Tasmania is known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, which makes it essential to consider the surrounding landscape as well as the site when designing a home. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Delaney & Co, a building firm dedicated to innovation, shaping each project with a deep respect for the environment, the community and their clients.

This ethos is evident through the award-winning project at Otago Bay. Perched on the water's edge, this contemporary, cleverly designed home boasts a northerly orientation that not only captures breathtaking 180-degree river views but also maximises the home's solar efficiency.

Marcus Delaney, Founder of Delaney & Co, explains, 'The brief was for a contemporary single-storey "wow factor" home to suit the site, encompassing the incredible outlook and meeting the growing needs of an adolescent family. The design also needed to provide level access to address the client's mobility challenges.'

'The project was ever evolving. We worked extensively with the designer, Mike Cleaver from Clever Design. Mike and I spoke with the client to ensure every request could be achieved and in sync with the design intent. We openly discussed how each change would impact the project so the client could make informed decisions, adapting the scope and program as it progressed.'

Tragically, during the late stages of the planning phase, the client's husband passed away. In a heartfelt tribute, it was decided that the 1969 BSA motorcycle, a cherished symbol of husband and wife, would be incorporated into the home's design. This meaningful piece stands proudly at the entry, displayed in a glass cabinet on a mirrored floor.

But this wasn't the only blow to overcome. 'During the framing stage, a motor-vehicle accident resulted in personal injury, hospitalisation and extensive recovery. I am so proud to say that the leadership team rose to the task until I was fit to manage remotely and then returned to active duty,' recounts Marcus.

As Marcus was busy recovering, COVID-19 reared its head and, like many others, impacted the project. While the team was busy dealing with the fallout, the client had her own challenges. 'At the time, a stop-work request was made, and we negotiated that the lock-up scope would be completed to avoid structural damage or deterioration and the internal works being undertaken concurrently would cease. Thankfully, by the time the lock-up stage was complete, the client's situation had changed and the direction to continue was received.'

Despite the challenges, the home is a paragon of perfection, and every detail reflects precision craftsmanship. At the entry, a concrete bridge surrounded by stonework columns spans a 7.8m freshwater pond, home to plant and fish life. Fresh water is sourced from the stormwater management system. Large solid western red cedar timber feature beams and Corten lined planter boxes welcome you to a large Corten panel pivot entry door.

Inside the home, off-form white concrete walls up to 4.2m high, with expansive north-facing double glazing, provide natural light and crossflow ventilation. Liveability and accessibility are ensured with level access to all bedrooms and living spaces and widened doors that fully retract. The internal glass window systems allow seamless segmentation of in-and-outdoor areas. It slides discreetly into hidden cavities to offer flexible zoning and adapts to southern Tasmania's unpredictable weather.

Meticulously laid stonework features throughout the house, creating a monolithic appearance but softened by the use of warm western red cedar in feature beams, ceiling, wall linings, privacy screens, partitions and joinery features. The lighting is unconventional – artistically and discreetly integrated into the cedar panelling.

Designed for year-round entertaining, the home features a media room, alfresco area, and firepit. Midway through the build, a major redesign added an innovative sunken spa pool beneath a sliding floor in the alfresco area. 'This had its fair share of challenges,’ says Marcus. ‘Every element was custom-designed and fabricated, involving many specialists and services. Extensive consultation throughout the project was undertaken with all involved to ensure a successful outcome.’

The kitchen blends refined materials with integrated technology, creating a stunning central hub. An off-form white concrete feature anchors the island, complemented by a dark Dekton benchtop, custom sink, intricate detailing, and feature lighting. Integrated appliances, electronic touch controls, grey glass splashbacks, and a hidden appliance cupboard behind retractable pocket doors add to its sophistication. The walk-in pantry boasts a 3.3m-high western red cedar ceiling, automated highlight windows, and concrete splashback panels, and it houses integrated air-conditioning and hydronic heating systems.

The bathroom serves as a tranquil retreat, featuring a switchable glass wall that effortlessly transitions between complete privacy and a stunning garden view at the touch of a button — perfect for enjoying a soak in the freestanding bath.

The home prioritises energy efficiency, using natural stone and concrete walling for stability and a micro-cement finish on the concrete slab for internal thermal mass, reducing temperature fluctuations. It is equipped with a commercial-grade heat-pump hot-water system, hydronic in-slab heating, ducted air-conditioning, and ventilation systems, all contributing to its future-proof design. Wastewater and stormwater management systems are cleverly utilised for site irrigation, reinforcing the home's sustainability.

When considering the scale and complexity of this project, Marcus muses, 'It could be considered a challenge, but we enjoyed every step. We are honoured to have been involved with such a spectacular project and couldn't ask for a better designer and client to work alongside.'

Unsurprisingly, Marcus is proud of the finished result; for him, it's all in the quality and details. 'Unless in the trade or industry, most might not pick up on all the details, but this home has plenty. Some visible, most subtle, a lot hidden, all demanding precision and foresight to achieve the outcome. We are so proud of the team, craftsmanship and result of this beautiful home.'

The home took out an impressive seven awards at the 2023 HIA Tasmanian Housing Awards. Judges praised its bold, warm design, exceptional use of materials, and flawless execution, highlighting the collaboration between the client, designer and builder. For Marcus, these awards are significant. 'We are truly honoured for the accolades received. It’s the recognition of our exceptional team and allied trades. We believe HIA awards will establish us in the custom-build sector and instil confidence in the clients, designers or architects considering working with us. Additionally, these awards attract ambitious individuals looking to join our team.'

Delaney & Co recently acquired Custom Cabinets Tasmania, a joinery business operating since 1950. 'This opportunity allows us to provide quality, bespoke in-house joinery items directly to our clients, building on services for other builders and the public now and into the future.'

Awards

HIA-CSR Tasmanian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards

Materials

• Walls : In-situ, off-form concrete in white and exposed aggregate concrete in Salt & Pepper from Hazell Bros
• Stonework : Baw Baw stone in Natural from Eco Outdoor
• Timber : Western red cedar – various profiles and applications in Natural from Cedar Sales
• Steelwork : Corten steel in Natural from Weatherfoil and exposed structural steel in Dulux WeatherMax HBR M10 ‘Natural Grey’ from Amplified Contractors
• Windows : AWS window systems, custom skylight, glass panels & switchable glass in Duratec Eternity Charcoal Pearl Satin (Aluminium) from Glass Supplies
• Doors : Custom cavity slider units & internal doors from Triline
• Cladding : Alucobond cladding system in Dark Grey Metallic from HVG Facades and MasterWall cladding system in Dulux Linseed from Clennetts Mitre 10
• Glass : Bathroom switchable glass and shower screens from Glass Supplies

First published 18 October 2024