13 Sep Property Week Features HIA Award winning Builders

The Coffs Coast Advocate have given us another generous spread as they acknowledge the award winning builders in their detailed HIA awards editorial in the property week Saturday 13/9/14.

Accolade close to home

Builders’ own property impresses the judges

What could be better than designing and building your dream home – going from a concept design, to building and sourcing unique elements to give it a designer edge, then finally moving in and enjoying it?

It’s a dream come true but for Nathan Whitlock and Shelley Brauer, of Niche Design and Build, things got even better when the home they’d created won the HIA Northern NSW Custom Built Home $600,000 to $1 million Award.

Nathan said the unexpected win was all the more special considering the award was for their own home.

“This project has been a very personal one,” Nathan said.

“Starting out with the vision as just our dream home to then also becoming our home office and a showpiece for our business, this project needed to tick all the boxes. To have been recognised formally in achieving that goal is very satisfying.”

Nathan said he has been humbled by the accolade.

“Our area has a lot of great, respected builders and to be judged by other industry professionals and come out on top is a massive achievement,” he said.

The Emerald Beach home has a unique pavilion-style floor plan, which merges the borders between indoor and outdoor living.

A spectacular frameless glass-enclosed pool is located in the internal courtyard, which makes a striking visual statement from both inside and outside the home.

The courtyard has become Nathan and Shelley’s favourite part of the home.

“The pavilion-style layout and internal courtyard creates complete privacy,” Nathan said.

“The house is a pleasure to live in, work in and entertain in. Also the use of timber and

stone throughout the home creates an earthy, natural ambience equal to the light, open, contemporary feel.”

Following completion, Nathan and Shelley opened the doors to their dream home to the public so people could see exactly what Niche Design and Build was all about. The home was open for most of December last year and the couple still opens it to prospective clients by appointment.

Nathan aid opening the home helps people visualise what is possible when they build with Niche Design and Build.

“From the oment people walk in the door they feel instantly comfortable, the home is inviting and everyone enjoys the space,” he said.

“We have implemented a lot of unique design ideas as well as sourcing materials not often seen, creating many opportunities to impress.”

Niche Design and Build doesn’t compromise on function to create a unique place to call home; they put an emphasis on quality workmanship, attention to detail and modern style with a natural edge.

“We cover all aspects of building but mostly focus on residential building, including pools. Everything from new homes to renovations and extensions,” Nathan said.

However custom home design and build packages are where Nathan’s strongest passion lies.

“To not only build a home but to be involved in the project right from the beginning design stages gives us the opportunity to advise the client and share our knowledge to create a unique, functional home that is also environmentally aware,” he said.

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