Tag: hardwood

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Architecture Design House Tours Styling

Peek inside this modern country home with stunning mountain views

Modest in size and rural in sensibility, this home in Albury’s East Street blends natural and modern aesthetics. Kerstin Thompson Architects took inspiration from the surroundings and all that nature has to offer when designing this single-storey evocative and finely crafted, climate considered house. 

“The client had chosen the site many years earlier because of its sweeping views to Mt Huon. The design of the house frames and captures these stunning views,” says Lynn Chew, of Kerstin Thompson Architects.

An environmentally responsive building envelope, it can open up or shut down via sliding cement sheet screens, louvres and windows. These features allow the home to adapt to the extremes of Albury’s climatic variation. 

“Adjusted to the slope of the land, the house is arranged along two terraces, an upper and lower one, which organise functions and differentiates between a warmer north side and a cooler south side,” Lynn continues. “The stepped floor, in combination with the roof angle, create living spaces that are shady in summer, sun-filled in winter and completed by magnificent views south towards Mt Huon.”

In a desire to capture its rural setting, the material palette is robust and direct, with concrete, bricks, and cement sheeting used for for interior linings and joinery. A restrained palette of darkly stained plywood, raked cement-sheet ceilings and matt sheen concrete floors further enhanced the spaces.

Keeping in mind the material palette, the architects knew that timber would complement the aesthetic of the home perfectly. Having worked with Big River Group before, they used Armourpanel Blackbutt hardwood lining on the doors and walls, which injected warmth into the home. The Blackbutt panelling is also a fire resistant wood, responding to the bushfire prone location.

“The timber walls and joinery are a feature of the residence. Not only do they complement the concrete and cement,” Lynn explains, “they also visually connect with the colours of surrounding bush environment.”

The natural masterpiece has already won awards, taking home both an AIA National Award and an AIA NSW Award in 2020.

For more information.

Tree house makes most of light and views

Designing homes in the conservation area of Sydney’s Haberfield comes with its challenges. ‘Treehouse’, with its precise detailing and a sensitive approach to the streetscape, has captured a flawless combination…

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RENO ADDICT

First stained engineered flooring featuring Australian timber

Lovers of European-inspired stained wood flooring can now get the look with home-grown Australian hardwood species. The new contemporary stained range from Boral is a first of its kind, featuring local (and certified sustainable) Blackbutt and Spotted Gum timbers.

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High quality, and easy to install, the metallon boards are inspired by the aesthetics of precious metals, transforming the earthy beauty of Australian hardwoods into the colours of Copper, Tungsten, Pewter, Cobalt and Titanium.

“Stained engineered floors are extremely popular and when matched with the natural beauty of Australian species, prove to be a versatile and multi-dimensional timber flooring solution that aligns with evolving Australian architecture and design trends,” said Leon Travis, national sales and distribution manager at Boral Timber.

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Using the click-lock installation system, the hard-wearing Blackbutt and Spotted Gum boards are pre-finished for minimal fuss and mess. The boards can be sanded back for a more natural finish or re-stained.

Prices start at $114.38 per m2 (not including installation). Click here for more info.

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Architecture Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Is decking the answer for inner city dwellers tight on space?

For the many inner city dwellers squeezed for space a well-designed deck may be the answer to getting the most from outdoor areas. Decking is a versatile and durable option for creating comfortable outdoor zones, and with proper planning and design a deck will form a natural connection to indoor areas.

Boral Timber Spotted Gum Henley Deck (low res)

Leon Travis from Boral Timber offers the following advice for urban homeowners planning a deck:

1. For a smoother transition from the home’s interior, consider a decking timber species that is no darker than interior flooring. Timber is simple to treat and darken at a later stage if desired; however a naturally dark timber cannot be lightened if homeowners change their mind. Also, consider the direction of interior flooring. Installing timber decking boards accordingly helps to maintain consistent design and flow from indoors to out. Blackbutt species is a popular choice and is available in flooring and decking boards.

Boral decking - New England Oak species

2. When choosing timber it is important to bear in mind that only certain species adapt well to decking. Australian hardwood decking is well suited to the Australian climate — from the suburbs to the city.

3. The size of the deck will also contribute to how practical it is. Will it fit a table and chairs, a barbecue, a herb garden or serve as a safe children’s play area? For year round use, consider a weather or shade cover, such as a retractable awning or more permanent shelter, depending on the aspect of the home and how much exposure to the sun it receives at different times of the day. Remember, the angle of sun will also change from winter to summer.

Boral Timber hardwood decking - River Reds1

4. If space is limited consider how the area beneath the deck can be used. Depending on the deck’s elevation it can be designed to serve as a functional storage space for outdoor furniture, garden supplies or sporting equipment.

5. Designing and installing a highly functional urban deck can be a complex undertaking, so using a licensed builder is recommended.

For more information.

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Interviews

Michael Hayes: passionate about furniture, design and the environment

In a time when many people buy cheap, plastic, imported furniture, I think it’s really important to highlight the dying crafts of local furniture makers like Michael Hayes.

michael hayes 2

You know my blog is not about being snobby or saying you can or can’t buy whatever you like at whatever price, and I realise many readers can’t afford to invest in a handmade timber dining table, for example. But one day, when you can, I’d love you to think about saving up for something that will last you generations.

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