Awards:
Winner of the Custom Built Homes ($500,001-$750,000) Category of the Hunter MBAs.
Project Description:
Located at the tip of Coal Point, the steep fall of
this residence’s site provides fantastic vistas across Lake Macquarie but
created many challenges for the builder during construction. The design called
for the existing home to be partially demolished and original retaining walls
removed and rebuilt. In addition extensive excavation works were required to
prepare the site for a split level building to take advantage of the property’s
prime waterfront location and views, but which respected the low level height
profile of the surrounding suburban homes.
Classic construction methods were used with a timber
frame, weatherboard cladding and colorbond roof. The home comprises an open
plan living-dining-kitchen area on the lower level and two bedrooms and
bathrooms as well as a studio on the upper level. As empty nesters the owners -
an artist and a commuter IT consultant – wanted to create a home of comfort and
convenience for their busy lives. N B Russell Building were selected from a
competitive group of tenderers for their proven for attention to detail and
award-winning reputation for construction excellence.
Timber is a key feature, from the statement 1.2m wide
entry door in New Guinea Rosewood,
to the beautiful Tasmanian Oak lined raked ceiling and blackbutt
flooring throughout. Glass is also a highlight, especially in the hallway where
an impressive slump glass panel with built in LED lights creates a magnificent
display at night, while allowing filtered light in during the day. A stone fireplace
in the open plan living area adds a further luxurious touch. Sustainability
elements include the extensive use of louvres to capitalise on natural light
and breezes, a 6000l water tank and solar hot water.
Owners' Comments:
This testimonial is in commendation of
Nathan Russell Building who has overcome all obstacles including a complex
design, a difficult, narrow, sloping, battle-axe site in need of major earthworks,
restricted access requiring supplies to be barged in during the wet, strict
council supervision, concerned neighbours and the most atrocious wet weather on
record to build a beautiful and welcoming home that exudes quality and
craftsmanship. The result of Nathan, Allan and their team of subcontractors is
a comfortable and inviting world class home that has exceeded our high
expectations.
While undertaking this difficult project
with demanding clients Nathan has at all times been eager to please, remained
calm and found solutions to every obstacle and challenge thrown in front of
him. In addition Nathan has treated our budget as if it was his own money, sourcing
the best quality for price materials and contractors, supervising their
standard of work intensely, signing off their invoices only when completed and
making wise recommendations for practical design alterations and material
specifications. Nathan either knows or finds every conceivable trade or item.
Our house started with a fantastic design
created by our architect but there is no doubt in our mind that our completed
home is considerably improved as a result of Nathan’s meticulous attention to
detail. Nathan is always a step ahead and anticipates the issues that will
arise and guides us through the process to make the best possible decisions.
We would happily recommend
Nathan to anybody wanting to build a high quality, architect designed house. Chris and Cheryl L.
