Future proofing for another generation
Making plans to ensure the golden retirement years are hassle free has taken on new meaning with two Perth homes making their mark on old ground in the leafy suburbs of Mt Claremont and Doubleview.
The homes, built by Zazen Building & Design, showcases the best of modern, low maintenance living integrated with sustainable living specifically for semi- retired and retired people. Dipping their toe into the challenging prospect of house and land development for the first time, the owners have achieved an outstanding three bedroom, two bathroom home in Mt Claremont.
Subdividing their large block of land into two smaller parcels of 413sqm and demolishing a modest 1950s style bungalow, the owners dabbled in building their dream home while also being able to sell the remaining piece of land. Zazen Building & Design managing director Dino Colica said the owners of the Mt Claremont home wanted to achieve a modern, contemporary style that provided ample space for indoor and outdoor entertaining.
With about 299sqm of living space including an alfresco, porch and balcony, the double storey brick and Colourbond home incorporates raking ceilings to the living dining and kitchen areas. The feature ceilings provide a sense of height and also contribute to energy efficiency throughout the lower floor living spaces.
Mr Colica said the home was highly functional due to its streamlined design.
“There is a very smooth transition between the living, dining and alfresco areas due to two large bi-fold doors that lead out to the outdoor entertaining areas, Mr Colica said.
“When you close them off it forms two segregated areas in the home and when you open them up you have free form living outside and inside.”
Externally, the builder has applied an acrylic texture finish. The finish differs to standard methods of rendering as the Dulux product is trowelled on instead of painted onto the external surfaces.
A feature pivot entry door greets those entering the home followed by a small foyer area. Rectified porcelain tiles create a linear, modern look to the long hall way that feeds from the front door to the rear dining and living areas.
The long gallery entry passage also features recessed ceilings and bulkheads and acts as a frame that supports access to the downstairs main bedroom, a store room, laundry and staircase that leads to the upstairs bedrooms and family room. Additional features like a marine-grade, high polished stainless steel balustrade for the balcony and stairwell adds to the overall modern look of the home.
In addition, 40mm Ceasarstone has been used for the large bench space in the kitchen while full-height tiling has been incorporated in the ensuite and upstairs bathroom. Mr Colica said the front and rear elevation has been positioned to take advantage of a north south orientation.
“The energy efficiency of the high ceiling in the kitchen and living areas and good orientation has reduced the amount of mechanical heating and cooling required in the home, which was a significant consideration of the owners,” Mr Colica said.
The Doubleview home is also a testament to sustainability and a determination to achieve a home that does not back away from its capacity to deliver convenience, style and luxury. Zazen Building & Design worked extensively with the owners for approximately eight months to achieve the desired design outcome of the home.
Capitalising on ocean views was a challenge that the builder met head on. According to Mr Colica, the builder sought support from all neighbouring properties to ensure that setback and overlooking issues were resolved.
“There is a 1600mm drop from the front of the house to the back so we had to ensure that the home did not encroach on the privacy of surrounding neighbours,” Mr Colica said.
The site works were achieved in two stages, finishing in construction of large brick build-ups to retain the home on three sides. The design of the home included a separate panel of limestone render on the front right hand side to instil extra character on the facade.
Double-hung sash windows on the front elevation ensure adequate ventilation to the second bedroom at the front of the home, while highlight windows were installed for the guest bedroom. Energy efficient glass on the east & west sides provided a solution to the unusual east-west orientation of the home.
Other concessions included installing air-cell cavity insulation to the eastern and western elevations, which was applied within the cavity brickwork to significantly reduce heat transfer through the home.
The master bedroom, located to the rear of the home is close to the large 40m family area, alfresco and kitchen. Other features include a highly polished feature timber sill on the right hand side of the entry foyer recessed wall.
Glazed feature doors lead out to the kitchen, dining and family rooms where recessed ceilings also dominate. Mr Colica said the double-step coffered ceiling extends up to 34 courses in the large family area and contributes to the substantial energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives created for the owners.
Other initiatives include low voltage down lights, ceiling fans, energy efficient glazing and a Bosh eco-plus hot water system. The 6.9 star efficiency system, with condensing technology, has been incorporated into a copper ring main inside the ceiling that is attached to a low energy six-volt pump. This allows for greater water efficiency.
Hot water pumps through the ring main at all times and can be obtained within a much quicker time anywhere in the home than standard systems. A perimeter drop bulkhead wraps around the kitchen creating more depth to the space.
In addition, 30mm quantum quartz stone was used for the kitchen bench tops while glass splash backs and integrated appliances also feature in the eating areas. A scullery flows through to a laundry behind the kitchen.
Access from the family room through to the alfresco is via large sliding glazed doors. Rustic style Caversham bricks were used for the sides and rear of the home, along with a cedar-lined alfresco roof, while a washed exposed aggregate concrete floor completes the homely outdoor areas in style.
Access from the family room through to the alfresco is via large sliding glazed doors. Rustic style Caversham bricks were used for the sides and rear of the home, along with a cedar-lined alfresco roof, while a washed exposed aggregate concrete floor completes the homely outdoor areas in style.
A 250mm framed pelmet hides the mechanisms of future window treatments along the family and dining room walls and captures south-west light. A three-car garage at the front of the home is framed by two recessed limestone inserts that further complement the feature limestone angled wall.
Feature cedar turret roofing at the entrance of the porch adds additional highlights to the façade of the home.