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21 October 2024
Designing a home with a basement is becoming increasingly popular in our custom homes and for good reason. Incorporating a basement offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable addition to any home. A well-designed basement can truly enhance your home's functionality and appeal. Like any major project, there are a few practical aspects to consider. Here are some key points to think about when planning to incorporate a basement into your home design: An Expanded and Enhanced Living Space Basements offer a versatile and functional extension to your home, providing additional space that can be customised to meet your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether used for entertainment areas like home theatres or gyms, or for practical purposes such as secure car parking and storage, basements enhance your home’s functionality and convenience. This is particularly useful in urban areas where space is limited, a basement garage protects your vehicles and frees up valuable outdoor space. Increased Home Value A well designed basement can significantly increase the value of your home. With land becoming scarcer and block sizes smaller in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, incorporating a basement can help reclaim some of the ground floor footprint, making the most of the available area. The added square footage translates directly to a higher market value, making your property more attractive to potential buyers. Plus, the flexibility of a basement allows homeowners to create bespoke spaces that enhance the overall functionality and appeal of the home, thereby increasing its desirability and market competitiveness. Storage Solutions Basements are also great for practical roles like garages or workshops, offering flexible solutions for various household needs. One of the main benefits of a basement is its ample storage space, helping to keep the main living areas clutter-free. You can use basements for general storage, accommodating seasonal items, sports equipment and belongings that aren’t frequently used. They also offer secure storage options, keeping valuable items in a less accessible part of the home. This additional storage capacity ensures that everything has its place, contributing to a more organised and efficient living environment. Unique Design Opportunities Beyond their functional benefits, basements offer a blank canvas for creative design. With the freedom to experiment, you can transform this space into something truly extraordinary, adding features that might not be achievable on the main levels of the house. Whether it’s a golf simulator, a wine cellar, or a wellness retreat, basements provide the opportunity to incorporate distinctive elements and layouts, enhancing your living experience with unique and luxurious touches. Constraints and Considerations While adding a basement comes with many benefits, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind. The process can be more complex, with costs for things like engineering, excavation, waterproofing and the final fit-out. However, when you compare these costs to the rising value of land per square metre, the extra space and functionality a basement offers can be a smart, long-term investment for many homeowners. Not every site is perfectly suited for a basement, as certain geological factors can present challenges. For example, sites with high underground water tables, where the soil is saturated with water, may increase the complexity and cost of construction. Additionally, the size and layout of the block, including considerations for ramp gradients and setbacks, need to be factored in. Sites in flood-prone areas can also require extra care, but that doesn't mean a basement is off the table. With thoughtful planning and the right expertise, these challenges can be successfully managed, ensuring your basement becomes a rewarding and valuable addition to your home. If you’re thinking about building a custom home or are curious about whether a basement could work for you, contact one of our Design Consultants to explore how we can tailor a solution that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.
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15 October 2024
To celebrate spring, we had the pleasure of collaborating with renowned florist, Kate Hill. Throughout a beautiful morning at our Elba Display, guests were treated to an inspiring floral workshop where Kate shared her invaluable tips on how to elevate your home with flowers, here are some of Kate’s key styling tips: 1. Fresh flowers are essential for creating an inviting, vibrant atmosphere. They effortlessly tie together various design elements, adding colour, texture and a sense of freshness. For spring, Kate suggests a Pink Floyd Rose arrangement for a simple yet impactful coffee table display. This cohesive look brings a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space, making it the perfect addition to your styling and creating a stylish focal point in the room. 2. Less is more when it comes to bedroom styling. Two orchids in a bud vase make a simple yet elevated accent for your bedside table. When coordinated with your colour palette, this minimalistic arrangement adds harmony and enhances any surrounding artwork. Orchids are an excellent choice, known for their luxurious touch and long lifespan of up to six weeks. Kate’s tip for keeping them thriving? Add a tiny amount of vinegar or wine to the water. 3. For a touch of luxury in unexpected spaces like an ensuite, Kate recommends a fragrant variety such as sweet peas. Flowers in these areas create an inviting, serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in the evenings. For a striking yet simple effect, gather a single flower en masse in a glass vase. For a fuller look, Kate suggests purchasing three bunches to create a beautiful focal point. 4. Kate encourages you to choose flowers that reflect your personality and style. More than just decoration, flowers are a personal expression and should mirror who you are and the atmosphere you want to create in your home.
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26 September 2024
Choosing the right appliances is key to creating a functional kitchen. At Thomas Archer, we believe in crafting homes with carefully selected, personalised touches that reflect the unique lifestyles of our clients. To ensure your kitchen is both efficient as it is beautiful, we’re delighted to share some expert tips from our trusted partners at e&s. Here’s how to select the perfect appliances to elevate your cooking space: 1. Consider a Combination Steam Oven Instead of a Microwave When it comes to reheating and cooking, a combination steam oven can be a game-changer. Unlike a microwave, which can often make food soggy, combination steam ovens maintain the perfect balance of moisture, ensuring your food stays firm on the outside while moist on the inside , enhancing both the flavour and texture of your meals. They also promote healthier cooking by retaining the natural nutrients in your food and reducing the need for oils. Plus, a combination steam oven is incredibly space-efficient—serving as both a steamer and an oven. Some models even come with air fryer functions, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. For those leftover nights, this oven can rejuvenate your meals, keeping them moist and delicious, as if they were freshly prepared. 2. Ovens: Size and Functionality Choosing the perfect oven depends on how you cook and what you need. A 90cm oven offers extra space but can be more costly and less efficient for smaller tasks, taking longer to heat up and consuming more power. Alternatively, opting for two 60cm ovens can provide greater flexibility—use one for roasting while you bake in the other, or keep one oven warm while you use the other. Many 60cm ovens come with advanced features like steam and air-fry functions and are often easier to clean, making them a practical choice for modern kitchens. 3. Dishwashers: Fully Integrated vs Semi-Integrated Dishwashers come in different styles to suit your kitchen design. Fully integrated dishwashers are hidden behind cabinetry panels, creating a seamless look. Semi-integrated options have visible controls while the rest is concealed, offering a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Built-in or under bench dishwashers fit beneath the benchtop and are ideal if you prefer a more visible appliance without compromising on space. 4. Rangehoods: Choose the Right Style A good rangehood is crucial for maintaining a fresh kitchen environment. Built-in rangehoods blend into cabinetry for a sleek look, while wall-mounted canopy rangehoods make a striking design statement. If you favour a minimalist aesthetic, downdraft rangehoods rise from the benchtop and retract when not in use, combining elegance with practicality. By keeping these tips in mind and with the expert guidance from our partner, e&s, you can select appliances that enhance both the functionality and beauty of your kitchen.
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25 September 2024
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a special cooking demonstration with our partner, e&s, at our Elba Display. Guests enjoyed a morning filled with expert guidance from e&s’ professional chefs, Michael and Kris, who shared their culinary knowledge and offered valuable advice on selecting the ideal kitchen appliances. Michael and Kris showcased how the right appliances and technology can significantly enhance the functionality of any kitchen. Their presentation sparked thoughtful discussions, highlighting how the Thomas Archer and e&s partnership simplifies and elevates kitchen design and appliance selection. It was an immersive event filled with delicious food, insightful conversation and plenty of inspiration. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and a special thank you to the wonderful e&s team for their expertise and delectable offerings. Watch Video
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13 September 2024
When it comes to building a new home, one of the most common questions we get asked is, “How long will it take to get to site?” Naturally, when deciding to build, you want this to unfold quickly but experience shows that things don’t always go as planned – and rushing the process doesn’t always lead to the best outcomes. It’s important to understand that timelines can vary significantly depending on the builder. Experienced and reputable builders will offer realistic timelines, while others may tell you what they think you want to hear. Some might even underestimate the requirements, especially when knockdown rebuilds are involved, or try to fit you into rigid design solutions just to meet their deadlines. In areas where knockdown rebuilds are common, getting to site in under six months is rare, and if full Town Planning approval is needed, it could take closer to a year—or even longer. To help you better anticipate your timeline, we’ve outlined some key factors that can influence how long it takes to get to site. 1. Customer Decision-Making During the design and build process, you will face numerous decisions that require timely action. It’s really important you understand what’s required from you and when, so you can respond promptly – whether that means seeking guidance from your team, making choices, or taking specific actions. Delays in decision making, especially in the early stages, can have a significant impact on your project’s timeline. Additionally, changing your mind later in the process can lead to rework, further extending the timeline. Each decision should be carefully considered to avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs. A key element tied to decision-making is your budget. Many of the reworks we see stem from clients exceeding their initial budget. To prevent this, it’s essential to assess your budget from the outset and prioritise the elements of your home that matter most. By doing so, you can stay within your budget while still achieving the best possible outcome for your project. Trust the process, work with your team and be ready to make informed decisions when needed. 2. Custom Design and Architecture Building a custom-designed home is a very exciting process and one that will take time as we turn your vision into a reality. However, there are a lot more steps involved as you work with the architect who will resolve all orientation and block features, regulatory considerations and find opportunities to craft a beautiful outcome perfectly shaped for your family. During this process, you can expect that there will be a number of iterations as you both work together to fine-tune aspects and balance aesthetics with functionality. 3. Interior Design and Style Selection Process Collaborating closely with our Interior Designers on selections for your home is an essential and exciting stage and investing time in this process is well worth it to achieve a beautiful final result. The Selections Stage is conducted prior to your final Tender and involves discussing your vision, choosing materials, colours and finishes that reflect your personal style. Once complete your choices are all included within your Tender, ensuring accurate pricing while avoiding unexpected costs for variations later on. Timely decisions for your selections help us prepare your Tender quickly, so we can move to the next stage. By minimising changes later on, we can efficiently transition from design to construction, ensuring your vision is seamlessly integrated into the build and budget. 4. Town Planning and Dispensations Town planning and/or building dispensations are common within the knock-down rebuild environment. Meeting regulatory conditions is a crucial part of the building process, whether you’re dealing with site specific requirements like flood overlays, tree protection zones, or setback regulations. Depending on the overlays and specific council regulations, the duration of this process can vary significantly, ranging from two months to twelve. Working with a builder like Thomas Archer, who has in-depth expertise with council regulations, greatly benefits the approval process. Our experience in navigating requirements ensures we address issues upfront to streamline the approval process. Additionally, careful architectural planning and adopting a ‘design to comply’ mentality from the start will assist this process move through as swiftly as possible. Depending on your site and council, engaging a Planning Consultant can also help progress your permits more efficiently. 5. Protection Works Notices Protection works notices are common if you plan to build close to property boundaries. Neighbours can prolong this process by raising concerns, which can lead to additional inspections and modifications to your plans. Being proactive and maintaining open communication with your neighbours can help avoid these potential delays. 6. Building Permit Application Process Obtaining a building permit is essential for every build and can take time due to the various checks and approvals – and as a client, your active involvement is crucial. To keep the process moving we encourage you to work closely with your Project Co-ordinator. They will help guide you through the essential and necessary documentation you will need such as engineering reports and compliance certificates ensuring everything is accurate and on time. Having complete and correct documentation at this stage is key to avoiding delays. By staying engaged and collaborating with your Project Co-ordinator is the best way to streamline this important stage within the process. 7. Land Preparation As the homeowner, there will be a number of things you will need to undertake to help prepare the land in preparation for construction. Your builder will provide you with a list of items to work through and typically this would include: Ensuring an underground power pit has been installed if it doesn’t already exist. Cancellation of services (gas & power) to the existing house. Providing suitable notice for tenants to vacate. Demolition of the existing dwelling with asbestos clearance certification when advised by your Project Co-ordinator. Obtaining sign-off from adjoining neighbours for items like fence removal; and/or protection works. Removal of tree/s or pruning of tree/s if required. Installing a pool (if planned). Finance Approval / Proof of Funds. Having things like this taken care of well before construction is essential to start building. With extensive experience in navigating council regulations, site requirements and the selections process, we guide our clients through every step of the journey. By collaborating with a trusted builder like us, you'll gain greater clarity, transparency and confidence in your home's completion timeline. This approach paves the way for a successful new home build that perfectly reflects your vision and lifestyle. At Thomas Archer, we've spent years refining our building process to deliver homes of the highest standards—on time and within your budget. For more information or to speak with one of our Design Consultants, contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au
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27 June 2024
For over a decade Thomas Archer has been delivering homes with a distinct architectural edge, personalised to perfectly align with our clients’ personalities and lifestyles. Throughout this time, we’ve continued to grow in both size and reputation, with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and high-quality results for our clients. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards and being transparent, honest and conducting ourselves with integrity, which we believe is crucial when it comes to our financial position – a source of pride for us. Unlike volume builders, our unique model allows us to control cash flow, swiftly respond to market conditions and budget accordingly, ensuring our viability and protecting our clients’ investment. Our steadfast commitment to our clients is supported with key indicators of our strong financial position as below: 100% Australian Owned: Thomas Archer is 100% Australian owned and operated and has continued to build a strong financial position over the past 10 years. We do not rely on foreign investment to keep our business afloat, rather astute financial management and acumen. Protecting our business, growing our people within it and most importantly delivering for our clients. Proof in point of our position is the ownership of our display in Bentleigh East. This is not leased from investors nor a customer owned home. Unlike many builders, we at Thomas Archer, own our display outright and are currently in the market to design and build an additional fully funded display in the near future, once a suitable site is identified. Domestic Building Insurance: Indicative of the strength of our position is the recent increase of our Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) which has doubled in the past nine months alone. This increase is only available following a rigorous assessment by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, who take a vigilant approach to their review. The assessment process considers: Equity within the business Annual turnover and profitability, both current and over a sustained period Business financial performance compared to forecasts Onsite build performance which requires vigilant management of cashflow and pipeline of future construction work and strength Supplier payment performance Suitability of business overhead expenses for the pipeline of work. Payment of DBI: A legitimate concern within the industry has been ‘when’ builders actually take out DBI. Not taking this insurance out until construction has started exposes a client’s risk. However you can rest assured at Thomas Archer, we activate DBI on each project as soon as the 5% deposit is paid, making it valid from the time of deposit until final handover - safeguarding our clients through the entire build. Supplier and Trade Payments: We are proud to say that many of our trades and suppliers have been with Thomas Archer over the past 10 years, standing as a testament to the strength our partnership and our commitment to them. We have built strong partnerships by establishing fair and mutually beneficial commercial trading terms, ensuring all parties are paid on time, as agreed, without fail. This enduring loyalty reflects the trust and reliability we have cultivated throughout our journey, demonstrates the value we place in them and in return they continue to deliver to our high standards. Building a new home is one of the most significant decisions you'll make, and at Thomas Archer, it's a privilege we take very seriously. We are here to provide you with the confidence and assurance that your investment is in safe, capable hands. If you’d like to understand more or talk to one of our team about your upcoming design and build, then get in touch at info@thomasarcher.com.au and one of our Design Consultants will respond to your query.
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31 May 2024
In line with the recent changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) regarding energy efficiency, all new Thomas Archer projects from May 2024 will feature Solar PV as a standard inclusion. This change means your new home will come equipped with Solar PV panels on the roof, harnessing sunlight to power your living space. This inclusion offers benefits such as lower electricity bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and compliance with energy efficiency regulations. Tailoring to Your Needs: Your electricity bill has two main components: network charges and electricity consumption charges. While Solar PV will significantly reduce your consumption charges, network charges will remain the same. The standard Solar PV system will noticeably lower your bill and is essential for achieving the 7-star energy rating for your new home. Since every household's electricity usage is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The standard system is a great starting point, allowing for customisation to fit your specific needs and budget. Partnering with Six Star Plus: To meet the high quality standards and expectations of Thomas Archer, we have partnered with Six Star Plus, the market leader in Solar PV solutions. This partnership guarantees that your home will be fitted with high quality components backed by industry-leading warranties. Upgrades for Enhanced Efficiency: As part of our partnership with Six Star Plus, we’re able to offer additional upgrades for you to take advantage of these extra benefits: Adding extra panels and upgrading the inverter to generate more electricity per sunlight hour. Incorporating battery systems to store excess electricity for evening use. Installation of an electric car charger. Design Considerations for Optimal Performance Rest assured we will work with you to find the best placement that balances maximum sun exposure with visual appeal. The placement of Solar PV panels typically doesn't face regulatory issues, but their location may be influenced by planning, local council, or personal preferences. If you’d like to know more about our range of luxury inclusions, or discuss an upcoming home solution, then get in touch and one of our Design Consultants will be able to help navigate the right home solution for you. Contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au
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08 May 2024
Surprise mum this Mother’s Day with this beautiful Galette prepared by recipe creator and food stylist, Sarah Cuppleditch. This gorgeous Galette is simple to make and delicious and prepared especially for our Thomas Archer followers. Enjoy! Pear, Almond & Maple Galette Serves: 8 Preparation: 1h Cook: 40 minutes Ingredients: Pastry: 125g Oats 125g All Purpose Flour 125g Cold Butter, cubed 30g Castor Sugar Pinch of Salt 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup 1 Tbsp Egg, beaten Filling: 2 firm Burré Bosc Pears, quartered 100g Almond Meal 20g Castor Sugar 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup 1 tsp Lemon Zest 20g Butter 2 Tbsp Egg, beaten Pinch of Salt Equipment: Food Processor, Rolling Pin, Baking Tray, Pastry Brush Method: 1. Prepare the pastry: Blend the oats, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until oats are finely ground. 2. Add cubed butter and pulse until a sandy texture forms. 3. Remove mixture from processor and place in a bowl. Add the maple syrup and beaten egg, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough remains crumbly, add a small amount of cold water. Knead the dough gently in the bowl for 3-4 minutes. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate to rest. 4. Preheat your oven to 180’C fan forced. 5. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan, melt 20g butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns a deep brown colour and emits a rich, nutty aroma. 6. Preparing the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, castor sugar, maple syrup, lemon zest, browned butter and beaten egg. The mixture should form a firm paste but not be dry. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning. 7. Remove the core from the quartered pears and cut into slices, keeping the tops intact to create a fan-like shape. 8. Roll out the pastry: Remove the pastry from the fridge. On a floured baking sheet, roll out until approximately 3mm thick. Trim the pastry to a circular shape about the size of a large dinner plate. 9. Place the almond paste in the centre of the pastry and spread out, leaving a 3cm border from the pastry edge. Fan the pear slices over the almond paste, creating an even layer. 10. Gently fold the border of the pastry over the pears, allowing it to pleat while maintaining a round shape. 11. Brush the pears with maple syrup to glaze the galette. 12. Brush the pastry with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle some whole oats and a dusting of castor sugar over the pastry. 13. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the pastry turns golden. 14. Brush the galette with maple syrup immediately after removing it from the oven. 15. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before dusting it lightly with icing sugar. 16. Serve warm and enjoy.
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01 May 2024
As of 1st of May, changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) have taken effect, requiring all new homes to meet upgraded minimum standards to create healthier, more energy efficient and liveable homes. The main three areas of these changes are detailed below: Energy Efficiency: All new homes must now meet a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating, improving running costs, reducing costs for heating and cooling, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and making homes more resilient to extreme weather. These changes take a ‘whole of home’ approach, considering features such as insulation, heating and cooling, hot water, appliances, lighting and pool equipment. Condensation Mitigation: The NCC’s condensation management recommendations are designed to reduce rising condensation through better management of moisture in wet areas, within wall cavities and roof spaces. Implemented through increased waterproofing standards to all wet areas and weatherproofing requirements for the roof and wall claddings, these new regulations aim to reduce the potential of mould building in damp areas whilst improving the air quality throughout the home. Liveability: All homes must now include key features improving liveability and accessibility throughout the home. This incorporates design features such as ground floor accessibility, minimum passageway widths and structural provisions within toilet, showers and bathrooms for items such as supportive rails, allowing each home to better meet the demands of the broader community and support people as they age. At Thomas Archer, we have taken these mandated changes as an opportunity to review and update our architecturally crafted Expressions Series collection. Complying with all requirements, we’ve upgraded the standard of our own inclusions setting a new and more luxurious benchmark in design and construction. Each one of our new homes now meets the 7-star energy efficiency rating with the electrification of all appliances including heating and cooling, 3 phase solar PV system and thermal broken windows and double glazed doors throughout, along with numerous other inclusions. Additionally, beyond regulated changes, we’ve also enhanced the signature features within our homes, now encapsulating key inclusions that will improve the overall style and aesthetic of your home. To view our new range of homes visit our View Expressions Series page, or view our Inclusions page to explore our luxury inclusions. If you’d like to know more, or discuss an upcoming home solution then get in touch and one of our Design Consultants will be able to help navigate the right home solution for you. Contact us on info@thomasarcher.com.au
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15 April 2024
Embarking on the journey to build your dream home opens the door to limitless possibilities. If you're looking to design a home that genuinely reflects your individuality and lifestyle, opting for a custom build allows you to shape your vision into reality. To navigate this process, we've compiled a set of helpful tips, ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality that resonates with your lifestyle both now and in the future. 1. Embrace the Custom Process: There’s a lot to consider when building a custom home, we encourage clients to embrace the process, understanding that it provides a unique opportunity to design a home tailored precisely to your preferences and needs. Use our insights and guidance toward the realisation of a home that stands out as distinctly yours. This journey allows you to infuse your personality, integrating your unique taste seamlessly and create a home that is a true reflection of you. 2. Create a Wish list When creating your vision, distinguish between "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves." Establish a wish list that encompasses your non-negotiables while leaving room for desirable additions if they align with your budget. This strategic approach ensures that your dream home is not only tailored to your lifestyle but also feasible. 3. Open-Minded Design: Approach the design phase with an open mind, recognising the invaluable input of architects and interior designers. Collaborating with these experienced professionals introduces innovative ideas and taps into a wealth of creativity, transforming your vision into a refined and efficient space. Consider their insights on how spaces can adapt and serve evolving needs over the years, resulting in a design that surpasses expectations and stands the test of time. 4. Inspiration Images Gather 3 or 4 key inspiration images, showcasing various spaces, distinct elements such as joinery or any other notable aspects. This visual tool becomes an invaluable resource for architects and interior designers, allowing them to understand your style. It paints a clear picture of your taste, facilitating collaborative brainstorming sessions that lead to a cohesive and tailored design. 5. Think Long-Term: Embrace a long-term perspective as you shape your custom home. Carefully consider elements that are important to you now and how you currently live, but also project yourself into the future. Consider the evolving needs that may arise in 10-15 years down the line. This forward-thinking approach helps in creating adaptable spaces that can grow with you. Picture your home as a dynamic space – a place to grow into, rather than out of. By conceptualising your home as a space for continuous growth, you ensure a lasting and timeless home that remains a perfect fit.
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08 February 2024
At Thomas Archer, we’ve always had a love of art and celebrated Australian artists. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with the contemporary artist Brent Rosenberg, known for his striking female portraiture. With a family history rooted in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brent's artistic journey is a captivating blend of memories, emotions, and a deep connection to the human experience. In this raw and candid interview, Brent shares with us not only his creative approach but also the influences that shape his distinctive artworks. From the nuanced details of his portraiture inspired by art and fashion, Brent provides us with a unique glimpse into his beautiful artistic mind and how his work transcends traditional boundaries. Q: Brent, your portraits are striking and seem to carry a profound sense of emotion. Can you share with us how you approach the creation of your portraits? Brent: ‘Absolutely, it all goes back to the core of my being – the memories, the experiences, the very essence of the time and space I have inhabited. Each of my portraits is a snapshot of a moment, a feeling, or a thought that has shaped me. The face is always the starting point; it's created first, then printed, mounted, and adhered to canvas. From there, I work with texture and form, adding layers on top, covering the woman's eyes and creating an intriguing story that draws you in. The process of adding textural layers often happens by chance, yet it seems to work, adding a new dimension to the story, almost ‘purposely unplanned’, contributing to the narrative of the painting. I might start with one idea, but when applied, it evolves into something else.’ As Brent delves into the intricate details of his creative process, it becomes apparent that his approach is a dynamic dance between intention and serendipity, resulting in artworks that are not only visually captivating but also rich in narrative and depth. Brent's distinctive use of shapes, texture, and mixed media reflects his commitment to conveying growth and transformation. ‘Art, Fashion, and Music – they all play a significant role in influencing my creativity. I see my work as a contemporary expression, an intersection of these influences, shaped by the ongoing dialogue between my life experiences and the abstract world that surrounds us.’ Q: What other aspects from outside do you bring into your artwork? Brent: ‘I love fashion and have always followed fashion. I find inspiration in new and old designers, observing what they create. I draw parallels between the creativity of art, fashion, music, architecture, and interior design, believing that they all lend themselves to each other. In my portraiture, I like to incorporate fashion elements as an expression of personality. Fashion, to me, is how you show the world who you are and how you express yourself and within my artwork it conveys insight into the subjects personality, adding another layer of intrigue.’ Q: What is your advice for people when selecting artwork? Brent: ‘Start with scale and find something you connect with. Artwork doesn't have to be about the value but more about the emotions it evokes. If you find something you connect with, you'll always love it, and that feeling is something you want to stay with you every time you look at it.’ As Brent shares his advice, it’s evident that his passion for art extends beyond the canvas with a heartfelt desire to connect others through his creations. Q: What's next for Brent Rosenberg? Brent: "I couldn't imagine doing anything else other than being an artist and I always want to keep evolving. As a bit of a hint, I'm thinking about using more texture and incorporating textiles but keeping it uniquely me and something that I enjoy doing too.’ As our conversation draws to a close, it’s clear Brent Rosenberg’s artistic journey is one that will see more exciting work to come. View our interview with Brent here For more about Brent’s artwork visit: https://brentrosenberg.com
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08 January 2024
The allure of coastal living has experienced a surge in popularity with any seeking a change of pace, a closer connection to nature and a craving for wide, open spaces. With a heightened awareness of the benefits of proximity to nature, the irresistible pull of coastal living has become more sought after. This connection to being close to nature extends to its influence on your home; the landscape and surroundings often serve as inspiration for architecture and interior design. The Mornington Peninsula stands as a prominent example of how the coastal environment shapes both architecture and interior design. Explore our top design trends that capture the essence of modern coastal living: Indoor, Outdoor Connection: When architecture and interior design are influenced by the surrounding environment they form a seamless connection that harmoniously links the interior and exterior spaces. Coastal living personifies this, as it draws inspiration from the land, sea and sky, bringing the tranquillity of the coast into your home. At Thomas Archer our architectural approach is one that creates an affinity with the biophilic design principle, emphasising a connection between people and nature. With soft lines and organic shapes becoming more present in the overall design aesthetic, we’re creating an enhanced a sense of connection to the outdoors through every aspect from rooflines, the layout of paths and even furniture – which echoes the natural shapes of the surrounding environment. A beautiful example of this concept can be seen in a recent project located in Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, where the façade gracefully curves and hugs the pool adding a soft and alluring aesthetic. Natural Light: Abundant natural light is a defining feature, ensuring interiors feel open, airy, and seamlessly connected to the outdoors. Capturing natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, glass doors, and skylights is essential. This interplay of light bridges the gap between the interior and exterior, creating a harmonious balance of functional living, style, and the coastal landscape. Maximising natural light and creating beautiful outlooks allows the natural surroundings to permeate the space. This can be determined through home orientation, façade design and the strategic placement of lines creating perfect harmony with the environment. Materials: Natural materials and the use of nature’s colour palette both play a vital role in achieving a harmonious integration between the home and its coastal environment. The incorporation of materials such as timber cladding, textures like stone and lighter bricks enhance the aesthetic cohesion, reflecting the authenticity of the surroundings. A perfect illustration of this can be seen in an upcoming Thomas Archer project in Blairgowrie, the exquisite light brickwork and stone strikingly contrasts with the roof, mirroring the beautiful interplay of the sky against the land. By embracing softer, lighter palettes throughout the home, the interiors establish a continuous flow that effortlessly connect with the coastal environment. This intentional balance, combined with white and light interiors, contributes to a cohesive integration whilst stronger colours help define your home and it’s outline against the surrounds. At Thomas Archer, we are dedicated to delivering beautiful, architecturally designed homes that not only embody a timeless design aesthetic but also carefully consider the unique characteristics of the natural surroundings. If you're in search of a more personalised and thoughtful approach for your upcoming building project, reach out to us now to explore how we can tailor a solution that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle.
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