Idyllically located in regional Victoria, this collaborative project was inspired by a group visit to the freshly excavated site where builder Hedger Constructions met with the architect, interior designer, landscape designer and clients to inform the narrative of the build. “The group discussed the strength, yet gentleness, of the surrounding hills and how this should be reflected in the design, materials and plant selections,” explains Steven Hedger, director of Hedger Constructions. “From this we aligned on the optimal orientation and spatial organisation for the site, material approach, colour palette and the home’s integration with the surrounding landscape.”

The residence, situated within a private golf course, is designed for Melbourne-based clients as a “lock and leave” country retreat. The clients expressed their desire for a cosy couple’s getaway that could also accommodate larger groups of visiting friends and family. The solution to divide the floor plan into three separate pavilions connected by glass walkways allows the house to be used or closed off as required, while the central gabled roof living pavilion remains connected and intimate. Sleeping spaces branch east and west from the central pavilion, additionally bridged by a rounded terrace encompassing views southward to the Cathedral Ranges.

“The large open living, dining and kitchen area brings its occupants together around the uniquely geometric fireplace which tapers to the roof pitch,” shares Steven. Clad in hand-made ceramic tiles, this dramatic centrepiece of the home is flanked by large-format windows framing the soft and ever-changing forms of the bush beyond.

The floating concrete fireside hearth creates a platform for storage, display and a place of reflection. Here, the perfect window seat is formed with tan leather cushioning, the angled edge of the fireplace creating a comfortable backrest and a rattan pendant casting a warm light, contrasting with the greenery outside.

Sandstone crazy paving applied below the concrete hearth and fireplace adds unique personality to the home. “Integrating the jagged and uneven crazy paving with the blackbutt timber flooring required a meticulous approach,” explains Steven. “This paving was also used in the powder room and the entrance foyer to link the interior of the home to the surrounding hills.”

During the warmer months, the full-height glazing on both sides of the central pavilion is completely opened to expand the living spaces to the deck and natural views beyond. “The relationship between the built environment, interior and outdoors is balanced and in harmony,” says Steven. “Each element exists in its own right and in symbiosis with the other.” This is achieved through activating complementary connections and exploring biophilia to replicate natural patterns within the interior. The result is a calming and easy environment to inhabit.

Externally, the materiality speaks to a country aesthetic and features cement blockwork and metal sheeting detail, which also provide the appropriate level of fire protection required for the bush setting. Internally, the rural feel is expressed via the lofty pitched roof, exposed timber trusses and atmospheric black fixing plates.

Concrete benchtops in the open-plan kitchen contribute a sense of strength, while appliances such as the refrigerator are integrated and concealed within custom cabinetry. This considered approach reflects the simplicity, balance and restraint central to the brief.

“The two adjacent flat-roofed pavilions are constructed from cement blockwork and are mirrors of each other in design, housing two bedrooms and bathrooms,” continues Steven. Despite the echoed form of the spaces, they each provide a unique experience due to their different orientation, views and material palette. “In the bathrooms there are curved walls and niche shelf storage, finished with handmade textural Moroccan tiles,” adds Steven.

“Achieving a seamless finish with these elements required precision craftsmanship from our trades.” Pared-back but highly detailed subtle contrasts of matt and gloss play between the tiling, brass tapware, bespoke concrete basins and custom steel-framed mirrored storage on sliding tracks.

Each of the spacious bedrooms is a restful retreat, with sheer curtains, upholstered bedheads and felt carpet adding layers of softness and warmth. With a colour palette inspired by the native snow gum eucalypts surrounding the home, tones of pale blue, bone and pale terracotta are applied in an organic collage of textures which creates visual interest down to the finest detail.

Thornton Residence, with its “less is more” approach, provides the foundation for retreat without ostentation. Sitting lightly within the landscape, it has been designed to maximise thermal efficiency and draw in the rolling Australian bush beyond. This uncluttered environment provides the homeowners with space to absorb the calm of nature and reset from the bustle of city life in this beautiful dwelling built with distinction.

For more information

Hedger Constructions

Image credit: Derek Swalwell

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Featuring two pavilions and an expansive central entertaining area, this north-facing residence is perfectly positioned to embrace the surrounding landscape. Every Rylock product in the home has been custom-designed to suit the site’s specific conditions, including a wind speed rating of N3 and a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 12.5.

As you step inside, you are greeted by expansive walls of high-performance, low-e double-glazed windows and doors that flood the space with natural light while maintaining a comfortable interior temperature. Fixed Lite and Awning Windows are featured throughout, but it’s the impressive 4-meter-high Fixed Lite Window that truly captures attention upon entry. Framed by a bold central mullion, this striking feature draws the eye upward, creating a dramatic visual link to the landscape outside and blending the outdoors seamlessly with the home’s interior.

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Light, bright and welcoming, this Queensland home was renovated by the experts at Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central. Begging for some TLC, the original single-storey 1980s abode was in a sad state when Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central came on board to complete the extensive renovation. “The house walls were unusually constructed from concrete panels and the floors were in need of levelling and re-sheeting,” says Neil Whittred, award-winning builder and owner of Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central.

The clients, a young professional couple with three young boys, hoped to update their home in an elegant country style that incorporated their own personally sourced fittings (such as lighting and tapware). The home needed to be suitable for a growing family, so a full internal renovation was the best course of action. The most obvious alteration is the open-plan
kitchen, which now sits at the opposite end of the house to its predecessor. Punctuated by a louvred skylight that allows natural light to flood the room, the kitchen’s high ceiling is sheathed in VJ sheet panels and features white rafters, providing a dramatic and airy atmosphere to the heart of the home.

With two-pack Shaker-style cabinets treated to bespoke detailing and a handcrafted copper pot filler above the range cooker — as well as Provence Country tapware by Perrin & Rowe — the kitchen adopts a “country Hamptons” aesthetic that spills into the rest of the dwelling.

A butler’s pantry and laundry with 20mm Carrara Mist quartz benchtops allows the main kitchen to remain clutter-free and highly functional. As with the main kitchen, and indeed the entire home, the butler’s pantry is furnished with gold fixtures and fittings, injecting a sophisticated splash of colour to the neutral palette.

Four spacious bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom, an ensuite to the master and a powder room. The attention to detail in the wainscotting on the walls evokes the desired country style, enhanced by high-spec tapware and quality finishes. “The clients had some great ideas and an eye for quality finishes,” adds Neil. “They knew what they wanted and together we were able to bring their ideas to fruition.”

Externally, the whole property was re-roofed. The home is fitted with colonial-style windows and a Hume Hamptons-inspired front entry door with sidelights. A Stratco patio with HardieDeck and a “cricket stump” custom balustrade from Woodworkers create a welcoming outdoor entertaining area.

From the spacious kitchen and butler’s pantry to the covered deck outside, this renovation proves the prowess of Smith & Sons and reveals the power of perfectly curated fittings.

Architect/Designer: Sketch 3D Residential Design
Builder: Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central
Interior designer: Claudia Lim

For more information

Smith & Sons

Image credit: Eddie Lo Photography

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Blessed with a prime location on Sydney’s North Shore but saddled with an older single-storey home that was far too small and in need of major renovation, the property owners decided the best solution was to scrap the existing dwelling and build something modern, larger and much more comfortable in its stead.

The new home was built for an executive couple with an older child. The duo entertained frequently — both family and friends as well as business associates — and travelled a lot for work. They wanted to be able to come home to a relaxing and luxurious environment, to entertain guests at home rather than having to go out to socialise, and have space to accommodate overnight visitors.

“Given the condition of the old residence and its lack of entertaining space, it made sense to do a knockdown-rebuild and construct a new, contemporary design befitting the location and the way the family wanted to live,” says Craig Sheens, General Manager, Wisdom Homes. “It also made financial sense to build a new home — one with broad appeal that was finished to a high standard, thereby increasing the property’s value should they wish to sell in the future.”

As the block was large and Wisdom Homes’ range of customisable designs diverse, the owners were able to achieve everything they wanted when they chose the Manhattan 55. Of grand proportions, the design offers four living areas plus a designated dining area. The ground floor has a separate home theatre plus open-plan leisure/rumpus/dining zones that integrate with a wrap-around outdoor entertaining space. Complete with butler’s pantry, the stunning black and white kitchen, warmed with feature walnut timber, is the focal point.

Upstairs there is a cosy lounge area and generously-sized bedrooms, each with an ensuite, walk-in robe and built-in desk. The master bedroom is reminiscent of a luxury hotel suite, with a his-and-hers dressing room, freestanding bath and skylight. To achieve precisely what they wanted, extra space was added to the first floor. The ground-level, undercover alfresco was also extended, providing the perfect complement to the new custom-designed pool.

“Building a home is without doubt one of the most exciting experiences of your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful, too. A knockdown-rebuild project adds layers of complexity to this already challenging experience,” says Craig. “I always urge our customers to understand nothing is straightforward with building. We will encounter issues but it’s how we work together to resolve those issues that is what’s important.”

Wisdom Homes has over 20 years’ knockdown-rebuild experience and the advantage of being able to offer the services of Wisdom Pools and Landscaping. This means your new home and pool can be built and completed under one contract and within the same timeframe.

For more information, 

Wisdom Homes 

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The Grandworth Dynasty 43 is Allcastle Homes’ finest example of luxury living on a grand scale. Designed to impress even the largest family, this stunning home offers one breathtaking feature after another.

“It’s a case of where to start,” says Steven Parissis, Sales Manager, Allcastle Homes. “The vast family/meals area overlooking a large alfresco is an entertainer’s delight, while the beautifully appointed kitchen and separate butler’s pantry is the perfect setup for the fussiest cook. And with so many floor plan options, the Grandworth Dynasty 43 is masterfully crafted to cater for every family’s unique lifestyle.”

One size fits all

This is a home that suits larger families and those that embrace multigenerational living. It’s just as well suited to families that want additional flexible spaces, such as an office, and extra storage areas as those that need to provide a family member with privacy — for this, bedroom six has a porch and a separate entry to the home.

“The brief for this spectacular home was to celebrate all aspects of modern contemporary family living, with open- plan spaces big enough for everyone to relish family get-togethers and up to seven or even eight spacious bedrooms for privacy and relaxation. There are also expansive entertaining areas located both upstairs and downstairs,” says Steven.

“Perfect for entertaining, the home has a large open-plan kitchen which flows to an alfresco and a bar area with a wine fridge. The kitchen is the heart of the home and boasts a bold, contemporary palette of crisp white surfaces and dark wood cabinetry, bringing a sense a dramatic designer chic to the space and making a powerful impact. The striking monochromatic styling also serves to effortlessly delineate the zoned areas in the kitchen while drawing the eye to the servery window, which offers a panoramic view of the outdoors.”

A clever and customisable design for growing families, the Grandworth Dynasty 43 offers plenty of options to tailor it to exactly what you need, now and into the future. “The large upper living area can be converted to two extra bedrooms, for example,” says Steven. “You also have the option of a downstairs self-contained two-bedroom unit, a bedroom and sitting room, or a study and media room, which is the option on display. Another option is to add a three-piece ensuite to bedrooms two and three.”

A Broad choice of facades

The display home features the optional Champagne facade in lieu of the standard Edge facade. The Champagne comprises a mix of designer bricks, timber and render along with natural matt aluminium window frames, giving it strong street appeal.

“Helping Australian families experience the dream of luxury living beyond what they imagined possible, has been our mission for nearly 30 years,” says Steven. “Our masterfully built, high quality homes offer a level of affordable luxury that is unrivalled in the industry. With customisation options that cater to every conceivable lifestyle, you can truly make it home with Allcastle Homes.”

For more information, 

AllCastle Homes 

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nanoeX

With Panasonic’s revolutionary nanoeX technology, residents, staff and visitors to the facilities are enjoying a breath of ‘true’ fresh air as the 24-hour purification acts to neutralise harmful indoor pollutants such as VOCs, allergens, bacteria, mould and viruses, and reduce odours, creating a fresher and healthier living environment.

Australian Indoor Air quality experts Bell Laboratories conducted a detailed air quality analysis of the facilities, collecting samples from multiple locations within each facility before the installation of the revolutionary nanoeX systems, and again two months later. It was found that odours were reduced by approximately 45 per cent and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were reduced by approximately 50 per cent.

Leading mechanical services firm Air Everywhere were commissioned to install the systems. Andrew Barnes, Director of Air Everywhere explained the nanoeX air purification technology – integrated in Panasonic’s new ceiling cassette air conditioning systems – was selected as indoor air quality is always front of mind for aged care facilities.

“As we all focus more and more these days on indoor air quality, and areas of concern such as bacteria and viruses, we are receiving growing interest in nanoeX from a variety of industries including healthcare, childcare and education.”

“Aged care providers see the importance of investing in solutions that deliver real improvements and increased comfort for their staff and residents, however until Panasonic launched nanoeX, these types of solutions were scarce. We are finding the nanoeX solution to be very versatile with the complete air conditioning and air purification package, all the way down to the plug and play solutions.”

Australians are spending more time inside than ever before and indoor air quality is vital to optimise the comfort and health of people of all ages. With VOCs remaining a common pollutant in all indoor settings – released by everything from general building materials, through to cleaning chemicals – Panasonic’s nanoeX technology plays an important part in neutralising common hazardous and harmful substances at particle sizes as small as PM2.5.

The technology also comes with industry recognition from the National Asthma Council Australia’s community program, Sensitive Choice, as an air purifying solution suitable for those with asthma or allergies.

Panasonic’s nanoeX technology is available now in a broad range of air conditioning products to suit both residential and commercial applications, as well as a standalone retrofit solution.

For more information

Panasonic

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Aunique blend of 1960s architecture and modern industrial design has given rise to a contemporary family home with clean lines, a monotone colour palette, award-winning polished concrete floors, warm timber accents and a breezeblock feature wall that gives privacy from the street.

The home, which was designed by Salt Construction Co. in partnership with building designer Peter McPhee, features bold, simple lines so it was imperative that the execution of every finish and detail be of the highest standard.

This simple three-stacked block design was devised to allow the family to make the most of the Queensland weather. This manifests itself in a myriad of ways: the garden views from each living room, ease of movement between indoor and outdoor living spaces, and a super-sized daybed window overlooking the swimming pool.

Between the living and kitchen area a dropped ceiling covered with James Hardie’s Stria exterior cladding gives the illusion of two intersecting boxes. While this achieved a simple yet stunning visual effect it was a significant construction challenge requiring extra battening for the unorthodox direction of the cladding. It was also a heavy product for a ceiling installation; however, the Salt Construction Co. team was delighted with the result and consider it pivotal to the ‘stacked box’ concept.

Offering the ultimate in flexible family living, the versatile floor plan comprises five double bedrooms, a master ensuite, main bathroom, powder room, three separate living areas, a family study area and a custom-built cinema. The hub of the home is a designer kitchen with a generous butler’s pantry and wraparound breakfast bar for casual family dining. There is also a generous outdoor area with a pool, spa, cabana and custom-built kitchen plus a one-bedroom studio that can be used as a granny flat or home office.

In designing the home, it was imperative that the spaces feel intimate and comfortable whether accommodating the family of five or larger numbers. Emphasis was also placed on having abundant built-in storage and custom cabinetry. This includes a purpose-built ‘drop zone’ for personal belongings, a mobile charging station and gift wrapping storage. Moreover, there is a mud room. This is a transition space between the garage and main living area and it includes specific zones for each family member.

Positioning the required four-car garage at right angles to the street frontage prevented it from becoming a dominant feature, provided access from both sides and created space for a separate built-in garden shed with roller door.

Equal consideration was given to the ongoing running costs and energy efficiency of the home. During construction, a 16,500L underground water tank (which all storm water pipes run to and where the irrigation, toilets, external taps and laundry are all serviced from), a 25kW solar system, and energy-efficient lighting were installed to reduce water and energy bills. There is also a 300L Evacuated Tube Hot Water System which provides the best solar gain on the market. The breezeblock wall (which provides a thermal break from the western sun) and the installation of louvre windows, window hoods and high-density insulation to walls, ceilings and floor cavities (minimum 2.7–3.5 R value and a 60mm anti-con blanket to the underside of the roof), help to control the temperature within the home and reduce the use of air-conditioning.

With an eye to futureproofing the home, it is wired for complete automation, encompassing all entertainment systems, exterior lighting and the security system. The security system includes an alarm and high-definition cameras backed up to the home hub.

Thoughtful planning and quality construction of this home is well suited to a relaxed family lifestyle, whether in day-to-day living or entertaining.

Salt Construction Co.

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The selection of possibilities is growing all the time: inground pool or above, concrete or fiberglass pools, painted or tiled, infinity edge swimming pools or lap pools.

The key to making successful financial decisions is to conduct your research first. So if you are keen to install a pool in your backyard while building your home, you should apply this process too. Yes, swimming pools may add a significant cool factor to your home, but there are a few things to think about before taking the plunge.

Here are six pillars of consideration when buying a house with the intention to build a pool:

Before bidding at the auction or making an offer, we get asked every day — are swimming pools feasible on this block? We evaluate different site factors to ensure its feasibility on the pool installation site. Based on our experience, here’s some advice you can consider:

1. ACCESS: Check the access size for machinery. How will the machinery access the backyard to dig the inground pool? Are there any restrictions on bringing in materials? Restricted access will add costs for machinery and hand labour, so you will need a bigger budget for the pool installation.
2. BUILT UPON AREA: For total softscape and hardscape, each council zone has special conditions around the amount of hard surface and landscaping allowable. If the whole block is already concrete or built upon, it is unlikely that the council will allow a pool to go in without ripping up some concrete and replacing it with some greenery.
3. UNDERGROUND SERVICES: Sewer lines and easements that cut through the block pool area will need to be diverted or encased. The only way to know is by looking at the sewer diagram, and if you think the asset will affect the inground pool position, you can order a sewer peg out on the property to show the exact depth and location. This will help you plan with precision. Also, consider the general distances from the sewer manhole required for you to establish. The standard is at 2.6 metres. Before going to auction, do your due diligence and look at all the diagrams.
4. SOIL CONDITIONS: Soil conditions such as sand and rock will add to the total cost to build a pool. A clay site is relatively standard, but runny sand needs additional structural work and forming up. Rock excavations can also add costs for rock breaking and are usually charged per cubic metre rate. Both rock and sand can add $5000 to $10000 to the budget, depending on the pool and site elevations. A Geotech report may help identify what is seated underground, but it can also add costs. With this at hand, be sure to ask the real estate agent if they have a Geotech report on file for review.
5. LEVEL OF LAND:  If your pool installation site is a standard flat-level block with open access, then prices will remain the same. If the land is on a slope, structural costs may change. Good swimming pool builders will design a pool to suit the elevations without blowing the budget. This makes choosing an excellent builder crucial so they can advise on all kinds of pool structures and not just fiberglass, as fiberglass pools on a sloping block may cost a fortune to retain.
6. STREET PARKING & CRANE LIFTS: Installing fiberglass pools can be costly. Be mindful of power lines, double story lifts, traffic control requirements, busy streets, loading zones, and the like during the planning process.

We’d like to be part of your journey of bringing the swimming pools of your dreams to life. For a free pool installation site appraisal, take our 5-min property quiz and share the relevant documents.

For more information

Blue Haven Pools

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Acreage Home Designs

If you aspire to live amongst a classic country setting of rolling hills or sweeping, picturesque vistas stretching across a coastal landscape, you will love exploring the Country Living Collection by McDonald Jones.

The Country Living Collection is an extensive range of thoughtfully designed and beautifully considered acreage homes which offer the ultimate in family living through spacious, flexible, and stylish architectural designs.

Great acreage designs add an unquestionable luxury to the single-storey lifestyle with an abundance of space, flawless practicality, and flexibility for modern day living.

Acreage Floor Plans

After almost two decades of building grand acreage homes, the McDonald Jones architects have continued to redefine acreage design with a commitment to creating new and innovative acreage floor plans which complement the existing designs within their Country Living Collection.

Let’s take a look at newest designs within the Country Living Collection;

The Cumbria floor plan is perfect for smaller, modern acreage blocks. It features all the elements loved in a country style home like separate sleeping wings with a central living and entertaining space with an expansive use of glass throughout. This allows you to appreciate your location from any room of this exceptional home design. Explore the Cumbria design here

The Montrose is the epitome of aspirational acreage home design where elements of the three most loved McDonald Jones Country Living designs have been fused to create this brand new acreage floor plan. Elements from the Bronte, Hermitage and Tuscany designs are incorporated to deliver the ultimate acreage retreat, complete with an exquisite master suite, magnificent flowing central living and entertaining space and considered children or guest zone. Discover this design here.

Explore the Country Living Collection from the comfort of your home with the McDonald Jones digital brochure or visit a display home to pick up the printed version of this beautiful brochure.

Luxury Acreage Homes (display locations)

There is nothing like the sense of space, grandeur and freedom that you feel walking through a beautiful acreage home and McDonald Jones’ award-winning display homes have set the bar for luxury and inspirational show homes for over a decade.

If you are thinking about building an acreage home, you have several display homes to visit to get a well-rounded sense of design and impeccable styling.

The beautiful Bronte at Lochinvar has been a favourite in the Hunter for the past decade and was re-furbished from a classic country home to a beautiful coastal acreage home, demonstrating that great design never goes out of style.

The Hermitage at HomeWorld Thornton has also enjoyed a transformation into a classic luxe styled home with rich and opulent textures and finishes used to amplify the luxury and abundance offered throughout this design.

Anchorage at The Bower in Medowie won HIA Hunter’s Display Home of the Year in 2020 and it’s easy to see why. The tranquil coastal styling combined with the impeccable design has inspired many to build.

The Bronte at Braemar, near Mittagong, is a much-loved classic country styled home where the beauty of the country setting is complemented by the space and styling of this home.

We know you will adore visiting McDonald Jones beautiful displays, so find your local acreage display home here: McDonald Jones Display Homes.

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