Open-plan wish is fulfiled

The West Australian, New Homes, 3rd October 2010
By John Videnieks

When you cant build up, and the location warrants it, the answer is well-planned lateral additions.  In this seaside location, the strata restrictions eliminated the prospect of a second storey, so expansion on the existing level had to be the option.

The owners invited submissions from several builders and chose Dale Alcock Home Improvement.

“We wanted to add a bedroom and a study and basically wanted an open plan.  We were very impressed by what the Dale Alcock Home Improvement team came up with”, explained the owner as she pointed out the changes in the positioning of the garage and entry.

The new portico has a cedar ceiling and a modern grey-blue door with a latch panel and horizontal glass inserts.  It opens to a passage with added storage capacity that leads into the open plan kitchen.

And open plan it is, creating space that defines the formal dining and lounge area as separate from the kitchen.  The essa stone island bench with side or waterfall panels is central to this creation of space because it stands independent of other fittings, yet provides functionality with built-in dual sinks and is serviced by stainless-steel mixers.

The upgrade of the kitchen includes contemporary appliances, cupboard space, drawers and a bench-length glass spashback.

The newly created study sits off the passageway, has built-in drawers, desk tops, more cupboard space and a window looking out to the lawn area.

Adjacent is the equally new, airy children’s bedroom with built-in robes and ducted air-conditioning and its own substantial window outlook.

There is a seamless feel to these additions.  They enhance the dimensions of the house and yet are not add-ons; the integration is clever and effective.  Even the match of the terracotta roof tiles was precise.

“We are very satisfied with the result and would definitely be happy to work with the Dale Alcock team again”, was the owners enthusiastic conclusion.