Urban legend

Strength, durability, eye-catching design and fine finishes have long been prerequisites for clients wanting a design-and-build home. However, in recent times another word has been added to this wish list flexibility.

Clarendon Homes' new Urban range showcases quality two-storey, single-level and split-level homes reflecting current lifestyle needs, says Clarendon's state manager Peter Flynn.

"The houses in the new range differ in their layout, size and presentation but what they have in common is functional design and a strong reflection of what's new in terms of interior and exterior design and materials," says Flynn.

The four new homes offer easy living and plenty of entertaining options.

All homes are generous in size, with the single-level Brooklyn being the smallest at 33 squares. The entry's stone and timber columns reach up to a high roofed portico. The interior is equally striking. It has a relaxed feel, almost like a Balinese spa. Bedrooms are discretely located to one side of the home, ensuring quiet sleeping zones.

"Family and entertaining spaces flow on from one another, allowing them to be used for both large or small gatherings," he says. "The design's versatility includes the option of creating a side alfresco area as well as an outdoor entertaining area at the rear of the home."

The Terrigal, like its namesake, is a home to unwind in. Its narrow width makes it appropriate for many block sizes. Although double storey, the staircase is streamlined and minimalist, in keeping with the rest of the home's clean lines and uncluttered appeal. At 35 squares it is a generous home, incorporating everything a family would desire.

Upstairs are four bedrooms and a television/rumpus room, while downstairs there is a formal living area at the front of the home and a study tucked away to ensure privacy. The rear of the home is devoted to casual living areas and there is plenty of room for a large alfresco area within the design footprint.

The option for an alfresco area is offered in all of this new Urban range," says Flynn. "People want bigger windows, more glass and the line between outside and indoors is becoming increasingly blurred," he says.

In keeping with this, the Brightwater design has expansive feature windows, allowing for plenty of natural light and to maximise views.

"This 39 square design makes a strong visual statement and again has the emphasis on versatile living areas," Flynn says.

The split level Saratoga, at 41 squares is the largest in the Urban range.

"The entry corridor leads you past the formal living and dining, through to the meals, family and alfresco area," says Flynn. "There is also a rumpus, study and internal laundry at this level, while upstairs is allocated to sleeping areas only. The main bedroom has an ensuite, large walk-in wardrobe and its own private balcony. With a double garage this home is only 12.3m wide, reflecting a growing need for narrow footprint designs.

"All of these homes reflect the latest in interior and exterior design trends," says Flynn. "Clarendon prides itself on being design-and-build innovators and our Urban range shows a real design shift, with a clear focus on function. Clients want adaptable space in their homes, rather than large void areas that are under-utilised."

He says the Urban range uses materials like stone, timber and glass, both inside and out and there is a working correlation between exterior materials and interiors. Windows are used as prominent design features, being highlighted rather than blended into the general design scheme.

"Clarendon Homes has been building award-winning designs for more than quarter of a century and the Urban design range reflects the quality of workmanship and attention to detail we are known for," says Flynn.

For details on the Clarendon Homes Urban range, visit the Hamlyn Terrace Display Centre, 38 Stan Johnson Drive, Central Coast, NSW, phone (02) 4393 9133. Website: www.clarendonhomes.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas