Tree Change

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When the owners of this stunning country home first approached Wojcicki Constructions to quote on their build, it quickly became apparent that their plans, after 12 months in development, were devastatingly beyond their budget.

Project Manager Yuliya Wojcicki explains: “People are often reluctant to appoint a builder from the start, preferring to work with their architect or draftsman to complete their design first, but in fact, engaging your builder early in the process is the best way to ensure your dream home is realised within budget.

“This is exactly what custom home builders do, and they can find creative solutions during the design process that preserve your budget without compromising your design vision”.

The Melbourne couple, seeking a quieter life in the country, made the difficult decision to scrap their original plans and worked together with the Wojcicki team to design their new home from scratch. Wojcicki Constructions were able to guide them expertly through the whole process to ensure their build was both on trend and on budget.

They envisioned a contemporary barn-style aesthetic for their new home with a seamless separation of living, working and entertaining spaces. A home that would accommodate extended family and friends. The clever design of interconnecting buildings, crowned with a series of attractive gable roofs, affords a unique spatial arrangement, with privacy for both residents and guests, surrounding a convivial central social zone for everyone to gather.

The rich material palette was imagined by the homeowners, who had a clear vision of their desired style, colours and textures.

Colorbond Night Sky products for the roof and wall cladding were supplied by Steeline Bendigo. Silvertop ash timber cladding offers the stark black Colorbond to give the home a modern country feel. This mix of materials has the effect of grounding the building and creates authenticity and harmony with its surroundings.

Cathedral ceilings in the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas, as well as in the master bedroom, create a dramatic open feel, while exquisite timber-clad ceilings enhance the barn-inspired styling.

“This project required a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in the carpentry finishes by Steven Wojcicki, which is really our forte,” Yuliya advised. “Timber panels were cut individually by Steven and finished without timber quads to create a seamless transition between plastered walls and the cathedral ceiling.”

Given the colder climate in this location, the Wojcicki team decided to opt for a higher level of insulation than was recommended, making the home extremely energy-efficient. Additionally, the walls were battened out in between sisalation paper and the Colorbond cladding to create an air gap, which traps air to further boost insulation.

The colour choice of Colorbond steel-clad panelling is as practical as it is beautiful, heating the air trapped within the gap to augment natural heating. Cool in summer and cosy in winter, Wojcicki Constructions’ freshest country abode is equal parts subtle and striking.

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