Designing Your Home

The Sunshine Coast, with its stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and laid-back lifestyle, is a dream destination for many looking to build their ideal home. However, designing a home that perfectly complements this unique environment requires careful consideration of several key factors. At AUSMAR, our in-house design team has extensive experience creating homes that not only look beautiful but also function seamlessly within the Sunshine Coast context. Let’s explore some of the essential aspects to keep in mind when embarking on your home design journey.

Climate and Energy Efficiency

The Sunshine Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, characterised by warm summers and mild winters. While this offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor living, it also presents challenges in terms of energy efficiency.

• Passive Solar Design: Orienting your home to maximise northern exposure allows for natural light and warmth in winter while minimising heat gain in summer. Consider eaves, shading devices, and window placement to control sunlight effectively.
• Ventilation: Cross-ventilation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, particularly during the warmer months. Strategically placed windows and ceiling fans can help promote airflow and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
• Insulation: Adequate insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
• Sustainable Materials: Opt for locally sourced, sustainable building materials that have a low environmental impact and are well-suited to the Sunshine Coast climate.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

The Sunshine Coast lifestyle is synonymous with outdoor living. Designing a home that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces allows you to make the most of the region’s beautiful weather and stunning natural surroundings.

• Open-Plan Living: Consider an open-plan layout that connects living, dining, and kitchen areas to outdoor entertaining spaces, creating a sense of flow and spaciousness.
• Covered Alfresco Areas: Provide ample covered outdoor areas for year-round enjoyment, protected from the elements.
• Landscaping: Integrate your home with the surrounding landscape through thoughtful landscaping. Native plants, water features, and outdoor lighting can create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Views and Natural Light

The Sunshine Coast boasts breathtaking views, from the sparkling ocean to the rolling hills of the hinterland. Capitalise on these vistas by incorporating them into your home design.

• Strategic Window Placement: Carefully consider window placement to frame views and maximise natural light. Large windows, sliding doors, and clerestory windows can all be effective in capturing the beauty of the surroundings.
• Elevated Living Areas: If your site allows, consider elevating living areas to take advantage of panoramic views.
• Outdoor Rooms: Create outdoor rooms, such as balconies, decks, or patios, that offer comfortable spaces to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Bushfire and Flood Considerations

While the Sunshine Coast is a paradise, it’s essential to be aware of potential natural hazards, such as bushfires and floods, when designing your home.

• Bushfire Protection: If building in a bushfire-prone area, adhere to strict building regulations regarding materials, landscaping, and access. Consider features such as ember screens, non-combustible cladding, and fire-resistant landscaping.
• Flood Mitigation: If your site is located in a flood zone, elevate the building above the designated flood level. Consider incorporating flood-resistant materials and design features.

AUSMAR’s Portfolio: Showcasing Our Best Home Designs on the Sunshine Coast

Client Testimonials: Hear What Our Happy Customers Have to Say

Nothing speaks louder than the voices of satisfied clients who’ve experienced the expertise of our home designers on the Sunshine Coast.

1. “AUSMAR did a fantastic job with building our dream house, they make the whole process of choosing your designs and colours so enjoyable. Could not be happier with the look and quality of my new home. A big thank you to the site supervisor Dan Rycen and the sales consultant Ian Sullivan who were always there to help us throughout the entire process. Highly recommend building with AUSMAR.”
2. “I have worked closely with AUSMAR doing handovers on behalf of absent landlords and have seen the quality for many years. So it was an easy choice when I needed to build. Johan has been our consultant and has been amazing to deal with. He has been so patient as we chopped and changed our design to perfection. He has always been so professional and honest on our journey. We have also had the help of Tony along the way to help us with ideas too from a building point of view. Our BA has just been lodged and we can’t wait to see our dream home unfold! Thank you to the whole AUSMAR team :)”
3. “Andrew was amazing! He had such a vast knowledge of products and design. He made the process extremely easy and stress free. This will be our second build with AUSMAR, we were very happy with the craftsmanship and attention to detail in our first home. We would highly recommend Andrew Robilliard and the team at AUSMAR homes.”

Designing your dream home on the Sunshine Coast is an exciting endeavour. By considering the key factors outlined above and working with an experienced in-house design team like ours at AUSMAR, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and perfectly suited to the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

Ready to start designing your dream home on the Sunshine Coast? Contact AUSMAR today for a free consultation.