Timeless Elevation

Sunday Times April 11 2010

Like the judges of this year’s Master Builders-Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards, most visitors to the Boulevard fall in love with the home even before stepping inside. This is due in no small part to the front elevation, which is the epitome of Australian colonial charm.

Featuring architectural gables, a deep veranda and raked ceilings, the front elevation of this Dale Alcock Homes design provides maximum street appeal.

“The Boulevard offers a timeless elevation that epitomises Australian style,” says managing director Dale Alcock. “By including a wide veranda the occupants are encouraged to use this space as an outdoor room for greater interaction with neighbours.

“Many display homes draw upon contemporary styling, however we wanted to deviate from the norm and design a home that presented a timeless colonial style. It’s perfect for semi-rural lots, but would still fit in just as well in the suburbs.”

Step inside the Boulevard and there is an immediate sense of space and elegance. High ceilings start at the entry and continue all the way through the open-plan dining and living areas and out to the large alfresco.

According to Dale, careful consideration has been given to the layout of the Boulevard.

“The considered zoning of the home is one of the Boulevard’s key elements, with parents of the front and children at the rear. The central living area functions as a family hub where members come together for entertaining and meals,” he says.

“This allows for plenty of light to flow into the living areas as well as the opportunity to open doors for cross-ventilation and also maximise side views while gaining effective solar orientation.”

The luxurious master suite is located at the front of the property, with direct access on to a private courtyard.

“We are finding that as a trend more clients are asking for opulent-style master suites that provide more than just a standard bedroom arrangement,” Dale says. “Clients want this space to function as a retreat or an escape from the main living areas of the home. In The Boulevard the parents area is an elegant interpretation of how a bedroom suite can be designed to not only offer a traditional bedroom style but also a self-contained relaxation zone. This, coupled with the dressing room, luxury ensuite with twin vanities and double-sized shower, complete what can only be described as a haven away from the rest of the home.”

Also at the front of the property is the home theatre, which has a sunken floor to increase the feeling of seclusion.

The central living and dining space opens to the alfresco area, creating an extension of the interior.

“The incorporation of an outdoor fireplace for winter entertaining and overhead fan for summertime makes the alfresco a flexible, versatile space perfect for year-round entertaining,” Dale says.

Inside, the kitchen has been thoughtfully designed. The expansive CaesarStone benchtops, side-by-side 600mm ovens, integrated microwave and coffee machine, under-bench sinks and an abundance of cupboards help create the ultimate workspace.

In response to the current market’s needs, many different configurations are available for The Boulevard’s floor plan.

“The Boulevard is an effective demonstration of how architectural features can be integrated with functionality, provide a home which can satisfy a range of needs,” Dale says.