All in the family

Sustainable initiatives influenced the design of the new GJ Gardner Homes show home, which caters to family living on a grand scale

Long Bay Dining dining room, floor, furniture, home, interior design, property, real estate, room, table, window, window covering, gray — Long Bay Dining

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Modern living room - Modern living room - floor, flooring, furniture, hardwood, home, house, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, table, window, gray

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Spacious Living room provides 2.7m high celings - floor, home, house, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, window, gray

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The secret to a successful show home lies in making you feel as though you are walking into a home, rather than a house.

That's exactly what this new show home does. The new GJ Gardner Homes show home in Long Bay was designed and built for the family, says Tony Houston, owner of the North Shore franchise.

"With three living areas, five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this is a generously sized home," Houston says. "But the flowing layout, wood flooring and light airy interior ensure it feels warm and inviting."

Contemporary bathroom architecture, bathroom, bathroom cabinet, floor, home, interior design, room, sink, gray — Contemporary bathroom

Houston says the sustainable design features are creating just as much interest as the architecture and interior design. These include double glazing and increased insulation in the walls. The house also features energy-saving LED lighting throughout, and has a heat pump hot water system.

"Passive design is another plus. The living areas are sunny in winter, which helps to warm the interior. And because the open-plan family living area opens out to the rear, privacy is ensured."

Other features include 2.7m-high ceilings, a designer kitchen with separate scullery, a master suite retreat with a walk-in wardrobe, and a separate children's wing with its own bathroom and television lounge. There is also a bedroom suite with its own entry on the ground floor.