Awards:
Merit Award in the Custom Built Homes ($350,001-$500,000) Category of
the 2011 Hunter MBA Awards.
Project Description:
This New Lambton residence is a distinctive addition to the
neighbourhood which beautifully moderates the stylistic space between the older
weatherboard cottages and the more contemporary dwellings in the area.
Although delighted with the duplex that NB Russell had built for them 7
years ago, the clients had outgrown that property with the arrival of two young
children. They re-engaged Nathan and his team to construct a new home which
would allow the family flexibility in years to come. This single level residence
consists of 3 bedrooms, study, theatre room, 2.5 bathrooms, and a large open
plan living-dining-kitchen area. The property includes an internal courtyard,
double garage and is book-ended with timber decks, the rear one with a built in
spa.
The design of the home is a refined take on the honest aesthetic of
North American ski lodges, using stone and timber reference points throughout.
To achieve this look, the builder’s skill in detailing was of utmost importance
to ensure a quality transition between the various materials. Externally the
house uses brick and weatherboard topped by a tiled roof, with the natural
stacked stone column and Tasmanian Oak gables along the entry walls
lending the dwelling its distinctive alpine appearance.
Internally the use of stone and timber is continued against a neutral
colour palette, while a number of wallpapered feature walls can be found
throughout the house to provide visual interest. The layout takes advantage of
the natural slope of the site to provide a view from the hall through the large
open plan area and on to the urban vistas of Charlestown and beyond. With its
generous 3.2m high ceilings, the living areas also capitalize on natural
ventilation and lighting via carefully oriented louvre windows. A 3000l water
tank complements these energy saving measures, and there is additional storage
provided beneath the rear deck.
Construction challenges included a tight site and working around the
large established trees on both neighbouring properties, which prevented the
standard footings being used beneath the soil. Instead, N B Russell worked with
the building designer to develop a pier and steel beam lintel solution to allow
the necessary construction strength for laying brickwork on the eastern border,
without harming the extensive tree roots.
Owner's Testimonial:
We had a very positive experience with N B Russell Building in 2004 in
the construction of two townhouses, one of which became our home. Accordingly
when it came to choosing builders to quote for our new family home we had no
hesitation in asking Nathan to submit a quote. Whilst he was not he cheapest
price, Nathan was the natural choice given our experience of his high benchmark
for quality. Perhaps even more importantly, we had been impressed with Nathan's
informative and personable approach and his open style of communication.
Nathan worked with us to identify cost savings ideas to enable us to
meet our budget. In addition he spent time sourcing materials that gave us
significant savings and the quality of furnish we desired. Nathan was always
flexible and professional and open to discussing options and make changes when
requested.
During this build Nathan was challenged with a tight deadline and
restricted building site. Despite significant rain delays early in the project,
Nathan was able to make up time and even arrange trades over the Christmas
period to have the home finished in great time.
We would happily recommend N B Russell Building to family and friends as
a genuine progressive builder with enthusiasm in achieving quality results. Ben
and Courtney O.
Building Designer's Comments:
I have been assisting N & B Russell Building for the past 8 years in
the Planning and Design of a multitude of Developments. We have performed
Architectural and planning work directly for Nathan Russell and he has
constructed homes for our clients. I have been impressed by Nathan Russell’s
integrity and professionalism, as well as the quality of workmanship, the
ability to bring jobs in on time, being within budget and achieving such
positive outcomes for both the developer and the new home owner. N B Russell
Building can and will deliver on any project they take on, no matter the size –
whether small or large. Adrian Sorenson.
