Place in the sun

When a house provides for plenty of outdoor activities, there is almost no need for a holiday. In this home it is possible to relax by the pool or play a few games of tennis or sit back with a magazine on the upper-floor balcony.

Created by Stonehaven Homes, the design of this house focuses on fostering a relaxed lifestyle. The open-plan kitchen and living area features glass walls, giving views across the pool and tennis court. Sliding doors access the pool patio and garden. A sheltered outdoor area includes a stacked stone wall with a fireplace, enabling year-round enjoyment of the outdoors, says Stonehaven's David Newnham.

"The stone used here complements the natural materials used throughout, such as a highly textured wood veneer kitchen and entertainment cabinet. Underfoot are easy-to-maintain, dark porcelain tiles, which mean the homeowners are able to move freely between indoors and out, without worrying about damaging or dirtying the floors."

These porcelain tiles are laid upon a concrete core slab, which has a hydronic water heating system running through it. This is just one of a number of ways in which energy efficiency methods have been integrated into the design of the house, says Newnham.

"Double-glazed and solar-glazed windows protect the home from losing heat in the winter and keep it cool in the summer. External blinds are also fitted to shade the windows. To reduce the requirement for air conditioning, natural ventilation is provided through the careful placement of operable windows and sliding doors."

Clerestory windows in the main living area let in ample natural light. In addition, a home automation system allows the owners to switch off unnecessary lights or appliances remotely.

A contemporary look is formed by the home's exterior, which is created from a combination of glass, render, natural stone and Rheinzinc cladding. The length of the building is broken by a balcony that can be accessed from the first-floor bedrooms.

The bedrooms also open onto a shared television room and are closely linked to the entertainment area. The master bedroom has its own staircase near the front door, for convenient and private access.

Stonehaven Homes provides a fully integrated, specialist design-and-build service. The client is involved at all stages, from the initial consultation through to completion, to ensure peace of mind.

For further details, contact Stonehaven Homes, 564 Swan Street, Richmond, Vic 3121, phone (03) 9429 2345. Website: www.stonehavenhomes.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas