BuildHome NSW & Qld Issue #27.1

Whether your abode is a custom-build, a project home or a kit or modular home, ensuring a seamless indoor-outdoor connection and incorporating a multifunctional outdoor living and entertaining space is de rigueur. If space allows, most people like to have separate zones for cooking, dining and lounging but if space is limited, there are many ways to create an area that caters for multiple needs. To derive maximum enjoyment from your outdoor space, investing in professional landscaping is advised — and if your budget can stretch, look at how you can include a pool. Whether it’s an outdoor entertaining space, pool or landscaped garden, we explore the benefits of beautifully designed outdoor spaces. If you’re planning a custom-built home, the process can open up countless opportunities. Working with a custom builder…

With an experienced custom builder at your side, you can create your own piece of paradise. Specialising in building unique designs that are perfectly tailored to each client’s needs, site and budget, this individualised approach ensures your specific vision is realised. But it’s more than that. A skilled custom builder will be able to make recommendations about materials, inclusions and design solutions you might not have considered. “A custom builder is one that builds bespoke homes for clients who are looking for something exclusive and individual; some will also provide design services. A good custom/designer builder will provide a one-stop-shop service, whether in-house or by way of professional partners, to help guide the clients through the entire build process, from design concept to completion,” says Nick O’Shea, Director of O’Shea…

“Most of us have an innate ability to recognise good design,” says Antony Hing of Gold Coast-based Sanctuary 28. “Good design envelops you and your senses. You see it, feel it, breathe it. Good home design strikes an effortless balance between functionality and form — there is a sense of the right amount of space, light and gentle cross-flow breezes; the right number of rooms and the right ceiling heights; the canny selection of windows and finishing materials. These elements combine to create visual appeal and comfort while the flow between interior areas, and from outdoors to indoors, will feel natural and intuitive. Architects, interior designers and certain custom builders have the ability to create good design.” But rather than chance that your designer can read your mind, Jayson Pate of…

Being outside — it’s a temptation most of us can’t resist. This is never more so when we want to share good food and good times with the people we love. Family lunches, dinner parties, movie nights — we now take all of these activities, and more, outdoors. Of course, Australians have always loved to entertain under the sun or stars but these days outdoor entertaining is often a more sophisticated affair, with zones for lounging and dining, and a dedicated cooking area. “We spend so much of our leisure time outside it’s important to have a space that allows us to relax and entertain exactly how we want to,” says Phil Antcliff, Director of Fifth Season Landscapes. “Having a well-designed entertaining area is about considering all the factors, such as…

Timber is being increasingly used for creating stunning outdoor design features, following a trend for natural finishes, raw materials and mixed textures. “Wood structures generate a sense of warmth and connect with their natural surroundings,” says Leon Travis, General Manager, Sales & Distribution, Boral Timber. “With its neutral palette, timber also harmonises with other building materials, such as brick or concrete, and can be used for a multitude of outdoor applications that are both stylish and practical. “Architects are embracing innovative timber applications in residential projects, including decking, screening and cladding. A timber feature wall is a great way to inject natural elements into the backyard and a simple way to warm up a concrete or rendered space. They can also double as privacy screens or be used for practical purposes…

It is often difficult to know just where to start when building a new home. There are so many options out there in terms of design and layout it can be hard to visualise what will work best for your family. Display homes help you see the options in real life and get a good feel for what you like and what is possible. The creation of display villages has made viewing a broad selection of homes incredibly easy. Not only that, most project home builders now allow for a wide range of customisation so once you have chosen the design you really like, you can select the floor plan and inclusions that will best suit your individual needs and lifestyle.…