There once was a tired 1950s fibro shack in the coastal suburb of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast that builder Josh Coghlan, his wife Courtney and their two young sons called home. But what this ageing cottage lacked in style and comfort, it more than made up for in location. Walking distance from the beach, with Burleigh Headland National Park and the rocky escarpments of Springbrook on the horizon, the site had a huge amount of potential.

But not the home. Its days were numbered, since the duo had a dream project in mind that would see it knocked down and an ambitious four-level structure reared in its place.

Courtney and Josh, an experienced third-generation builder and managing director of Rome Design & Construct, teamed up with architect Graham Lloyd to imagine an intensely modern, Mediterranean-inspired family home that would both embrace and enhance its location.

Completed in early 2022 after an 18-month design and build process, the Nirvana, as it is known, unapologetically dominates the streetscape. Its creamy sculptural form is made distinctive by a wide offset archway over a front balcony, while sleek Knotwood aluminium panelling, stone accents and lush greenery, cascading from elevated garden beds, complete the elegant facade.

With the business on a sharp trajectory for growth in the high-end, custom home building market, servicing a discerning clientele from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, the project was an opportunity to showcase what the Rome Design & Construct team can do. Nirvana’s dominant motif of curves and arches throughout the home act as an intentional nod to the company’s origins and philosophy.

'Like the Roman empire, our story is forged on a history of construction that withstands the test of time,’ says Josh, whose father Doug is a builder and director of the business, like Josh’s grandfather before him.

A long-term HIA member, the 60-year-old business underwent a rebrand from Descon Master Craftsmen nearly 10 years ago. Since then, the refreshed Rome Design & Construct has refined its direction but its commitment to excellence in construction and customer service has remained an integral part of the company culture. ‘We are focused on producing a high-quality product for our clients,’ Josh adds. ‘Our projects are a meticulous blend of traditional and contemporary.'

The Nirvana residence exemplifies this signature style, its showstopping design maximising every inch of the 600-square-metre block. A predominantly neutral colour palette unfolds across five bedrooms, three bathrooms (plus powder room), a study landing, and various living and entertaining areas, including a funky bar on the ground floor. Earthy, textured materials feature throughout, such as large-format travertine tiles, Venetian plaster and light-hued stone walls, while several large portholes pop up to tie in with the home’s coastal theme and seaside setting.

To make the most of Queensland’s balmy year-round climate, the design focuses almost as much on the outdoor experience as it does on ensuring sophisticated living internally, with the inclusion of five balcony/patio areas. Easy access to these external spaces through folding doors ensures a breezy, open plan feel, with the lowest level connecting to a compact concrete pool area at the rear of the property. Extending the home’s footprint, a rooftop terrace (and 10-person sauna hand-built by the Rome team) on the top level is ideal for entertaining family and friends, capturing sweeping 360-degree views across the ocean and hinterland.

However, as with many infill city projects, when it came to breaking ground, Josh says the property’s location threw up some logistical issues.

‘The home really stands out, you can’t miss it when you go down the Gold Coast highway,’ he explains. ‘But it was a challenging site due to its narrow frontage and position on such a busy road, especially for getting materials to site and working in and around local traffic. We were lucky the block to our right was vacant during construction, so we were able to make use of that.’

With careful planning and the ability to quickly pivot and problem solve when required – the result of decades of collective building experience – the Rome Design & Construct team kept the project moving. Construction included a mix of concrete blockwork, suspended concrete slabs and timber framing, while internally, Josh was conscious of highlighting his firm’s high-quality workmanship and attention to detail.

All windows and door frames were made square set, with no skirting throughout, and features such as arched doorways and the outdoor cabana were handmade. A beautiful, curved staircase connecting all four levels also serves as an impressive architectural statement.

Courtney and Josh were conscious of selecting high-performing glass and materials to ensure their future home would be comfortable, calm and quiet for everyday family living. ‘When you’re inside, you’re really disconnected from the external noise. It’s a nice feature to the house,’ he says.

Since the family moved in, the Nirvana residence has increasingly garnered attention and was even generously opened up to a housing tour for members during the HIA 2022 National Conference.

Thrilled with the finished product, Josh is hoping the venture will continue to reap rewards for Rome Design & Construct, a firm whose evolution as a business is supported by a hardworking team as well as a strong network of subcontractors and suppliers. In a challenging market, he sees their adaptability, workmanship and focus on a personable build experience as qualities that help them to stand out.

‘We like our clients to feel part of a journey when building with us,’ Josh says. ‘We pride ourselves on our positive client relationships, during and after construction. Our ability to adapt to the challenges of building these high-end homes, keeping to timelines and keeping our relationships intact, is a big part of our success.’

Materials: 

• Roof: Colorbond Surfmist
• Exterior: custom render; Dulux Casper White Quarter paint 
• Windows: Bradnam’s Windows and Doors
• Flooring: Classic Travertine Light Medium - Tumbled - Tile - Unfilled 406x610x12mm travertine tiles, Graystone Tile & Design Studio
• Kitchen and bathrooms: Adamina Caesarstone (benchtops); Laminex in Surf, woodmatt finish (cabinetry); Arcisan in brushed brass (tapware); Fienza Bahama MKII cast stone basins
• Interiors: Venetian lime plaster by Modtextures; freeform stone in basque (non-grouted); Taubmans Island Coconut paint
• Garage door: Knotwood aluminium panels, J&B Doors.
  
   

First published on 17 April 2023