Client’s brief A modern replacement dwelling designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings while prioritizing high-quality design and sustainability. It is crafted to preserve the site's openness through clever landscape integration, minimizing its environmental impact. The dwelling provides five bedrooms, five bathrooms, an open-plan living arrangement, two studies, reception/family areas, utility, storage, and an integral double garage. Furthermore, the dwelling also includes a guest house with two bedrooms and one bathroom, as well as a pool house/leisure facility. Programme The original 72-week programme was extended due to COVID and lockdown. Following lockdown, there were issues with supplies and extra works were requested by the clients (tennis court, new landscape, etc.). It took around two years to complete with extra time allocated for the landscaping. Materials The construction of the building is based on a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Structure: reinforced concrete + steel frame External walls: concrete block cavity walls clad in natural stone (bonded). First floor has areas of natural stone ventilated facade. Glazing: double glazing with solar protection coating and aluminium frames. Roof and terraces: ceramic finish RAF system Flooring: timber floor for Sky Lounge and Lower Ground Floor. Natural stone for Upper Ground Floor and ceramic tiles for bathrooms. Landscape and access: granite setts and granite stepping stones. Budget constraints The original project had to be adjusted which implied some value engineering and redesign of some areas including removing the pond, heated pool, AC throughout. How the project contributes to its environment Due to the sensitive location within the Metropolitan Green Belt, we carefully considered the scale and massing to achieve less impact than that of the existing. Our strategy was to develop a proposal which integrates within the setting. The dwelling is built into the landscape, so the lower ground floor level is a partial basement opening towards the rear, capturing downhill views over the site. The first-floor element is offset from the external envelope, reducing its appearance. The dwelling adopts a modern flat roof design lowering the roof finish level and reducing its impact. The proposed material palette consists of marble and limestone; natural material providing longevity. Marble stone finishes the lower ground floor levels, meeting the landscape. The upper ground floor has a smooth limestone finish, with contemporary architectural detailing. The mirror glazed box on top of the building containing the Sky Lounge appears as a lighter architectural form, sitting on top of the heavier, grounded form below and nearly disappearing reflecting the surrounding trees and sky. The project aims to minimize waste disposal by treating foul water through a treatment plant and discharging surface water back to the ground. It incorporates a highly efficient Ground Source Heat Pump system that is environmentally friendly, and the house utilizes MVHR to significantly reduce heat loss. The project features high-spec insulation throughout to minimize heat loss. Experience of occupants The clients are proud of the house, the fantastic design (a landmark in the area) and the everyday use of the building.

A batten soffit wraps down to form a screen to provide a sheltered outdoor dining area with obscured views from the neighbouring properties. Photo by Jack Lovel

Featured Product: Nubrik Classic230 in 'Pressed Red' Location: Middle Park, VIC. Structural Engineer: BSH Structural Engineers Bricklayer: Peninsula Bricklaying Builder: Krongold Constructions Architects: Jackson Clements Burrows Photographer: John Gollings

Photo Crivellari

floating stairs
This is an example of a modern staircase in London.

Modern beach side home with butterfly roof, cantilevered canopies and commercial grade aluminium windows. A collaboration between Designtech Studio and Finesse Built. Photo: Scott Harding- hardimage@internode.on.net Builder: Finesse Built Landscaping: Green Team- Building and Consulting

Modern house exterior in Perth.

A plain galvanized roller door gives access to the single garage. The materials are deliberately understated in appearance, appropriate to the laneway setting. Photographer: Carrie Chilton

Ivanhoe House, Victoria La Paloma Miro Architect: Kavellaris Urban Design Photographer: Billy Kavellaris
Modern home in Melbourne.

Design ideas for a modern house exterior in Melbourne.

Lighthouse. by Jesper Ray - Ray Photo

Retro orange wallpaper and 1960s furniture add energy to this funky modern apartment. www.adriennechinn.co.uk Photos: James Balston
Photo of a modern dining room in London.

Febo Garden

Design ideas for a large and white modern render detached house in Essex with three floors, a pitched roof and a tiled roof.

Boy's bedroom wardrobe. This wardrobe was designed by our team and the client for her boy’s room. The design was minimalist but effective and featured large painted slab doors finished in Stiffkey Blue. We crafted the cabinets to fit the space perfectly, including around the existing light fittings. When you open the doors you’re in for a surprise, as the internal deep touch-to-open drawers were painted in a bright orange—enough to brighten up anyone’s day. Alongside large fitted mirrors in the internal doors, the client also added small leather handles which added character to the simplistic design. Photo: Billy Bolton

Inspiration for a modern home office in Sydney.

Postal Photography
This is an example of a medium sized and white modern bungalow concrete detached house in Townsville with a flat roof and a metal roof.

This is an example of a medium sized modern bathroom in Gold Coast - Tweed with a freestanding bath, an alcove shower, blue tiles, ceramic tiles and white walls.

Paul Baker
Photo of a modern staircase in London.