Family home built on the river designed to take advantage of the spectacular location

A beautiful site on the Brisbane River is the setting for this striking family home. The site has been in the family for many years and is where one of the owners grew up, was married and is raising her family.

The old 1960’s house would have been too expensive to save so the hard decision was made to tear it down and start again. With acres of waterfront land we had plenty of room to move, giving us a lot of design freedom.

A long winding driveway finally reveals the home on the river

The owners had been considering building a new home for some years before engaging Kaha Homes so were very quick to make decisions once we started on the design.

We kept the existing pool and positioned the new home to maximise the water views. With four bedrooms, music room, study and large living rooms the new home is perfect for their energetic growing family.

The house is divided into several living and sleeping wings divided by huge timber sliding doors to enable privacy when needed.

Custom joinery complements the beautiful Spotted Gum timber floors

Large windows and doors which completely slide back into the wall were installed along the river side to maximise the views. Large fixed panes of glass in the master bedroom and ensuite are not for those scared of heights!

Finishing the home in neutral tones allows the beauty of the Spotted Gum timber floors to really shine and is a feature of the home along with strategically placed feature walls and custom artwork.

A home to suit all the family

These dramatic and visually stunning houses, set in a private rural area were designed to suit the lifestyle of a young professional couple as well as the lifestyle of an older parent. The primary goal was to ensure continuity by giving the appearance of one home but enable both to operate as separate spaces for maximum privacy and to provide future flexibility if required. The houses have separate phone lines, electricity meters, carports and entries but share the same roof line.

The main house is set over 2 levels with the lower level comprising 2 bedrooms, a sunken media room and the living areas which flow through to the deck and swimming pool complete with a dramatic wet edge. It was important that the pool be integrated with the living and entertaining deck but with a steep hillside to contend with it had to be built up over 4m in order to achieve this. This allows the pool to be on the same level as the living area and deck to maximise usage. Cleverly, storage of pool equipment was incorporated into the design and is tucked away under the pool. The installed Viron P300 pool pump is the first in Australia to be approved by MEPS with an outstanding 8 star energy rating which will save up to $700 a year on energy costs.

Soaring high above the living area is the void space dominated by striking mono stringer stairs finished with exposed metal, Stainless Steel wires and timber posts evoking an unexpectedly industrial feel; a deliberate contrast with the rural surrounds. Trapeze lighting has been strung across the void in recognition of the modern industrial theme. Framed by Spotted Gum treads and floor boards the upper walkway is designed to look like an internal timber deck to complement the external decks and link the beautiful timber features together which anchor the home to the rural setting. Underneath the walkway the timber decking is deliberately exposed to continue the industrial feel. This is contrasted by high gloss kitchen cabinetry, frosted glass cupboards and a large white stone benchtop providing deliberate separation of spaces within the open plan living area.

Internally Spotted Gum flooring is used extensively throughout and clean lines are achieved by the use of white walls and ceilings and Stainless Steel lighting choices

The Master Bedroom and Ensuite take up all of the upper level providing the owners with a private retreat complete with spa overlooking the valley below. The walkway is continued outside to provide the Master Bedroom with its own deck overlooking the pool.

Each home enjoys a carport and external storage area and the main house also has an outside shower and toilet. Each of the homes living areas are accessed via long hallways with large windows offering views across to the creek. Each bedroom has timber louvres facing the hallways to maximise breezes and light into the rooms.

The smaller house is situated at the opposite end of the site and comprises 2 bedrooms, open plan kitchen living area, a study and deck. Integration with the main house has been ensured by the use of similar materials and colours.

Internally Spotted Gum flooring is used extensively throughout and clean lines are achieved by the use of white walls and ceilings and Stainless Steel lighting choices.

Externally the houses are completed in strong earthy colours to reflect the surrounding bush land and are finished with large timber posts and the strong lines of Hardies Linea and aluminum shades on each side.

With no town water connection all water has to be collected and stored on site in 3 large zinc tanks. The round tanks deliberately contrast with the sharp angular lines of the homes and hold over 60,000 litres.

Due to the close proximity to the creek flowing through the property Ecosafe was selected as the preferred effluent system. Ecosafe requires only 1 annual service and has the lowest operation cost due to only 1 mechanical component, the irrigation pump, which costs only $4-$5 per year to run. At the completion of the cycle Ecosafe provides clear, odourless recycled water which is dispersed along the site by automatic sprinklers.

Solar power along with sensitive orientation, 8 star pool pump, ceiling fans throughout, floor, roof and wall insulation ensures year round comfort and excellent energy efficiency.

lending the very best of contemporary design and sustainability

Kaha Homes has risen to the challenge of creating a unique family home that incorporates sustainable design values effectively highlighting how environmental principles can be applied to any suburban block to create a unique and exciting home. The home was individually designed specifically for the block to utilise the natural contour of the land, thereby minimising the amount of earthworks required and maintaining the maximum amount of vegetation on the block.

Natural cooling features that have been used extensively throughout the home to maximise cross flow ventilation including;

• An old-fashioned breezeway;
• Standing the house on piers to ensure maximum airflow underneath;
• High ceilings and louvers to draw the hot air upwards and away;
• Roof and wall insulation to all rooms.

These features are complemented by the inclusion of custom-built window hoods to provide further shading where needed.

Large roof overhangs reduce the amount of heat on the entertaining area and a custom built timber louvre screen has been installed to reduce sun exposure and enhance privacy. The same concept has been employed in the laundry, sheltering it from the harsh Western sun.

Under the rear deck hides a 10,000 litre water tank. This maximizes the outdoor space available – a critical element on a moderately sized block. All external taps, as well as the laundry and toilets are hooked up to the water tank which is managed by a Davey Rain Bank to facilitate efficient water management. Additionally, dual flush toilets are installed in all bathrooms. An additional 4,500 litre tank, set ontop of an old fashioned tank stand overlooks the parents retreat, providing a visual point of interest as well as functional water storage.

The most striking feature of the home is the 6 metre void extending the full height of all three floors. As well as providing a dramatic feature it acts as a chimney flue to draw hot air up, which is then expelled via louvers and a fan at the highest point of the void. The children’s retreat overlooks the void and it is open to the internal stairs to maximize airflow upstairs as well as down.

When the family want to get together the large open plan first level provides a common meeting area complemented by 2 outdoor living spaces that truly bring the outside in

Spread over three levels the 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, study and separate childrens and parents retreats ensure that there’s space for everyone. And when the family want to get together the large open plan first level provides a common meeting area complemented by 2 outdoor living spaces that truly bring the outside in. The contemporary kitchen with stone benchtops, glass splashbacks, stainless European appliances and opulent glass overhead cabinets is the centrepiece of this level. The kitchen window opens directly onto the back deck, and with a gas bayonet already installed for the BBQ, entertaining is easy.

The deluxe parents retreat features its own separate entry with private deck and landscaped courtyard. Inside there’s a massive walk in robe and luxurious ensuite with marble feature tiles, a sunken shower and the very best fixtures. An example of this is a self-closing toilet seat and lid: banishing forever the up versus down argument!

Awards

• 2007 Master Builders Brisbane: Individual Home up to $300,000
• 2007 Housing Industry Australia (HIA) Brisbane: Spec Home up to $300,000
• 2007 Housing Industry Australia (HIA) Brisbane: Spec Home of the Year
• 2007 Housing Industry Australia (HIA) Brisbane: Best Timber Home

Each home is unique and will never be repeated

The challenge for the modest sloping block (551 m²) was to capture the view whilst not compromising on the sustainable features of the home. Spread over two levels; the three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and study are complemented by a large garage with an innovative built in storage area to utilise excess space.

The most striking feature of the home is how it is orientated on the block. The design was given a twist to capture every little breeze and take advantage of seasonal changes. This highlights how you don’t need lots of land – Greensmart principles can be applied to any suburban block.

Simple, natural cooling features have been used extensively throughout the home: an old-fashioned breezeway; standing the house on piers to ensure maximum airflow underneath; high ceilings and louvers are just some of the features of the home. All rooms are insulated as added protection against the fierce Queensland heat. Hot air is moved out of the house by fans in every room ensuring energy efficiency in every area of the home, including the rear deck whilst large roof overhangs reduce the amount of sun on entertaining areas and a fan circulates air on the rear deck.

Placing the home on piers meant that no cut or fill was required, minimizing the impact of the house on the environment. An added bonus of this method is constant air circulation underneath the home. The only earthworks completed on site were leveling for the garage pad – the only slab in the structure.

Under the rear deck hides a 6,000 litre water tank. This maximizes the outdoor space available – a critical element on a small block. Access to the tank for maintenance is via a custom built gate under the deck and all external taps are hooked up to the water tank to facilitate efficient garden management.

The environmentally conscious features of the home also extend to the choice of materials. The timber floors and decks are from renewable forests and galvanized steel has been utilised to eliminate costly maintenance. Externally, Eco Ply, Colourbond sheets and FC New Line Weatherboards were chosen for their low maintenance and lightweight construction elements.

All rooms are insulated as added protection against the fierce Queensland heat

The most striking environmental feature is the 6 metre void extending the full height of both floors. The void as a chimney flue to draw hot air up, which is then expelled via louvers and a fan at the apex of the void. Two bedrooms overlook the void and it is open to the internal stairs to maximize air flow upstairs as well as down. Cedar shutters have been placed in the bedrooms which overlook the void to provide privacy and block out noise from the lower level.

The home is finished in neutral tones which highlight the natural colours of the timber floors and stone of the kitchen benches. To ensure a clean, fresh look the same doors were used throughout the home and sleek brushed satin chrome handles complete the look.

Awards

• 2006 Delfin Grand Master Awards: National Grand Master Premier Spec Home of the Year
• 2006 Delfin Grand Master Awards: South East Queensland Premier Spec Home
• 2006 Delfin Grand Master Awards: South East Queensland Traditional Spec Home

At a modest 279 square metres the home features 3 bedrooms and a large separate study

Beautiful timber posts have been tilted and turned, timber decking intersects at unexpected angles and simple galvanised steel is married with the elegance of stainless steel to highlight the natural beauty of solid hardwood.

Soaring nearly 5m high and wrapped in Colorbond zinc the entrance has a barn like appearance, defined by a Bloodwood tree through the roof. This provided an innovative solution to the requirement that the tree had to be retained and has become the defining feature of the home. Beautiful timber posts that have been tilted and turned support the dramatic entrance. This creative idea has been used throughout the home to promote continuity of design and materials. This continuity is also evident in the use of Colorbond materials in the kitchen (as a splashback) and in the bathrooms (in the showers instead of tiles).

Continuing the use of timber, locally sourced Spotted Gum flooring is used extensively through the home, flowing seamlessly onto the poolside decking, providing a functional and stylish entertainment area that is truly integrated into the rest of the house. This is complemented by a large open plan living space enabling the owners to see the pool from all living areas; a must for a family with small children.

Another original feature designed by Kaha Homes is a natural waterfall into the pool, created by the partial removal of the gutter on the roof overhang allowing rainwater to flow directly into the pool, thereby saving valuable tank water as well as providing a unique experience during downpours!

A tree through the roof is not the only surprising thing you’ll find in this understated bushland home

The home was designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural bushland setting to give the impression that the home grew up around the trees. This has been achieved by the creative mix of colour and materials drawn from the surroundings and deliberately chosen to blend with the landscape rather than stand out from it.

To accommodate the natural contour of the sloping block the living area has been stepped down from the polished concrete entrance by wide Spotted Gum stairs, creating a stylish and unique definition between the functional and living areas of the home. Where the living area is stepped down oversized ceilings increase the overall feeling of spaciousness.

The study has been positioned at the front of the house; allowing easy access for people visiting the home as well as minimising disturbances from the rest of the house. The polished concrete flooring continues into this room, offering stylish looks as well as superior functionality.

The home is finished in neutral tones, which complement the natural colours and textures of the timber floors and stone kitchen benches. To ensure a clean, fresh look the same doors were used throughout the home with sleek brushed satin chrome handles. Quality stainless steel appliances and premium fixtures and fittings complete the look of this stunning.

Awards

• 2008 Master Builders Brisbane: Best Use of Steel Cladding (Roof & Walls)
• 2008 Master Builders Queensland: Best Use of Steel Cladding (Roof & Walls)
• 2008 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Brisbane: Custom Built Home $250,000 – $450,000

Nestled into a unique suburban bushland space the bold use of colour, innovative use of materials and powerful architectural lines define this custom designed contemporary home

Merging lifestyle and location the home is built over 5 levels to take advantage of the sloping block and encompasses 4 bedrooms, study, media room and large open plan living areas. A large lower deck completes the integration between inside and out featuring a compact modern pool with a lap area and swim jets.

The entrance to the home is dominated by a large 5metre void with custom designed full length glass panels which add a dimension of space and draw attention to the beautiful trees which surround it. This level also features the study with Spotted Gum flooring and a separate entry for practicality if the owner chooses to work from home.

Two steps down from the entry the media room overlooks the lower level and is accessed by an oversized sliding door which complements the front door. Able to fully retract into the wall the frosted panels provide privacy when needed without impeding the open plan feel of the home. The centrepiece is the stunning kitchen which mirrors the minimalist lines of the home, featuring 2-pac gloss panelling which reflect the exterior lines and colours. A cantilevered Corian benchtop creates a striking yet functional feature while bold colour choices and fully integrated appliances make the kitchen sleek and uncluttered.

Soaring 3.6m, the ceilings on the lower level are framed with custom made aluminium bifold doors and louvres enabling optimal air flow eliminating the need for air conditioning on this level. This use of surround glass allows for uninterrupted access to the outdoor living areas while providing beautiful views to the bushland below.

Spotted gum flooring, decking and stairs provide a striking contrast with the full glass wall and seamlessly blend the kitchen and living areas with the sleeping levels

The most dramatic feature of the home is the roof covering the outdoor living area. At over 7m high it’s dominated by solid Spotted Gum posts (200×200 and 250×250) and offset by Scyon Matrix panelling in a stunning highlight green colour that was selected by the owners.

To ensure the sharp architectural lines are maintained throughout the home the 5,000 litre water tank is buried under the deck to reduce external clutter while a custom designed BBQ niche optimises the use of available space in the outside living area. The home is finished in neutral tones with several feature walls in highlight colours, maintaining the continuity of design and materials throughout enhancing the sleek modern look and feel.

Awards

• 2009 HIA Brisbane/Toowoomba Custom Built Home of the Year
• 2009 HIA Brisbane/Toowoomba Custom Built Home $500,000 – $750,000
• 2009 HIA Queensland Custom Built Home of the Year Finalist

It’s all about lifestyle & location. Set high on five acres that boasts spectacular valley and mountain views, this impeccable home offers space, style and a relaxed family lifestyle

Custom designed to integrate into a steep hillside, the secluded setting of this beautiful and elegant home offers privacy and peace and quiet in one of Brisbane’s sought after rural locations. Designed for a growing family, the combination of dramatic views and contemporary living successfully merges landscape into lifestyle, creating the ultimate private family retreat.

The home is intelligently laid out; set over two levels with living and entertaining areas upstairs whilst the lower living space provides the ideal separation of space many families wish for.

With five bedrooms, study and three bathrooms, all rooms are generous in proportion and offer many options for families of all ages. Two bedrooms upstairs have their own deck and are serviced by a full bathroom and feature custom built bi-folds which not only offer privacy but also enable the option of converting them into a separate serviced living space for older parents or guests.

The easy living, low maintenance design of this home offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining family and friends at any time of the year. Spacious open plan living areas with eco-friendly bamboo flooring and custom built cabinetry flows seamlessly out onto an expansive balcony capturing the breeze and the views perfectly and completing the integration between inside and out.

The luxurious custom designed kitchen is enhanced by fully integrated European appliances and finished with sleek modern vinyl wrapped shadowline doors and drawers and a vibrant red glass splashback

And in the ultimate in luxury living, the home is completed by an indoor pool beautifully finished in glass pebbles and semi-transparent Twinwall sheeting to let light in but provide privacy. Solar heating enables year-round use of the pool.

To assist the home to blend into its surroundings and anchor it to the stunning setting colours and materials were carefully considered and selected to ensure they complemented the home. The resulting colour palette successfully mixes natural stone and timber with strong architectural elements like galvanised steel and Colorbond tin.

To maximise the energy efficiency of the home many additional features have been installed in the home including Bradnams Sunergy glass in Neutral which has been used throughout to offer solar protection and energy efficiency. This is further enhanced by Solar Hot Water, Solar pool heating and roof and external wall insulation. Water is provided by 75,000 litres of water stored in external water tanks and the home is serviced by a Biolytix wastewater system. As no air conditioning has been installed the home relies on excellent cross ventilation provided by well positioned windows and doors as well as the extensive use of ceiling fans. To heat the home a combustion fireplace positioned on the lower level vents hot air throughout the home. This ensures the home remains at a comfortable temperature all year round.

Awards

• HIA-CSR Queensland Energy Efficient Home of the Year
• HIA-CSR Finalist Queensland Home of the Year

With a reputation for building on steep and difficult sites Kaha Homes was the obvious choice of designer and builder

It’s not easy building on the most difficult site in the street. With a 12 metre fall and large sandstone seam running through the block the site had passed through a number of owners who were unwilling to take on the challenges of building on the site. But that’s exactly the challenge that Kaha Homes rose to when we were asked to design and build a home on the site.

Designed to tread lightly on the site the house gently steps down following the natural contours of the land. The family bedrooms and bathroom are located on the top level with deliberate separation from the Master bedroom and living areas. The living and kitchen areas are situated on the middle level to provide a central hub for entertaining and relaxing. The study is located on this level so it is integrated with the rest of the home.

A large media room completes the middle level and with raised flooring, bespoke cabinetry, matching paintwork, furniture and state of the art media system the full cinema experience is achieved.

The pool and entertaining deck flows seamlessly from the living area which incorporates custom built BBQ and fridge cabinetry designed to complement the colours and materials in the rest of the home. On the lower level the Master bedroom has direct access to the pool with expansive views across the lower pool deck and the bush land beyond.

Resort style living in the suburbs

The colour palette is consistent throughout the home and the pool is no exception where black and red pebbles from the Blue Glass Pebble Company are teamed with charcoal basalt pool coping and completed with red strip tiles and a red light. Designed for sitting and relaxing rather than swimming the modestly sized pool features a stunning wet edge and a full seat of bubbles for fun. The effect at night is striking where the red light makes the pool appear like molten lava.

The double garage also features a golf buggy store with its own power source to facilitate easy golf course access.

The home was designed to be a resort style sanctuary for the owners with a private remote controlled entry door which opens to a timber boardwalk under which runs a custom designed water feature surrounded by rainforest plantings. The effect is cooling and welcoming and is an unexpected surprise for guests.

The clients had a holistic view of their home which made decision making easy. They intuitively knew what colours, materials and finishes would work best in the home so at every stage they were able to proceed quickly and the whole house came together beautifully and seamlessly.

Awards

• Best Home for Sloping Sites at the 2011 Master Builders Housing Awards
• Custom Built Home $500,000 – $750,000 at HIA Brisbane/Toowoomba Awards
• Finalist Qld Custom Built Home of the Year (HIA)
• Gold Award for Design at Ipswich Design Awards
• Overall Award for Design Excellence at Ipswich Design Awards

Dare to be different

This two level home was designed as a self sufficient holiday home for a Danish family who are committed to preserving large tracts of land around the world. The house is in an isolated area without sewerage, water or power supply. This was overcome by a custom designed solar power system which powers the whole house. A septic system has been developed to enable treatment of waste on site. The sole water supply is provided by 2 tanks providing 15,000 litres. To ensure the most effective use of the water dual flush toilets and water saving shower heads have been installed.

The house is orientated on the block to take advantage of the breezes as they flow up the valley. The orientation was important as the family needed to minimise their exposure to our harsh summer temperatures without the unnecessary expense of air conditioning.

The uniqueness of the curved roof structure, which did not require internal support meant the internal walls did not have to be full height. The inclusion of full height louvres at each end of the house and ceiling fans encourages air flow, effectively pushing the hot air out, eliminating pockets of trapped hot air.

The house is deceptively compact, easily accommodating its 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. As it is a holiday home the client required extra storage to be incorporated. Kaha Homes cleverly built storage into the utility rooms providing stylish and functional use of the space.

The entire home is clad in Colorbond steel for its maintenance free qualities. It also offers superior fire resistance.