Introduction
Contractors United transformed a challenging inner-city site into ‘The Manhattan,’ a family home that blends robust materials with serene design, creating a tranquil oasis amidst Wollongong’s vibrant energy.
Design and Construction Details
Nadine K Design‘s vision called for a low-maintenance home that embraced the urban environment with rustic, earthy materials. As the builders, we focused on precision and quality, ensuring every detail aligned with her design. The single-storey design with a mezzanine level, a departure from the site’s usual multi-level development potential, presented an exciting opportunity to showcase our expertise.
The light-coloured recycled brick, laid in a Flemish bond pattern by Birch Masonry, was a key element. We worked closely with the masons to achieve the desired finish, ensuring it blended seamlessly with the urban landscape and withstood the coastal environment. The Colorbond Monument cladding and roof provided a contemporary edge, while the Tasmanian hardwood accents added a touch of warmth and natural beauty.
Inside, we focused on creating a serene atmosphere. Polished concrete flooring and recycled brick feature walls provided continuity, while the raked ceilings lined with Tasmanian wood added texture and warmth. We installed acoustic double-glazed windows, tinted for privacy, to mitigate city noise and ensure a peaceful living space. Skylights illuminated the mezzanine level, offering glimpses of the city skyline.
As Nadine put it, ‘Manhattan on Belmore is visual poetry, a sinew of raw materials, textures and colours, balanced to perfection, creating warmth, comfort and happiness.’
Conclusion
At Contractors United, we believe ‘The Manhattan’ stands as a testament to our commitment to quality craftsmanship and our ability to bring unique design visions to life. We are proud to have played a part in creating a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant energy of Wollongong.
Project Details
Suburb: Wollongong, New South Wales
Building Designer: Nadine K Design
Interior Designer: Concepts by Gavin Hepper
Photographer: Tim Shaw Photography
