The owners of this contemporary development in Mornington are Mornington Peninsula locals. They purchased the property several years ago and decided to demolish the house to create two stylish, functional and easy to maintain homes. One of the owners, Amanda Strode, took on the role of project manager working alongside the builders and KWD, who specified, sourced and supplied the hard finishes for the project.
Explains Amanda, “This was our first completely new build. We have worked on quite a few projects over the years, renovating homes, renting them out and/or selling them on. This was a major project to undertake. Being on the Esplanade in Mornington we felt the new owners of the property would be 50+ which is why we really wanted to have a lift as well as stairs so that it could be a forever home for the right couple or family. Because we were creating a home for someone else, I was conscious not to put my personal stamp on the design, although we knew we wanted the homes to have a coastal feel because of the proximity to the water and the beautiful view. It’s such a great location too, with the Dava drive shops and cafes close by and some great beaches within walking distance. The view around to Mt Martha and across the bay to the city is very special.”
“We engaged KWD to help us select the hard finishes because they are so clever at selecting materials that suit the build and have an instant appeal to a wide range of potential owners. I love the main living area overlooking the bay. With quite high ceilings we had to be careful about the styling and materials, and the result is soft and calming, and the double-glazed windows ensure there is no sound from the outside.”
Amanda and her partners approached Paul Woollard from Twin Bay Constructions to work on the build and gave him the plans to bring the property to life. The whole build took around 12 months to complete. Says Paul, “We loved being on site because the location is superb and the clients were a dream to work with. It was challenging at the time given that there were neighbours on both sides of the site and it’s a pretty high traffic area on the Esplanade. It was also interesting and challenging to create the specialised brickwork and install the lift. The fixtures, fittings and hard finishes are first class and work so well with the design of the home and the coastal location.”
David Thomas of D3 Building Design was engaged by the owners to design, document and organise planning for the development. Explains David, “The site really dictated the style of property that evolved, based on the brief that was to provide high level accommodation with some architectural merit. It was important to design a flexible space. The floor plan gives options for a family life or retirees, particularly with the installation of a lift. The design allows for an older couple to live on the middle level as a self-contained area if they wish, with a space for family or guests to stay downstairs where there are additional bedrooms, a bathroom and living area. There’s a lock up garage with internal entry and the top floor has a balcony / viewing deck which completes the lifestyle offering.”
KWD’s Kate Walker explains, “The brief was to create a contemporary two townhouse development designed to be sold, so the hard finishes had to pack a punch and be attractive to a wide market. It was important that we didn’t specify anything that was outrageous or controversial so that the properties would appeal to a wide market.”
The result is a mix of beautiful porcelain tiles throughout the downstairs living areas and bathrooms, luxurious carpets in the bedrooms and natural timber flooring upstairs, so the materials appeal to those who want the best of both worlds. “The floor-to-ceiling tiling makes a huge difference when selling a home and from our experience, everyone loves a white kitchen,” says Kate.
“We had a very trusting client who listened to us and allowed us to specify materials we felt would achieve the best possible result within their budget. We particularly wanted to create a beautiful atmosphere in the upstairs living area around the fireplace, and the V-groove panelling makes it feel bright and cosy.”
“The materials create a warm and inviting ambience and make the view a focal point. We were delivered a great floor plan with well thought through zoning, and our job was to fit it out to make it attractive to a wide range of potential buyers – empty nesters, retirees, families, permanents or holiday makers – we had all of them in mind when we specified the products and created a beautiful, functional space and the ideal home for the right owners.”
For more information on this special property contact McEwing & Partners.
mcewingpartners.com
twinbayconstructions.com.au
d3buildingdesign.com
Images: Brent Lukey
http://www.katewalkerdesign.com.au