Residential Attitudes :: e.news flash January 08

HELLO, AND WELCOME to the very first edition of e.newsflash. With each edition we will endeavour to bring you lots of useful information about Residential Attitudes, our homes, new products and the Home Building Industry in general. Heck, we’ll even throw in a recipe or two if that’s what it takes to keep you reading it. So, I hope you find it of interest and that you will look forward to it popping up in your ‘in’ box at regular intervals. Cheers.

WE ARE THE SPACE WE LIVE IN. It reveals our character. Our way of life. And ultimately, our identity. That’s why, every time we design a new home, a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, we do so with the people who will live in them firmly in mind. We try to imagine their lifestyles: their habits, their desires. We think of situations, of moments - snapshots of life. It’s from these that our ideas take shape. And from these ideas comes our style.

MEET THE BOSS. As General Manager, David oversees the entire operation here at Residential Attitudes. He’s responsible for the direction of the business, as well as driving our performance. But it’s not all business with David. He’s a big family man. In fact, his hero is his mum who, he says, always put other people first. But as you would expect, he’s fanatical about what we do. He loves the people and the dynamic, creative environment we have here, and he’s just as passionate about our product – his favourite design is the Elements because he believes it’s the epitome of what Residential Attitudes is all about. Find out more about David...

THE ELEMENTS OPENS MARCH 15. It is the most anticipated display home opening in Perth for many years, and with good reason. The Elements is a real head turner. Cutting edge. Minimalist. Architecturally-inspired. Urban living, redefined. Features include a bridge over the entry linking the huge master suite and study; a spacious kitchen and free-form living area with walk-in pantry and e-nook; stacker doors that when opened, seamlessly integrate the free-form living with an alfresco area complete with raked ceilings, BBQ recess and bar fridge recess; a generous home theatre, big enough for the whole family or a group of friends to enjoy, but separate from the main communal area; a wine cellar and more. Designed by Chief Designer Brook Leber, the Elements is located on Backwater Circle, Burns Beach and will be open for viewing for the first time on Saturday 15 March from 1:00pm to 5:00pm view more of The Elements...

ONE DOOR OPENS, ANOTHER CLOSES. After nearly two years and thousands of visitors, the Contemporary, one of our most popular recent designs, will be closing its doors on Sunday 3rd February. Contemporary by name, a contemporary classic by nature, this home is as functional as it is stunning. From the elevation’s clean, angular lines to the striking composite aesthetic, the home makes a dramatic statement. Not only will this design fit on a 14-metre frontage block, the interior layout has been created with liveability in mind. In keeping with the Residential Attitudes ethos, there are three generously proportioned bedrooms. Likewise, the staircase is intelligently positioned within the free-form living area, which in turn is split by the galley kitchen, creating distinct dining and lounge areas. The inviting integrated living areas are perfectly complemented by the home’s more secluded spaces. Take the generous master suite and home theatre, situated upstairs, away from the main living area. Or the home office, large enough to be a practical office and positioned such that you can invite clients inside without intruding into the living space. It’s all designed for life. See for yourself before we close the doors for good. view more of The Contemporary...

NEW NARROW LOT DESIGN. Part of the Concept Series, the Soho, a stunning new design only 8.93m wide, has been created to suit narrow lots while maximising views from the main living space.The generous free-form living area situated at the rear of the home with expansive glassed areas, makes the most of rear and side views and at over 7.75m long, this light filled area is ideal for entertaining. Highlights include a double garage with direct foyer access for total security; a spacious home theatre to the ground floor, perfect for a real 'at home' movie experience with friends; an island bench with breakfast bar to the kitchen; direct access to the alfresco from the kitchen and free-form living area, perfect for entertaining; an expansive master suite and ensuite complete with 'his and hers' vanity stations, shower and separate deep bath; two double sized bedrooms to the upper floor complete with sliding robe doors; and a separate studio area to the upper floor, perfect for use as a private retreat and lounge area. Currently priced at $361,790 (until 15 February), the Soho is also available with a skillion roof option.

A VERY 'SPECKY' SPEC HOME. Sleat Road, Mount Pleasant will soon be graced by the Aqua, a thoroughly contemporary home designed to perfectly suit narrow lots.

At only 9.12m wide,the Aqua has been created to make the most of all available space, both inside and out. Consideration has also been given to the entry porch, accessed via a walk-way at the side of the home, giving privacy from busy thoroughfares. Highlights include:

Construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2008. Contact our office at our office for more information.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY. What’s going on in the Housing Industry? What does the future hold in store? Here’s a quick run down on some of the most recent happenings:

Housing in general should benefit from three key policy commitments from the newly elected Federal Labor Government. The first, a $500 million Housing Affordability Fund to help local governments cover part of the cost of infrastructure for new residential development; the second, a $603 million National Rental Affordability Scheme to help those on Commonwealth Rent Assistance; and thirdly, Home Super Saver accounts, a scheme to encourage would-be home purchasers to save a larger deposit for their home.

The new home building sector remains quite weak with housing starts still relatively flat. Last year Australia fell 20,000 dwellings short of what was required to meet demands. Land prices will remain high and pressure on interest rates will continue. Consequently the rental market will continue to remain tight.

Australia has been going through a tightening interest rate cycle since May 2002. The sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US certainly didn’t help things. Mortgage rates have risen by between 11 and 33 points with some non-bank lenders. The RBA next meets on February 5 and speculation is rife about another official rate hike. There is a reasonable chance (rather than a high chance as the media tell us) of this happening. Some, concerned about inflation, have issued forecasts for another 3 rate rises in the next 6 months. Others have taken a more cautious approach. Certainly the risk of significantly higher borrowing costs is lower now than it was a month ago.

RIDING FOR THE SALVOS. General Manager David Hochwald-Jones and Building Manager David Jones hit the road with hundreds of other motorcycle riders from across Perth on Saturday 1st December in support of the Salvation Army Bikers Toy Run. Arming their motorbikes with toys to support children of marginalised families during the holiday season, they rode from Ascot Race Course, up the Mitchell Freeway to conclude at the Joondalup Arena sports stadium. The toys and gifts donated on the day helped ensure more families were able to share in festive season.

WE'RE EXPANDING AND REFURBISHING. The Residential Attitudes offices will be expanded and refurbished over the coming months. We’re taking up additional space on the top floor and giving our reception a makeover. As you can see from the photos it’s going to look fantastic. Our thanks to the folks at Constructive Media and Eboniste Interiors for their help on this project.

STAFF FOCUS: MEET BROOK LEBER. As the mastermind behind the Elements, Brook is a truly talented Designer. And like all the best Designers, his passion lies in turning a client’s vision into reality by designing a home that captures all of their aspirations and lifestyle requirements. Very noble, we’re sure you’ll agree. Which is why it might come as a surprise to everyone (especially his wife) to learn that, when asked what one thing he couldn’t live without, Brook gave the very ignoble answer, “I can’t live without sport…unless my wife reads this, then my answer is 'My wife'. But really it’s sport. Meet other team members...