Welcoming air

One of the most important elements to consider when buying a new house is how well its design will suit you from day to day. This means looking past the time of purchase and down the years to when family needs or numbers have evolved.

This house, conceived by architectural designer Cameron Baker, is a show home for design-and-build firm Jalcon Homes.

"The two-level design evokes the look of a classic farmhouse," says Baker. "This iconic form and the use of natural material accents complements other local designs and the verdant rural surroundings."

While the residence is large, it has a modest footprint, making it also suitable for smaller, inner-city sections.

"The solid timber construction and simple design the top floor echoes the ground floor in shape mean more living space for a reasonable budget," says Baker. "This layout avoids the added expense of lower-level roofing and also maximises usable space on both levels."

As well as achieving generous floor areas, the design is also well thought out in terms of allocating available space.

The living room, dining room and family room form one large entertainment area. However, the formal living space can be sectioned off from the dining and family areas by large cavity-slider doors.

"These sound-proof dividers mean teenagers can socialise in one area while parents enjoy peace and quiet in another," Baker says.

Similarly, the home's four bedrooms are set out with optimum versatility in mind. Three of the bedrooms are upstairs, including the master suite, while the fourth bedroom is set downstairs.

The ground-floor bedroom would be suitable for a teenager who wants a degree of separation or for a family member who might not be able to climb the stairs both situations that might arise as time goes by. Alternatively, the room could be used as a guest bedroom, media room or study.

The house has been designed and built well above code on all fronts, and includes features such as picture windows, double glazing, full insulation, and a gas fire.

Indoor-outdoor connections from most ground-level rooms offer pleasant living options in the summer months.

Besides being suitable for a growing family, the house is also well configured for entertaining.

The house looks welcoming from the street, boasts a dramatic, double-height entry atrium and flowing living spaces that include a gleaming designer kitchen.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick