Monday, May 10, 2010

For sale


The house is on the market and being auctioned next weekend. This was always the intention of our clients but we always hoped they'd end up living here.

Here is the agent's blurb.

HILL END ECOHOUSE IS A ONE OF A KIND RESIDENCE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE OF ITS DESIGN BRIEF. THIS REMARKABLE, ABSOLUTE RIVERFRONT PROPERTY HAS EMBRACED CONSERVATION IN EVERY ASPECT OF ITS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

The architect Riddell Architecture, the clients and Robert Peagram Builders worked together to achieve the greenest home possible with a 6 star energy rating. From the dismantling of the original residence to the final landscaping touches, this vision has been realized with few compromises.

The building form responds to its unique site, drawing on elements of the Queensland home in a contemporary way. Large overhangs, window hoods, outdoor living spaces, blinds, lightweight building materials and generous ceiling heights, set within a lush landscape reflect this.

The rooms that populate the home are wonderfully scaled and the use of natural materials contributes a sense of warmth. With approximately 80% of the original home reused in the construction, quirky elements such as the original number at the front door, integrated lead lighting and recycled timber feature walls bring character.

Soaring ceiling spaces, light filled interiors, polished concrete and reclaimed timber flooring plus extensive windows capturing the pristine river views are some of the superb features.

The home sited on a long 683m2 block, has been constructed over three levels following and utilizing the natural contours of the site. The lower floor with a bedroom, media room and powder room, opens directly to a large covered deck with plunge pool, the lush back gardens, river and St Lucia.

The main level’s study and laundry are separated by a long wide gallery, perfect for housing the art collection, from the living zones including dining, meals, family room and a supremely functional and stylish kitchen. Two further bedrooms are positioned at the front of the home, elevated from the street to capture the cooling breezes.

These areas focus on the outdoors, either onto the very private central courtyard or through large expanses of glass to the river terrace and decks with unlined glass balustrade to maximize the river views.

The master suite, enjoying wonderful separation is sited on the upper level with a custom fitted walk in robe, ensuite and its own private riverfront balcony.

With conservation at its heart, the home features energy efficient lighting, solar power, 71000l of rainwater storage, grey water recycling system plumbed to irrigation and toilet and where possible all materials have been sourced from local manufacturers.

From the moment you step across the front pathways dotted with strawberry plants, cumquats and herbs its obvious this is somewhere special. This is a home to be proud of with a unique design and construction story, paving the way to a more sustainable future yet at no time compromising quality, function or beauty.

West End is a mecca for diverse eateries, great shopping bargains at wholesale outlets, farmers markets and a profusion of theatres, art galleries and museums. With the city centre just 3kms away, parklands and the close proximity of the City Cat, this home is ideally positioned to enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle and throw away the car keys.

Solar power

According to our solar power installer, Mark Wright of Stand Alone Power Supplies, the house has now been generating an average of 13.5kWh/day. September, October and November are the best months for the 20 degree roof pitch so the panels will generate more power and increase the daily average.