The clients provided a brief of a home constructed on a sloping block property to exacting standards which would make both a statement within the township of Marysville and reflect a link to the town’s uniqueness within its geographical setting.

The sloping block property had a dual purpose of being a retreat for the clients from their busy schedule of Melbourne life and to facilitating a bed & breakfast scenario for guests. These components were to be integrated into the sloping block and an external cladding of spotted gum and stone complete with a rooftop garden blended the construction to its surroundings in a seamless fashion. It was also noted that the house was to be family-friendly with a recreation area including a fireman’s pole climbing wall and in-ground trampoline. The multi-purpose room was designed for the use of yoga classes for guests.

Quality of Construction:

The home has been built as per the client brief, to the highest standards in finishing, complemented by an outstanding selection of fixtures. From the initial excavation works attention to detail was the key to the build. As the build progressed, the clients were keen to add new features to the design. All of these were thoroughly welcomed, planned and implemented by the team. Given the range of products and the nature of the site, our team was involved in a continual evolution of design from entryways, connection and linking of fixtures and fittings and the use of new and innovative products. All trades employed on the site went above and beyond in terms of finishing standards.

Client Relationship:

A key platform of Hedger Constructions is the notion of providing total client satisfaction. In this instance, the clients relied heavily upon our team to provide input and advice as the design developed. With a dedicated team on-site from commencement to completion the clients were welcomed on site for frequent meetings and planning of various stages of the build were always looked at well in advance. Excellent communication between both parties meant for a most positive building experience for all.

Design:

The design of the home was meant to maximise the setting and surroundings and to allow for flexibility in use. The home was also designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind and the use of recycled materials were subtly incorporated. The external timber and stone cladding blends with the surroundings and with the rooftop garden in place on the main building and the multi-purpose room, the outlook from the patio deck is one that allows for escape from the town life. Internally the home is modular in design with an extensive modern kitchen, laundry and bathrooms fully appointed and the double-storey aspect allows privacy upstairs when required. Guests can also take advantage of the cleverly incorporated climbing wall, fireman’s pole and in ground trampoline allowing children to be active whilst the underground storage room allows for items to be hidden from view, maximising space.

Sustainability & Innovation:

Careful attention to sustainability was a key component of the client brief. As such an 8.4 rating was achieved for the energy rating. This included foam panel to under slabs, double block reinforced concrete walls, extensive wall and ceiling insulation, complete sealing of gaps through the use of rockwood and the thermal qualities of the soil rooftop garden.

Water caught via the rooftop garden Versidrain is captured and re-directed to water storage tanks. This is then pumped back to the garden when required. The use of polystyrene under the slab acts as a thermal break and complements other insulation throughout the house. The integration of the house into the sloping nature of the block allows for the use of the soil and thermal mass to further enhance the insulation qualities. Lighting is provided through the use of LED downlighting and air conditioning and heating through controlled split systems.

The clients were keen to use recycled materials where possible and the use of recycled ironbark is integral to the design. The sweeping landscaped gardens are also significant in both complexity of working to the slope of the block and linking to the building. The home is innovative in the distinct design and the use of the block to fulfil functionality in use.

Management of Existing Landscape and Native Flora and Fauna:

Given sloping block property and the nature of the setting backing to a creek reserve, this component of the build was crucial to the design. Visually, the home has the appearance of a single storey build with a flowing garden from the stress entrance. With a clever use of the slope, it is only after advancing onto the site that one becomes aware of the use of the garden as a rooftop infrastructure. The use of rock, gravel, careful selection of native plants all combines to transpose the site into a living concourse that not only adds to the aesthetics of the home but has a practical use for thermal qualities. The garden has become a source of enjoyment for owners and guests as local fauna return to the area following the devastating bushfires. The garden has been designed for ease of maintenance and management.

View Article on Complete Home Website