1. Modern Minimalist Facade

Flat rooflines, geometric massing, and a restrained material palette (usually two or three materials max) define this look. Large format windows and hidden gutters keep the eye on the architecture itself rather than the details.

2. Scandinavian Barn

Think white or soft grey timber-look cladding, black window frames, and warm timber accents around the entry. It’s minimalist but softer than pure modernism, cozy rather than cold.

3. Industrial Charm with Exposed Brick

Exposed or reclaimed brick paired with black steel-framed windows and dark metal trim gives a converted-warehouse feel, even on a suburban block. Add a steel canopy over the entry for extra edge.

4. Mediterranean Facade

Warm cream or terracotta-toned with textured cladding panels, arched doorways, wrought-iron details, and terracotta paints bring a sun-soaked, relaxed feel. Climbing vines or potted olive trees complete the look.

5. Modern Farmhouse

Board-and-batten cladding in white or soft grey, black window frames, a covered porch, and a gabled roofline. This style balances rustic warmth with contemporary simplicity and remains one of the most popular facade trends for good reason.

6. Clad Roofline Detailing

Don’t overlook the roof. Exposed rafter tails, deep eaves, or a butterfly roofline can be as defining a feature as the cladding below it.

7. Coastal Cladding

Light, breezy cladding built to handle salt air is the hallmark of coastal style: whitewashed or grey-toned timber shiplap, cedar shingles, or marine-grade aluminum composite panels. Corrosion-resistant fixings and fiber cement (rather than raw steel) are worth the upgrade near the water, since salt spray accelerates rust and timber decay. Pair with white or black window frames and a wraparound porch or deck for the full beach-house feel.

8. Japandi Cladding

Japandi blends Japanese restraint with Scandinavian warmth. Clean horizontal lines, minimal trim, and deep eaves for shadow lines are key, the goal is quiet, natural materials left to age gracefully rather than anything glossy or ornate. Warm timber battens around the entry soften the darker cladding elsewhere.

9. Cottage Core facade

Cottagecore leans into softness and imperfection: weathered timber, or hand-textured render-look cladding in warm creams and dusty pastels. shingles on a bay window or dormer add storybook charm, and a climbing rose or wisteria trained along the cladding finishes the look. Small-paned windows and a stable-style or arched front door pair well with the softer materials.

10. Bold Black Exteriors

Matte black cladding has become a favorite for making a striking, contemporary statement. It photographs beautifully and pairs well with warm timber accents to avoid feeling too severe.

The post 10 Home Façade Ideas appeared first on Completehome.

Overlooking the bay on the coast of Lower Hutt, New Zealand, sits a striking American lodge-inspired building with high vaulted ceilings and luxurious open spaces.  A generous pool is mounted into the deck with an ample entertainment area that flows from inside the home to the outdoors. This design is the work of Luke Hammington, Director and founder of Prime Designs. The business, founded in 2014, has established itself firmly in the Wellington region, working with clients to create great homes at a reasonable price point.

The York Bay home is an elegant example of synergy between client and designer, with the client contributing heavily in the design process. “She had a very clear idea of the style she wanted and what she wanted out of it.” Luke explains, “She came in with a Pinterest board full of American and Canadian lodges, hunting lodges, that sort of thing. Those really big wooden, beautiful timber, big grand lodges. So, our key was to try and replicate that but in compliance with the NZ Building Code.”

The project was a technically challenging one with structural issues due to the location. Being situated in a picturesque location overlooking the bay unfortunately included the hillside consisting of approximately 4 metres of soft earth. With the client’s brief including a large outdoor deck and outdoor pool the Prime Designs team worked with a geotechnical engineer and a structural engineer to find a feasible solution onsite that met the structural needs, but also took into account the client’s budget.

Selecting the Perfect Roof

Material choices on the exterior were key to achieving the American-lodge style vision for this project. Schist cladding lines the lower part of the exterior wall, leading into batten board cladding, finished with cedar shingles sitting beneath the roof gables. The roof is a complex structure with a multitude of gables, valleys, and hips installed over different storeys.

“A corrugate roof or any kind of longrun profile just wouldn’t have looked right on this house. It needed to be some kind of tile or shingle or shake style, so naturally that kind of brings you to look at steel tile.” Explained Luke, “We thought about actual cedar shingle or Cambrian slate tiles, but they posed a whole lot of extra hassle and cost. Their weight meant a whole lot of extra engineering work, while going with a metal tile would give us the look without worrying about weight. It just made sense to go with a steel tile because it has the look we were after, fewer issues, and a bonus was that it was significantly more cost effective.”

After reviewing the options, Gerards’ Shake Profile steel pressed tile was chosen for the York Bay home, with its design reminiscent of traditional shake roofing materials.

The design of the roof evolved over time, with the original design looking more like a traditional two storey house without the imposing gables that cut into the main ridge space. However, Luke felt that to capture the character of the client’s brief, the roof needed to make a bold statement. American hunting lodges are characterised by their large gables, high roofs, and use of wide-open spaces. With the site’s strict height in relation to boundary rules, and a maximum eight metre height limit, the design had to recreate this atmosphere while being constrained within the rules. An amazing multi-level, complex roof was designed to allow for extensive internal spaces and the desired impact of an imposing exterior.

Built to Perform in Extreme Conditions

This design came with a few hurdles to overcome. “There were some parts that were one and a half storey height roofs, so they were coming out at mid storeys rather than a full two storey faces. So, from a structure point of view there were a few challenges around making that work but probably from a construction point of view, there were a large number of hips and valleys in the roofs to give the look that we came up with.” Luke explains, “The roof was a big job, and a critical part to get right.”

With the site being in an exposed position overlooking the harbour in Lower Hutt, considerations had to be made not only over design, but in material choice. With Wellington’s renowned wind conditions, being able to withstand wind loadings were important. The Stratos tiles chosen have been proven to withstand wind speeds of up to 350kph in testing conducted by the James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.

This resilience against wind is due to the tile’s unique design allowing fastenings to be applied horizontally at right angles to the wind’s lifting forces. Additionally, the interlocking installation manner creates a matrix of steel tiles tightly locked together to create a single structural unit. This results in a very lightweight yet robust roof with a high strength-to-weight ratio.

To match the grandiose exterior, the interior had to be equally opulent. When creating the original design, Luke suggested a double height void in the living areas, to recreate the spacious atmosphere characteristic of American lodges. Although the client originally preferred to use the space for a bedroom instead, she decided Luke’s original idea suited her vision better, and the designs were redrawn. Both the client and Luke agree this was the right decision with this becoming a focal piece of the design.

“I quite like when you come in the front door, you look up and you see an open stairwell to your left and then you see a bridge along the top.” Luke explains “Then you see the double height void past the bridge. I think that’s all quite spectacular.”. The roof of the main living area is cleverly designed as a skillion roof, but interior decorative beams are overlaid, imitating bulky structural beams. This allows for the continuation of the lodge aesthetic, while reducing cost.

A Home That Delivers on Every Level

The interior was beautifully styled by the client herself. This was a key element of the project, drawing the aspects of the building and design together to create an impactful first impression. Luke affirms “The client had a great eye and followed through on the styling right down to the last detail. The fitout was completed so well and really matched the styling, which really made the project stand out to me”.

The ambitious project stands completed, with its impressive gables overlooking the bay. And though Luke and the team at Prime Designs have many other projects on the go, he remembers this project fondly saying “The project turned out really awesome. If you look back on the original ideas and where we got to, it was amazing.” Reflecting on the client’s feedback, “The client was definitely stoked with the overall outcome; all the products and the overall design ended up delivering on her original vision, and the roof was a critical part of that.”

Project credits

Architect: Prime Designs
Roof manufacturer: Gerard

Be inspired by more Gerard projects:

• The House on the Hill – Completehome
• The Big Cottage with a Small Footprint – Completehome
• Elevating Coastal Living with a Modern Roof Transformation – Completehome

The post Lodge charm in coastal New Zealand appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Barker

Where we live defines who we are, what matters to us, and what we love. A well- designed home caters to those who live there, offering warm and welcoming spaces that promote wellness, sustainable living and design innovation.

You’re the boss

The home office has evolved into a thoughtfully designed area that can become a dream workspace. Well- designed workspaces are all about style and comfort. They support wellbeing and productivity and effortlessly integrate with the home environment. From purpose-built office spaces to artfully designed nooks, converted garages and even multipurpose spaces that cleverly combine living/bedroom spaces, the modern home office is transforming the way we live and work.

To get those creative juices flowing, most work from home offices need light, airflow and comfortable furniture like an ergonomic desk and chair. Measures to control temperature, noise and distractions might also be high on your wish list.

Claire Richardson, interior designer from Revel Design, says storage and smart space planning are key, too. “These zones become hubs that double and triple as workspace, storage zone and often a meeting room,” she says. “Having a space for everything from spare cords to favourite photos keeps the room feeling calm, functional and unmistakably yours.”

Whether you’d like a touch of glamour, a low-key minimalist vibe or a quirky bohemian or botanical feel, creating a space that reflects who you are is important. When designing your
workspace, there are some fundamental questions you need to answer.

Kat Prowse, architect from Revel Design, says key things she asks clients include how often they work there, and will it be used by other family members. “You also need to determine if there will be multiple monitors or will a small laptop suffice, and also if the client does a lot of online meetings,” notes Kat.

Is yours a full-time work from home gig, or do you just need a quiet space for your new side hustle? All of these things factor into the equation. Home office design is all about curating spaces that are functional and feel good.  There is a plethora of options.

Sam Crawford from Sam Crawford Architects says a sun-filled loft can act as a study, sitting room or overflow sleeping space for overnight guests. “In our Clovelly House project, the spatial qualities of each room are the focal point,” he says. “For example, the raked ceiling in the new loft is lined with plywood, strategically selected to reduce glare from the coastal views.”

In Sam’s Waverley House project, a purpose-built study was designed in the parents’ retreat for two professionals to work from home. “With beautiful built-in desks, storage and bookshelves, all in the same timber used throughout the house, and views  to the garden through large windows, the space is a calm retreat to study and work,” shares Sam.

If you are short on space, there are clever ways to integrate a work zone into other areas. An area tucked under the stairs can become a stylish open-plan home office, utilising otherwise wasted space. Is there a quiet spot under a sunny window you could pop a desk? If you have a long rumpus room, snip off a section, add a dividing wall and sliding barn doors. When not in use it can be reclaimed as part of the rumpus. Create a stylish niche at the end of a hallway, add a generous lick of paint, some modern furniture and a potted plant.

Sam says if space is hard to come by, then a desk able to be concealed behind cupboard doors will often suffice. “This allows the workspace to be shut off from the living area and work to be set aside at the end of the day,” he notes.

Snooze time

Your bedroom should be a restful space offering respite from the pressures of everyday life. The bedroom is where you press pause on work and family issues, it’s a place to rejuvenate and restore. The bedroom is also where your day begins and ends. How the in between bits play out can depend on getting a good night’s sleep.

Creating your own private and restful sanctuary begins with light, air flow and ambience. Claire says window location and coverings that allow privacy when you need it are important. “You also need good access to daylight and aspect when you want it, and the ability to block it out when you don’t,” she says.

A striking bedhead takes a bedroom to the next level. Consider an upholstered bedhead that elevates the space and adds subtle sophistication. Gas-lift storage beds are the ultimate in extra storage for apartment living. Think of it as having a whole wardrobe under your bed.

When choosing bedroom furniture, source pieces that evoke an emotional response. A point to note: resist the urge to scoop up a whole matching bedroom suite at a department store. Your bedroom furniture doesn’t have to be all matchy matchy. The exception is matching bedside tables. Those with multi drawers offer places to store things you might want and keeps the top clutter- free.

Add lashings of comfort with soft sumptuous bedding. Tap into textural accents with wallpaper and textured paint. Choose colours that soothe, like soft blues and dewy greens. Add warm neutral hues and a dash of colour with a feature wall and colour accents. A textured rug in natural fibres under the bed adds layered luxury.

A beautiful upholstered occasional chair offers a place to curl up with a book or to sit while you pop on your shoes. Finally, when designing your bedroom space, don’t forget to look up. After all, while you’re lying in bed, the ceiling is what you’ll see. Choose stunning feature lighting for the finishing touch.

Your children’s bedrooms need to evolve as they grow. A designer Disney character bed won’t go the distance. Invest in a quality bed with neutral tones to take your child through to their early teens. Claire says flexible storage is also important, with well-considered and varied wardrobe spaces that adapt as kids grow. “Having a display space is also important, on the top of low-height drawers or wall-mounted shelving, as it provides somewhere to store books and to display treasures at each stage,” she says.

An often-overlooked aspect of kids’ bedrooms is flooring. According to Claire, a quality floor is great for play space. “As well as excellent climate control, it helps the bedroom become a
space that you and your child will want to spend time in,” she points out.

Kids love sleepovers, and they also enjoy bunking in with each other. Architect Clinton Cole from CplusC Architects + Builders says for bedroom flexibility, integrating oversized operable doors (like solid bifold “walls” between adjoining children’s rooms) works well. “This allows rooms to be opened up to make one large shared area for playtime or sleepovers, effectively giving you a ‘barracks of beds’,” he says. This approach ensures the house remains highly responsive to the occupants’ changing lifestyle and has multi-purpose uses for the children as they grow.

Overall, shapeshifting spaces allow for more design flexibility. A bedroom can become a home office, a play space, a grown-up’s retreat, a teenage hang spot or whatever you want it to be.

Game on

Modern play spaces at home are becoming an integral part of home design. You’ll find stylish home gyms, wellness spaces, cool kids play areas, cosy media rooms and tech-savvy spaces with the latest in sound and gaming gear. Outdoors it’s all about active living, where the whole gang can bounce, romp and play to get those feel-good endorphins flowing.

Embracing wellness has become the new catch cry of modern-day living. Kat says it’s spilling over into home design with more homeowners wanting to include home gyms, saunas and even ice baths. “These are pretty fun spaces to design,” says Kat.

“We are drawing inspiration from day spas for a more luxury minimal gym and spa vibe, and using lots of light timbers, raw concrete and soft flooring.” Kat adds the key to a great at-home gym design is keeping it simple and calm, with adequate ventilation so there’s plenty of air movement.

An adjoining sauna or ice bath keeps the exercise space corralled together. While your gym space is light-filled and well ventilated, Kat says the sauna or ice bath has a different vibe. “These naturally suit a darker, moodier aesthetic, reinforcing that sense of retreat,” she advises.

With sleek and sophisticated exercise equipment, zen spaces with soft filtered light designed for yoga and Pilates are becoming more popular.

Taking it up a notch, to create the ultimate home theatre entertaining space the whole family can enjoy, there are a few key ingredients. These include comfort, good design and acoustics. Steve Van Sluyter, managing director of SpectraFlora, believes speaker placement is less important than hi-fi enthusiasts might emphasise. “More important is finding spaces for speakers and a TV that are unobtrusive and look good,” he says.

There is one important component, however. “Speakers should have what’s called constant directivity — the ability to project higher frequencies evenly so that reflections off walls retain a natural sound,” says Steve. When choosing your speakers, he points out this doesn’t
necessarily mean choosing the best global brand speakers at a chain store. “Take the time to find outstanding boutique speakers — their sound is on a completely different level and is transformative,” he notes.

Thin profiles in modern TVs mean they can be wall-mounted for a modern minimalist look. It also frees up floor space. In your media room, add a soft rug, beanbags, plush chairs and throws to make the room feel cosier and more intimate, and it will also help with the acoustics.

The modern rumpus room has evolved over the last few decades. Sam says it was once what he describes as a “found space” — a room that occupied leftover space, under the house or at the back of the garage. “As Australia has become more affluent and technology has entered our homes, rumpus rooms have evolved into media rooms and second living rooms where not just kids, but also adults happily entertain guests,” he says.

They can be beautifully designed purpose-built spaces. “Our Kurraba Point studio is a breakout living studio for teenagers that replaced a disused run-down garage,” reveals Sam. “The teenagers can hang out, watch TV and exercise on gym equipment in their own space, yet there’s a visual and material connection to the main house through steel-framed glazed windows and doors.”

Taking it outside, family play spaces that encourage movement and activity will always be a winner. Think trampolines the kids can bounce on, a swimming pool they can splash about in, and play areas they can explore and use their imagination.

If your home has a small footprint and you want to create outdoor family play spaces, the solution is to go up. “Rooftops are a winner, providing both a productive garden space (growing the family’s fruit and veggies, plus composting) and an elevated outdoor living room,” enthuses Clinton.

This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia 14.6.

The post My Home, My Castle appeared first on Completehome.

Why is this shift happening? Because energy-efficient homes offer a powerful trifecta of benefits: they deliver significant financial savings, drastically reduce our environmental impact, and fundamentally improve indoor comfort and health.

By consuming less power for essential functions like heating, cooling, and running appliances, homeowners see a direct, measurable decrease in their utility bills every single month.

The Pillars of an Energy-Efficient Home

A truly energy-efficient home is designed as an integrated system, where all components work together to maintain a stable, comfortable indoor environment with minimal external energy input. The key pillars include:

1. High-Performance Envelope: This refers to the barrier separating the conditioned (interior) space from the unconditioned (exterior) space. It encompasses the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. A high-performance envelope is characterised by:
   • Superior Insulation: Minimising heat transfer (loss in winter, gain in summer).
   • Air Sealing: Preventing uncontrolled air leakage (drafts), which can account for a significant portion of energy loss.
2. Efficient HVAC Systems: Using modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as heat pumps or high-efficiency furnaces, that consume less energy to condition the air.
3. Low-E Windows and Doors: Utilising double or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer, while still allowing natural light.
4. Energy-Star Appliances and Lighting: Incorporating appliances and LED lighting that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
5. Renewable Energy Integration: While not mandatory, incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems further elevates a home’s efficiency, often achieving Net-Zero Energy status.
6. Bad Habits: Making sure to turn off lights and fans off when leaving a room, and even only boiling half a kettle when making one cup of coffee, are good ways to be energy conscious.

The Critical Role of Wall Cladding

While insulation and air sealing form the primary thermal barrier, the exterior wall cladding is the first line of defence against the elements, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. It must protect the structural integrity and the insulation layers while contributing to the overall thermal performance of the wall system.

A cladding material that offers inherent thermal resistance and promotes breathability (allowing moisture vapour to escape) is ideal for maintaining the integrity of the wall system and preventing issues like mould and reduced insulation effectiveness.

Weathertex is a brand that aligns with the principles of high-performance, sustainable construction through its commitment to natural and durable wood-based exterior wall cladding.

1. Sustainable Material Composition

Weathertex cladding is made from 97% natural timber and 3% natural wax, with no added silica, formaldehyde, or other synthetic resins. This provides a lower embodied energy material, meaning less energy is consumed during its manufacturing process. The commitment to using PEFC-certified timber from sustainable Australian forests further supports the environmental credentials of the building project.

2. Durability and Protection

The durability of the exterior envelope is key to long-term energy performance. If a cladding fails prematurely, the protective layers underneath (like the weather-resistive barrier or insulation) can be compromised, leading to thermal bridging or moisture ingress. Weathertex products are known for their robustness and are backed by a guarantee against rotting, splitting, or cracking, for up to 25 years, ensuring the building envelope remains secure and effective for decades.

3. Contribution to a Complete System

While cladding itself is not primary insulation, a stable, well-installed cladding system like Weathertex contributes positively to the overall wall assembly’s performance by:

• Protecting Insulation:

Providing a resilient, non-absorbent layer that shields the underlying wall components and insulation from direct weather exposure, thereby maintaining their R-value (thermal resistance) effectiveness.

• Aiding Breathability:

As a wood-based product, it allows for appropriate wall breathability when used as part of a correctly specified system, managing moisture and preserving the long-term effectiveness of the wall’s thermal properties.

The Role of Weathertex Cladding in Passive House Performance

Material selection plays a major role in meeting these targets. Cladding systems, such as Weathertex, can contribute significantly.

Weathertex Cladding Contribution to Passive House

The movement toward energy-efficient homes is driven by the imperative to reduce lifetime operational costs and environmental impact. Achieving this requires meticulous attention to the building envelope, where materials like high-performance insulation, air-sealing techniques, and durable, low-embodied-energy cladding are essential.

Weathertex supports this objective by providing a sustainable, durable, and natural timber cladding solution that protects the structural and thermal components of the wall system, contributing to a high-performance, energy-efficient residential design.

Take your next step into energy-efficient homes by ordering a FREE Weathertex sample today!

The post Achieving Energy Efficiency in Residential Construction appeared first on Completehome.

The team at Next Level Elevators is passionate about supplying Australians with the most beautiful and functional all-electric elevators. The multi-award-winning business designs, supplies and installs bespoke, affordable luxury residential elevators that integrate seamlessly into custom homes, enhancing both liveability and architectural value.

As innovators in this space for more than a decade, it has exclusive access to the best electric lifts from its Italian manufacturer, Eltec. Made in Italy for the Australian market, these eco-friendly elevators are known for their durability and performance. Plus, all residential products come with a seven-year warranty (T&Cs apply). “Our all-electric elevators are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, operating on a single-phase 230V 10A power supply,” a representative from Next Level Elevators explains. “Compared to traditional hydraulic lifts, they do not require hydraulic oil, eliminating maintenance challenges and environmental concerns.”

Unlike hydraulic elevators, these all-electric lifts do not need a separate motor room as all components are integrated within the shaft, saving space and preserving the home’s design. They also operate almost silently, offering a superior experience compared with the noise often generated by hydraulic motor rooms. This combination of efficiency, design integration and quiet operation makes Next Level Elevators a cut above the rest.

Residential elevators improve convenience, accessibility and overall comfort in daily life. They make moving between floors effortless, simplify tasks such as carrying groceries or laundry, and provide seamless access for family, guests or anyone visiting. Installing a premium, customisable lift can enhance the home’s functionality, future-proof the residence and add value to the property, all while integrating smoothly into the residence’s design.

VOLARE

Sleek and luxurious, the Eltec Volare represents the pinnacle of affordable luxury. An excellent choice for clients who need an elevator with lower headroom or shallower pits, it combines Italian design with practical functionality, offering a high-quality lift without requiring extensive structural modifications. Stocked locally, you won’t have to wait long for this Italian-designed elevator; the standard lead time for a Volare is 12 weeks.

HLB

Meet Eltec HLB, Next Level Elevators’ most popular product. This lavish lift is known for its adaptability; each element of the elevator can be customised and the cabin size scaled as required. Clients can select from various finishes for control panels, trims, floors and walls, or even create a fully custom floor. Additional accessories such as handrails, mirrors and five ceiling light options allow the lift to be tailored precisely to the home’s style and needs.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SHAFTS

Next Level Elevators provides innovative shaft solutions alongside its elevators, delivering a complete system that simplifies installation and reduces the need for major structural work.

The SmartShaft, exclusively designed for Australian homes, pairs with the Volare model to eliminate the need for structural walls. It provides a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional masonry shafts. Perfect for new builds or retrofits, it minimises structural work, lowers the risk of construction errors, and can be easily clad to match any design.

HLB elevators can be paired with either the SmartShaft or the iconic Glass Tower Shaft, delivering the same construction efficiencies — less structural complexity, fewer errors, and a smoother, more efficient installation process.

AWARD-WINNING INNOVATORS

Next Level Elevators is a recognised leader in residential lift solutions, with multiple industry awards highlighting the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and exceptional service. Recent honours include:

• Project of the Year 2026 — Elevator World

• Best Electric Home Elevator Company 2026 — APAC Insider (Australian Enterprise Awards 2026)

• Home Elevator Design Innovation Award 2026 — APAC Insider

These accolades reflect Next Level Elevators’ dedication to delivering outstanding outcomes for homeowners, builders and industry partners. Whether for convenience or to assist individuals with mobility issues, elevate your home with Next Level Elevators.

For more information

Next Level Elevator

The post Elevate your Home appeared first on Completehome.

Over time, many houses have become more enclosed and reliant on artificial lighting and air conditioning. While this shift has meant that people have greater privacy and control over their indoor environments, it has also reduced the natural connection between homes and the outdoors.

“Today we spend about 90% of our time indoors, often losing our connection to nature,” VELUX executive vice president for North America, Europe and APAC, Anders Dam Vestergaard, says.

“As building practices developed, multi-space homes have become the norm in Western societies. These layouts trade daylight and fresh air for privacy and convenience.”

For renovators, restoring that connection doesn’t always require major structural changes. In fact, several targeted upgrades can dramatically improve daylight, airflow and overall comfort without having to redesign an entire space.

A common challenge for older homes is that the spaces people use most, like kitchens, hallways and living rooms, sit in the darker centre of the floorplan. Typically, these spaces are impossible to open up to the home, but can serve as the ideal placement for skylight and roof windows to bring light in.

Without tearing down anything major, homeowners can solve both problems at once.

By welcoming light from above, a skylight can reach deeper than traditional windows and reduce the need for artificial lighting solutions, leting in two times more light than vertical windows.

But there’s no need to stop there. Outside of the lighting benefits, openable skylights can add much-needed ventilation to a home. Just like lighting, rooms deep within a floorplan struggle with stale air and moisture – particularly in older homes.

By allowing humid air to rise and escape through openable skylights, cooler air can flush through the space to replace it, resulting in natural, passive ventilation. With ventilation flowing through, homeowners don’t need to spend as much on keeping the air conditioner on (saving on power costs in the long run).

Beyond reducing costs, access to natural light and fresh air has been linked to improved mood and better sleep.

It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful renovation can completely transform how a space feels, inviting air, light and a sense of openness back into the home.

Virtual Reality Showroom

Ever wondered exactly how much a skylight would change your living room? VELUX just made that decision a whole lot easier with their brand-new showroom in Sydney’s inner-west.

They’ve launched Australia’s first VR-enabled skylight experience, where you can literally walk through four different home styles—from “Coastal” vibes to “Modern Industrial”—using virtual reality. It’s a game-changer because you can see how daylight shifts and changes the feel of a space in real-time, helping you ditch the design guesswork.

If you’re a homeowner looking for inspiration or a renovator exploring possibilities, the Alexandria space is part showroom, part classroom. If you’re in Sydney, it’s definitely worth a visit to 78 Henderson Road!

For more information

https://www.velux.com.au/

The post Welcome light and air back into your home with open arms appeared first on Completehome.

Available to view online or order as a hardcopy, this magazine isn’t just another publication. It’s a curated exploration of ideas that celebrate innovative design, environmental stewardship and enduring style, all grounded in real projects and forward-thinking concepts.

Leading the Charge in Sustainable Design

2026 marks a pivotal moment where design and sustainability intersect with purpose. Across the built environment, architects and designers are placing environmental performance, material longevity and ecological harmony at the heart of every decision. From biophilic spaces to carbon-conscious construction strategies, today’s homes reflect a new respect for place and planet.

Inside the magazine you’ll find:

• Insights from real Australian and New Zealand projects showcasing how sustainable principles are realised in form and function.
• Trend analyses that go beyond aesthetics, digging into how materials, technologies and lifestyle shifts are reframing design priorities.
• Inspiration for homeowners, builders and specifiers looking to incorporate eco-smart features without compromising on style.

From Concept to Built Reality

Whether you’re planning a new build, renovation or design refresh, the 2026 Sustainable Design Trends Magazine delivers forward-thinking ideas grounded in practicality. Expect stories that span:

• Natural and responsibly sourced materials that age beautifully and reduce environmental impact.
• Designs inspired by natural forms such as curves, reflecting how homes are evolving to explore the organic flow of Australian landscapes.
• Innovations in cladding, façades and building systems that deliver performance, durability and timeless appeal.

Be a Trendsetter

The transition to sustainable design is not just inevitable — it’s already underway. With pressures from climate, culture and cost reshaping how we design and build, Weathertex’s 2026 magazine equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to stay ahead of the curve.

View it online or order your FREE copy today to explore how sustainability can elevate every aspect of your next project.

https://weathertex.com.au/design-trends/

The post Unveiling the 2026 Sustainable Design Trends Magazine: Your Guide to Future-Ready Homes appeared first on Completehome.

This recognition highlights the exceptional craftsmanship, design, and attention to detail that define The Summit House, a standout example of luxury residential construction.

The Summit House commands attention, asserting its dominance at the end of a cul-de-sac. This four-storey, double-brick residence emanates strength through its street presence, featuring a façade that showcases a striking linear blend of modern elegance. The captivating combination of black and white render, along with Barrimah stone cladding, exudes sophistication and contemporary flair, creating a bold contrast against pristine white surfaces for a classic and clean aesthetic. Sandstone in the landscaping enhances the façade, adding warmth and texture to the overall design.

Upon entry, you are guided by a blackbutt timber-clad ceiling. The entryway is highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a beautiful contrast with its linear surroundings. Two staircases converge at the entry floor, showcasing statement Scala Travertine batons laid in a herringbone pattern. This level leads down to the garage, adjacent to a private gym, media room, and powder room.

Alternatively, a lift can transport you to the open-plan main floor, flooded with natural light and seamlessly blending the kitchen, dining, and living areas for a harmonious mix of functionality and style.

On the main floor, attention is immediately drawn through the expansive living space, which seamlessly connects with the pool outside. Adorned with Ezzari glass mosaic tiles and Hayman Beadcrete, the pool is a visual spectacle visible from all levels within the home, establishing a harmonious connection between interior and exterior. The frameless glass pool fence ensures uninterrupted views, creating a fluid link between different areas of the house.

The kitchen takes centre stage with a dramatic splashback window spanning from one side and extending into the concealed butler’s pantry. This is complemented with custom timber joinery and a dining area protruding from the island bench, creating a unique focal point. The main floor also includes a generously appointed guest suite designed for multi-generational living, an open library with custom joinery, and a spacious study.

On the third floor are the second office and bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with ensuite and private his-and-her walk-in robes. Upon entering this level, whether via lift or staircase, expansive views of the surrounding scenery unfold through strategically placed windows, providing a stunning vista from the void down into the living room. An adjoining terrace and balcony extend the views.

Perched at the summit of the house is the retreat and final fourth floor, a private sanctuary offering panoramic views from every window, showcasing the expansive house, landscaping, and pool below. The approval process was difficult as Gremmo Homes and Urban Harmony pushed for the fourth storey and had to make concessions to achieve this outcome, as it is very rare to be able to achieve a four-storey residential dwelling while keeping below height restrictions and maintaining neighbouring relationships.

This four-storey double-brick haven was built to incorporate two suspended slabs and double-brick external walls, meeting the final retreat which had timber joists and framing. The suspended slab design adds architectural sophistication, allowing for open and expansive living spaces without compromising structural integrity.

This construction technique enhances the overall aesthetic appeal while ensuring the residence stands as a testament to durability and innovation. The construction process reflects a commitment to precision and quality throughout.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: An impressive street presence on two blocks. Inside, spacious rooms with abundant natural light, high-quality fittings, and finishes combine to create an award-winning home.

For more information

GREMMO HOMES
Tel: 9894 1633
Design: The Summit House
Architect/designer: Urban Harmony
Photography: Elevate Photography

The post Standing Proud appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

Can you imagine AI designing your home? It might be one step closer than you think. After all, AI can write copy, optimise design layouts, build websites and predict future outcomes. Some AI chatbots can also mimic human interactions.

Stela Solar, director of the National AI Centre, CSIRO, says beyond the day-to-day things that AI can assist with, it’s playing a crucial role in solving some of the greatest challenges in Australia.

“This includes adapting to a changing climate, protecting unique ecosystems, accelerating drug design, and helping cities and towns run as efficiently as possible,” she says.

In the architectural sphere, some might argue that AI exists in the juncture between art and technology. Architect Dr Fiona Gray from Bioliving By Design says AI does feel like a natural continuation of that relationship.

“AI offers the ability to process and analyse large volumes of data far more efficiently than traditional methods,” she explains. “This makes it possible to explore multiple design scenarios quickly and run performance simulations related to things such as energy use, lighting, ventilation and thermal comfort.”

Breaking it down into nuts and bolts, AI can help with specific tasks, but not all. Architect Luke Carter from Sandbox Studio says in particular, AI can be effective with repetitive, mundane tasks. “This could be writing documents that are generic in nature, allowing us greater time to deal with intricacies,” he says.

AI can boost creativity, streamline workflows, aid project management, and it can help homeowners to conceptually visualise what their completed home could look like. The very real potential of AI lies in its ability to optimise design processes, maximise efficiencies and reduce project timelines, which can lead to cost-saving outcomes.

James Loder, an architect from Wardle in Melbourne, says the speed of design process is a definite attribute. “It means we can more effectively and quickly communicate to a client,” he notes. Wardle began using AI tools before many other practices jumped onboard. “It’s a fantastic means of drawing upon a large suppository of information in a very efficient way,”
he shares.

James adds that while AI is useful, it requires a human mind to curate the outcome. “It won’t replace that aspect of critical thinking that we bring,” he says.

AI-powered design tools

In the past, architects would draw diagrams and plans by hand. That changed with the development and deployment of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), a tool to assist with detailed technical drawings. Fiona began her career as an architect with a drawing board.

“I’ve seen how computer-aided design revolutionised what we could imagine and build,” she says. “AI could take that evolution even further by suggesting new spatial ideas, forms, and design approaches that challenge our assumptions and expand our creative toolkit.”

One of the tools that James uses is ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot. “It helps with the speed of writing reports and distilling large amounts of information,” says James.

In design, AI can also implement image generation tools — a key one is Midjourney. “It supports a fast exploration of beautiful visual material and detailed character,” explains James. “We can test it as a conceptual narrative, create images that support an idea in an abstract form, or use it to enhance the visual representation of a prospective view.”

The technology continues to evolve at quantum speed, so designers need to think on their feet. James says in this current phase of AI, anything we know right now will change and evolve in months. “Our approach is to not take it too seriously, to be nimble and playful with the way we are testing and exploring these tools,” he says.

It’s a slow burn

According to the RIBA Artificial Intelligence Report 2024, in the UK, 41 per cent of architects implement AI in visualisation, environmental exploration and idea generation. How does Australia shape up? The Australian Institute of Architects self-reporting survey results from September 2024 showed more than half of those who responded were using or exploring AI for concept design and renders, and design development.

The report showed some concerns with, among other things, the future role of the architect, liability when AI gets it wrong, loss of skills and knowledge, and unrealistic expectations of clients who have used AI to generate an “ideal home” engagement with the communities we serve,” she explains.

James adds that some of the benefits of AI in architecture are surprising. “You can generate outcomes that are unexpected. AI can push and test our thinking and there’s an immense benefit to that.”

Supporting sustainability

Informed and innovative designers continue to deliver sustainable designs in response to the fragility and finite nature of some resources, and to provide healthier, better-designed homes. James says AI could offer sustainability benefits in the operational performance of a building, particularly the embodied carbon. “Enormous amounts of data could be effectively synthesised or managed through an AI tool,” he notes. “This could be used to analyse building models and provide immediate feedback on potential ways to reduce embodied carbon.”

AI could potentially be a game changer with energy-efficient insights and optimisation of resources. Fiona says it’s also important to recognise the environmental cost of AI itself. “Training and running large models require significant energy,” says Fiona, “so we need to be selective and purposeful in how we use it, making sure its benefits to sustainability outweigh its footprint.”

The limitations of AI

AI is not an exact science; it does need to be treated with some degree of caution. James says it’s vital when using AI to double-check AI outputs, making sure the information is accurate. “It can make mistakes, and sometimes it can make things up in trying to provide what you want, which is disconcerting,” he admits.

James says AI is currently used like an automative tool, based on probability when information is fed into it. “I liken it to setting a design task with five architecture graduates. I’d select the one I like the direction of, provide feedback, and continue that exploration with a team member,” he says.

Another issue flagged with AI is a potential lack of new ideas and innovation. This is essential to improving practices, creating more efficient modalities and ways of accomplishing tasks. James says the risk long term with AI is that you aren’t progressing with new critical thinking. “AI is recycling content that exists elsewhere,” he says. “That would be a long-term risk if everyone shifted their reliance to AI. There would be nothing new.”

If information through AI is sourced from various programs, that raises another question: who actually owns it? Fiona says there are practical and ethical concerns such as copyright and intellectual property as AI tools are trained on vast amounts of material, much of it sourced without clear attribution. “This raises important questions about ownership of ideas generated by AI and whether they unintentionally reproduce or draw from copyrighted work without permission,” she explains.

One of Fiona’s concerns goes to the very heart of what residential architecture is all about — designing and developing unique spaces for people. “It’s about creating spaces with depth, soul and meaning. A human designer brings an embodied understanding of place that no dataset can replicate,” she reflects.

“The feeling of a gentle breeze, the scent of surrounding vegetation, or the distinct soundscape of a particular location are all sensory experiences that can only be grasped by being physically present and attuned to the environment.”

The spaces that designers create shape our lives and the way we interact with our environment at home. Architecture is human centred by design. It’s about fulfilling human needs.

Luke says that while AI might be able to potentially produce 80 per cent of the grunt work that architects currently do, it can’t do it all. “The remaining 20 per cent needs to be done by architects. Our social skills of communicating on a human-to-human level is what makes a project ultimately successful,” he points out.

Designing someone’s home is a close and personal collaboration between client and architect. It’s getting to know the individual and developing a relationship of respect and trust. Luke says the human-centred approach could never be fully replicated by AI. “For example, we have learnt through experience when clients don’t mean what they say, and what they mean when they say little,” he says. “This tacit knowledge will be the key reason why we think our profession will remain irreplaceable.”

The future of AI

AI is here. Of that fact, there is no doubt. The role of AI technology isn’t about replacing human creativity — it sets out to support and enhance it. AI and architecture can coexist. AI can efficiently do repetitive tasks and streamline workflows, with humans providing the necessary checks and balances. This means AI will enable architects to focus on the human-centred aspects of design — the imagining and the creating — so we can live in well-designed homes that enhance liveability into the future.

This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia 14.2.

The post A New Frontier appeared first on Completehome.

Over the years, Dan has seen that the most iconic homes aren’t necessarily the biggest or the boldest—they’re the ones designed with purpose. They respond to their surroundings, they flow effortlessly, and they feel just right to live in.

3 Key Principles for Designing an Iconic Home

1. Respond to the site. Context is everything!

Work with your environment, not against it. Analyse your site carefully, look at how the sun moves throughout the day, where the wind comes from, the views you want to showcase or shield. A home that respects its context, whether coastal, urban, or rural, feels grounded and connected.

Hot Tip: Learn & implement passive design principles for optimal comfort & energy savings

2. Create a journey.

A great home isn’t just seen, it’s experienced. Use layout, sightlines, compression, and expansion to create a rhythm as you move from one space to another. Frame key views both inside and out, small glimpses of greenery, wide horizon lines, or even moments of surprise

“Great design isn’t just about how a space looks; it’s about how it moves you. The journey through a home — the way light shifts, the moments of stillness and surprise. The best spaces don’t demand attention, they invite you in”. – Dan Sparks

3. Honour materials – Texture, tone & touch

Material choice goes deeper than aesthetics; it’s about how a space feels. Use natural materials with honesty and intention. Think of the tactile nature of surfaces underfoot, the warmth of timber, or the way light interacts with stone or brushed metal. Prioritise durability, locality, and timelessness. The more authentic the materials, the more enduring the impression and comfort they create.

The Finishing Stages – Styling

“Iconic Design Is About harmony – every detail working together. Big Ass Fans are a feature, elevating both comfort and design with quiet confidence”. – Dan Sparks

Investing in features & appliances where it matters most helps to not only boost the aesthetic of your space, but make you live more comfortably throughout all seasons. Dan’s best tip? Invest in fixtures that are not just beautiful but are smart. From energy efficient lighting to quality ceiling fans designed to compliment architectural forms, the best design elements elevate both form and function.

The Haiku ceiling fan range from Big Ass Fans epitomises quiet luxury, with a whisper-quiet breeze expertly crafted for transeasonal comfort. Equipped with award winning smart-home technology, the Haiku series allows for comfort at your convenience without having to compromise on style and design. And the best part? The indoor Big Ass Fans range is accompanied by an industry-leading 5-year warranty meaning your investment keeps spinning, for years to come.

Shop the full Big Ass Fans range at bigassfans.com/au/residential/buynow/

The post Building an Iconic home with Dan Sparks and Big Ass Fans appeared first on Completehome.