Right at home

Offering the best of both worlds, this home boasts a classic Federation-style facade and a sleek, contemporary interior.

Featuring a clean, modern interior and a character-filled Federation-style exterior, this split-level family home fits hand-in-glove with the existing streetscape. Blackburn, an established suburb east of Melbourne, is known for its historic areas and beautiful period architecture so the family wanted to ensure their custom-build home would look right at home.

 

“The clients were a professional couple with a teenage son. They wanted a classic Federation exterior that blended with the unique streetscape while the interior needed to be contemporary with a floor plan that would cater for the way the modern family likes to live,” explains Anthony Jackson, General Manager of Busby Homes. “They found us online and after browsing our website, they were impressed by the wide variety of styles shown, in particular our custom-built weatherboard homes.”

 

The initial consultation with a Busby Homes designer was followed by multiple meetings to develop the conceptual design and then refine that design into a new home proposal and price estimate. Detailed drawings were then developed, an appointment with Busby Homes’ interior designer arranged to choose colours and materials, and a contract signed.The home’s Federation-style exterior is in a traditional colour palette with low-maintenance James Hardie Linea board external cladding used. Says Anthony, “This ensures the house blends with the streetscape while still presenting a striking exterior façade. “Inside the home we used solid timer flooring throughout, which is in keeping with the period-style exterior yet contemporary. Clean, modern lines were delivered in myriad ways, such as through the vinyl wrap kitchen cabinetry and composite stone benches. This is also a home that is light-filled and airy thanks to the use of high ceilings and well-placed windows.”

 

 

Of the challenges, Anthony says, “Significant planning restrictions included tree protection zones, difficult access to stormwater, the requirement for a storm water retention system and the need to adapt the Federation style to work with the slope of the land. The latter we addressed by making the home split-level.
“Problems were resolved by diligently working through the planning restrictions and coming up with practical solutions that wouldn’t impact the look of the home’s surrounds. For example, we installed a mechanical solution to address the stormwater issue. This incorporates stormwater pumping systems and a pond feature in the rear garden that cost-effectively deals with stormwater retention requirement.” As to the tree protection zones, Busby Homes was able to adapt the design of the home and use the existing trees to best advantage. The trees not only provide shading to the house, they give the property an appealing bushscape look and feel.

 

EXPERT TIP: If you have a block of land with restrictions or limitations, seek a true custom builder who can not only construct your dream home but has the skills necessary to design your vision resolve any issues

 

“The design and build outcome was achieved by maintaining a good relationship between the clients and the busby Homes team,” says Anthony. “This meant that the clients’ vision was achieved while delivering a beautiful, high-quality home that met the planning and site restrictions.” Now the family have a home that offers the best of both worlds; one with an easy-flowing interior layout and modern inclusions and an exterior that captures the charm of yesteryear.

 

The facts

The figures

The details

Subscribe To Our Newsletter