Building on past strengths

Updating a popular home design calls for a close look at how the family unit has changed in recent years, the revised blueprint reflecting this. A similar rethink of the times applies when a design-and-build company addresses a new home design.

Clarendon Homes looks at every aspect of the housing market in detail before updating a design or starting afresh, says state manager Peter Flynn.

"The Kirribilli 48 has long been the flagship of the Clarendon Homes design range, for example," says Flynn. "However, with trends in family life changing, the design has been tailored to accommodate them."

Social indicators show more young adults are living at the family home, largely due to financial constraints, and this trend is reflected in the updated Kirribilli.

"A Princess Suite has been added to the design, constituting a second bedroom with its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite," says Flynn. "This gives a young adult living at home a sense of privacy."

Clarendon Homes further updated the design in response to another trend in family living the increase in extended family living under one roof.

"An aging population has meant that the elderly are living with their adult children. Stairs become an issue and ground floor accommodation is necessary," says Flynn. The renovated Kirribilli offers ground floor guest accommodation privately located at the front of the home. This was the location of the original study, now reworked into the upstairs plan.

Other evolutions in home life are also catered for. The popularity of home entertainment has seen the inclusion of a dedicated Home Theatre room. The large upstairs void of the original design has been transformed into a fifth bedroom.

Renovations also provided the chance to refresh the presentation of the home.

"With a home of this size, it's important to add a sense of warmth. This was done with richly toned carpets and bedroom wall colours," he says. "While many factors have been updated in the Kirribilli, the wow factor has been carefully retained."

A chance to build a completely new design is always exciting for a building company and Clarendon Homes carried out in-depth research before releasing the Cambridge 37.

"The Cambridge reflects an urban metropolitan feel," says Flynn.

The entry has a contemporary pillar reaching to a vaulted ceiling. Downstairs are the lounge and dining, kitchen and family room.

The piéce de resistance is the home theatre, the largest in the Clarendon range. It comes with tiered seating, and while it is a focus of the home, it is tucked away from the central living areas. This ensures movies can be enjoyed without disrupting the rest of the home.

Upstairs are four large bedrooms and a master bedroom, with a walk-in wardrobe and double basin ensuite.

Although the internal entertaining areas are substantial, the Cambridge design accommodates a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for alfresco dining options. With a built-in cooking area and task downlighting, these outdoor areas are suitable for a casual barbecue or a formal dinner party.

The new Clarendon Homes designs showcase the latest interior and exterior features. This interior, for example, has a clever mix of contemporary features and fabrics, sitting well alongside more traditional pieces.

Even the home's landscaping reflects current thinking. At a time when water saving is a priority, the Cambridge landscaping shows how pebbles, timber, mirrored panels and succulents can be extremely effective.

"The Cambridge has all the advantages of an architectural design, but with a more modest price tag," says Flynn.

Clarendon Homes display homes can be viewed at the Parklea Display Centre, Robards Place, western Sydney.

For more information, contact Clarendon Homes Pty Ltd, Norwest Quay 21 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills, NSW. Phone (02) 8851 5300, fax (02) 9629 3711. Website www.clarendonhomes.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas