The 2026 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards honored the visionaries who are redefining what it means to live well in the modern Australian landscape.

Hosted by the charismatic Anthony Burke, presenter of Grand Designs Australia, the evening was less about the trophies and more about the “rollercoaster” journeys architects and homeowners take to bring ambitious residential projects to life.

A Night of Meaningful Design

The event kicked off with a cinematic atmosphere, set against the warm interiors of the Ace Hotel. Beyond the awards themselves, the night featured poignant addresses that touched on the social impact of design:

• Wayne Viles (UNOX Casa) shared insights into the kitchen’s evolution as the emotional and functional heart of the home.
• Shaun Christie-David (Plate It Forward) delivered a powerful message about using hospitality to provide dignity and opportunity, a theme that resonated with a room full of people dedicated to building better communities.

The 2026 Winners of the House of the Year Awards: Leading the Way

The highlights of the evening were, of course, the announcements of the category winners. These projects stood out for their ingenuity, sustainability, and aesthetic brilliance.

Top Honours of the Night:

• Small New Home (<200m²): Amongst the Eucalypts by Jason Gibney Design Workshop (NSW). This project was hailed as a masterclass in responding to the natural bushland.
• Large New Home: Three Garden House by Parabolica (SA). A poetic design that seamlessly weaves greenery into the very core of the residence.
• Small Renovation: House in Erskineville by Architect George (NSW). An inventive urban transformation that maximizes every square inch of a tight city footprint.
• Large Renovation: Cloaked House by TRIAS Pty Ltd (NSW). A dramatic reimagining of an existing structure that provides a quiet, sophisticated silhouette.

Specialty Awards:

• Best Interior: Yarraville Peak by Weaver+Co Architects (VIC) with Lucy Marczyk Design Studio, noted for its exceptional flow and masterful use of light.
• Energy-Efficiency Award: Presented by Editor Louise Smithers, this went to Ochre House by MyMyMy Architecture (NSW), proving that high-performance, climate-conscious living can also be beautiful.
• People’s Choice Award: The public favorite was Table Top by Pleysier Perkins Architecture (NSW), which captured the hearts of readers with its family-friendly functionality and striking lines.

A Feast for the Senses

The celebration was catered by Plate It Forward, who served a vibrant menu of Sri Lankan and Afghani-inspired canapes, reflecting the multicultural spirit of Sydney. The buzz in the room was a testament to a thriving industry that continues to push the boundaries of Australian residential architecture.

For those who want a deeper dive into these spectacular homes, keep an eye out for the Grand Designs Australia Magazine flipbook, arriving in June 2026, or read more about the winners at the Grand Designs Australia Magazine website.

The post Inside the Night: Celebrating the 2026 Grand Designs Australia House of the Year Awards appeared first on Completehome.

TG Excavations & Unique Pools – 2026 Pool of the Year Awards Entrant

Tucked into a compact 350sqm block in Henley Beach, South Australia, this backyard proves that generous outdoor living isn’t defined by size. Designed with precision and restraint, the pool and landscape unfold as a cohesive retreat where stone, timber, water and planting work in quiet harmony.

From the outset, the owners, a young family with two energetic children, wanted something that felt a little different. Easy maintenance was essential, but so was personality. Working closely with Hutch Landscapes, the design evolved into a space that balances clean architectural lines with softness and warmth, ensuring the pool sits naturally within the garden rather than dominating it.

TG Excavations & Unique Pools delivered a 6.5m x 3.4m concrete pool, its rectangular form softened by gently rounded entry steps. Fully tiled in Carrara White mosaics, the water shimmers against pale limestone coping, creating a light, coastal feel that reflects Henley Beach’s relaxed seaside character. Despite the limited footprint, circulation around the pool is effortless, with every material choice reinforcing the sense of flow.

A standout feature is the stone-clad water wall, fitted with moon-shaped spouts that spill water gently into the pool. More sculptural than showy, the feature adds movement and sound without overpowering the space. Subtle multi-coloured lighting enhances the pool at dusk, while a Silver Top Ash deck introduces warmth and provides a natural transition between water, lawn and planting.

The build came with its challenges. Restricted access to the rear of the property required creative problem solving, with excavation achieved via a neighbouring property after temporarily removing a fence panel. The solution allowed works to proceed efficiently, with all fencing carefully reinstated once construction was complete — a testament to the team’s collaborative and respectful approach.

What makes this pool truly memorable is how completely it uses the available space. Every surface, junction and detail feels considered, from the stonework and decking to the lush planting that frames the pool and softens boundary lines. It’s a compact backyard transformed into a highly liveable, distinctive outdoor room — designed for elevated everyday family life, entertaining and long summer days by the water.

At a Glance

Pool built by: TG Excavations & Unique Pools
Pool design & landscaping: Hutch Landscapes
Size: 6.5m x 3.4m
Heating: AES TDI 26kW heat pump
Cleaning: Dolphin M400 robotic cleaner
Filtration: Naked Freshwater System
Coping: Eco Outdoor Duro Limestone
Tiles: Klay Amano Carrara White 25×25
Lighting: PAL Lighting (multi-coloured)
Decking: Silver Top Ash
Outdoor furniture: Tait Furniture

Company Profile

Owned and operated by Tony Romeo, TG Excavations & Unique Pools has been in business for more than 26 years. The company’s expertise and extensive experience make it a leader in the field.

TG Excavations & Unique Pools specialises in creating exquisite concrete swimming pools, cellars and underwater tanks as well as detailed excavations, site preps, base preps, concrete works, foundations, housing and additions. The company can also provide paving and retaining walls and supply all the equipment needed for your pool. TG Excavations owns all of the relevant machinery, trucks and equipment to accommodate your project, so you can rest assured that everything is taken care of from start to finish.

Tony has been in the building industry for 34 years and employs only highly qualified and professional tradespeople to ensure work of the best quality. Attention to detail is the number-one priority, guaranteeing that clients receive superior service with personalised results. “We limit the number of pools we work on each year to make sure our customers receive our undivided attention through the duration of their project,” says Tony.

With a true passion for his work, Tony will always go the extra mile for his clients and his customer referrals speak for themselves. “The TG difference is that we absolutely love what we do and are always up for a new challenge. We believe there is no project too difficult for our capable team,” says Tony.

He is also available to help with your design, professional requirements and engineering to ensure you are 100 per cent satisfied with the end result.

For more information

TG Excavations & Unique Pools
A: 8 Dan St, Mawson Lakes SA
M: 0418 803 780
E: info@tgexcavationsandpools.com.au

The post Salt, Stone and Serenity appeared first on Completehome.

The old assumption was simple:

Duplex block = no room for a ‘proper pool’

That assumption is ageing badly.

Today’s duplex projects are more design-aware, more compact and more intentional. As Sydney continues to make better use of its land, the question is no longer just how to fit two homes on a block. It is how to make those homes feel complete.

That is where Blue Haven Pools enter the conversation.

• Not oversized pools that eat the whole yard.
• Smarter pools.
• Better-shaped pools.
• Mineral wellness heated pools.
• Acoustic rich therapy with running water wall integrations, mini jet systems and arc deck jets
• Pools designed to work with the home and optimize lifestyle from day one.

In duplex settings, the pool has to do more with less. It has to sit neatly within tighter footprints, respect access and setbacks, and still feel like a considered part of the project. This is where custom concrete design becomes especially valuable.

Blue Haven’s own approach to concrete pool design for duplex homes reflects exactly that shift: design-led pools that suit shared outdoor zones, compact sites and modern architecture. For tighter backyards, their plunge pool designs show how smaller pools can still feel generous when the proportions are right.

The real mistake is not lack of space.

It is lack of planning. Or worse – oversized pools that don’t balance the yard, home and integration.

When a duplex is designed first and the pool is squeezed into the leftovers, the result usually feels compromised. But when the pool is considered early, it can improve the whole outdoor arrangement — circulation, sightlines, entertaining, and how the backyard feels from inside the home.

That is why more duplex projects are making room for Blue Haven Pools in 2026.

Because on a compact block, every square metre has to earn its place. And a well-planned pool does exactly that.

To see how compact-site pools are being approached with more intention, browse duplex pool design and plunge pool ideas at Blue Haven Pools. Blue Haven Pools — built for the way modern backyards actually live.

The post Why More Duplex Builds in Sydney Are Planned around a Blue Haven Plunge Pool appeared first on Completehome.

For years, the pool sat in the ‘too hard basket’ because established houses can often mean restricted access increase the cost to excavate the pool or risks of undermining house footings were largely increased.

When planning a knock down / re-build the access opens and the reality of a concrete pool structure installation becomes a wonderful opportunity and Blue Haven Pools are leading the way in concrete pool two stage builds.

The first stage is structural placement. Excavation, steel, primary plumbing and concrete placement.

The house build then takes shape and when the home is ready for occupation, the finishing touches are done to the pool including tiling, filtration, heating, fencing, interior and filling the pool with water.

Knockdown rebuilds are no longer a niche move. They are a major part of how homeowners are upgrading in established areas, especially closer to city centres, where site constraints matter more and every decision has a ripple effect on access, levels, drainage and outdoor flow.

That matters because a pool is not just a finishing touch.

It is a planning decision.

When the pool is considered early, the project gains real advantages:

• access for machinery is easier
• placement is smarter
• levels and drainage can be coordinated properly
• outdoor areas feel integrated, not pieced together later

When it is left too late, the opposite tends to happen:

• finished work gets disturbed
• access becomes restricted or undermines nearby structures
• layout options shrink
• costs rise because the site is harder to work with

This is exactly why early pool planning has become such an important conversation in rebuilds and major renovations. Blue Haven breaks this down well in its guide on when to install your pool during a knockdown rebuild, especially for Sydney blocks where timing can directly affect cost and construction flow.

The smartest projects in 2026 are not asking, “Can we add a pool later?”

They are asking, “How do we make the house and pool work as one plan from the start?”

That is a much better question. And usually, it leads to a much better outcome.

If you are planning a rebuild or major renovation, explore more practical planning advice and project inspiration at Blue Haven Pools. Blue Haven Pools — plan first, build once.

The post Blue Haven Pools — Smart Planning for a Perfect Pool appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

Windows can capture cooling breezes, promote air flow, welcome in natural light and frame views. The right internal door offers privacy and connects spaces, while entry doors tell a story about your home.

Over the past few decades, windows and doors have become more important in home design. Not just how they look, but how they help to control your internal environment. The industry has also witnessed a significant increase in the amount of glazing used in homes.

Designers realise that throwing open doors and windows offers environmental and health benefits. It reduces reliance on artificial cooling and heating, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. With the rise of the open-plan home there’s more scope to maximise light in interior spaces with windows, doors and skylights.

Glazing also promotes a strong indoor-outdoor connection as we lean into biophilic design in our dwellings and embrace the innate desire to connect with the natural world. Windows and doors have also almost become an artform, with different shapes and styles adding focal points.

Make an entry

A statement door sets the tone for what’s inside and it allows you to add your personality to a space. You could have a door that adds a luxurious touch, or choose something playful and whimsical with a pop of colour, or even a preloved door to add timeless appeal.

In statement doors, there are new looks that are impressing the design industry. New materials, sizes and additional glazing are just the beginning. Their aesthetic versatility means a diverse array of door styles can suit any home. Larger doors are definitely making their mark, with pivot doors taking centre stage. They make a big first impression. Handsome door hardware is the finishing touch to a stylish front door.

External doors that connect to entertaining or exterior spaces are almost always made up of large expanses of glazing to improve connectivity. Form stackers to sliders, single hinged to French doors, there is plenty to choose from.

Internal doors are also available in a plethora of styles. Flush doors are a budget option that can be painted any colour you choose. Panel doors have decorative sections, whether horizonal or vertical. They can also contain glass panels fitted within the frame, adding an elegant look to a space.

You could opt for a glass internal door which, when opened, can connect internal spaces with ease. French doors are a popular option. Sliding and pocket doors are similar. A pocket door effortlessly slides into a wall cavity, so they’re a great idea for small spaces such as ensuite bathrooms. Pocket doors are available in single or double.

Barn doors are a popular option in some contemporary homes. They’re robust space savers with feature tracks above the door frame.

Windows to wow

The window style you choose depends on its location and purpose. Some are designed to capture views or cooling breezes, others to offer privacy and light. There is a vast array of various styles:

• Double-hung have two sashes that slide up or down. They can suit any style of home.
• Slider windows that move from side to side are a go-to style for many homes due to their versatility.
• Bay windows are a distinctive polygon-shaped window that’s a design feature in classic homes.
• Casement windows swing outwards like a door and serve to direct breezes. They look fabulous in modern homes.
• Clerestory windows are often found in architectural homes and are above eye level to invite in light.
• Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing out from the bottom to open. They work well in rainy climates.
• Louvred windows are slatted vertically to allow cooling breezes to flow through.

The sky is the limit

A skylight offers a unique opportunity to allow more light into your abode. Luke Carter from Sandbox Studio says if well located, skylights will bring in an abundance of natural light and help with energy consumption. “An operable skylight also brings in fresh air, improving indoor air quality, reducing condensation and mould issues,” he says.

Inviting in natural light boosts the feel-good factor of your home. It also benefits your health and wellbeing. That’s why Luke says we should be installing them wherever possible. “Ideally, they should be north-facing for solar penetration and avoid west-facing due to glare and heat gain in summer,” he suggests. “South-facing is actually good for uniform light as it provides minimal glare, minimal heat gain, and is well suited to workspaces or kitchens,” continues Luke.

There are also some new innovations in skylights that are providing energy efficiency. Luke says double glazing and Low-E glazing work to improve thermal performance. “There are also solar-powered remote-controlled-operable skylights, which don’t need a separate electrical connection or wiring,” he says. “These also feature rain sensors, so they close automatically.”

Stop that gap

Poorly sealed windows and doors can have a dramatic impact on how efficiently a home is heated and cooled. Edith Paarhammer from Paarhammer Windows & Doors says many people pay thousands of dollars a year to heat or cool their homes, only for the heated or cooled air to escape straight through gaps in the walls and windows. “Older homes are draughty and the air ‘leaks’ at the rate of up to 20 changes per hour,” she says. “Newer homes still have unintentional air leakages of 10 to 15 times per hour.”

In contrast, Edith points out, a high-performance Passive House only allows 0.6 air changes per hour. “High-performance windows and doors that seal very well (feature very low air infiltration) guarantee lower heating or cooling costs,” she says.

When replacing or sourcing new windows and doors for your home, it makes good sense to opt for those that are more energy efficient. Edith says a thermally efficient window has higher energy efficiency, better sound protection, no draughts and improved comfort. Check out the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) for more information.

Opening innovation

There are some new innovations in windows that are gaining traction because of their ease of use, safety features and energy efficiency. Edith says lift-slide doors are a great concept, especially when upsized. “They can be ‘giants’ with up to 400kg per slider and still very easy to operate,” she says. “German-engineered lift-slide-action hardware means your doors will open effortlessly, and once closed, are draught-proof for your comfort.” Edith adds they can have a soft-close mechanism for a gradual, quiet close.

French doors are elegant and timeless. They are designed to open outwards and welcome sunlight into your home. Edith says French doors can also be zero threshold, which achieves high energy efficiency and step-free access. “This magnetic threshold attracts seals that sit within the threshold upwards to the bottom of the door when the door is being closed,” she explains. “It ensures your doors will be airtight, with no draughts or compromising water ingress.”

Windows and doors are also becoming more automated, with apps and special hardware for opening, closing and locking. Edith says as technology continues to evolve, our windows and doors are getting smarter. “Stand-alone systems or those integrated into a higher-ranking building management system are available, with day and night functions, and time- or weather-controlled ventilation scenarios operated via smart phone or tablet,” she says.

Cover-ups

Plantation shutters are versatile and can increase the value of your home with their attractive aesthetic. They’re also supremely practical, helping your home to remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and they allow you to control light levels in a space. An added benefit is they offer an additional layer of security to your windows and they’re great for air flow as you can position the louvres to capture cooling breezes.

Interior designer Carlene Duffy says when applying window furnishings, she takes her cue from the building design and the client. “Sometimes it should be pared back, while in other instances a playful approach with pattern works,” she says. “Repeating patterns in bedding and curtains, for example, is a way to introduce personality and character into spaces that might feel austere. They need some softening and soul.”

Sheer curtains are a fabulous window dressing option. “They come into play to diffuse light and add privacy,” notes Carlene. “We enjoy playing with different colours in sheers; a fine stripe or pattern, for example, makes it more interesting.” If you have a sheer curtain and a block-out, you need to decide if you want the sheer on the outside or vice versa. Carlene says it’s important to consider what the window furnishings look like on the outside of the home.

Beautiful soft Roman blinds are making a comeback in window treatments. Carlene says they can work well when you don’t have enough drawback space for a curtain. “You can, however, see the mechanism from the outside. That’s where we would double up the fabric,” she says.

Other new window dressing options that are gaining traction are bamboo blinds. “These are also becoming more popular,” notes Carlene. “They’re inexpensive and can work well. Another new look that’s emerging is timber shutters. They’re like plantation style but raw timber, rather than the white plantation look,” she adds.

This article was originally published in Home Design 28.1.

The post Door Jam appeared first on Completehome.

Coatings for window and door frames

The story of ADLER Coatings began in 1934 in Tyrol, Austria, when the founder bought a small paint shop. The company today is still a family business steeped in tradition but forward-looking, headed in its third generation, with 730 employees and a yearly turnover of 178.6 million Euro. Innovative spirit, quality awareness, service, and sustainability are the building blocks of ADLER’s success.

Products

Out of 15 product groups, Paarhammer uses 3 groups for windows and doors. These are specialised coatings for indoor and/or outdoor use and include the Aquawood, Lignovit and Pullex product range.

From the Aquawood product range Paarhammer uses Covapro for solid coloured surfaces and Finapro for stained finishes. A colour computer allows Paarhammer to mix colours in-house.

Covapro is a water-based, pigmented finishing coat for solid coloured surfaces, and provides outstanding weathering resistance and permanent elasticity. It performs well because of its high degree of block resistance, excellent impact strength and fast protection against water. Aquawood Covapro guarantees perfect surfaces for many years thanks to excellent weathering resistance and permanent elasticity.

Finapro is a breathable thick-coat glaze stained finish that brings elegance to timber windows while ensuring the best possible weather resistance as it is water repellent. Aquawood Finapro guarantees sustainable and long-lasting weather and UV protection.

Lignovit products are water-based, thin-film wood glazes for industrial and professional use based on acrylate and alkyd resin dispersions. Good weather resistance, uniform degradation due to weathering, extremely breathable. The coating is protected against blue stain and wood-destroying mould, and is excellent for timber facades as well as CLT.

Pullex products are a water-thinnable wood-glaze, based on acrylat-dispersion, have excellent weather and ultra-violet resistance, good permanent elasticity, and high transparency, non-polluting, good blocking stability, are naturally breathing, and without biozides. This range is perfect for small maintenance jobs and recoating as it is easily applied by brush or roller.

Sustainability

At ADLER, sustainability does not just mean protecting the environment – it is seen as much more of a holistic concept and an integral part of the company. It means achieving a balance between the environment, economic factors and people.

As Austria’s leading manufacturer of paints and stains, responsibilities are taken for the health and happiness of their employees, for the earth and the environment, and for the prosperity of the region they manufacture in. They are following the 17 steps the UN has defined for sustainable development.

Environmental conservation is not merely lip service for ADLER but is demonstrated by a host of awards and certifications, within the context of which the paint factory is subjected to stringent checks on a regular basis.

Product safety

ADLER are a reliable partner who attach great importance to having the highest possible safety standards and to protecting the environment. Product safety means guaranteeing the safe handling, worry-free use and correct storage of their products. Customer communication also includes technical data sheets and safety data sheets as well as test certificates and sustainability data sheets.

Innovation

ADLER pride themselves to develop special coating solutions for special requirements – whether for specific materials, exceptional loads or innovative technologies, and for a wide variety of uses, substrates and methods of application. Special solutions for every challenge.

ADLER has grown into a successful international company with branches and trading partners throughout Europe, as well as partnering with Paarhammer as official agent and trading partner in Australia and New Zealand. Should you be interested in purchasing ADLER paint and coatings, please contact our whole-sale company Siegware.

Professional finishes by Paarhammer done in-house.

In a state-of-the-art spray booth, Paarhammer windows and doors are spray-painted or stained in a colour of your choice before all the seals, hardware and glass are installed. Colour mixes are done in-house and applied by the spray-painting robot ‘Francesco’.

Coatings used are ADLER water-based and do not contain harmful substances. The coatings are non-toxic with low Volatile Organic Compounds (low VOC’s), and are especially developed for timber windows and doors.

Ready to talk coatings? Contact us

The post ADLER and Paarhammer: A Partnership Built on Quality and Sustainability appeared first on Completehome.

Blending durability with contemporary style, Gerard’s latest roof panel, Calibre, played a central role in the home’s transformation — proving that technical performance and striking visual impact can work seamlessly together, even in the most demanding coastal environments.

Case Study: Modernising a Beachfront Home

In the midst of Mt Maunganui’s busy main street is an unassuming glass door leading upstairs to a small studio space.  Bright yellow splashes of colour create a vibrant atmosphere in the entry hall where a feature wall is decorated with building designs and concepts.  This is the home of ATA – a New Zealand-based architectural design studio, headed by Adam Taylor.

For the past 12 years Adam has been at the helm of his own studio, first under the name Adam Taylor Architecture, which then rebranded to ATA.  The foundation of ATA’s style is built on equilibrium, drawing in all the elements of design to create a balanced rhythm within each project. This design ethos is paired with a sense of freshness, with each plan bringing in new elements and inspirations to round out the vision.

ATA’s design is widely recognised, with appearances in national architectural publications and multiple awards adorning the office. The team of 5 are proud of their achievements, as Adam reflects, “Weve been lucky enough to win a few national awards through ADNZ. It’s great to get recognition for the work you’ve done, for both yourself and for the team.”

Addressing Coastal Challenges

A prominent project ATA has been working on is the remediation of an existing beachfront property in Mt Maunganui.  The client and her builder reached out to Adam to look at options for upgrading the appearance and performance of the structure which was struggling to cope with the property’s environmental conditions.

The project evolved throughout the design process, ending up with a full reclad of the first floor, redesigned deck and balustrades, and a complete rework of the roof.  The original roof was a concrete tile design, with a large stainless steel fascia.  The roof planes and valleys channelled water through to internal gutters which were undersized for the roof capacity in particularly heavy downpours.  This ultimately led to water-ingress issues over time.

The new roof design increased the internal gutter size and spouting, allowing for a larger water capacity which protected the roof structure from flooding.  The increased internal gutter size created a larger overhang of the eaves, placing a greater visual impact on the roof and the roof design.

Inviting natural light

Light flow was integral to the home’s design.  Windows in the northwest and beach-facing walls are accompanied by skylights and a gable-end window in the roof to allow for a natural glow throughout the house.  The original building design had a prominent chimney obstructing the gable end window, and Adam’s redesign removed this to allow for greater light balance in the living space.  Complementing the natural light flow, the home features a warm roof design which is accentuated with a geometric angled ceiling.  This ceiling creates a subtle texture to an otherwise minimalist room.

Choosing the right materials

Key to the brief, the client wanted a refreshed, modern roof while still retaining the home’s timeless nature.  Adam explains, “In terms of where we wanted to go architecturally, we wanted something that was regular, rectangular and quite striking.  We’d been referencing images of slate roofs, but we just didn’t have the ability to be able to absorb a weight like that, so that’s where a steel tile really comes into its own in terms of a project like this”.

Adam’s passion for new materials and designs led him to Gerard’s latest roof panel release, Calibre.  It had the style and look the client was looking for in the new roof, giving a luxurious and modern aesthetic to the project.

With a width of just over 1.3m, Calibre’s horizontal laying pattern allows for greater flexibility around penetrations, removing the need for backflashing up to the ridge.  Bringing the roofing tight in around penetrations, paired with Calibre’s panelled appearance brings a unique aesthetic to the roof planes. As Adam explains, “I like the fact that being a smaller module compared to your typical long run roofs, it breaks up the mass of the roof.”

A striking finish

Colour selection was crucial for the transformation of this home.  The original silver and grey fascia/roof combination was replaced by warm timber tones across the fascia.  A complementary ebony colour was chosen for the Calibre panels, introducing a striking modern look that retains the project’s timelessness.  Durability of the paint surface and colour in an aggressive environment so close to the coast is crucial for the project to have longevity.  Gerard’s Calibre panels are made of a thick steel core, protected by a zinc-aluminium alloy coating.  After forming, layers of UV stable colour and protective coatings are applied to ensure a clean, robust finish.

Calibre was designed with performance in mind, ideal for a location like Mt Maunganui that endures heavy wind-driven rain and exposure to harsh wind.  Calibre utilises a Concealed Fastening (CF) design, which hides fasteners from exposure underneath an interlocking nose to head lapping method.    This creates a strong matrix of panels, protected against wind and water ingress, delivering high functionality in an environment that demands it.

The project now stands finished, transforming a once ageing roof to a create a refined, welcoming home. Adam says, “Looking at the project now, I’m really happy with how the tile presents aesthetically and how it works with our direction architecturally.  I know the client’s really happy with the look, and the performance is there, so all around it’s been a great choice.”

Project credits

Architect: ATA
Roofing Installer: Roofing Systems
Roofing Manufacturer: Gerard
Photographer: Simon Devitt

For more information

Gerard

The post Elevating Coastal Living with a Modern Roof Transformation appeared first on Completehome.

Home Design magazine recently announced the winners of the Renovation of the Year awards for 2025. This year’s entries showcased incredible transformations across Australia. From small urban spaces to sprawling country retreats, the projects offer plenty of inspiration for your next build.

Overall winner: The Corner Shop

The top prize went The Corner Shop, designed by Kister Architects. This project transformed a derelict shop into a three-level sanctuary. The home maintains its historical character while adding a lush garden courtyard.

Ilana Kister, the architect and homeowner, used glass blocks to replace traditional windows. This change provides privacy while letting natural light fill the interior. Biophilic elements like green roofs and internal screens help bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living.

Runner-up: The Nest

The runner-up spot was awarded to The Nest. This modern cabin began as a run-down shed used for breeding poultry. Homeowner Cecilia Mazadiego rebuilt the structure using recycled materials and concrete.

The design features a loft with a king-size bed and a cosy ground floor. A fireplace and dining table make the small space feel inviting. It successfully blends country aesthetics with modern living.

Energy efficiency prize: Bayside Accessible Bathroom

Heather Schwarz won the Energy Efficiency category. The project involved redesigning a compact bathroom to make it safer and more functional for her son.

Photography: Sophie Tomaras Photography

The new space includes underfloor heating and smart toilet technology. Improved airflow and natural ventilation were priorities for the design. The result is a high-performance room that works beautifully for the whole family.

Outdoor prize: Emery cabin

Missy and Matt Emery took home the Best Outdoor Award for their Gold Coast project. They restored an old cabin that had been neglected for years. During the build, a tornado even tore the roof off the structure.

Despite these setbacks, they created a warm home with a new pool. The rainforest-style cabin features slate flooring and exposed beams. It stands as a great example of what you can achieve on a tight budget.

People’s choice: Peppercorn Residences

The public voted Peppercorn Residences by David and Adele Burke as their favourite.

The renovation added luxurious finishes throughout the property. The homeowners also included subtle Celtic influences as a nod to their Irish heritage.

Standout finalists to watch

Several other projects caught the attention of the judges this year:

• The Johnston home: A North Narrabeen project that opened up a dark house to the sun.
• Allibone bathroom: A clever wet room design that fits both a bath and a shower into a small area.
• Illawong: A Casula home that replaced heavy walls with glass to frame stunning views.
• Eckersall family home: A 40-year-old farmhouse in Arthurs Creek turned into a modern haven.
• Briar Hill: A 70-year-old property saved from being a complete knockdown.
• Auburn parade residence: A Victorian home in Hawthorn East with a new light-filled extension.
• Montrose entertainer: A renovation that added massive windows and endless storage.

Stay tuned for our 2026 Renovation of the Year announcement coming soon. Thank you to our sponsors, our winners, our voters and to all those who entered the Awards.

The post Announcing the winners of the 2025 Home Design: Renovation of the Year Awards appeared first on Completehome.

The door, while impressive in scale, had become a daily frustration due to its weight and difficulty to operate. Fortunately, his architect, Stephen Welsch, recommended our team for the job—and we were excited to take it on.

A Better Way to Slide

After reviewing our lift-slide door system, the client was immediately enthusiastic. Paarhammer lift-slide doors are a minimum of double glazed and designed to glide effortlessly, even at large sizes, thanks to their innovative mechanism that lifts the door slightly off its track before sliding. This not only improves usability but also enhances thermal performance and sealing.

Lift-slide doors are custom made in different Product Ranges from Architectural Timber with Giant lift-slide doors, to Passivehaus to Wood-Alu composite with internal timber for warmth and energy efficiency and external aluminium for low maintenance.

In addition to the door replacement, we were also engaged to supply and install a retractable screen—ensuring the space could remain open to fresh air while keeping insects out. For this we used Freedom Screens which added PetMesh for further durability.

The Challenge: Limited Access

This project wasn’t without its hurdles. The most significant was access. The home’s layout and surrounding environment made it extremely difficult to bring in large components or equipment. Tight pathways, limited clearance, and delicate landscaping meant we had to carefully plan every step of the installation.

We worked hand-in-hand with the client to develop a plan that prioritized safety and precision while keeping disruption to a minimum. The removal of the old door presented a unique logistical challenge—one we tackled with pride. In a memorable moment, the client took part in breaking the glass to lighten the door and make its removal much easier.

Precision Meets Performance

Despite the constraints, the installation went smoothly. The new lift-slide door transformed the space, offering effortless movement and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The retractable screen integrated seamlessly, providing functionality without compromising design.

A Satisfied Client, A Stunning Result

This project beautifully showcases what can be achieved when thoughtful design is paired with skilled craftsmanship. We’re proud to have delivered a solution that not only addressed a challenge but also enhanced the home’s comfort and aesthetic—leaving the owners genuinely delighted.

We were touched to receive this heartfelt message from them:

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the door and the overall result. Huge thanks to Judy, Thomas, and the entire team for taking on what was probably not the most glamorous job. It’s such a joy to have a door that actually opens and closes! I’ll admit, I was bracing for some collateral damage to the floors and walls, but your team was incredible—so careful and precise. Not a single scratch!”

Working on something exciting? We’d love to hear about it. Contact us

Paarhammer products are shipped all over Australia.

The post Paarhammer Windows & Doors Deliver a Seamless Solution for a Challenging Project appeared first on Completehome.

Burglaries are often crimes of opportunity. Most intruders are looking for a house left open or unlocked, making entry easy. Doors and windows that are difficult to get in or break are your first line of defence. As intruders tend to avoid breaking glass due to the risk of injury, good framing and multipoint locking are important for security.

Popular stolen items

Apart from cash, burglars often steal items that are small, light to carry, and that can easily be sold. Such items include jewellery, mobile phones, power tools, laptops and tablets. Car keys are also on top of the list to steal your car from your own carport or garage. Passports and other identity documents are less commonly stolen but can be used to commit identity fraud.

Increasing security

Keeping your property well-lit with sensor lights acts as burglar deterrent. So can an alarm system that goes off and alarms neighbours. Installing a home security system which you can monitor while away, and advertising that your home has cameras with a sign on the fence, gate or wall can also help to increase security. Keeping desirable items out of view is another deterrent as thieves are usually looking for a quick grab and get away.

Doors, windows and locks

Doors with optimal security deter break-ins, whether these are solid doors or glazed doors. Concealed multi-point locking with pin-bolts and hook-bolts is featured in Paarhammer doors, while the energy-efficient Windows offer optimal security by using multi-point metal-to-metal locking. This involves several locking points all around the frame, increasing security and discouraging burglars.

Conventional standard windows withstand experienced burglars for only a few seconds. This does not provide effective burglar resistance. Windows must withstand burglary attempts for much longer to achieve this aim. Because after two to three minutes almost every perpetrator will give up. It is a decisive issue whether your windows are equipped with the necessary ‘power of resistance’. Therefore, the greater the number of locking points, the better the burglar resistance.

For entrance doors, Paarhammer uses the patented German KFV locking mechanism. With this locking system, the door is not only locked via the bolt in the main lock, but also at the top and the bottom. These additional, robust steel round bolts and interlocking hook bolts make the entire height of the entrance door optimally protected against being prised open. Such locking is practical and smart, and can be key operated, fingerprint operated or integrated into a home security system, depending on the model. This makes a home much safer and the entrance door a real nightmare for burglars.

Glazing

Double or triple glazing is not only excellent for energy-efficiency, but also much harder to break than single glazing. Toughened or laminated glass can withstand considerable impact which can delay or prevent entry.

Stay safe and reduce the risk of break-in by making it as difficult and time-consuming as possible for a burglar to enter your home.

Ready to talk about secure windows and doors? Contact us

The post Enhancing Home Security with Paarhammer Windows & Doors appeared first on Completehome.