Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 4 i Grand Designs Australia Building Guide

It’s time to talk cork. We’re not talking “kitchen of the ‘70s” look, we’re talking a fresh, sleek offering from Cork Imports Australia while still embracing all the benefits of traditional cork. Featured inset, is the Calais Alloy tile soon to be seen in some pretty big commercial offerings around Australia. The tile is a slightly translucent smoky grey, which allows the beauty of the underlying grain to shine through and will suit any space. The Calais Cream is a translucent cream finish over a natural tile, which allows hints of the natural colour to peek through. As with the other recent offerings from Cork Imports, the tiles are pre-glued and pre-finished, so it’s easy to install and with minimal mess. Importing only the best Portuguese cork, Cork Imports Australia…

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then windows are the eyes of the home. Protect yours with window coverings that offer versatility, cost-effectiveness and stylish aesthetics. Plantation shutters tick all the boxes. When it comes to selecting the right shutters for your dwelling, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed, especially considering the options have never been greater. We sat down with the experts at dollar curtains + blinds as they shared their top tips for choosing the ideal shutters to suit any setting. KEY BENEFITS OF PLANTATION SHUTTERS Plantation shutters offer UV protection, which helps safeguard furniture and other items against discolouration and sun damage as well as providing thermal and sound insulation. With no cords needed for opening or closing, plantation shutters are perfect for households…

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has collaborated with Rinnai to produce HyHome — the country’s inaugural hydrogen-powered dwelling that provides a preview of the future of low-carbon energy solutions in Australia. Hydrogen is a clean, versatile and abundant energy source that can revolutionise the way Australians power their homes and businesses. “HyHome is an exciting milestone in Australia’s shift to a renewable energy future,” says Rinnai Australia managing director, Lucas Van Raay. “With hydrogen, Australian consumers can continue to enjoy the legendary comfort, convenience, efficiency and reliability of Rinnai gas heating and hot water as they have for more than 50 years, while reducing their carbon footprint. We are very excited to be working with AGIG on the hydrogen transition.” HOT WATER The Rinnai Hydrogen Hot Water unit has a…

In the pursuit of timeless beauty and unwavering allure, O’Shea & Sons Builders proudly present Toby’s House, an architectural gem standing proudly along the banks of the Brisbane River. Embracing the spirit of innovation and refinement, this outstanding residence encapsulates the expertise of renowned professionals and premier suppliers. Meticulously designed by The Artificial, Toby’s House features Haus Collective’s Blue Steel stone cladding as its defining element. Enchantingly layered with deep steel blues, dove grey and rustic coppers, this exquisite cladding effortlessly harmonises with the surroundings. Despite the flawless results, the construction of Toby’s House was not without challenges. “The site is quite narrow, only 10m wide and quite steep as it falls away to the river, says Salvador Farrajota, project architect and director of The Artificial. “Being conscious of construction…

On an inner-city street of leafy suburban Melbourne sits this remarkable family home that is an astute study in comfort and liveability, with a petite footprint. Architect Steffen Welsch, who designed the house, says the brief was for a long-term residence for a family with young children. They also wanted the ability to accommodate guests over longer periods of time. The dwelling is made up of two bedrooms and a study/rumpus/bedroom at the front, a garage hidden to the street, laundry, bathroom, powder room, open kitchen dining living area in the centre, and the main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite at the back. The light-filled living spaces and bedrooms were oriented to capture the sun’s warming rays, and flow to an outdoor area. The exterior is striking, with timber…

A new extension and reconfiguration of the interior has brought this 1920s Edwardian cottage to life with a series of inspired spaces linked by a U-shaped central courtyard. The young family who lives there had outgrown the existing dwelling, which had an interior that was dark and confined. The entry also needed to be redefined to enhance cohesion and flow. As part of the brief, the homeowners also wanted more space to entertain. C Kairouz Architects stepped up to the challenge of injecting warmth and light into the spaces, and increasing the home’s footprint to provide a beautiful forever home that would take the family into the future with comfort and style. Sammy Kairouz, head of interiors, says the U-shaped addition became the missing link that brought the family together…

“IT WAS VITAL TO THE OWNERS THAT NEW WORKS WERE NOT SOULLESS ADDITIONS”– SANDI KUZMAN With a clear vision and true grit, this cottage has been transformed into a warm and welcoming series of light-filled spaces that are the perfect tonic for family living. The house was purchased by the artist owner as a family home several years ago, with a separate studio at the rear. It allowed for a workspace and accommodated visiting family. The lacklustre rooms, a series of add-ons that made up the dwelling, were dark, damp and uninviting. A separate kids’ area was high on the wish list for the family, as well as modern amenities and creating a generously proportioned integrated living area that offered a very real sense of connection to the outdoors. From…

The experts at Len Wallis Audio believe a home theatre is more than just a room with a large screen and comfortable seating. It’s a carefully curated space designed to replicate a commercial cinema experience within the comfort of your home. From vibrant visuals to crisp, clear audio, a home theatre provides an immersive experience that transports you into the heart of movies, concerts and games. Room selection Choosing the ideal room involves the consideration of size, shape, ceiling height and natural light. A proper cinema must resonate with the soul of your home. It requires careful analysis and understanding of how the sound will travel and visuals will play out, ensuring that the selected room enhances the overall experience. Planning A home theatre is where your Len Wallis Audio…

So, you are taking a giant leap of faith and building your own home. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the effort. If you’re a first-timer, imagine the sense of accomplishment you will have stepping through your front door into a brand-new home — one that you helped create from a dream. In Getting Started this issue, we delve into the art of construct, covering topics including choosing your architectural design, sourcing the right builder, sustainability and adhering to your budget. Next, you can gather plenty of inspiration from our Project Showcase. A standout this edition is Gathering House. In the words of writer Carrol Baker, “It’s a family home that speaks directly to the ethos of Australian family living, with a series of purposeful and tasteful…

“OUR CLIENTS WERE SEEKING A FRESH, CONTEMPORARY HOME THAT PAID HOMAGE TO THE PAST WHILE EMBRACING PASSIVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES, FUNCTIONALITY AND MODERN DETAILING”—MARK STEWART Imagine a wall of rich green mirrored by a wooden shelving masterpiece. The scent of books lingers in the air from the wall of built-in shelves opposite the Chesterfield, and the fire dances in the hearth, competing with the chandelier for the most romantic source of light in the room. A library such as this is the fantasy of many book lovers — and in this renovation from Smith & Sons Geelong, it’s been given the chance to shine. The library was originally a part of a 1950s home which, despite its lavish features, was cold and unwelcoming for its new owners, a family of five…

This beautiful multi-level family home takes advantage of the picturesque mountain and escarpment views beyond its borders. The 589sqm block with a 6.5m slope had been vacant for years. When the new owners made frequent planning visits to the site with surveyors, building designers and the builder, Rebecca from HAAUS. Design says they received both admiration and puzzlement from their neighbours and locals. “They applauded our courage in taking on this unique parcel of land,” she says. “While we saw the boundless possibilities it offered, they were intrigued by its unconventional shape and the challenges posed by the slope.” The home is located in historic, rural Berry. The material selection and styling of the house gives a firm and respectful nod to the local cottage aesthetic, overlaying it with a…

This inspiring duo can stand proudly alone, yet work seamlessly together. Each is a symphony of contemporary innovation and timeless heritage design. The properties are made up of a heritage-listed house and one half of a pair of semi-detached dwellings. The famous Bronte sisters were novelists and poets; these offerings weave a magical tale of form, function and good design. The owners sought to establish a home that offered a fluid design, as well as ample space for their extended family overseas when they visit. Future plans to further reconfigure spaces are also in the pipeline, but so far, what has been achieved is nothing short of miraculous. The semi offers supreme design flexibility which is achieved by panels, windows and screens, as well as operable doors. It can be…

This family home speaks directly to the ethos of Australian family living, with a series of purposeful and tasteful spaces. There is plenty of room to play outdoors and beautiful open-plan interiors that are warm and welcoming. The streetscape presents as a modest brick abode, circa 1940s. Before the renovation, Luke Carter, director and registered architect at Sandbox Studio, says the house contained four bedrooms and two bathrooms. “It was disconnected from the backyard and generally in need of a refresh.” Post renovation, private zones including bedrooms are in the front of the dwelling, with living spaces to the rear. For this family, opportunities to engage in outdoor living and entertaining were high on their wish list. A new outdoor kitchen and swimming pool were included in the project, as…

Hedger Constructions is renowned for building beautiful homes that stand the test of time. Case in point: this stunning abode in Victoria. Sitting subtly on the ridgeline within a scenic valley, the home optimises views of the tranquil landscape of Murrindindi, two hours north-east of Melbourne. With a desire to create both a rural sanctuary and a space to share with friends and family, the clients engaged Spowers Architects and bespoke interior designer Studio McGilp to bring their vision to life. The home has a unique spatial organisation, with two wings to provide guest and owner retreats, connected via expansive, light-filled shared central spaces. Unobtrusive to the skyline with the 12-degree roof pitch and a cohesive colour palette inspired by the gentle hues of the external landscape, the contemporary rural…

Aussies and barbecues are a match made in heaven. Like a sausage and sauce, we challenge anyone to find a better duo. The team at Hungry Wolf Studio is all too familiar with this not-so-secret love affair Australians harbour for the humble barbecue. As leaders in architectural concrete construction, training company Hungry Wolf Studio has introduced a new course to its stable of concreting and high-end finishing curriculums. The Outdoor Kitchen + Concrete BBQ course is for anyone who values the beauty of a barbie — even those with no prior concreting experience. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, DIYer or business owner, this self-paced course will help improve your home (and its market value) and propel your business to success by allowing you to offer clients more high-end custom architectural…

GoodWe, a leading solar energy solution provider, has recently introduced a solar tile product called the Sunshine Series, with a focus on its 84W power output, to the Australian market. This solar tile offers an optimal solution for homeowners looking to incorporate solar energy into their homes for an aesthetically pleasing rooftop. To showcase its effectiveness, GoodWe has partnered with UV Power, a renowned installer, to demonstrate the successful installation of the Sunshine Series for a homeowner in Brisbane. With the recent 30 per cent increase in electricity prices in Australia, local homeowners are seeking cost-effective and sustainable solutions to counter rising energy expenses. Mr. Richards, a homeowner based in Brisbane, Queensland, exemplifies this growing trend. Having already installed a 6.6kW solar system on his property, Mr. Richards was exploring…

With the warmth of carpet, the elegance of hardwood timber and the colour range of floating floors, the latest cork flooring is sure to entice your imagination for your next build or renovation. Full of warmth and versatility, this delightful and eco-friendly flooring solution. For people who care about their environmental footprint, you’ll be pleased to know cork is the most environmentally friendly and naturally renewable product around. It’s harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without harming it, and because the trees tend to live for more than two centuries, it’s a long-term naturally renewable product. With fast regeneration of the bark, cork harvesting is conducted every nine to 14 years, which actually supports the longevity of the tree. The entire process of making cork tiles is…

There are many things you will need to weigh up when choosing your lighting plan and the style of lights that will best suit your needs. These will include factoring in room size, the surfaces that will be in the space, energy efficiency and the purpose of the lighting. The style of the chosen lights is also important as it can reflect the mood or ambience you’d like to create. From pendants to chandeliers, wall sconces, linear strip lights, track ceiling lights, spotlights and more, there is much on offer when you’re building a home. First, work with natural light Lighting works in harmony with natural light. Taking steps to ensure you are maximising available light is important. Luke Carter from Sandbox Studio says the orientation of a house will…

The thought of building your home can induce a gamut of emotions, from nail-biting anxiety to sheer joy as you envision living in your beautiful new dwelling. Building a house is a process involving your designer, builder and many other key players, with many decisions to be made along the way. Getting the right design and construction professionals onboard is a great way to minimise stress, and goes a long way to ensuring you achieve your desired outcomes. To begin, you’ll need to think about what is important to you in terms of liveability and lifestyle to help your designer and builder deliver what you want. Choosing your architectural design With a diverse array of building styles available, you need to work out how you want your house to look.…

A key element of building construction and home design, high-performance windows and doors (and the glazing within them) act as both a barrier and a connection between indoors and out. While glazing allows light and warmth to fill your home and offers the possibility of stunning views, poor product choices can impact energy efficiency, your bank balance and your environmental footprint. Quality windows and doors aren’t just about sustainability — they should complement and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, too. Rylock Windows & Doors is a quality Australian company that designs, specifies and manufactures high-performance, custom-made products to suit your individual needs. With materials sourced locally, Rylock’s products are designed to meet all your requirements in relation to thermal comfort, BAL (Bushfire Attack Level), acoustics, privacy, security and…

Small-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) central heating and cooling, enjoyed in the United States and Europe for decades, has finally arrived in Australia. The Unico System, the world’s leading manufacturer of this innovative approach to indoor comfort, is making inroads with HVAC distributors, technicians and discerning Aussie homeowners. As the name indicates, SDHV systems use much smaller ducts, greatly simplifying the installation process for centralised heating and cooling. The small size and flexibility of the supply ducts allows them to weave through wall cavities and floor joists, which would be impossible for a standard-sized system. With this simplified installation, there’s no need to build out big bulky soffits to hide large traditional ductwork. Air is conditioned by compact, modular air-handling equipment. Cold or hot air can be achieved with either refrigerant or…

Jindabyne is a verified winter wonderland, a beloved retreat for Australians looking to hit the slopes or simply relax in front of a roaring fire with a hot chocolate in hand. The picturesque town in south-east New South Wales is home to this glorious abode designed by Lance Workshop Architecture & Design. When it came time to fit windows to the new build, Miglas was the first port of call. Specialising in high-efficiency double-glazed windows that are designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia, Miglas is a third-generation family-owned business whose products are built to meet architectural designs and suit almost any building style. As one of the only Australian businesses still designing and engineering in Australia, Miglas uses materials that are locally sourced to ensure a low-carbon footprint. For example,…

If you are building or renovating, windows and doors can be a significant financial investment. As such, it’s important to choose wisely and get it right the first time so you can enjoy increased comfort and lower energy bills. Many factors can influence your choice of windows and doors, from frame material, glass performance and privacy considerations to bushfire compliance, the style of the opening and, of course, the orientation of your home on the site. Weather should also be considered, such as the conditions found in coastal locations, bushfire-prone areas, hot and dry climates, or cold and wet locales. Is reducing noise or increasing energy efficiency your main concern? Or is increased security and comfort important? The direction each window and door faces can impact the material and glass…

Quiet elegance and understated luxury are the guiding principles behind the Belgian design brand, Tribù. In Australia, Tribù’s exclusive distribution is handled by Cosh Living, a family-owned and-operated retailer specialising in designer furniture since 2008. Founded in 1966 by Henri de Cock in Belgium, Tribù delivers outdoor furniture of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Driven by the desire to extend the comforts of indoor living to the great outdoors, Tribù has amassed more than 50 years of heritage, solidifying its position as a global design powerhouse. The brand’s focus on materiality and uncompromised quality represents the epitome of discreet luxury. Rather than resorting to flashy trends or showy designs, Tribù’s pieces whisper sophistication, boasting timeless elegance that transcends passing fads. Tribù understands the profound impact that well-crafted design can have…

Fanco Australia has been at the forefront of the industry for more than a decade, establishing itself as a leader in fans, ventilation and air movement products. The company’s extensive range encompasses a diverse selection of ventilation solutions, catering to both domestic and commercial applications. Designed specifically for the Australian market and tailored to withstand Australian conditions, Fanco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, combined with a forward-thinking approach towards new technologies, ensures its products are well positioned for the future. Hybrid bathroom fan Manufactured in Europe, the Fanco Hybrid bathroom fan has been engineered to perform in Australian bathrooms. “In Australia we tend to have larger bathrooms and this fan is designed with that in mind,” a representative from Fanco explains. “We understand that 300mm is a popular retrofit for…

“ARCHITECTURE BECOMES A SCREEN, THE SCREEN A TRANSITIONAL STRATEGY, AND THE TRANSITIONAL STRATEGY BECOMES LANGUAGE”– BUENSALIDO + ARCHITECTS The very best home design occurs when not just style and function but also climate are considered. Tropical architecture demands that careful attention is paid to ventilation, with the building’s overall consumption of energy a key factor in design. Screen House is located in Metro Manila, in the Philippines. This home was crafted to suit a single family living in this warm climate where the average weather temperature is 30°C or above for 12 months of the year. Due to this heat, a design solution was required that would encourage passive cooling while also meeting modern style demands. Buensalido + Architects was appointed to find the answer to this problem. Principal architect…

Inspired by principles of industrial and Brutalist design and built by Gremmo Homes, this abode utilises a combination of natural materials, bold colours and contrasting textures to create a one-of-a-kind space. The visual impact upon entering the home is immediate, largely thanks to a concrete feature wall. The textured wall was made by imprinting the wet concrete with planks of sawn oregon wood. Large-form marble tiles were predominantly used throughout the ground floor to add brightness to the space, while marble slabs create the numerous stairs connecting the varying levels of the ground floor. The sheer size and weight of these slabs provided logistical challenges, but the team from Gremmo Homes have executed the installation to perfection. Likewise, the back-lit LED lighting design required expert handling and impeccable attention to…

01/MORSØ FORNO GARDEN PACKAGE If you’re in search of a versatile alfresco cooking option for your backyard, deck, terrace or balcony, Castworks has the perfect solution: the Morsø Forno Garden Package. The award-winning Morsø Forno Multifunctional Oven is a fine example of Scandinavian design. Made from solid cast iron, this multifunctional oven 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 almost anything, from hot-smoked salmon and crisp pizzas to exquisite desserts. When stomachs are full, the oven turns into a sculptural firepit, offering optimum multifunctionality. A cosy atmosphere and a delicious meal straight off the grill or out of the wood-fired oven — it doesn’t…