Episode Four Overview
Master Build episode four is now out, with only four houses left to view before the televised major gala night for the MBA Excellence in Housing Awards. Our last four homes are in Lennox Head, the Northern Suburbs of Sydney, Earlwood, and Whitebridge - and what a way to lead up to the awards night.
Foley Construction had to build a scaffold from the beach boardwalk to the house, as it was sometimes the most convenient way to deliver materials. They used timber burnished with a flame thrower to create a protective coating which is both durable and attractive.
Only one type of American Walnut timber was used in the interior, which provides a warmth and unity. A lot of work went into the fixtures, finishes and interior design set this house apart, including a beer tap and an impressive air conditioning system in a tricky location.
“This home was like building a ship in a bottle [due to a bottle neck delivery passage for materials]” – Liv Phyland
Dave Foley and Foley Construction have built a new home right on the beach in Lennox Head in Northern NSW, which equates to gorgeous views and also rough building conditions, and the need for durable materials.
The next builder to feature is Luigi Ginardi. Ginardi brought to life a client brief focused on a light, artistic home, maintaining a modern feel while also paying homage to a 1930’s Italian home. No expense has been spared during the build of this new Sydney Northern Suburbs home.
“This property is lavish to the point of pure extravagance” – Tim Ross
The home features 28 types of natural stone, including 400 slabs of marble that Luigi travelled to Italy to bring back. It took almost 4 years to complete, with months of excavation through sandstone, including the excavation for a 35m long tunnel 16m below the ground floor.
In between homes Liv Phyland and Tim ross give us a brief history of the Master Builders Association (MBA). Australia’s first MBA was established in Sydney in 1873 as a voice for the construction industry. Providing advice, education, and apprenticeships. The MBA NSW now has 8000 members, and 8 regional offices.
This week Tim also talks to Amanda Kelly, MBA Awards and Events Manager. She sheds light on the Excellence in Housing Awards, and what people can expect and gain from them. The MBA Excellence in Housing Awards have been going for some 40 years now, having been started in early 1980’s. Amanda emphasised bringing recognition to some amazing builders in a time where bad news dominates the industry.
“We’re getting the true story of what building is really about.” – Amanda Kelly
Sitting on top of an escarpment and built by 2019 Young Builder of the Year Rick Simmons and OneUp Building, the third home is definitely worthy of a mention. Fittingly named the Halo house - for the steel frame structure essential to the build, and also hiding the internal and external blinds and services.
During construction part of the front rock face fell away and needed to be rehabilitated which provided an opportunity to construct a pedestrian entrance to the property, and a house that dramatically cantilevers over a cliff face on entrance to the property.
“all of that [rock rehabilitation] has come from a challenging situation. But we’ve turned that negative into a positive.” – Rick Simmons
The fourth and final home highlighted in the series is completely made out of off-form concrete and glass.
Nestled in the South Newcastle Bushland, ‘Bunkeren’ has been expertly built by Daniel Ledbury and Ledbury Constructions. As it is fundamentally built of glass and concrete, it means it is robust, fire resistant and maintenance free.
Not only this, but the home features rooftop gardens which both look good and insulate the house to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.
The gardens will grow over time and cover the home so that it is indistinguishable from their natural environment, all of which only accentuates the easy upkeep and innate coalescence of the structure.
“It’s meant to blend into its environment. To morph into the surrounds. It’s built into the side of the rock shelf and looks like it comes out of the rock. Landscaping is super important to make it blend in.” – Daniel Ledbury
Interested in more?
The televised MBA Awards Night for Excellence in Housing is the fifth instalment of the series airing on the 20th of November, and you can follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @masterbuildtv
Master Builders Association would also like to acknowledge the partners of MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating episode four; cbus super, Wattyl, Master Builders Insurance Brokers, Chatswood Toyota, Standards Australia, and Florence.