Lathlain Home Extension: Juxtaposition in Focus

July 29, 2022

There are two ways to approach a home extension; design the extension in the same character aesthetic as the original building, or design it in a completely contrasting, ultra-modern style. By juxtaposing the old and the new, changes to the original building are visible to the naked eye, rather than mixed-up with imitation or replica pieces. Whilst some believe this to be the more authentic approach, others believe this ‘ruins’ the appeal of the original home. Over the last twenty-plus years,...

WA’s shift to 7-star efficiency ratings

by Loreta Roach

Blog

July 25, 2022

What is a 7-Star energy rated home and why are the guides changing If you’ve recently built a home in Australia or have been looking to build it is likely that you’re familiar with the energy efficiency ratings that your new home has to be built to. In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) stipulates that all newly built homes have a minimum 6-star energy rating across all of the built features. But did you know the NatHERS energy rating scale...

Design Sustainability

by Loreta Roach

Blog

March 2, 2022

When you think design sustainability, you may think of design elements or materials that improve building performance, reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, or minimise waste. But that’s not all there is to consider – what about intention, the value that comes with the emotional qualities the physical space embodies? These are the elements that make a house a home. That said, if you’re seeking to pursue a sustainable design, it’s important to reflect on the intention of your renovation and...

Renovating Up

by Loreta Roach

Blog

February 7, 2022

Love the location you’re in and elements of your home but find that it simply doesn’t offer the space you need? Considering an extension but don’t want to spread beyond the current footprint and lose your established garden? Can’t renovate out due to your properties open space ratio? Renovating up and adding a second storey can quite literally take your home to the next level! Here are a few things to consider when contemplating a second storey renovation. Benefits: Renovating up...

Five ways to repurpose spaces in your home

by Loreta Roach

Blog

January 14, 2022

Sometimes our homes need a little freshening up. This may be replacing some old homewares with new ones you stumbled upon at a Black Friday sale or a local antiques store. Sometimes, our homes need something more than some new decor. We’re sharing five ways you can freshen up your home by repurposing spaces: Add a walk-in-robe If you have a spare room near or adjacent to your master bedroom, turn it into a walk-in-robe or dressing room depending on the room size....

Home building trends during the COVID-19 pandemic

by Loreta Roach

Blog

December 1, 2021

Since COVID-19, we are all spending much more time in our homes. In particular, all the family members at home with some working and others are studying. For some of us,our homes are not set up for family members to work and study from home. We are seeing an increase in requests for adding home offices and study spaces. If you have adult kids who are living at home with you, they need a place to work or study and may...

How to design a home with orientation

by Loreta Roach

Blog

November 10, 2021

Natural light in the home is proven to improve wellbeing, mood and anxiety. That’s why it is so important to design your home with orientation. But where to start? First of all, you want to make the most of your main view. This could be the ocean, a river, backyard garden or the bush. However you design your home, you want to be able to enjoy this view. This means creating a home design with orientation. If you have little ones, it...

How to plan your perfect home extension

by Loreta Roach

Blog

August 26, 2021

Have you ever wondered: What is involved in getting your ideas to council approval? What do you need to do? Who do you need to ask or engage? Do you have to talk with the council? We are going to cut through the noise and answer all your questions about planning your home extension. It may all seem daunting at the start but there is a process you can follow to create your dream home. There are six distinct phases involved in...