"Funk with Function"
Sunday Times, Home Magazine, 15 November 2009
A trio of cheeky red pots greets visitors to the Ecco by Dale Alcock Homes, indicating that this display home is more than happy to put the fun into funky. The unexpected splash of colour is just one of a number of quirky twists in the new four bedroom display that will no doubt inspire fun-loving families.
Cute plastic canines, for example, have taken up residence in the outdoor play area that has been created off the activity room in the kid’s wing. Complete with a colourful interactive wall, the playground is reached via a sliding door from the activity area.
Inside are more bright colours and child-friendly furnishings, says Dale Alcock, managing director of Dale Alcock Homes.
“The Ecco is primarily designed around families.” Dale says. “It has been cleverly designed to offer separate zoning to both parents and children alike.”
In the display home, contemporary screens in white acrylic and painted timber sections partly enclose both the home office and the activity area. This keeps them separate but still visible. Add in the home theatre with its colourful pop art and everyone has space to relax in, while the central living area serves as the perfect gathering point.
“The layout and integration of the open plan living area with the kitchen and outdoor area allows for easy access when entertaining and barbecuing,” Dale says. The relationship between kitchen, living areas, timber-decked alfresco and gardens also means parents can easily keep an eye on little ones playing outside.
Giving the Ecco a big, sleek kitchen, the design team has included a generous island bench, lots of pot draws, European appliances, 30mm CaesarStone bench tops and plenty of cupboards that are virtually floor-to-ceiling for a smooth, integrated look. “We have found within the marketplace that there is a return to functionality rather than just style,” Dale says. “People are also looking for the greater integration between the indoors and the outdoors. With the kitchen flowing seamlessly on to the alfresco area, it is perfect for year-round entertaining.”
The activity area can easily be turned into a study space or teenage retreat at a later stage, enabling the home to evolve as the family’s needs change.
Parents’ needs have been well catered for, with an enviable master suite featuring a dropped-sill window and a dressing room. Adjoining the ensuite, the dressing room is separated by a large mirrored column that houses the shower. Semi-recessed basins are set into twin vanity units connected by a floating two-draw unit.
The wide, welcoming hallway leads through to the main living area where the fresh teal blue and white colour scheme continues, highlighting the open-plan design and the raised ceilings.
Access from the garage to the home is via the home office. This means work-related items can be dropped at the door, so you’re ready to spend quality time with the family.