Workplace of Art
The modern office should be more than a purely utilitarian workplace; it should be an inspiring and highly collaborative haven in which ideas are discussed with enthusiasm, and plans are made with confidence. This was the vision for Shelford Quality Homes’ new stateof- the-art office building, which is scheduled to open its doors in April 2018. According to Martin Oldfield, the brief went through a lengthy evolution due to the company’s steady growth. “ to house our residential and commercial operations – including our in-house commercial window manufacturing and steel workshop – while also storing furniture for our display homes,” he says.
Exterior Excellence
Located on Dixon Road in Rockingham, the exquisitely designed facility has monumental street presence, while showcasing Shelford Quality Homes’ superior architectural skill.
Soaring above surrounding buildings, the third storey draws the eye to the open skillion roof, which is lightly connected to bright-red fin columns. The building is set back from the street by the length of a car bay to allow for an extra row of parking spaces, while its façade features several architectural devices that provide visual depth and interest. “Careful attention was paid to the lighting and signage to maximise the building’s presence during the day and night,” says Oldfield. The rear entry on Whittle Road is reserved for all blue-collar operations, such as deliveries and storage. The outdoor space incorporates ample employee parking and an alfresco area, which has a barbecue and pizza oven for the enjoyment of staff.
Inner Peace
Inspired by modern architecture, the striking elevation incorporates open spaces and
cantilevered structures. The interior spaces feature a balanced range of finishes and architectural elements, which create a pleasant environment in which to build positive working relationships. For example, the striking blue-glass curtain walls introduce dynamic appeal through a bold use of colour. An open-plan design was chosen to allow natural light to reach the centre of the building, which fosters a connection with the outdoors. For optimum convenience, multiple formal and informal gathering areas are interspersed throughout each floor.
The Grand Tour
The three-storey atrium houses the reception area, where a timber-slat ceiling cantilevers over a beautiful Corian counter, which has a backlit company logo. Warm timber elements were incorporated throughout the entire building to achieve visual cohesion.
The lobby’s third-floor ceiling is recessed with the company logo, which lights up in its signature red and blue colours. The adjoining meeting rooms were designed to promote a collaborative environment. The layout of the office spaces was designed for maximum efficiency. All workstations are strategically positioned so that employees who regularly see clients are nearer to the lobby and meeting rooms, while employees who frequently work with each other are located further within the building. A central stairway wraps around the lift for an impressive and sophisticated effect. Design consultancy will take place in the upstairs showroom, where clients will be able to view, touch and experience all the latest design products that are used by Shelford Quality Homes. The showroom was cleverly designed with the ability to evolve with changing trends. The third floor comprises a large multipurpose boardroom that’s perfect for employee training and social events. An adjoining balcony offers panoramic views of the Lake Cooloongup nature reserve.
Team Green
The office was custom designed for long-term energy efficiency. A range of environmentally friendly elements were incorporated during
the design stage to achieve optimum comfort via passive cooling, which is often used by the company to promote green living.
Insulation was installed beneath the slab soffits to prevent heat transfer through the exposed floors. Low-emissivity windows were also installed, as well as high-efficiency LED lighting. The lighting system features grouped switching for control over contained areas, while highefficiency inverter reverse-cycle air conditioners were strategically positioned in sections of the building where they’d be most effective. “Photovoltaic solar panels of 39kW were incorporated to offset power consumption,” explains Oldfield. “These bridge the gap between peak solar production and peak energy demand, produces as much energy as it consumes, thereby maximising selfconsumption of solar power.” “The office also showcases water-saving features, such as the 4500L rainwater tank, which is used for the toilets.”
Practically Perfect
The talented and experienced in-house designers and engineers at Shelford Quality Homes worked closely with the managing director to bring his ideas and vision for the new building to life. “The office was meticulously designed with a longterm vision for building with confidence and quality in mind,” says Oldfield. “The directors were very specific about leaving clients with a lasting impression,” he continues. “A high level of detail in all the fixtures, fittings and finishes was necessary to demonstrate our capabilities.”
Exceptional attention to detail is evident in the office’s sublime automation system, which integrates the lighting, electrical, technology, climate control and security systems. Due to the size and magnitude of the building, the team faced numerous architectural challenges. “The roof structure and third-floor eastern concrete panel wall required support from the ground floor while the second and third floors were being poured,” says Oldfield. Temporary steel columns and concrete panel legs were used to solve this problem during construction. “The overall effect of the space is one of elegance and boldness that accurately captures the high standard of finish that Shelford Quality Homes strives to uphold,” says Oldfield. Be sure to drop by and experience this architectural marvel for yourself – the Shelford Quality Homes team can’t wait to show you around.
Modern Masterpiece in Coogee
Shelford Quality Homes’ luxurious and enchanting Monaco design is best described as a symphony of space and light. The family
home combines superb craftsmanship with outstanding design features and quality finishes to achieve an impressive result. A refined mix of traditional fixtures and fittings defines the character of the home, while the modern building materials were selected for their complementary colours and textures. With timeless elegance and an enduring sense of style, the striking two-storey home was expertly styled to balance glitz and glamour. Graceful lines and sweeping silhouettes are found
throughout each light-flooded room, along with a crisp white colour palette, which is complemented by luxurious leather, linen, fur, wool and naturaloak accents. The floor plan was designed to take advantage of cross ventilation from the cooling afternoon seabreeze. Floor to- ceiling picture windows sweep the hot air out of the home in summer, while flooding it with natural light in winter. The beautifully proportioned layout comprises a stunning main bedroom and three additional bedrooms, all with walk-in wardrobes and private en suites. On the upper level, a games room overlooks the swimming pool, while a wet bar doubles as a kitchenette.
Hamptons Haven in Floreat
Drawing on the narrative architecture of Long Island, New York, this two-storey Hamptonsstyle home exudes timeless style and elegance. A balance of American colonial, French provincial and Georgian architecture was expertly achieved for an astounding effect. With four grand bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, the home channels New England style in a way that perfectly complements the Australian lifestyle. The fresh family home is filled with light and liveable rooms that give an impression of
affluent leisure, without costing the homeowners a fortune. By effortlessly combining a modern and practical floor plan with plenty of charm and class, the beautifully finished home is ideal for relaxing and entertaining. The rendered exterior is complemented by sleek roof tiles from Bristile Roofing’s elegant Planum range. Decorative Hebel architectural mouldings blend seamlessly with detailed weatherboard gables for exceptional visual appeal. An expansive foyer leads to a soaring staircase with grand timber balustrading and Prestige
newel posts from Hammersmith. Detailed architraves, cornices and skirting boards feature in each room, along with imported oak flooring. The upper level comprises three double-sized bedrooms and a luxury bathroom with a large shower, as well as a private powder room. The light-filled living and dining rooms open onto an airy alfresco area that’s ideal for entertaining. At the heart of the home, a masterful chef’s kitchen features stunning benchtops and satinfinish cabinetry with unique brass handles, as well as stainless steel appliances, ornate tapware and a classic subway-tile splashback.
Rural Retreat in Bedfordale
This breathtaking semi-rural loft home combines classic country style with all the conveniences of modern living. Featuring a range of luxurious finishes, the acreage home has a unique Australian character. Its timeless elevation was inspired by the architecture of early colonial settlers. Situated on a 4870m2 block, the development was limited to 2083m2 to preserve natural bushland. By cleverly utilising the loft roof line, the Shelford Quality Homes team was able to significantly expand the floor area. The impressive family residence comprises five spacious bedrooms, three elegant bathrooms, two powder rooms, two double garages, a games room with a wet bar, a convenient home office, light-filled living and dining rooms, multipurpose storage rooms, an upstairs craft and sewing centre, and a home cinema, as well as a dance studio with customised lighting and surround sound.