SMOKED GREY MIRROR SPLASHBACK – ‘WHY NOT LOOK AT A TERRIFIC VIEW IN THE REFLECTION INSTEAD OF A TILED WALL?’ In selecting Individual Builders for the award, Specifically, he was able to recommend the best the judges were impressed with the way the materials to counter the effects of sea air and water. townhouses present a modern façade which uses ‘We always use stainless steel hinges in the area, the site well, with materials and colours in harmony even internally – instead of the usual zinc-coated with the surroundings. hinges – because the doors are often open and the ‘I TAKE ON EVERY ‘The eastern townhouse has a large entertaining salt air flows through the rooms.’ PROJECT PERSONALLY, deck, with living areas looking out over Port Phillip Although Craig observes even stainless steel CARING ABOUT IT AND Bay,’ Craig says. ‘The western townhouse is based suffers from a ‘tea-staining’ effect caused by salt air, THINKING ABOUT IT, on an upper level comprising sleeping and open which looks like rust. So, for those façades of the OFTEN IN THE MIDDLE plan living areas around an internal courtyard with a townhouses which were meant to be stainless steel, OF THE NIGHT’ northern deck and large windows facing the water.’ he substituted Colorbond steel and for the roofing® A unique feature of the building fabric is that Colorbond Ultra steel, a thicker material.® much of it has been constructed using a modular panel system manufactured by Australian company The unique location, between Port Habitech. Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, is sought ‘The walls were constructed using Habitech’s after but does present challenges Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) system,’ Craig says. ‘These 170mm-thick panels provide the structure, the high performing insulation and the There was then the choice of splashback in the cladding of the houses. They’re also eco-friendly.’ kitchen. ‘This was originally tiled but I suggested a The flooring is a pre-finished engineered board, smoked grey mirror because, sitting at the island he says. ‘First, we put down a particle-board bench, you have a terrific view of Port Phillip Bay. Why floor then put the engineered floor over it. The not look at it in the reflection instead of a tiled wall?’ engineered board is a more stable material so it The HIA award judges were also impressed with won’t shrink or expand like natural timber.’ the project’s environmental sustainability featuring high While the clients had definite ideas about design levels of insulation, double glazed composite windows, and choice of materials, Craig says that he and hydronic heating system and rainwater storage tanks. his company were able to offer the benefit of A qualified carpenter with more than 30 years’ Craig McPhan, managing their experience of building on the Mornington experience, Craig says that his time now is mostly director of Individual Builders Peninsula. taken up with project management and client needs. 34 HOUSING SEPTEMBER 2018 PROJECTS