|
Media Release |
|
Ask an Architect - Free Consultations at Federation Square for National Architecture Week
Thursday, 21 October 2010 15:24
|
|
David Hallett, Victorian State Manager of Archicentre said, "Archicentre architects are offering free 20-minute consultations for home-buyers, builders and renovators".
"The sessions will be available daily between 10am-4pm at the Unitised™ archiPad, a state-of-the art, fully prefabricated apartment module that has been used to construct two Melbourne buildings at Federation Square (opposite St Paul's Cathedral). The sessions are aimed at providing people with basic information on renovation, design and the successful process." Mr Hallett said with daylight savings, the longer hours of sunshine in spring and summer extends the use of the home for entertainment and relaxation with people thinking about versatile indoor - outdoor dining areas with the use of folding doors, have become a popular extension of the home. "The thought of spending on average of $50,000+ to move house, with costs mainly in government taxes and charges, has seen thousands of home owners go on a renovation strategy to improve their existing homes.
"One of the most cost effective ways of increasing the livable areas of the home is to extend out into the back garden through a deck with an indoor - outdoor link by opening up the back wall of the home".
"The trend is seeing the Australian backyard receiving a major make over and a return to importance as people move to spend more time in the open and in their gardens."
Mr Hallett said this is also placing more emphasis on housing design fitting into the environment with the blending of landscaping and building becoming an important part of the original design brief.
"It's all about making sitting inside feel like sitting outside," Mr Hallett said. "This is done using rolling doors, retractable roofing or light wells and an energy-efficient design. A complimentary style of flooring creates the illusion of seamlessness."
"The continuing trend of indoor - outdoor kitchens, already a growing demand among Archicentre customers, are set to become one of the biggest changes'.
"The outdoor kitchen is the step up from the traditional family portable barbeque as entertaining in the outdoor environment takes on a more formal approach of a dinner on some occasions."
For session bookings please call 1300 13 45 13.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Archicentre - Mobile: 0417 329 201