THE FURLAN RESIDENCE - 2014 Master Builders Regional Building Awards
(Best Custom Home $300,000 - $400,000)
GALLERY
SCOPE OF WORKS
TS Constructions were provided with plans by the client to construct a 225m², family home on 20,000m² rural block in Grantville.
The home consisted of a feature master bedroom with wrap around, square set bulkhead encompassing the room. An oversized ensuite has a feature, elevated, freestanding bath with spectacular views over the surrounding bushland, an oversized shower and double vanity unit. Underfloor heating has been included to take away the chill on winter morning. Completing the master bedroom facilities is a long, double sided walk in wardrobe with extensive cabinetry.
The main living area features vaulted, cathedral ceilings with exposed, Oregon-timber beams and eco-friendly bamboo flooring. The stone clad, full height fireplace contains a Regency Bellervive in-built wood heater. Facing north-west are double opening doors with fixed gable windows above which flood the room with natural light. A merbau deck leads off the living room, bringing the outdoors inside.
The kitchen layout has taken advantage of the generous space provided in the design, with ample room for preparation and storage. The cabinets are 2-pac satin white by Laminex with colonial square profile. A large, fully fitted walk in pantry provides ample storage. Essa stone bench tops and an under mount sink complement the cabinets and provide a clean and clear surface to work on and stainless steel European appliances have been included. Set off from the meals area is a snug study area. A discrete and quiet TV room can be found off the entry foyer, adjacent to the main living area, rounding out the living space for the family.
Two additional bedrooms are provided, each with built in robes and a shared, central bathroom.
The house has been constructed to meet a BAL 29 Bushfire Rating, with the 80m² of decking constructed on concrete stumps with kiln dried hardwood bearers and joists and 90mm merbau timber decking and stainless steel fittings.
Two water tanks have been included; required as mains water was not connect to the property. The tanks are 10,000 litres (non-potable for fire-fighting and external use) and 20,000 litres (underground and potable) respectively. Water for potable needs is treated using a Puretec Ecotrol EMR2-40 Highflow UV treatment system connected internally to the house. An Econocycle ENP 10/2 septic system treats waste water and sewerage preventing contamination of the surrounding environment, as sewerage services are not available. The water heating unit is solar powered and electrically boosted.
The house has achieved a rating of 7.6 stars and meets the requirements of a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of BAL29.
The home consisted of a feature master bedroom with wrap around, square set bulkhead encompassing the room. An oversized ensuite has a feature, elevated, freestanding bath with spectacular views over the surrounding bushland, an oversized shower and double vanity unit. Underfloor heating has been included to take away the chill on winter morning. Completing the master bedroom facilities is a long, double sided walk in wardrobe with extensive cabinetry.
The main living area features vaulted, cathedral ceilings with exposed, Oregon-timber beams and eco-friendly bamboo flooring. The stone clad, full height fireplace contains a Regency Bellervive in-built wood heater. Facing north-west are double opening doors with fixed gable windows above which flood the room with natural light. A merbau deck leads off the living room, bringing the outdoors inside.
The kitchen layout has taken advantage of the generous space provided in the design, with ample room for preparation and storage. The cabinets are 2-pac satin white by Laminex with colonial square profile. A large, fully fitted walk in pantry provides ample storage. Essa stone bench tops and an under mount sink complement the cabinets and provide a clean and clear surface to work on and stainless steel European appliances have been included. Set off from the meals area is a snug study area. A discrete and quiet TV room can be found off the entry foyer, adjacent to the main living area, rounding out the living space for the family.
Two additional bedrooms are provided, each with built in robes and a shared, central bathroom.
The house has been constructed to meet a BAL 29 Bushfire Rating, with the 80m² of decking constructed on concrete stumps with kiln dried hardwood bearers and joists and 90mm merbau timber decking and stainless steel fittings.
Two water tanks have been included; required as mains water was not connect to the property. The tanks are 10,000 litres (non-potable for fire-fighting and external use) and 20,000 litres (underground and potable) respectively. Water for potable needs is treated using a Puretec Ecotrol EMR2-40 Highflow UV treatment system connected internally to the house. An Econocycle ENP 10/2 septic system treats waste water and sewerage preventing contamination of the surrounding environment, as sewerage services are not available. The water heating unit is solar powered and electrically boosted.
The house has achieved a rating of 7.6 stars and meets the requirements of a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of BAL29.
QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION
The house has been constructed to the highest level of finishes in all aspects. Each component of the build was constructed with the best possible materials whilst remaining within the budgetary requirements of the client.
The main living area with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace has been exactingly and painstakingly finished. The polished floors create a connection between the different areas of the home and have been finished to a high standard.
Heated towel rails and a raised and freestanding bath with sweeping rural views is a feature of the generous master bathroom. A double sink, towel recesses in the wall and a generous showering area complete this superb retreat.
The kitchen has been finished to an exceptional standard and is generous in proportions and packed with storage options.
The main living area with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace has been exactingly and painstakingly finished. The polished floors create a connection between the different areas of the home and have been finished to a high standard.
Heated towel rails and a raised and freestanding bath with sweeping rural views is a feature of the generous master bathroom. A double sink, towel recesses in the wall and a generous showering area complete this superb retreat.
The kitchen has been finished to an exceptional standard and is generous in proportions and packed with storage options.
CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
The clients had exacting requirements for their dream home and were quite firm in remaining true to their design and lifestyle intentions. Their original design was provided to TS Constructions who were charged with the task of delivering to the vision.
The project manager, Stephen Howell, kept the client informed of all aspects of the build throughout, with regular site meetings, phone conferences and email correspondence.
Few issues were encountered during the build. Access was a problem during a particularly wet period and a slight redesign of the original slab was required, both of which slightly delayed the project but were resolved to the satisfaction of the client.
The project manager, Stephen Howell, kept the client informed of all aspects of the build throughout, with regular site meetings, phone conferences and email correspondence.
Few issues were encountered during the build. Access was a problem during a particularly wet period and a slight redesign of the original slab was required, both of which slightly delayed the project but were resolved to the satisfaction of the client.
DESIGN
The design of the home allowed for zoned living and provides a variety of living spaces for the owners and their family. The heart of the home is the living room. With its close proximity to the kitchen and sweeping rural view it provides a balance between design impact and usability. The master suite is a triumph in luxury, designed with a freestanding bed as a centrepiece and bulkheads around the perimeter creating further visual interest.
The house was constructed on a waffle pad insulated slab which led to a quicker construction with less need for excavation or trenching. Large windows to northern aspect provide winter lighting, with oversized, 600mm eaves built to provide shade during summer. The most used daytime areas of kitchen, living and home office have been sited to the north to increase passive heating opportunities during winter. Artificial heating and cooling have been provided for, primarily with an efficient, reverse cycle airconditioning unit and backed up by a solid fuel wood heater with built in fan. Ceiling fans have been used to move warm air down from the vaulted ceilings in winter and to create cooling breezes in summer
The choice of blockwork for the external construction adds to the thermal efficiency of the home, and double glazed, thermally improved windows rated to a BAL 29 level complete the design elements.
The large, timber deck that runs across the northern side of the house and is accessed via the master suite, living areas and study
The house was constructed on a waffle pad insulated slab which led to a quicker construction with less need for excavation or trenching. Large windows to northern aspect provide winter lighting, with oversized, 600mm eaves built to provide shade during summer. The most used daytime areas of kitchen, living and home office have been sited to the north to increase passive heating opportunities during winter. Artificial heating and cooling have been provided for, primarily with an efficient, reverse cycle airconditioning unit and backed up by a solid fuel wood heater with built in fan. Ceiling fans have been used to move warm air down from the vaulted ceilings in winter and to create cooling breezes in summer
The choice of blockwork for the external construction adds to the thermal efficiency of the home, and double glazed, thermally improved windows rated to a BAL 29 level complete the design elements.
The large, timber deck that runs across the northern side of the house and is accessed via the master suite, living areas and study
EXECUTION OF DESIGN
The design has stayed true to the clients’ intentions. Their home has the space, light and ambiance that they were seeking, with lower running costs and a smaller impact on the environment.
The windows flood rooms with light and bring warmth to the natural timber and stone that has been used extensively. Although a highly efficient home from an environmental point of view, it still retains the feel of a quality home with exceptional and luxurious finishes. Simple elements, such as the raised floor around the freestanding bath, provide a feeling of luxury.
The windows flood rooms with light and bring warmth to the natural timber and stone that has been used extensively. Although a highly efficient home from an environmental point of view, it still retains the feel of a quality home with exceptional and luxurious finishes. Simple elements, such as the raised floor around the freestanding bath, provide a feeling of luxury.
VALUE FOR MONEY
The clients were pleased with the end result, as they now have a highly sustainable, family home in an idyllic, rural location.
Rural homes subject to Bushfire Attack Levels of 29 can rapidly become costly, with additional requirements mandated such as decking types and window finishes. TS Constructions were able to contain these costs through careful management of materials and fixtures and provided the owners with a large home that represents exceptional value for money.
Where costs could be contained, such as the slab design and block work external walls, these savings enabled the owners to invest in quality finishes and fittings in areas that were significant to them. TS Constructions competitive tender process ensured that the best sub contractors were selected at the most competitive price, passing the savings through to the client.
The environmentally sustainable features built into the home meant that the build cost was slightly higher than a traditional home, however this will be more than offset over time due to the significantly reduced running costs of a more efficient home.
Rural homes subject to Bushfire Attack Levels of 29 can rapidly become costly, with additional requirements mandated such as decking types and window finishes. TS Constructions were able to contain these costs through careful management of materials and fixtures and provided the owners with a large home that represents exceptional value for money.
Where costs could be contained, such as the slab design and block work external walls, these savings enabled the owners to invest in quality finishes and fittings in areas that were significant to them. TS Constructions competitive tender process ensured that the best sub contractors were selected at the most competitive price, passing the savings through to the client.
The environmentally sustainable features built into the home meant that the build cost was slightly higher than a traditional home, however this will be more than offset over time due to the significantly reduced running costs of a more efficient home.
SUSTAINABILITY
The owners considered the whole of life impact when selecting material, fittings and fixtures to ensure that their home performed well in construction, operation and eventually when it ends its useful life. Some key choices and benefits were;
The home achieved a star rating of 7.6 which costs approximately half as much to run over a standard 6 star rated home. The total energy use per MJ/m² has been rated at 69.7 as compared to a standard home which uses 127.
Beyond pure economic savings, the key benefit to the occupants is that the home maintains a comfortable temperature range year round, with only gradual temperature fluctuations. The configuration of the room layout allows for zoning to maximise the benefits of any additional heating or cooling.
- Thermally improved aluminium window frames selected to reduce maintenance.
- Double glazed windows with a Low E coating to reduce thermal transfer.
- Electric boosted solar hot water system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Bamboo flooring used extensively, which is a renewable and low impact product.
- All framing and trusses were prefabricated from sustainable, plantation grown timber
- Halogen oyster lights were used in bedrooms and service area to reduce ceiling penetrations and reduce drafts and heat loss.
- LED downlights with covers used in living area for lower operating costs.
- Heating ‘tastics’ were used in bathrooms, ducted to reduce thermal transfer.
- Low VOC paints used throughout for air quality
- Sisalation to all walls and roof, taped to prevent draughting.
- BGC plaster with a recycled content used.
- R4.0 ceiling insulation and R2.0 external wall insulation.
- Porcher Cygnet 4 star rated toilet suites for lower water consumption.
- Ram Yeva 5 star rated basin and sink mixers for lower water consumption
The home achieved a star rating of 7.6 which costs approximately half as much to run over a standard 6 star rated home. The total energy use per MJ/m² has been rated at 69.7 as compared to a standard home which uses 127.
Beyond pure economic savings, the key benefit to the occupants is that the home maintains a comfortable temperature range year round, with only gradual temperature fluctuations. The configuration of the room layout allows for zoning to maximise the benefits of any additional heating or cooling.
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS
Frames & Trusses |
Capeview Building Products |
Concrete |
Eli Sheerin |
Steelwork |
Island Steel |
Windows |
Rylock |
Electrician |
Vogue Maintenance |
Painter |
Hoskins |
Plumber |
Plumbers Now COntracting |
Joinery |
Southcoast Kitchens |
KEY PERSONNEL
Project Manager |
Stephen Howell |
Site Manager |
Simon Walkosch |
OHS |
Terry Pearce |
Administration |
Lindy Waldron |
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4 MORTIMER STREET, WONTHAGGI, VIC 3995
PO Box 267 Wonthaggi, VIC, 3995 TEL: 03 5672 2466 EMAIL: [email protected] |
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