Building for Keeps

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As featured in Homestyle Magazine

Quality was the only pre-requisite for this home in Whitford.

Words: Soroya Nicholas
Photography: Thomas Law

The decision to build for homeowners Shane and Paula had been a long time in the making. For months they had searched for the right section, but it wasn't until they found a lifestyle site in Whitford that they committed to the concept of building. With no through-road, a share in acres of native bush, and one hectare to themselves, it was the perfect section.

"The site was also due north, which was exactly what we had been looking for," says Shane. The search for a builder was thankfully a shorter one, with Paula having attended a gym in the same building as a well-known local building company. Garland Builders, who have now taken over the Papakura/Franklin Signature Homes franchise, had a reputation for constructing quality homes, and this was the category Shane and Paula wanted their home to fall into.

Builder and company owner Murray Garland has always focused on exceptional quality. "We already knew that Murray's style and workmanship was suited to us, and when previous clients of his welcomed us into their homes to show what he had created, it was obvious we would be happy to have him build our own home."

Although they did not approach the design and build of their house with a list of pre-conceived ideas, there were inclusions that Paula and Shane were keen to include. "Above all else, we wanted to ensure that high quality was the focus," explains Shane. This led to an overall theme that reflected the native outlook, with exceptional products employed inside and out.

Cedar, natural timber floors, granite and other quality materials were all absorbed into the home. "It was our first build, but we didn't have a strict budget. All that mattered was maintaining the level of quality throughout every part of the house."

The main component of the exterior is solid plaster. Supplied and completedby Allied Exteriors, a PSL Masonry Plaster Coating system was selected, which is manufactured by Nuplex. First, bricks were installed as the primary construction material, with the plaster being placed over top. This strong, hardwearing surface was finished to a sponge texture, and then coated in Dulux Elastomeric 201 paint.

Allied Exteriors are members of the Nuplex Federation of Contractors, which mean that all work they complete with a Nuplex product carries a consumer protection warranty. Even the home's driveway makes a statement. With the concrete supplied by Counties Ready Mix, R.J.Berghan & Son Ltd set to work installing the surface.

They first excavated and then prepared the ground, before the actual pouring of the driveway commenced. The drive provides the home with a strong, sound entrance, which also doubles as a great play area for bikes and other outdoor toys for the children. To complete the look, five kilograms of black oxide was added to the concrete. The concrete was then cut to create a decorative effect, with a quality sealer placed over top to ensure future longevity.

One of Shane and Paula's favourite features of the house is the solid timber inside. The ceiling is adorned with timber, as is the floor throughout most of the home. Just Hardwood Floors supplied and installed the timber for the floor, which is a hard wearing Tasmanian Oak. This timber was chosen by the homeowners due to its versatile nature, and because it added even more warmth and character to their home.

Just Hardwood Floors applied a satin polyurethane finish, which creates a soft, hard wearing appearance that the homeowners love. The timber flooring adds a strong dimension to the interior, while adding to the light, airy feel. It also creates a seamless flow between all of the interconnecting living spaces.

The kitchen is the heart of many homes, but few are as unique as the one in Paula and Shane's house. Taking up one end of the open-plan living area and opening directly out onto the patio, the kitchen features top-quality fittings and appliances, along with some very unique inclusions. Designed by Leanne Little and made by McGregor Kitchens, the kitchen showcases smooth paint lacquered cabinetry, in colour Triple Tea.

The eye-catching bench with waterfall ends is crafted from a 30mm granite profile, in dramatic Cosmic Black. To add luxury to the kitchen in its entirety, Blum softclose hinges are in every drawer, as well as the cupboards. Close to the bi-fold doors is a very special kitchen inclusion, a custom made crockery cupboard.

Leanne Little also worked on the home's bathrooms, laundry and scullery, with McGregor Kitchens completing all the joinery work. The kitchen features many customised inclusions. The centre bench is made from imported Indian granite, and the unique splashback was printed on the back of glass to reflect an image of a fern leaf that appealed to the homeowners.

This same design was placed on the front of the crockery cupboard. Equally as outstanding as the kitchen are the two customised decorative gas fires from Living Flame, which stretch out above raised marble hearths. This particular model is an Eastside Euro flame effect fire. It has a very realistic flame effect, is modern in appearance and adds an incredible ambience to the room.

Stainless steel is flanked by white pebbles, which look fantastic whether the fire is turned on or off. Each fire manufactured by Living Flame is individually finished to enhance the room it is purchased for. Made and designed in New Zealand, the fires are operated by a simple wall switch. For Paula and Shane, their fires were custom built, meaning they fit the living and home entertainment room to perfection.

To tailor-make the fires, Living Flame made a site visit, after viewing the plans, to ensure the right solution was devised. Given the response from visitors to the home who see the fires in action, the design was precisely what both rooms required. With quality in mind, Paula and Shane wanted this to translate into every possible part of their home.

When it came to the electrical aspects, they entrusted the work to PS Electrical Ltd. They did a complete electrical design that included a security system, with everything tailored to the home and to the homeowners' lifestyle. HPM Bticino switchgear was used extensively, along with Halcyon ighting, and a Panasonic Audio/Video intercom system.

This was complemented by a Paradox alarm system. For the formal living area, which is primarily dedicated to home theatre enjoyment, Marantz & Jamo sound equipment was deployed. The tiling of the home is another allimportant feature. In the bathrooms, tiles visually leap off the walls, with a combination of styles co-ordinated to create a mesmerising effect.

The tiles were purchased from Tile Warehouse, specifically from their Ecotile range. This label means they have been approved by their local countries Ecolabel scheme, which in this case meant the European Union Eco Flower. In the bathrooms, powder room and laundry, Paula and Shane selected Suber Nero tiles in a square 450x450 size, with Groove Bamboo tiles, also in a square shape, for the bathroom walls. All made from Italian porcelain, the tiles are both stunning in appearance and exceptionally hardwearing.

To install the tiles, Abstract Ceramics were introduced to the project. They used Ardex adhesives, grouts and silicones on the bathrooms, in addition to the BRANZ approved Ardex waterproofing system they used for the wet areas. By law, only registered water proofing specialists can take charge of shower and bath waterproofing, so it made the tiling process that much more straightforward having the one key person for the entire job. The tiling work was varied, with large tiles placed on the floor of the bathrooms, similar tiles gracing the walls, and tiny Lava Coco mosaics used as features. These small tiles appear to "pop" out of the wall. "They look three dimensional,"laughs Paula."Some look as if they are further out of the wall than others, but running your hand across them proves they are flat."

While the house is a statement in itself, the surrounds are magical. The property faces north out to a large area of bush, and the large bi-fold doors that span this sunny side of the home lead to a generous swimming pool and spa area. "We love being out there in summer," says Shane. And the kids agree. It was a favourite spot of theirs last summer, after school and on weekends, and the whole family are looking forward to the weather warming up again.

Morgan Pools Ltd assisted in the design of the concrete swimming pool, as well as completing the actual construction of it. Concrete was chosen because it meant complete freedom of design, in terms of shape and size, plus it is the longest lasting material for swimming pools. The pool is finished with waterline tiles and a blue marble plastered interior, and features filtration equipment that has automatic chlorine dosing, as well as a heating and cleaning system.

Morgan Pools Ltd also assisted in the creation of the water feature, placing a base and pipes for the rocks to be laid. Paula and Shane count the entire outdoor area as one of their favourite features, and they largely attribute this to Out of Eden Landscaping Ltd. "We were thrilled with how the landscaping turned out – it looks fantastic," says Shane.

Out of Eden Landscaping was in charge of creating a complete concept plan, along with the actual landscape construction work. They installed the boulders for the water feature, the lawn, the bark and pebble required, as well as choosing the plants to suit the property and planting them. "We specialise in design and implementation, creating a garden oasis in which to escape from a busy world," says landscape designer Murray Nicklin.

As for Paula and Shane, cannot speak more highly of Murray and his team. "We wanted a quality home with the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, and that's precisely what we got."