silhouette, it isn’t just an aesthetic delight, it’s a practical grill. Made from solid cast iron, the outer ring is comprised of four segments: two hotplates and two grills. When lit, the fire pit quickly reaches the perfect temperature for cooking.
Coated with a durable food-grade enamel, it’s a safe and easy way to cook a delicious meal for family and friends, and with the large central opening it’s easy to ignite a fire and keep it going, even while cooking.
A cosy atmosphere and a delicious meal straight off the grill or out of the wood-fired oven — it doesn’t get any better than that.
If you’re seeking a distinctive collection of decorative laser-cut screens, fire pits, sculptures, gates and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the clear leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS is happy to work directly with residential clients or in consultation with architects and designers.
UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create products that add value to any outdoor or home project. It offers a choice of robust materials and finishes, which means you can inject some colour into your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth of timber-grained Weathertex, or savour the earthy, rustic elegance of weathered steel.
As an alternative to traditional fencing — or a stunning feature wall — laser-cut screening from UDS is ideal. Screening can also be used to hide service areas or act as a stylish privacy solution. Moreover, laser-cut screening offers a unique way of covering windows or door frames, whether it is to block unsightly views,
keep prying eyes at bay, or create some intrigue with delightful shadow effects. Inside the home, screens work especialy well as room dividers.
As well as conventional two-dimensional cutting, UDS produces three-dimensional designs that give panels a sculptural look that is very appealing — and due to the minimal cut-out density, three-dimensional designs provide almost complete block-out.
Decorative laser cutting can also be applied to the creation of gates, ensuring a striking front entrance to your property. Whether it is for mechanical, sliding or hinged gates, UDS can provide all-aluminium, steel, or steel and timber-framed units, ensuring your new gate will be a statement piece.
Another application for laser cutting is the creation of feature artwork, adding ambience to interior and exterior spaces. What’s more, patterned designs take on a new life when backlit, whether by natural light or with LED lighting, and will transform any environment in which they are used. The complexity of each
design determines how much light will filter into an area and the exact pattern that will be cast, so choose your design carefully.
The UDS collection of weathered steel sculptures is another popular offering. These artworks can be used as focal points within a landscape or discreetly positioned to subtly enhance a garden design. To complete your garden design, UDS also produces planter troughs and, to add warmth to an outdoor living space, fire pits and log holders.
As well as offering standard designs, UDS provides a customised design service and can custom-cut products to suit your exact requirements. Although UDS is based in NSW, direct supply is readily available through licensed interstate manufacturers.
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Landscape screening
Privacy screening
Window screening
Feature artwork
Fencing and Gates
Sculptures
Signage
Garden elements
Urban Design Systems’ laser cut concepts can add that extra dimension of texture, colour and design to your project, whether for your home interior, courtyard, balcony or garden landscape. Visit
ore screens
Have you ever considered just how much you could enhance the beauty of your garden with the addition of lighting? Garden lighting is an essential but often overlooked part of creating a beautiful outdoor space, says Pekka UusiHakimo, founder of Nitetime Designs. With the proper lighting effects, your garden can become a more magical place in which to spend time when the sun goes down.
“When selecting lights for your garden, you need to consider what effect you want to achieve in each area,” advises Pekka. “You might want to create a subtle wash of light in a seating area to foster a relaxed atmosphere. Maybe you want to draw focus to a particular garden feature so you can admire it from the deck or when looking out from the house. Perhaps you want to light a set of garden steps for safety but create the impression they are floating. Or your goal might be to paint an overall picture of contrasting light and dark to create a sense of drama throughout the garden and around your home.”
No matter what effect or ambience you want to create in your garden, you need to consider all your lighting needs in unison. “Everything needs to be properly planned and coordinated, from the positioning of cables and transformers to the selection of light fittings, so when the lights are switched on they project a harmonised display that brings life, charm and a little magic to your outdoor spaces,” says Pekka.
Investing in high-quality light fixtures is vital and Nitetime Designs offers and installs an extensive range of premium fixtures as well as transformers, sensors, automatic timers, cables and more. Nitetime Designs, which has earned a reputation for offering affordable excellence, also has a team of highly-trained lighting installation and service technicians. Staff will treat your property with respect, ensure your lighting systems are perfectly installed, and provide ongoing maintenance if needed. They can also develop a complete outdoor lighting design, as they did for the owners of the home showcased here.
Located on an elevated block in an innerBrisbane suburb, the home’s multi-levelled outdoor spaces have been totally transformed by a well-conceived lighting design. From the multi-coloured lighting in the striking water feature to the lighting of garden beds, trees, sculpture, paths and seating, the end result is mesmerising and a testament to Nitetime Designs’ expertise and creativity.
“The simple truth is that properly planned and installed outdoor lighting doesn’t just bring enhanced enjoyment and increased pride of ownership,” says Pekka. “It expands living spaces while improving safety by reducing risk around walkways, decks, pools and ponds. Security is also improved, bringing peace of mind, and it boosts your property’s value.”
BDC Building Services……….........................46
Buildcraft Constructions……….......................52
Designing Interiors………...............................94
Gremmo Homes .......................................42, 100
Hedger Constructions……...............................36
Imagine Kit Homes………...............................64
J and B Projects (Aust) ……..........................104
Luxury Lifestyle Homes……...........................90
New South Homes…………............................68
Mactech Constructions……….........................86
McLachlan Homes…………………................62
One Up Building………….............................102
Stroud Homes………………….......................54
A Total Concept………………………….25,138
AEON Pools…………………………...154, 158
Allcastle Homes……………………................60
Arisit…………………………………….......152
Artesian Pools ................................................160
Austaron………………………........................12
Beaumont Tiles………………………...........188
Blinds Online by Tuiss………...................82, 83
Buildcraft Constructions…………....................2
Buildmat……………………………….126, 128
Castworks……………………………….10, 180 CCW Cabinet Works………………................96
Chateau Architects + Builders…................31, 32
Cooke Industries ....................................164, 165
Comfort Heat Australia………….....................77
Cotswold InOut Furniture .…............................8
Designing Interiors…………...........................95
DJ Landscapes & Pools………......................150
Dunn & Farrugia…………….........................136
Earthlife…………………...............................147
Earthborne by Design………….......................97
ecodesign……………………. ..............154, 158
EnduroShield…………………..............134, 135
Greenlines Gardenware…..............................187
Hardware & General……………...................121
Imagine Kit Homes…………….......................66
J and B Projects (Aust)…………...................105
Jindara Woodheating…………........................26
Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute ..........................................108, 120, 122
Kitchens by Peter Gill……………………....110
Kitchens U Build……………112, 114, 116, 118
Laticrete …………………………….............157
Len Wallis
Audio…………………..................72
Lume Outdoor Living……………….....174, 176
Luxury Lifestyle Homes……………...............93
Mactech Constructions………….....................17
Marble & Ceramic Corp………….....................6
Netgear………………………………….........22
Nitetime Designs……………………......29, 184
New South Homes…………………................70
One Up Building……………………….........103
OUTHOUSE design…………………...144, 148
Panasonic………………………………..........14
Qasair ………………………………….........124
Sculpt Fireplace Collection ………..............4, 78
Shaderunner Australia…………………..20, 172
Starr Constructions…………………...............34
Stormtech .......................................................123
Stroud Homes………………….......................84
TCM Constructions……………......................98
Tectonic Pools……………....................106, 107
Termimesh........................................................21
Thermofilm…………………...........................16
Thermosoft Australia……………..........130, 132
The Other Side Landscapes……............154, 158
The Woodworkers Company ……...................18
Timbershades ………………………..............24
TPEC Pool Enclosures………………...168, 170
Unique Fire Pits ………………….........178, 179
Urban Design Systems…………...........182, 183
Yarrabee & Castlemaine………….........166, 167
