There was a pool already on the block, which was renovated by Allura. A large deck was included in the custom home design, and a spa installed at the beginning of the project. Two rainwater tanks were also dug into the backyard and hidden by the deck.

Allura designed a stepped house, from front to back, to accommodate the slope of the land. The client also specifically requested that the roof not be visible from the street. To meet this requirement, Allura designed a parapet to hide the roofing materials, while providing an modern finish to the home.

Visitors are greeted by a large, bespoke front door which opens in to a wide entrance displaying an open staircase leading upstairs.

Allura presented the option of a knock down rebuild, and concluded it would be $150,000 cheaper than the renovation (including landscaping, driveway, new pipework).

Allura designed this family of five the ultimate custom home; a design without compromise. This was achieved through our collaborative approach to design, as well as a visit to Allura’s Lifesize Plans facility. Here the client was able to virtually walk through a digitally displayed lifesize floorplan of their home and make modifications in real time to ensure rooms were the right size, the layout was functional and the end result was exactly what they wanted.

Allura ticked all the boxes. While Allura didn’t design the homes we could definitely deliver an outstanding finish. The clients were impressed with Studio Allura and the interior design service we offer, as they wanted to created two unique homes with exterior and interior finishes that were on trend and what buyers were looking for.

Each duplex was the same size, however they featured individual interior layouts to appeal to different buyers. This was intentional; to provide the future owner with confidence they had purchased a home unique to them, and not a ‘cookie cutter’ of their neighbour’s home.

The goal was to create two individual properties that would perform well in the market place.

The build was on a narrow block on a busy main road, which can present some challenges, however with a dedicated site manager on the job for around two hours each day, the logistics were easy to manage for Allura.

The materials selected for the home’s exterior ensured the new home was in keeping with the architectural style of the area.

Several key design elements were required to enhance the family’s lifestyle, including a separate food preparation area as they entertained regularly however wanted to keep clutter out of the kitchen; a large toy walk-in-toy cupboard for their daughter; and a massive walk-in-robe off the master bedroom.

Allura designed an inverted, traditional two storey home. The block has a 45-degree incline and is surrounded by trees. Construction of retaining walls was critical to create a building platform.

Downstairs includes a double garage, laundry, built-in storage under the staircase, a separate bathroom, two bedrooms (which will be used as a study and guest room) and a large rumpus room.

At the top of the stairs, an angled wall naturally directs everyone into the sun-drenched, open plan living area, kitchen, dining space and extensive outdoor deck.

At the front of the house is a single garage and study. As you walk along the hallway you pass a rumpus room for kids, which can double as a guest bedroom. The downstairs bathroom is larger than most second bathrooms, to provide a comfortable space for a parent or long-term guest.  

 Opposite the rumpus room is the striking open stringer staircase. This minimalist design lets the natural light from the western afternoon sun filter through the entire home.  

Allura’s solution was a modern contemporary design that features four bedrooms and guest room, kitchen, study and a spacious living area. This custom home also includes a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, double garage and an alfresco area that leads to a heated swimming pool. Every bedroom, including the guest room, includes an ensuite, to ensure there is no more arguing for bathroom supremacy in the morning.

From outside, the home does not melt into the street’s aesthetic; instead it showcases a white and natural stone façade with contrasting elements that allow it to stand out as a shining example of modern contemporary living.

The modern contemporary design theme is continued inside, with a captivating void above the living room to flood the home with natural light. Polished concrete floors feature throughout, with Laminam surfacing for the bathrooms, kitchen and the alfresco benchtops; all creating a sense of minimalism.