“Jasper Suits Range of Buyers”

The West Australian, New Homes, 24th October 2009

Downsizing empty nesters, discerning young couples and canny investors among the target markets for Dale Alcock Homes’ new jasper cottage-lot display at Austin Cove in South Yunderup.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home will fit narrow or cottage lots with rear-lane access and combines a smart, contemporary elevation with a practical and versatile layout catering to this broad range of buyers.

Managing director Dale Alcock said the ability to blend functional design and effecting space was the key to success of any cottage design, and the Jasper achieved both design parameters without compromising on style or quality. “The home’s considered design is also centred on appealing to a wide-ranging market-from those looking to downsize, to young couples looking for a smaller home that still offers spacious living and quality accommodation,” Mr Alcock said.

Mr Alcock said including a separate office with a deliberate design consideration, catering for West Australians working from home, and the abundant storage space catered to the needs of empty nesters.

The design suited narrow, cottage-style blocks with rear access, and including a deep veranda at the front acknowledged the desire for a greater sense of community.

“By including wide verandas, occupants are encouraged to use this space as an outdoor room, creating greater interaction with neighbours,” he said. The veranda is an attractive focal point in the subtle and stylish façade, alongside an eye-catching twisted bronze art piece in the front garden.

The exterior of the home two-toned rendered walls in shades of brown, complemented by a colorbond roof, and contrasted with the bleached boards of an elevated deck to the central front door.

Inside, the separate entry continues to a central thoroughfare, leading past the main suite, open home office and laundry on the right and minor-bedroom wing on the left, towards the main living zone at the back of the house.

The main suite has a spacious sleeping area with the corner window facing the veranda, deep-walk-in-robe and spacious ensuite with a big shower, three-door vanity unit flanked by vertical cabinets, and a separate toilet.

The bathroom is between the two minor bedrooms in a separate wing at each end of a short L-shaped hall.

For the home office, he design team has installed a pair of louvre screens that define the space and hide work areas from sight, without enclosing the room.

High ceilings and absence of internal structural boundaries emphasise the dimensions of the open-plan casual zone, with the living room on the right, opposite the kitchen and dining room.

The kitchen had CaesarStone benchtops, stainless-steel appliances, overhead cupboards, including a suspended horizontal cabinet, and an island bench with a breakfast bar.

The adjacent dining room has a glass sliding door to the alfresco area, which is decorated for display with a bleached deck, three-piece all-weather seating and artistic triptych of weathered metallic panels.

The double garage has a remote-controlled door, plus personal doors into the dining area and to a drying courtyard along the side of the house.