Interior style and state-of-the-art features
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“We wanted to create a home that had all the old-world charm and style of a Southern American plantation mansion, but at the same time also incorporated the very best of local products and state of the art technology inside and outside the home,” says Richard Freeman, Co-Director of David Reid Homes. “The trick is to incorporate the technology without it being obvious or having it clash with the style you want to create,” says Richard. There are certainly lots of instances here of new-age technology working ‘behind the scenes' to make this home more comfortable and user-friendly. For example, the home is wired with a ‘smart-wire' system which allows the homeowner to do some clever things such as using their mobile phone to turn the lights and heating on before they get home. Other ‘behind the scenes' technology includes underfloor heating, a central vacuum system, and a continuous flow gas hot water system. The home also makes great use of today's low-maintenance, high-performance building products such as James Hardie Villaboard® Lining in the bathrooms under the tiles and James Hardie Artista Columns which help to carry through the Southern Plantation style in the lounge area. “The James Hardie columns are the only ones that give an authentic look,” says Richard. The entrance way is another example of style and technology working harmoniously together. People arriving at the home via the covered portico, step through the front door into a foyer that recreates the grandeur typical of the colonial plantation style. The floor is laid with marble tiles – which are wonderfully cool in summer, and thanks to underfloor heating, create a warm welcome in winter. A water feature in the foyer helps to create a sense of calm and tranquility, while a sweeping double staircase with a wrought iron balustrade descending from the air bridge above, reinforces the sense of grandeur. While the entrance way is grand, the kitchen, dining and living areas have been designed to create a warm heart to this family home. Designed by Trish Simpson Design Kitchens, the kitchen also combines state-of-the art appliances with ‘country-kitchen' style. One very handy idea that has been incorporated to make life easier here is a kitchen Vac-Pac situated at floor level below the stove where food spills are most likely to occur while cooking. A foot-operated instant vacuum system simply sucks crumbs and spills away into the central vacuum system. The kitchen is finished in jarrah veneer with a central island providing an extra work-space and storage, with handy pull-out wicker baskets. There has been no skimping on the appliances either, with a 900mm Smeg gas cooktop and a double Smeg oven. The dining area, living area and lounge have been thoughtfully designed to create a series of discrete spaces that can be opened up or shut down depending on the family's requirements. Read our article 'Thinking about space...' for ideas on how to create spaces for different purposes. James Hardie Artista Columns have been used to create a break between the dining and living areas, and bi-fold doors between the living area and the lounge allow the lounge to be shut off as a separate cosy room complete with a gas fire place. Upstairs, the bathrooms combine luxury and behind-the-scenes practicality. A luxurious Clearlite Monet Twin Spa Bath in the master en-suite is set into a marble-tiled surround over Villaboard Lining. “We always use Villaboard on the walls behind any tile work,” says Richard. “It just gives you complete confidence because it's so stable. If, for any reason, there's a problem with water getting in behind the tiles, you know you're not going to have a problem with Villaboard in there.” Another product that works ‘behind the scenes' is the Rinnai Infinity 26 continuous flow gas hot water system. “We wouldn't use anything else,” says Richard. “It means that you don't have to be worrying about hot water running out, even if the whole family want to have baths or showers one after the other.” “When we're building houses for clients we like to use products that we'd choose for our own homes,” says Richard. “The way I look at it is that if it's not up to scratch for me, it's not good enough. It doesn't matter what price range the house is in, the quality has to be there.” View this stunning Display Home:
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