High exposure

Urban renewal projects form a significant part of many developers' portfolios today. As city land values increase, it makes good commercial sense to utilise former industrial sites for housing. And when the land is close to the city, that housing is likely to reflect its desirable location.

The project featured on these pages is a case in point. Developed by Mirvac and designed by the company's own architects HPA, Edgewood Estate at Cabarita Shores in Sydney comprises houses, townhouses and apartments.

Formerly the site of a Dulux paint factory, today the suburb features a collection of high-endhouses, designed to meet the demands of a discerning market.

HPA design director Malcolm Sholl says the houses have been constructed in stages. Homes in the first stage feature several traditional elements, including hip and gabled Wunderlich terracotta roofs that reflect the design of the original houses in the area built around the turn of the last century.

Homes in the second stage of the development, nearer the Parramatta River, have a more contemporary look and feature a painted brick finish and Monier concrete tiles in the Traditional profile.

Sholl says the profile and colour of the Monier concrete tiles provided both the look and the variety that was needed for the project.

"Even though there is a unifying look to the houses, we wanted to give the owners some sense of identity," says Sholl. "The colour variations, different roof forms and different sun control systems help to achieve this."

For the roofing, the colour variation is provided by Monier Traditional roof tiles in Blue Gum, Cottage Grey, Turkish Red, Sahara and Midnight.

The tile choice also reflects Mirvac's desire to choose a long-lasting product, says Sholl.

"Mirvac only specifies quality products with a proven track record," he says. "Specification is governed by the need to ensure that construction materials have a long life expectancy."

CSR Roofing says that when its concrete tiles are correctly installed, they are impervious to strong winds, fierce heat, snow, ice and salt spray. The roofing incorporates Monier's Flexible Pointing system, which eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners and helps prevent leaks.

For further details, contact CSR Roofing's dedicated Architectural Hotline, phone 1300 851 588. Website: www.monier.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas