MBA of NSW Winner – Master Builder of the Year

Simply faultless

The stunning four-level Freedman House was designed by Walter Barda and constructed by Touchstone Construction Services. Externally, the house is clad in sandstone and a combination of smooth and rough-cast painted render, with the rough-cast a trademark of Walter Barda.

The structure is reinforced concrete with load-bearing masonry walls, while the roof is also reinforced concrete protected by an applied membrane, with downpipes being generally internal.

Level one is home to the four-car garage, plant rooms, entry, reception and storage areas. Head up to level two for three children's bedrooms, one ensuite, one bathroom and a combined rumpus/homework/music/TV area.

On level three is the main bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite, study area, round cinema/library, gym behind a concealed door in the library/cinema and a guest bedroom and ensuite. Level four houses the kitchen, dining-space, laundry, bathroom, TV and living areas.

Services include gas-boosted solar hot water; gas-boosted solar heating for the pool; rainwater storage and reuse to toilets and for irrigation; hydronic floor heating and full air-conditioning to each level. Low-energy LED lighting has also been implemented throughout. A glazed lift serves three of the four floors. C-Bus home automation has been installed throughout.

Timbers used were sourced from renewable, forestry alliance and Fair Trade sources. Windows and doors are timber, with all glazing being low-E energy-efficient glass.

Internally, finishes consist of stone and carpet for the floors, rendered and plasterboard walls, and plasterboard and timber ceilings. Joinery has been provided in accordance with the architectural design.

The infinity-edge pool is finished in Quartzon and heated via a gas-boosted solar hot water system. Outside, enjoyment is further enhanced by external terraces, a barbecue area and upper-level viewing platform.

The landscaping, designed by Walter Barda, was carried out by Touchstone Construction Services in consultation with the client to achieve their requirements for privacy.

Judges' comments: Touchstone Construction Services entered two homes, which were inspected by the judges, with the design of both entries based on the modern style of the 1950s. The completed homes have superb finishes that the judges said were way above the norm. Nothing could detract from this most wonderful winning entry, which is a four-storey, five-bedroom house involving significant excavation and structural elements as well as architecturally designed finishes. A very deserving winner.