Sarah Homes' McCubbin 130 keeps its design strategy simple to deliver space and liveability in a smaller family home, suitable for narrow allotments but always connected to the outdoors
Stylish, effective simplicity reigns in the Sarah Homes McCubbin 130 display home , from the unique entry way to the easy flow-through planning making the most of its relatively modest 128sqm floor area. Approaching the front door across the dark hard wood decking, I am struck by the unusual geometry at play here, with the entire panel of sliding doors recessed at a gentle angle to provide a covered porch and unrestricted access to the living areas of the house.
The quirk adds to the overall feeling of modern uncomplicated design exuded by the McCubbin 130, with its textured Windspray Colorbond cladding and gently arched roofline. Julie Durand, business development manager for Longridge Group, says Sarah Homes uses specialist composite materials for construction , which gives their homes a distinct style. "The ... unique angled access to external decking adds interest and appeal to both the interior and exterior," she says
Inside, the welcoming simplicity continues, with the floorplan divided almost in half between the open -plan living area and the bathrooms and three bedrooms. "The McCubbin 130 works well as a holiday home, and equally as well as a more compact home for smaller families or downsizers," Julie says. "Good separation of living and sleeping areas means entertaining can be carried out at the front of the home while those who would like some quiet bedroom time can be at the rear of the home in their own quiet area.
"Open living, clever use of window detailing - the sliding doors to the side and front of the home, plus the decking features - create a real sense of space that makes the home feel much larger than it is." The space is evident as I walk in through the front doors, with a dining area sufficient for at least six people straight ahead.
Wood-style floors open out into the kitchen/ lounge area with its island bench and small breakfast bar set up at the far end with Laminex Basalttops. On-trend cement -look light fittings hang over the island bench and I can't resist reaching out to inspect their unique texture. The kitchen is equipped with a stainless steel combination oven and six-burner cooktop with different size drawers set under benchtops and overhead. The finishes fall into an affordable mix of inclusions based on the standard specifications
Sarah Homes clients typically incorporate. "We like to call it the 'shack spec'," Julie says. There are few decorating tricks used here, just clean, bright surfaces based on a neutral palettewith plenty of honest wood tones in the floor and cabinetry. "The interior of the McCubbin 130 is open and spacious, with generous sizing to the all important kitchen/meals/family hub," Julie says. "Our living rooms are larger than those built with traditional methods, which means making the most of available space, even on smaller lots.
"As a hallmark of Sarah Homes, the design and styling works to create a light-filled and open environment. " Framing this area is a set of four large windows (two of them sliding doors) leading out on to a separate hard wood veranda. Even on an overcast day like this one, the light flows through, as does the sense of space added by the outdoor area under a generous roof.
Julie says decking is a great addition to the home, maximising the usable space and making it an entertainer's delight. Beyond the living spaces, down a central hallway, lie the laundry and sleeping areas, all sequestered from the noisier living areas. The laundry features storage and a large metal sink for heavy-duty tasks with underbench storage, and access to outdoor areas.
The family bathroom features clever arrangement of lobby/ vanity area, with a separate toilet to one side and shower/ bath tub room to the other, providing access for multiple users. The main bedroom ensuite offers a generous vanity, shower and toilet area with plenty of light.
The bedrooms, carpeted in smart chocolate brown, all offer space for a double bed and feature built-in robes. They can be configured as rooms for children, guests or a study. Louvred windows can be found in several rooms, adding to the holiday feel of the home. The main bedroom opens on to a private deck area.
Walking back down the hallway into the living area, the sun has burst through the clouds and is beaming off the floors, and I very much wantto sit down in the lounge area and just take it in. The effect is the result of clever orientation of the home to make the most of sun and light, with plenty of solar access during winter but shade offered during summer, potentially reducing power bills.
Julie says the decking can be configured around a client's allotment and family needs, and the McCubbin 130 - at just 6.9m wide - caters for all types of allotment. Sarah Homes also has other floorplans in the McCubbin range, which include a four -bedroom version and a plan with two storeys. As affordable homes for smaller families go, the 130 is a clever design that makes the most of its attributes to create a bright , spacious living area with plenty of access to the outdoors.
23-Jun-19 - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine
For more information about the house in this story please look at the McCubbin 130.
*Pricing accurate at time of printing
