AS Operations Director at Perth luxury home builder RiverStone, Tim Marshall heads up the construction, estimating, scheduling, drafting and accounts teams. But this switched-on new dad always welcomes the chance to get out of the office and onto a building site.

The company’s registered builder, Tim is well aware of the day-to-day demands of crafting a new RiverStone home and isn’t afraid to get hands on.

“We’re a custom builder and build individual homes so we’re often doing something for the first time,” Tim says. “It’s always good to see that things have gone according to plan and to see the finished product.”

It’s Tim’s job to make sure RiverStone clients know exactly how much their new home will cost – right down to the last luxurious detail, and then oversee installation.

“The fact that we design the homes means we can offer our clients accurate pricing and fixed pricing,” Tim says.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how big the budget is, people like to know how much they’re spending and what they’re spending it on.

“Clients want peace of mind that they’re getting value for money and that care and attention is being given to working out the price,” Tim says.

To add to the challenge, clients often present RiverStone with a picture of an uber-cool product they want to source from overseas or a daring new design feature they want to create.

“There’s always something new that the client has seen, has got in mind or has a picture of, that they want to include and need a price for,” Tim says.

“I find the work challenging so I enjoy coming to work every day. It’s pretty fast-paced and I do enjoy the pressure. I also enjoy the fact that this is a family business.”

Tim’s dad Paul, his mum Mary, sister Emily and wife Brooke are all part of the team at RiverStone, which built its first luxury home in 1995.

As a student, Tim spent school holidays working on building sites alongside brickies and roof carpenters, and later gained his builder’s ticket through TAFE while working at RiverStone during the day.

“Becoming the registered builder at RiverStone was a goal that I wanted to achieve,” he says. “It also helped me get a really good overview of everything because I had to do supervising for a couple of years.

“I still enjoy running projects and the challenges associated with that, especially at RiverStone where every project is different.

“But it’s a fine line between fulfilling our first and foremost objective – to build great homes for our clients and offer great service – and ensuring that we’re still here as a viable business.”

Tim’s role as Operations Director enables him to explore many of the issues that affect the residential building market, from state-of-the-art new construction materials to the latest ‘green’ products.

“Our display homes are a good way of illustrating topical issues and showcasing new products that we have thoroughly researched,” Tim says.

“I like keeping up to date with what’s happening out there in the market and maintaining the quality that we pride ourselves on.”

Recently, technology website BIT (www.bit.com.au) published an article about the growing use of technology here at RiverStone.

Our Operations Manager, Tim, describes the use of iPads, iPhones, 3D design software, and even social media to create a “virtual office” – keeping RiverStone staff and clients well informed at their desk, out in the field, or even at home.

Read the article in full here - http://www.bit.com.au/Guide/299058,their-story-building-houses-of-stone-in-the-information-age.aspx

AFTER putting their building plans in the “too hard basket” for almost eight months, Katherine and Stephen Gooderson turned to RiverStone to finally get their project up and running.

The couple had already paid to have plans drawn up for a new family home on their 900sq m block in East Fremantle. But drawn-out negotiations with the local council, a finite building budget and dwindling confidence that the design they’d been given was right for them, prompted them to put their plans on hold.

When they did eventually pull out the plans again and approach a number of builders, they were drawn to RiverStone’s no-nonsense approach to planning, designing and building a bespoke luxury home.

The plans Katherine and Stephen had originally paid for proved to be for an unfeasibly huge home. Working with RiverStone, they were able to scale back the design so that it fitted both their family and their budget.

“When we took the original plans to RiverStone we were told ‘This is just a massive, massive home’. And it was,” Katherine says.

The initial “upside down” design was going to work well though and RiverStone was able to reassure Katherine and Stephen that they would be able to capture views out to the ocean.

“The views were a bonus,” Katherine says. “When we bought the block we didn’t really know what we would have. It was the size of the block that we’d been drawn to.

“There’s a cost involved in doing an upside down design but RiverStone was able to reassure us that it was definitely worth doing.”

RiverStone’s revised blueprint has created a five-bedroom, three bathroom ocean-view residence of almost 500sq m that will happily accommodate the couple and their three teenage children through the school years to university and beyond.

RiverStone also looked after the planning application, which was a major plus for the time-strapped couple unused to dealing with the subtleties of local planning requirements.

“Diane Wainwright, our building and design consultant at RiverStone, said to us ‘You don’t have to deal with any of that any more’. She took it off our hands and it just became easy,” Katherine says.

“From the start to the end it has been a real pleasure. If we were to ever to build again, I wouldn’t even consider going to another builder.”

From the final floor plan to the design detail, the family’s new home fits them to a tee.

Dubbed ‘The Panorama’, the luxury home boasts an upstairs kitchen and living area and a large elevated terrace that stretches along one side of the house. Banks of glazing bring in the views to Rottnest.

The ground floor has been designated as a teenagers’ wing for Ashleigh (16), Nathan (15) and Emma (13).

Working with Emily LeCras, RiverStone’s interior designer, Katherine was able to fine-tune her ideas for a timeless decorating scheme.

“I didn’t want to get caught up in fads that would date in a few years,” Katherine says.

Did you know that the way we build homes in WA today is based on the same techniques the Romans used more than 2,000 years ago?

The only thing the Roman builder wouldn’t understand is electricity.  Everything else would be perfectly the same.  Is this a good thing?  Well, in a simple low-cost world it certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing.  The construction methods are simple, they have obviously been tested over time and they require very low capital.

But the thing is, we no longer live in a simple low-cost world.  We are operating in an increasingly high-tech world driven by changing technology.  At the same time, we all seem to agree we need to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our water consumption.  Governments keep passing new legislation to improve sustainable outcomes, and this in turn adds cost and complexity to new homes.  We also need to face up to the fact that fewer young people want to learn a trade and those who do want to be paid like their friends working up on the mines.

In various countries around the world, manufactured houses are starting to make up a large section of the housing market.  Japan has been a world leader in this type of house building and Europe and the US are also now very active in the field Manufactured homes are built in modern factories using CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacture) equipment.  The output is simply shipped to site and erected in a fraction of the time it takes to build a conventional home.  Factory homes use less material, have little waste, have low labour inputs, can use recycled materials and have fewer mistakes that require re-work.  What’s more they are not at the mercy of the weather.

We have seen the same sort of changes occur in the production of cars over the past 50 years.  As factories become more computer-centric the quality goes up, the cost comes down and the time to build is reduced.  In a relative sense, the cost of new cars has been falling since the 1960’s, yet the quality and level of equipment has risen exponentially.  Housing must go down the same track.

There are other fundamental issues being studies across the globe that may change the whole concept of how a house is built.  To continue the car analogy, MIT in the US for example, is looking at a concept to create a flexible house ‘chassis’ that forms the structural framework of the building.  Clients then add their own unique sizing, finishes and colours that effectively become the “bodywork”.  Other research is looking at walls that change colour simply with the click of your mouse.  There are literally thousands of ideas out there.

After more than 2,000 years, our method of construction is finally about to change forever.  Beyond that, predicting the future is not only difficult but it is also foolish.  Innovation happens all the time and only a small number of new ideas make it through to become a part of our way of life.

So without attempting to predict what will work, we are going to run a number of stories over the next 12 months giving you an insight into some of the ideas being explored.  Come back from time to time and see what is happening around the world.

We’re a family business here at RiverStone, and we love an opportunity to kick back and relax with our loved ones.

Easter is a great time to enjoy a long meal with family and friends, take on that DIY job that you’ve been meaning to do since Christmas, or just relax in front of the TV and watch a good game of footy (go Eagles)!

Here’s a delicious recipe you might like to try out this Easter:

GOOD FRIDAY SEAFOOD PAELLA

Ingredients:

4 cups fish stock

1 teaspoon saffron threads

2 tablespoons olive oil

250g firm fish fillets (such as blue eye), cut into 2cm pieces

1 brown onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 cups arborio rice

2 tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, diced

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

500g medium green king prawns, peeled, deveined

150g baby squid, cleaned, cut into 1cm-thick rings

12 mussels, scrubbed, debearded

2/3 cup frozen peas

Method:

From our family to yours – enjoy the break, have a safe and happy Easter.

WINDOWS. What are they good for? Windows are such a fundamental element of any modern house that we nearly always take them for granted. RiverStone understands the very basic functional importance of windows to the performance of the home in everyday use.

The benefits of windows are that they let in light, they let you see outside, they keep the weather out, and they keep sound both in and out. These are all good things of course, but the problem with the windows we’ve been using for the past 200 years or more is that they also do some not-so-good things, too. They let heat in during summer and they let it out in winter. They let in the noise of the traffic and they let out the noise of your son practising on his new drums. What’s more, most modern windows are relatively cheap single-glazed aluminium units that are fragile and susceptible to damage, both during the construction phase and once you’ve moved into your new home.

So how can we fix these issues? To some extent the problems are inherent in the function. After all, any penetration of the building fabric will reduce the performance of the building as a whole? Once you put a hole in any wall you have provided an easy access point for heat, moisture, wind and dust. But we can minimise the negative impact of windows by using a version called thermally broken double-glazed windows.

Thermally broken double-glazed windows are generally manufactured using stronger, more solid aluminium frames that make the whole product able to withstand high wind loads and impact damage. The frame is “broken” into two halves by the insertion of a non-heat-transmitting material that prevents heat transfer from inside to outside and vice versa. The glass itself is made as two sheets separated by a space that is fully sealed with a desiccant inside. Heat and noise transfer from one side of the glass to the other is substantially reduced. RiverStone uses windows manufactured by G2 Windows which are made to exacting specification.

These very strong window systems are installed using a sub-frame. The sub-frame is installed at the brickwork stage but the actual finished window is not installed until much later in the building process when it is securely attached to the sub-frame. Unlike most other builders systems for installing windows early, this process limits damage to the frames and glass.

The increased thermal efficiency of thermally broken double-glazed windows over normal windows is substantial and allows this type of window to make a significant contribution to achieving the 6-star energy rating standard required under the new Building Code of Australia requirements.

Large homes with views to the south will have significant problems achieving a 6-star rating because the big areas of glass become the source of significant heat loss in winter. This has been a big surprise for most designers as it is nearly always assumed that in Perth it would be keeping summer heat out that is the most important factor. We have discovered that this is generally not the case in home design here. It is the loss of heat through glass, or the lack of heat gain through north-facing glass, that generally presents the biggest challenge in home design today. Further the bigger the home, the bigger the problem.

Double-glazing on its own doesn’t necessarily solve these problems for us, but it certainly makes a big contribution to thermal efficiency in a modern home. The technology has been in use in Europe and the US for more than 50 years, but has not taken hold here because of our milder climate and the problem of cost.

Double-glazed windows have been very expensive in the past but the start up of 6-star rules will force many a residential building designer to add double-glazing to meet the standard. Fortunately, costs have been in relative decline for about 10 years. A significant number of new players have also come into the field and relatively cheap, good-quality imports from China have allowed the price to fall. As volumes build, so the price will fall further in a nice virtuous circle. Because of our commitment to the use of this product we have been able to obtain supply of high quality windows from G2 for reasonable cost so RiverStone have decided to include thermally broken double glazing as standard in display specification homes.

So if you plan to build soon, then do consider the use of double-glazed windows. Not only will they make your home quieter, but they will also make it cooler in summer and warmer in winter – all the while performing their historical functions of keeping the weather out and letting you take in the view.

RiverStone understand the importance of these windows to the proper functioning of passive solar design in your home. Because every home is an individual design we tailor every design to suit the block orientation and include a number of energy efficient fittings with our display specification. Quality luxury design is about much more than the look of the finishes. Quality must be in all aspects of construction in your new home and include your windows as they are one of the most important structural elements built into your new home.

We are very excited to announce a brand new RiverStone luxury display home, soon to be under construction in the premium beachside suburb of Swanbourne.

Still in the very early concept and design phase, our talented design team are working together to come up with a unique and exciting new design – think Hamptons/New England Beach House style!

Construction is almost complete on this architect designed, RiverStone built individual home in Peppermint Grove. The client opted for a Hamptons style luxury home on their approx. 740 sqm rear block in the premium riverside suburb:

Finishing touches

Front elevation

Gable vent windows were a key feature in the design

Still a bit of work to be done inside!

WHILE it’s true that interior designers enjoy more than their fair share of retail therapy, RiverStone’s Emily LeCras will tell you it’s not just about cushions and fancy candlesticks.

From testing ebony wood stains for a Hamptons-style staircase, to designing kitchen cabinets or a bespoke bookcase, it’s Emily who RiverStone clients turn to for help nailing the luxury look they’re after.

The Palais living space - interiors can beautiful as well as comfortable

And if they’re in search of inspiration or hoping to discover a few tricks of the trade, then where better to start than a RiverStone display home packed with Emily’s ideas for interiors that are both beautiful and comfortable.

As the custom home builder’s in-house interior designer in Perth, Emily is part of the display home design and construction process from day one.

In fact, the vision for the luxury builder’s latest showcase started taking shape more than two years ago when the RiverStone directors met with their design, sales, scheduling and interiors experts to brainstorm ideas for the Palais in Minim Cove.

Once the layout of the multi-million dollar ‘upside down’ house was agreed, Emily made all the construction selections, deciding on fittings and finishes such as taps and tiles, basins and bathroom cabinets.

“I definitely had a clear idea once the floor plan was confirmed as to how I wanted to style the home,” she says.

Emily also designed the wow-factor kitchen where commercial-style stainless steel rubs shoulders with timber veneer, stone and white glass for a look that is dramatic yet timeless.

“I was told ‘We don’t want the typical stone top and glass splashback’,” she says.

With function also high on the agenda in this all-important workspace, Emily built in super-practical ideas such as the storage well for oils and spices behind the cooktop and the numerous pull-out baskets in the scullery.

Style can still be functional - the super practical kitchen scullery in The Palais

Conscious that people planning a luxury custom-designed home are usually still building to a budget, Emily says it’s also about knowing where to splurge and where to save.

“The laundry, for example, can still be clean and classy but you don’t need to spend a fortune.”

About 12 months after the first team meeting, Emily started finalising what she calls the “finishing and furnishing” for the new riverside showcase, highlighting wow factor on every floor.

“If I know a display home is on its way then I’ll especially be on the look out for ideas,” she says.

“I’ll start think about ordering and sourcing pieces, such as the furniture, artwork and even some of the light fixtures.

“I like to have consistency through a home but don’t like it being too matchy-matchy where you’ve just done the exact same thing right the way through.”

Style tip - don't make things too "matchy matchy"!

Effortlessly weaving together a hybrid look that crosses modern, classical and natural, Emily liaised with suppliers for custom-designed pieces, including furniture and artwork, and statement décor items.

Paint colours were finalised about six months prior to the home opening and anyone who has wrestled with a million shades of white will appreciate Emily’s knack for finding just the right shade.

Just days before the home threw open its doors to the public, Emily was dressing the rooms, unpacking furniture, making beds, supervising the hanging of artworks and making sure the presentation was tip-top.

“I like to allow a week for my set up,” she says.

She worked with a team of removalists to get everything picked up on the one day, rather than trying to juggle several different deliveries from several different suppliers.

“It’s a bit chaotic but it means it’s all here in one day and I’ve got the rest of the week to put everything in place and buy anything else that I need,” she says.

“It is stressful but that final week is just the best. And yes, I do move things around 20 times until it all looks just right.”

THE custom-designed staircase in this luxury RiverStone home may be one of the owners’ favourite features but their pet pooch Taylor isn’t so sure. The two-year-old standard poodle would much rather take the lift.

Taylor’s owner Gail says her four-legged friend needs quite a bit of coaxing to tackle the open-tread staircase and is usually more than happy to wait until the lift is called.

Custom staircase

While the canine critic is still reserving judgement on the staircase, Gail and her husband Brett are in no doubt that their new luxury river-view home is a winner

The property epitomises contemporary glamour, yet the luxe look is subtle and it has been skilfully executed.

Clean minimalist lines rub shoulders with beautiful materials, while attention to detail and first class craftsmanship go hand in hand.

Designed and built by RiverStone, the house sits in the prestigious Minim Cove development in Mosman Park.

RiverStone is no stranger to the area. The custom builder has created a number of stunning properties in the riverfront precinct, including its new flagship display home, the Palais.

Enuite off master bedroom

Gail and Brett’s four-bedroom, five-bathroom home is arranged over three levels that, luckily for Taylor, are each serviced by the lift.

With its timber treads, glass balustrade and steel framework powder-coated silver to match the window frames, the staircase makes a sculptural statement as it heads to the bedrooms on the first floor and the cellar, gym, theatre room and four-car garage on the lower level.

Soaring walls of glass edge the stairwell, adding to the incredible sense of light and volume in this home.

RiverStone’s design team captured the river views with banks of bifolding doors that open up to a large all-weather alfresco with built-in kitchen.

In the river-view dining room and adjoining kitchen and scullery it’s all about entertaining, with big spaces that can cater for big get-togethers.

“Brett and I both have big families so on Christmas Day last year we had 25 people for lunch. It was great to have everybody together,” Gail says.

“We regularly have guests so we also liked the idea of having the cooktop in the island bench. We can talk to people while we cook; we can be part of the conversation.”

A wall oven, combi oven, steam oven and warming drawer are among the appliances that have been grouped together and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling cabinets.

The kitchen may look sleek and seamless but the attention to detail had to be second to none. There’s even a pop-up power socket that means the stone top of the island bench remains flawless yet kitchen gadgets can easily be plugged in when needed.

Kitchen and dining

Gail worked closely with RiverStone’s in-house interior designer Emily LeCras to fine-tune many of her ideas about colours, materials, fittings and furniture.

Much of the furniture in the home has been custom-made to reflect the home’s generous proportions and its owners’ style, including the dining table, the stone-topped desk in the study and the cabinets in the home theatre.

Even the wide bedside cabinets with their concealed lighting are a one-off design, while the fabric-covered panels behind the bed were individually made to order.

Emily’s unerring eye for detail has resulted in a contemporary home that boasts a wealth of detail while remaining sophisticated and understated.

Living space

The larger-than-average internal doors feature Victorian Ash and polished stainless steel, while the lift doors on the first floor and their silver travertine surround have been mirrored on the galleried landing above.

High ceilings, coffered ceilings and dropped bulkheads contribute to a look that is minimalist, yet still luxurious.