Colourful home in the tropics

This home has been designed to make the most of the climate and lifestyle at Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, using James Hardie HardieFlex™ Sheets and the HardiTex® System.

“We wanted to design and build a beach style home that really worked with the climate and the casual style of living that naturally evolves in the tropics,” says Sun City Sales Manager, Thene Bell. “The house had to have good flow and casual living spaces inside and out, but we wanted it to go beyond the ordinary. The bold use of colour inside and out is a reflection of the natural environment here. Nothing is muted. Outside we have strong blocks of purple and green and inside, the kitchen is a dramatic red and black.”

“The combination of James Hardie lightweight cladding products we've used here is ideal for this style of home. Both the HardiTex Panels* and HardieFlex Sheet* take strong colour well and create interest. The great thing is that it is so flexible from a design point of view. You can create quite different looks, depending on the colour and finish you give it. For example, on this home the sheets have simply been butted together, but on other homes we've used a timber batten finish. It creates a very different look.”

The home is built on three levels, with entry on the mid-level. Downstairs, a rumpus area two bedrooms, bathroom and outdoor living area creates a self contained space, ideal for grandparents, teenage kids, or visitors. The master bedroom, kitchen, living area and study are on the upper level, with a roofed upstairs deck to capitalize on views.

The display home is just a starting point, according to Thene. “Clients get a good idea of what can sort of look can be achieved, from there we work with them to design and construct a home that suits them.”