Address: Clifton Hill, Victoria Budget: $350,000 - 400,000 Completion: Under construction Builder: Nowra Homes   To renovate an existing, two-bedroom dwelling for use as an entry-level tenancy. To sub-divide and develop the rear of the property as a new, two-bedroom town house (for the same purpose).   The primary focus of this project was to create cost-effective, functional spaces to satisfy an entry-level rental market, without compromising on finishes and detail. It was imperative to the client that the spaces be attractive to potential tenants and flexible for use by more than one type of tenant.   For the existing dwelling, this meant opening up the rear of the house, to allow for more generous living areas and better natural light and ventilation. The design of a covered, wrap-around deck to the rear created a much-needed, alternative living space, without compromising the existing building fabric (most of which had to be retained).   The townhouse was designed to: maximise parking (double garage), create a clear distinction between service and living/private areas and maximise storage space. The townhouse was also designed to take advantage of natural light, heating and cooling, in order to keep operational costs to a minimum.   The finishes of both dwellings are simple, sustainable and durable. Exterior materials such as: corrugated iron, composite timber cladding and concrete create a modern aesthetic. Hand-made tiles, recycled materials and salvaged fittings give the interiors their own unique character.

Address: Labertouche, Victoria

Budget: $1.2mil

Completion: October 2013

Builder: Krongold Constructions

A new, sustainable, rural residence for a family of six with the look and feel of a homestead.

After living in a poorly orientated house without a Northern aspect for so many years, our clients' primary concern was that their new house capture the dramatic views of the property and the mountain ranges beyond. This, and a commitment to sustainable living, essentially drove the design of the building.

The house is cruciform with dramatic cathedral ceilings and an internal courtyard. The large volumes and feature windows to the Northern living areas give the feeling that the house is opening out to the landscape, while allowing natural light to stream in to the space. Linear bedroom wings are separated by an internal courtyard, which allows: cross ventilation, privacy when the house is full and intimate views to every room. There is not one area in the house where the exterior landscape cannot be seen.

As Landcare members, our clients have a strong commitment to the Australian environment. Sustainable design, materials and building methods were at the forefront of every decision made about the design. In addition to this, the clients had a desire to celebrate materials in their raw forms and the way they are put together.

The commitment to sustainable design carries through to the fine details of the house: finishes are natural, fixtures and fittings are locally made, reclaimed or recycled.