Modern materials and design are overlooked

One of the things I am constantly doing as a real estate copywriter is highlighting construction details such as "double-brick" or "solid brick construction". It's like a mantra - I see bricks, I think "solid". And I use that as a selling point because I think for most people, there is something solid and long-lasting about brick construction. It really is a selling point to everyone except those people who are looking for the quaint charm of weatherboard (which stands the test of time just as well, if looked after properly, by the way). 

What about more modern materials, though? How about concrete? Why don't we use it more?

Perhaps it is because of an unfashionable reputation it was given as a result of the brutalist architecture movement, which was a large-scale symphony of bare concrete that, in my opinion, was actually very cool. Or maybe it's because we are used to seeing concrete panel construction only in industrial estates. Either way, there's a bias against concrete in more domestic settings.

This is a shame, because concrete is probably the strongest and most hard-wearing construction material humans have ever come up with, and it is so much more flexible for use - you can pre-cast it and just stick it up in the air, or with some clever formwork, cast it to whatever shape you desire. It's a beautiful thing and long the apple of the architect's eye.

So here's what you can do with those "industrial concrete panels". You can create a simple but beautiful, and functional, townhouse in one of Melbourne's trendiest locales. And do you like ceiling height? Well, you're not restricted with panels, just put the damned floors wherever you like, at whatever height, no extra costs of bricks or labour. The net result is a freedom of layout and design, and an abundance of space. 

Such as this home in Abbotsford:

An economy and elegance of design allows for beautiful indoor-outdoor spaces that flow effortlessly from feast in the kitchen to romantic novel by the courtyard.

And if that's not exciting enough, marvel in the city/urban skyline from the ultimate rooftop party palace!

It's a wonderful example of how the use of modern materials (not that concrete is particularly modern) to create a clean, crisp and functional design that oozes beauty, and still, maintains a legitimate claim to the term "solid".

Thanks to my friends at Nelson Alexander, this particular example is currently on the market too. For any trendy families looking for the ultimate party house, or even a place to raise the kids (to be cool kids, that is). It has three big bedrooms, two bathrooms and multiple living zones. Clever. See it here. 

Photographs by Axiom Photography and Design