‘Our clients’ choices in design, building methods and finishes are unlimited,’ says Denis Carroll, co-director of Horizon Homes, a boutique home-building company that covers Sydney’s inner-west, north shore and northern beaches. 

The firm’s flexibility and fearlessness came into play when building Jack’s Point, a stunning display home in Bella Vista. ‘We’re proud of the complete project – the home’s facade, design, interior finishes and landscaping complement each other to create a unified look,’ says Denis. ‘It’s high-quality the whole way.’

This architecturally designed home fuses modern aesthetics and organic design elements and won the 2024 HIA Australian Display Home Award. According to Denis’s wife and co-director Esther, the striking monochromatic palette is repeated from outside in, creating a modern, sophisticated look. ‘When it comes to the interior, we drew inspiration from many aspects of our previous homes,’ she says.

‘We wanted this project to reflect us as a business, so it had to be different to the typical display home. It shows off our design creativity and high-level timber, stone and metal finishes.’

The facade design and materials include contemporary brickwork meshed with charred hardwood timber cladding, a castellated-style garage door and a first-floor natural garden bed. The large terrazzo entry steps at the front of the house are repeated in the curved seat in the rear garden, unifying the front and back of the home.

Inside, American oak timber flooring leads from the entry to the living area, which features an impressive wall-hung fireplace with an exposed metal flue. The staircase creates distinct spaces in an otherwise open zone. Constructed from American oak treads, steel and glass, it provides abundant natural light. Adding a touch of luxury is a back-lit wine cellar with glass-panelled doors at the bottom of the staircase.

On the first floor, the four bedrooms, two ensuites and main bathroom feature quality finishes and decorative panelling to create an opulent atmosphere. Hebel 75mm flooring with acoustic batts in cavities eliminates sound transfer between floors and provides greater thermal benefits.

During the 15-month build, the Horizon Homes team managed COVID-19 lockdowns and limitations, as well as the material shortage crisis. ‘We adapted by using alternate available materials,’ says Denis. ‘For example, we’d planned to use a specific stone in the kitchen and pantry, but it was in short supply. So we combined a mix of marble, granite and Corian finishes, which all worked together seamlessly.’

On the sustainability front, the timber frame is wrapped in a vapour-permeable wall membrane called Solitex Extasana, which provides a weathertight and airtight resistive barrier. The house is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, and all exhaust fans are ducted externally. 

‘Louvered windows have been placed strategically to capture the cross breeze,’ explains Denis. ‘In addition, double-glazed, low-E windows reduce heat intake and reduce noise from the street.’ 

According to Denis, he’s still learning new techniques and building skills even after being in the industry for more than 30 years. ‘I started as a carpenter before completing my building diploma and obtaining my builder’s licence,’ he recalls. ‘Esther and I started in the renovations and additions space and progressed to architect-designed projects. From then on, our niche has been incorporating high-end finishes.’

‘Seventeen years ago, we decided to build display homes pitched to clients who want individual designs,’ says Esther. This was a game-changer for the Carrolls, who launched Horizon Homes in 1998. ‘Since then, our business has flourished as we continue to embrace new technology, designs and materials.’

They now build 10 homes per year, all designed to suit clients’ land and personal briefs. ‘We’re a family business and employ a staff of 16, made up of apprentice carpenters, qualified carpenters, supervisors and office administration,’ says Esther. 

‘We employ a new apprentice each year and believe this is behind the success of our business. Our carpenters grow within our company and learn our quality and culture. This helps us consistently reproduce quality on each project.’

Esther and Dennis know the value of inviting prospective clients to high-end display homes. ‘We receive positive responses from almost every visitor that comes through the home,’ says Denis. ‘The typical response is: “I can see why you won the HIA award”.’

So, what’s on the horizon for Horizon Homes? ‘We plan to maintain the current size and level of the business,’ says Denis. ‘We don’t intend to grow – instead, we’ll improve and refine our service so our clients have a wonderful experience designing and building their dream home with us.’

Materials

• Roof sheeting: Colorbond Klip-lok from Crest Metal Roofing
• Windows & doors: Black aluminium from Taberner Windows & Doors
• Garage door: B&D Sectional Panelift in Biowood Black Japan from Advance Garage Doors
• Hot-water system: Rinnai 
• Flooring: American oak hardwood from Royal Oak Floors
• Staircase: Custom timber stairs from Genneral Staircase
• Joinery: Seattle polyurethane; Laminex Planked Urban Oak; Laminex Impressions Parchment, all from Art of Kitchens

First published on 18 September 2024.