HOUSING | Inspiring Australia’s building professionals

Coastal cool

Combining the popular Hampton style with the American farmhouse, this striking property by Custom Coast Homes oozes sophistication and charm, and has made a strong impression in its NSW seaside suburb.

Our voice

While 2020 has been a year like no other, HIA did not skip a beat, and continued to provide advice and services to members and the broader industry when needed most.

On Trend

HOUSING's top pick of innovative building products for November 2020.

The ‘Bimmer’ – shaken, not stirred

BMW is one of the most respected car brands in the world. But what makes them the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’? And can owning one be easier than you think?

Family ties

By sharing their passion, dedication and skills with the next generation of housing professionals, the owners of this family-run business, Chris and Melissa Snel, are helping to strengthen the future of our industry.

Take it outside

Outdoor dining is more than just a four burner, an ice bucket and a plastic table – it is a communal environment made for entertaining year-round. HOUSING explores what makes this space great.

Projects

Resort-style living

This impressive family home built by SX Constructions on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast perfectly captures the laidback beachside lifestyle of its location.

Small changes, big impact

This beautifully designed accessible home by O’Shea and Sons Builders shows simple changes can make a big difference to the livability and functionality of home for all stages of life – or changes in circumstance.

Coastal cool

Storybook style

Bold ingenuity and master craftsmanship characterise this unique Melbourne property, built with precision and patience by long-standing HIA member Atma Builders.

Hats off

Inspired by the broad brim of an Akubra Hat, this sustainable property on a NSW cattle farm was designed to capture the surrounding rural vista and exist self-sufficiently within its landscape.

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In Focus

From slump to bump

Australians ramped up their renovations activity in 2020, helping to absorb some of the economic shock of the COVID recession.

Digging deeper

Mentoring programs have supported thousands of apprentices in their early years, and following their conclusion, HIA reveals insights about why many are failing to complete their trade training.

You can't bank on banks

It’s time we saw regulatory reform so home ownership can still be an attainable aspiration for Australians. To achieve this, banks should be determining the risk of lending money, not regulators.

Our voice

While 2020 has been a year like no other, HIA did not skip a beat, and continued to provide advice and services to members and the broader industry when needed most.

People

Industry insiders

HOUSING spoke with our insiders about the issues that may affect the residential building industry as we move into 2021, and how they are navigating the impact of the pandemic.

Head in the game

At the height of his professional career, AFL player Tom Downie didn’t expect to be struck with incapacitating anxiety. Now a Beyond Blue speaker, he tells his story to help others who may be experiencing similar concerns in high pressure environments.

Open and agile

HIA award-winning interior designer Jasmine McClelland is one to take new challenges, pursuing her creative flair all the way into a housing industry.

Insulating the future

Robert Vis of SIPs Industries is seeing growing interest in the use of structurally insulated panels to produce sustainable housing in Australia, with more people conscious of the benefits to be gained by using prefabricated building products.

Products

From the ashes

You’ve heard of engineered stone and engineered timber, but have you heard of engineered rock? The scientifically tested material, developed in Australia by builder and architect Maroun Rahme, is decades in the making and a sustainable product that comes with a whole range of building benefits.

On Trend

HOUSING's top pick of innovative building products for November 2020.

Take it outside

Outdoor dining is more than just a four burner, an ice bucket and a plastic table – it is a communal environment made for entertaining year-round. HOUSING explores what makes this space great.

WIN $500

Tasmania Timber is offering the chance to win $500 to those who complete this 10 minute survey.

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interiors

Sustainability reimagined

Meticulously constructed from a diverse range of reclaimed materials, this eclectic, highly liveable home demonstrates its builder’s love of design and holistic approach to sustainability.

Perfectly formed

Flawlessly married marble, steel and timber elements came together to create the 2020 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year.

Secret ingredients

With its pared-back take on industrial design, the Australian Kitchen of the Year exudes warmth and depth in the heart of an architect’s Adelaide home.

Colours of sanity

Wattyl has provided insights into the ideal colour palettes to help revive the home and improve mental health during COVID-19.

Divide and conquer

Open-plan living has become increasingly popular over recent years. But there are times it can limit privacy and make it harder to zone areas. Here are a few ideas to help divide a space without putting up walls.

Business

When the going gets tough

Small business is challenging at the best of times, but so much harder at the worst. HOUSING shines a spotlight on mental health resources to help you get through.

Explore Australia

With international travel on the back-burner, owning a boat, caravan or camper may give you the freedom to explore the beauty of Australia. We have put together the beginner’s guide you need before you decide to dive or drive.

A little help goes a long way

How can builders help pave the way for the next generation of apprentices? Maybe joining forces with subcontractors is the answer. HOUSING talks to two milestone hosts about their thoughts.

Chat bots

Chatbots are an emerging technology for companies to engage with consumers. They provide pre-programmed engagement which means you can continue working as the software looks after the customer’s needs. HOUSING looks into what you need to consider before implementing chatbots on your company website.

Awards

Winners revealed: 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards

The winners of the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards were announced on 8 September.

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Home and GreenSmart Display/Project Home

Is this Australia’s most sustainable home? The 2020 HIA Australia GreenSmart Home was awarded to an impressive certified Passive House project by Blue Mountains builder Blue Eco Homes.

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project

The winner of the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project award is a formerly dilapidated Canberra property that was transformed into an energy-efficient family home.

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home

Reminiscent of an upside down Akubra hat, this unusual rural property has been designed to operate off-grid and is the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home winner.

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development

A thoughtful intergenerational project by Light House Architecture & Science and 360 Building Solutions is the winner of the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development award.

Features

Take it outside

Outdoor dining is more than just a four burner, an ice bucket and a plastic table – it is a communal environment made for entertaining year-round. HOUSING explores what makes this space great.

Building for bushfire

The 2019-2020 bushfire season was shocking for its ferocity and widespread destruction. It tested our resilience and endurance, strained our firefighting resources and left a devastating rebuilding effort for affected communities.

A plumb Australian legend

For more than 80 years Rheem has been delivering reliable and resourceful hot water solutions to Australian homes. From historical to the contemporary, what is it that makes Rheem an Aussie icon?

Nature's design

Bathroom design has come a long way, and today’s spaces are all about the relaxation, pleasure and health of consumers as much as they are about style.

Lifestyles

No one likes a negative Nancy

Moods of workers are highly contagious so managing the spread of unhelpful negativity will go a long way in improving the quality of your workplace.

Green living

There are plenty of ways to make your home more eco-friendly without expending much effort. Here are four ideas you can easily introduce at your place over the summer break.

Balkan beauty

The pristine allure of Croatia’s meandering shores and rugged inland provinces are drawing visitors by the millions to experience the cultural delights of this formerly austere tourist spot. HOUSING’s Editor recently returned to her homeland for a family ‘vacay’ and explains why this bustling destination is currently all the rage.

Encouraging healthy thinking

While there is particular attention of mental health during October, it’s important to manage the responsibility of workplace mental health throughout the year.

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Coastal cool

Our voice

On Trend

The ‘Bimmer’ – shaken, not stirred

Family ties

Take it outside

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