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  • Schoolyards: 6 Essential Elements To Consider

    Schoolyards: 6 Essential Elements To Consider

    As builders in Pakenham, we’ve worked on our fair share of schools over the last 35 years and can safely say that there are certain elements that make a schoolyard. Whether it’s a particular type of playground, or, a material that works well for playing ball games – our experts are here to list six essential elements that every schoolyard should have. Let’s dive right in!

    School yard

    1.     A playground

    High schools don’t really need playgrounds – however, primary schools and schools that offer prep – year 12 should have at least one playground and possibly a second depending on the size of the school and cohort. The playgrounds should have monkey bars, small vertical climbing activities, swing sets and of course slides. The area around the playground must consist of an impact absorbing surface that complies with the AS/NZS 4422:1996 standards code. 

    Examples of this include mulch/tanbark, rubber or synthetic grass surfaces. Under no circumstance is concrete or compacted Earth with grass acceptable as a base for play equipment. Our Pakenham-based builders can ensure the area around your play equipment adheres to the correct codes.

    2.     Synthetic grass

    Synthetic grass is a highly desirable material for high schools as it offers students a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about dirt or other particulars that come along with organic grass and soil. It also comes in handy when constructing areas that are intended as sit-down zones and will be a lot easier than introducing organic grass.

    Add some four – six-seater picnic benches around the area with sails hanging high above (perfect for letting the right amount of sun in and cutting out some rain where possible) and you’ve got yourself a functional outdoor sit-down zone. Well-installed synthetic grass also has perforation underneath it – allowing for excellent drainage when it gets wet.

    3.     Concrete agora

    An agora is a schoolyard staple and can provide the basis for many ball games as well as a gathering area for assemblies or important occasions. Marking the agora with simple, coloured lines for games like bat tennis or downball to be played is highly advised as it will encourage the students to make use of the space. Concrete is also a fairly durable material that is available in a variety of types such as exposed aggregate – which boasts extra grip and extensive customisability.

    4.     Asphalt surfaces

    Whilst concrete is a great material for outdoor surfaces – asphalt is also quite popular for outdoor sporting areas as it offers fantastic grip and things like tennis balls and basketballs also bounce quite well off of them. It’s also a fairly cost-effective material. Asphalt basketball courts are popular options if you’re looking to use less concrete or want to break it up a bit. This way, you gain the aesthetic value of contrasting materials and also acquire a more effective surface for a sport to be played on.

    5.     An oval

    Whether it’s a small or large one an oval is essential for all schoolyards as it really allows the students to play some of their favourite sports and relax in the sun. The benefit of larger ovals is that they allow for more students to do their own thing. They also don’t have to necessarily be in the shape of an oval perse but can be rectangular, for example. They’re also highly valuable and beneficial to have for inter-school sporting events as they could allow you to host.

    6.      A communal gardening patch

    This element is generally aimed more at primary school students but there’s no reason why high school students can’t get involved either. Having a dedicated communal gardening patch encourages the students to learn more about growing and caring for organic things in nature. As they get older, they can be encouraged to bring in their own seeds from home and work on the garden in an extra-curricular fashion.

    Are you looking for builders in Pakenham?

    S & B Lamble Builders are professional Pakenham-based builders with 35 years of experience in the commercial building sector. We’ve worked on countless school construction projects and understand the features that really make a successful and prosperous one. Our high calibre build quality and efficient work ethic are just two of the qualities that make our service one of the best in Melbourne.

    So, if you’re looking to build an outstanding school complex – get in touch with us by calling (03) 5941 8135 or filling out the contact form on our website.

  • Crafting the Perfect Home Cinema

    Crafting the Perfect Home Cinema

    Home cinemas are becoming increasingly popular features of luxury custom homes nowadays – and why wouldn’t they be? They offer you the chance to feel like you’re in a cinema without leaving the comfort of your home or having to deal with strangers talking in the background. What’s best, is that you can design it specifically to your liking for the ultimate luxury experience. It can be a daunting undertaking, however, especially if you’re not very experienced in the home theatre department. But, have no fear because our experts have crafted this guide detailing the elements that make up a perfect home cinema.

    A dedicated room

    Nominating a dedicated room to base your home cinema in is essential to the whole experience. This also ensures you can take advantage of the furnishings and layout – allocating every bit of space to the cinema. If you’re looking at building a two-story home then we recommend placing the cinema on the ground floor or even underground because a second-floor cinema won’t contain noise as effectively, even with the appropriate soundproofing in place. Ideally – a basement cinema is your best bet.

    Another element to consider is the shape of the room. For the best viewing experience, you’re going to want the seating arrangements to rise higher each row behind the first – that way the people occupying those seats can have a good view. Home cinemas tend to be rectangularly shaped with high ceilings, but there are no set dimensions.

    The appropriate soundproofing

    The last thing you’ll want is to enjoy your home cinema and get complaints from the neighbours that it’s too loud. The solution? Soundproofing. That means the ceiling, walls, doors, floors and even windows if you have them. It’s recommended that soundproofing be installed during the building phase as it’s much pricier and more difficult to retrofit afterwards.

    A popular soundproofing method known as decoupling is quite effective and acts similarly to double-glazed windows. Essentially, you hang two pieces of drywall, for example, on separate studs so there’s a gap between them. This stops vibrations from passing through the walls. Alternatively, there are specific soundproofing materials such as mass loaded vinyl that you can lay behind your walls/ceiling/floor that will work effectively (in fact, placing this dedicated material between your two drywall panels will further increase effectiveness).

    Fitting out the room

    Now comes the fun part as you get to go really all out in what we’d call a fitout. A fitout is where you occupy a space with furniture and appliances. This can be a very personal thing so let’s take a look at some of the essential options for a home cinema fitout.

    TV/projector

    There are two routes you can take with a home cinema – a television or a projector. A projector is generally more favourable as it’s a bit more flexible with its size – but it’s also something that will need to be appropriately placed. The further back they’re positioned, the larger the screen will be. Projectors also work much more effectively when there’s little to no natural light disrupting the picture (which is why they’re perfect for dedicated cinema rooms).

    Televisions are coming in larger and larger sizes nowadays and whilst some can be quite pricy, it’s not always the case. We’re also currently at a turning point where 4k TV’s are beginning to reach their peak with impressive high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. This one really comes down to personal preference, but a high-quality projector is generally the favourable option due to its authentic cinema feel.

    Audio setup

    If you’re looking to go all out, installing speakers inside your walls is one of the more authentic and immersive options you can go for. You will also require the necessary amplifier(s) with enough power and inputs to drive said speakers and subwoofers which will be placed all around the room for a true surround sound experience. You may also choose to purchase free-standing speakers at the front if you have the room and suspended speakers offering surround – or even a combination of the two. How many speakers you think you’ll need and their configuration is entirely up to you.

    Seating

    There is a myriad of options for chairs or even couches available exclusively for home cinemas so do your research and pick what you want. Is reclining important to you? Maybe you don’t want just a cup holder, but a little table attached to each chair as well like in Gold Class? Leather is a popular and luxurious material that is also easier to clean.

    Lighting

    Being a home cinema, you won’t be having the lights on whilst it’s in use – but it’s still important to install a series of downlights for when you’re not watching something.

    Extras

    If you have space for it – installing a mini bar on the side or at the back is great as it will save you from going to the kitchen for refreshments. Or, if you really want to go all out, you can purchase a popcorn machine.

    Looking to build a luxury custom home?

    S & B Lamble Builders are masters of luxury custom homes and have over 35 years of experience in the sector. We’ll be able to help build you a custom and high-end home cinema room for your new home or help renovate your existing home to facilitate one.

    If you’d like to learn more, then please don’t hesitate to contact us via the enquiry form on our website or by calling (03) 5941 8135.

  • 5 Must-Have Bathroom Features for Luxury Custom Homes

    5 Must-Have Bathroom Features for Luxury Custom Homes

    The bathroom – arguably the most important room in a home. It’s the room where you prepare yourself for the day ahead and wind down at the day’s end. It should be spacious, comfortable, airy and filled with an abundance of natural light during the day. When it comes to custom luxury homes, however, some features are essential and will further transcend your bathroom into a practical and lush haven – keep reading to find out our top five picks.

    1.     Heated tiles

    Yes, you read correctly. Your bathroom tiles can be heated from underneath to give you a comfortable and lavish bathroom experience. This becomes particularly useful in winter when the tiles will be cold and an effort to walk on barefooted. With underfloor heating, though, you won’t have to worry about such an inconvenience anymore and can enjoy the relaxing warmth. What’s more, is that this cosy feature is also capable of heating your entire bathroom.

    2.     Smart features

    Smart features and devices are slowly becoming more practical and integrated into our lives nowadays, and the bathroom is no exception to that. Other than the ever-popular smart lights – smart showers will allow you to pre-set the temperature you prefer so the correct mixture of hot and cold water will be ready for your shower. Furthermore, you can apply smart timers to limit your showers and encourage water saving – saving you on your water bill and positively impacting the environment.

    Other useful features include controlling the water flow and tracking your usage. Controlling the temperature and flow are features that can also apply to smart taps at your basin. All the aforementioned smart features are accessible via touchscreen digital panels, your smart device or even digital assistants like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa.

    3.     Entertainment

    Sometimes you like to ready yourself in the morning to a soundtrack – which is why having speakers built-in to the room is a truly grand idea. As long as the speaker is Bluetooth capable (or airplay compatible if you’re an Apple user) then you’ll be good to go. If you have a smart assistant hooked up to your speaker then you can even automate songs to play at a specific time each morning which can help encourage you to stick your morning routine.

    Alternatively, installing a television near your bath is great if you’re someone who tends to take long, relaxing baths. It will give you time to catch up on your favourite shows without having to set up a laptop somewhere and potentially risking it falling in.

    4.     Materials and ornate decorations

    A bathroom in a luxury custom home isn’t complete without a grand material such as marble or ornately decorated hardware and finishes. Ornate finishes are perfect for classic, Victorian-style bathrooms that really play into the regal style of the 19th-century aristocracy. However, if you’re looking for a more modern, minimalist look – marble décor with contrasting, monochromatic colours are the way to go.

    Another unexpected material is timber – mahogany or teak, for example. Adding some timber contrasts and highlights into your bathroom design is unique and will catch your eye every time. For example, you could add timber flooring to a shower with small gaps in between for the water to escape to the drainage. This will add a distinctive, luxe layer to your showering experience.

    5.     Walkthrough shower

    Having a large enough space to support a walkthrough shower definitely calls for one. These luxurious and outstanding types of showers are essentially their own room with a wall in between two doorways. The shower itself could have one or two shower heads and might even feature integrated marble or mahogany shower seats on the side.

    Shower seats can come in handy when you just want to wash your feet, for example, and can just sit down and use the detachable showerhead to rinse. Walkthrough showers look fantastic and operate just as well as a normal shower – but with heaps of open space, which many people enjoy.

    Experts of luxury custom homes

    If you’re looking to build a custom luxury home, then S & B Lamble Builders should be your first port of call. With over 35 years of industry experience and countless luxury builds under our belts – we’ll work with you and the architect to ensure your dream home is visualised with little compromise.

    Give us a call today on (03) 5941 8135 or fill out our online contact form to request a quote and make your dream happen.

  • Overlooked Features to Include in Your Custom Luxury Home

    Overlooked Features to Include in Your Custom Luxury Home

    Are you planning to build your own luxury custom home? Here are a few features you should consider including that are often overlooked. They won’t be as grand or expensive as an extra room; but when they are included, they will bring an extra touch of class, comfort, and premium quality to your living standards. You will be thanking yourself for it.
    Based in Pakenham, with over 35 years of experience building luxury custom homes in the southeast suburbs of Melbourne, S&B Lamble Builders is ready to build or renovate on your next residential or commercial project. 

    Natural Lighting

    It cannot be overstated how important lighting is when designing a space. Natural light can turn a space that feels small and claustrophobic into an area that feels warm, calm, and open. A great way to take advantage of natural light is embracing floor to ceiling windows in your open plan areas. Also, note the direction the windows are facing and whether you would like morning/ midday/ evening sun illuminating an area.  

    Custom Lighting

    ‘Smart’ RGB light globes are becoming an increasingly popular method of artificial lighting and it is easy to see why – with Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity you can control all your household lights from a phone app or smart-home console. If you are aiming to create a specific mood or environment, smart lighting can be an incredibly versatile solution. You can turn your lounge room into a dancefloor when hosting parties if you find a smart bulb with timed colour changing and strobe effects. But it’s not just parties that smart lights can be beneficial for, there can also be health benefits. To help synchronise with your body’s circadian rhythms, change light colours in the evening to warmer yellow tones – which won’t interfere with your body’s natural melatonin production and help improve sleep.

    Shower improvements

    Consider how much time you and your family spend in the shower. To make your custom home stand out, even more, increase the floor space of your shower and make it feel like a small room of its own. Further luxury bathroom enhancements could include precise heating controls, so the user isn’t wasting time and water waiting for the temperature to reach the desired heat, and plenty of shelving space to store hair and skincare products. Speak to your Melbourne builder about what materials you should include to reduce mould build-up and cleaning requirements and ask about what ventilation and climate controls can be introduced to allow your shower to build up and release steam quickly, potentially even allowing it to double as a steam room.

    Luxury Bathroom

    Large Pantry

    If you plan to spend a lot of time cooking, raising a family, or hosting events in your new custom luxury home; having a large pantry or walk-in pantry is essential to keep your kitchen space clean. Have a dedicated space, not a random cupboard/shelf so you can avoid keeping food out on benches/ taking away space for other appliances.
    Pantries can be an overlooked feature as some homeowners choose to get takeaway or eat at restaurants instead of cooking food in the kitchen. However, if you plan on hosting guests – you will need a place to store all the ingredients. If your household members are wine connoisseurs, consider having a dedicated cellar-style storage area with bottle holders for your collection.

    Outdoor Living Space

    Most people consider homes to be indoor spaces. However, in Melbourne, we can have beautiful weather all year round (albeit very inconsistent). Take advantage of the outdoor area you have for your luxury custom home: whether that be an undercover seating area, an outdoor kitchen, BBQ space or even a bar.
    Alternatively, having a living/ lounge/ open plan area that opens to an outdoor deck or patio with sliding door panels can be a brilliant way of integrating the home and backyard environments and make your living area appear much visually larger.


    Looking to construct or renovate your luxury home?

    With decades of experience and accreditation on the Victorian Construction Register, you can trust S&B Lamble and our Pakenham builder team to deliver on all your custom luxury home building requirements across the southeast suburbs of Melbourne. Our team will help you through the planning, design, and construction stages so you can be assured you are getting the highest quality service for your money.

    Get in contact with us for any enquiries about your home design, renovations, and building. Give us a call on (03) 5941 8135 or fill out our online contact form today.

  • 4 Steps for a Sustainable Kitchen Renovation

    4 Steps for a Sustainable Kitchen Renovation

    High-end kitchen renovations showcase the best of modern design, premium craftsmanship and the latest technology. As luxury home builders in Melbourne, we’ve recognised the growing shift to including passive design elements and sustainable features that are eco-friendly and reduce running costs. From water-efficient fixtures to stunning skylights, today we outline some simple strategies to include sustainable features in your kitchen renovation that benefit the environment and your timeless atmosphere.

    Luxury home kitchen

    Greener appliances and efficient fittings

    A quick method to improving the kitchen’s environmentally friendly feel is to ensure that all selected appliances are built for high performance with a high energy rating. Typically, kitchens can use a large amount of energy, by choosing water and energy-efficient appliances and fittings you will save money on running costs and use fewer resources over time than less efficient or older technology.

    A luxury kitchen renovation is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your appliances and technology to improve the home’s energy efficiency. From larger appliances like dishwashers, fridges and range hoods through to smaller appliances like microwaves and blenders, choosing the latest model with high energy efficiency will ensure your home is contemporary.

    Recycled and natural materials

    Choosing to implement more natural materials in the home creates a timeless aesthetic that’s perfect for a modern kitchen. From natural stone for the kitchen counter to recycled timber for the floorboards, there is a myriad of ways to include natural materials in the home while upholding that luxurious feel. Ensuring your materials are sourced locally, for fewer greenhouse gases produced during transport, or that the timber has FSC certification labelling are small ways to improve your home’s sustainability at little cost. Additionally, timber and greener materials have been shown to improve the calming atmosphere of a home for greater mental health.

    Recycled materials also improve your kitchen’s sustainability by reducing the carbon emissions needed to fabricate and transport new materials and products. Cabinetry made from chipboard waste or recycled timber is an easy method of introducing greener materials without damaging the modern style of your interiors. Before renovating, look at the features of your current kitchen and see if you can include any of these materials in your renovation. Repurpose old pipes, transform old floorboards into a freshly sealed dining table or simply repaint old cabinetry doors for an eco-friendlier home.

    Passive design elements

    By choosing efficient insulation and carefully considering the airflow of a space, passive design can benefit your custom luxury home. Not only is adequate ventilation and airflow integral to a comfortable kitchen, but a renovation provides a fantastic opportunity to improve your home’s ventilation and cooling. This could include upgrading to proper insulation within the walls or installing a larger window for more natural light during the day. By choosing a high-performance ventilation system above your stovetop or ensuring that all your windows have efficient glazing to beat the heat, you can improve the comfortable enjoyment of your kitchen and save money on heating and cooling.

    Using experienced luxury home builders and the latest building technology

    By choosing an experienced builder who is at the forefront of the latest building methods and technology you ensure that the renovation is completed quickly with less material wastage. Experienced builders have the skilled craftsmanship needed to avoid costly mistakes, leading to fewer carbon emissions and wasted materials and a more streamlined build process.

    The talented team at S & B Lamble Builders have over 35 years of experience in creating dream homes filled with must-have features and luxury kitchens. From refreshing renovations to total home remodels, our team have the skills needed to incorporate sustainable materials and passive design in your premium home in a way that’s cost and energy-efficient.

     
    Ready to renovate with Melbourne’s luxury home builders?

    S & B Lamble Builders construct or renovate luxury homes with dedicated craftsmanship and high-end quality. The expert team are ready to help you through the construction process from the planning and design stages through to key handover so you can rest assured that you’re receiving quality care at every step of your luxury build.

    Please feel free to submit a tender through our site to turn your vision into a reality! To discuss your dream home design with our expert team, give us a call on (03) 5941 8135 or fill out our online contact form today.

  • The 2 Biggest Mistakes that can Affect your Custom Home Build

    The 2 Biggest Mistakes that can Affect your Custom Home Build

    With the transition to work from home practices and generally more time spent at home due to the pandemic, custom home builders have recently picked up as many homeowners look to build luxury homes that feel like holiday homes.

    If you’ve set out with good intentions and realistic expectations, the custom home building should be an exciting and gratifying experience, right? Unfortunately for some homeowners, this isn’t the case. To avoid running into pitfalls and having the result completely deviate from the original plan, we’ve discussed the 2 largest mistakes one can make when building a custom home and how you can avoid them.

    luxury custom home

    1.     Poor planning

    Oftentimes homeowners design their dream home without ensuring that their plan and budget are in sync. The trick to avoid budget misalignment is to have your entire team assembled before the start of your project. Having an architect, interior design, and builder, onboard to discuss ideas and costs from the get-go is proven to be beneficial. If at any point your plan and budget are out of sync, the misalignment will be caught quickly and tweaked before your plans are finalised. Having a well-built team available to guide you on where to splurge, where to compromise, and how you can maximise the value of your home, can go a long way.

    Another planning detail that custom homeowners overlook is the purpose the house serves. A handful of homeowners let the design of the house trump its practicality. Before finalising your custom home plans, a list of needs and wants should be incorporated to ensure your new abode accommodates your family’s lifestyle. As an example, if you work from home or have home-schooled children, a good plan should consider optimising the house for residential and work/study purposes.

    Poor planning can also involve not fully understanding your building contract. Your building contract underpins everything that happens during the build process, so it is integral that you have a solid understanding of what it entails. Doing your due diligence instead of relying entirely on an external party is vital. The least every homeowner should do is have a sound understanding of what is and isn’t included in the build and who is responsible for completing tasks such as obtaining permits and council approvals. Not knowing these can delay the project which will result in extra costs.

    The overall key to avoiding poor planning is to develop your plans step-by-step. Do not be afraid to discuss your plan with your design and build team – it is your home after all. If you have any questions or concerns at any stage of the process, raise them and ask for any adjustments that can help you finesse the plan to suit your needs better. Once you think the custom home plan is what you want, it is advisable to spend a few days to think it over before signing off, just to make sure you’re 100% happy.

    2.     Hiring the wrong custom home builder

    Choosing the right custom home builder can be very tricky. Much like picking a spouse, you need to pick the right person for your ‘happily ever after’. Many builders just want quick money and there are also a handful of newer builders who are trying to break into the market. These builders may entice you with attractive price tags and packages that come with overambitious promises. However, the reality is they likely will not deliver the same standard of build as a well-established, experienced, and qualified builder. While price is important, you need to note that in the long run, you may spend more money and time on repairs or renovations from a poorly constructed custom home.

    When hiring a custom home builder, experience and competence should be considered first. Doing proper research and checking builder profiles, reviews and credentials are key to pooling together a list of prospective builders for your project. Once a list is prepared, meeting your prospective builders, and ensuring you are both on the same page is crucial. Setting up appointments to thoroughly communicate your wants and needs and to see if they’re a good fit, can be extremely helpful.

    It is also important to discuss the builder’s experience, expertise, and opinion on your plan. Builders who have a wealth of experience typically have more in-depth understandings of the entire process and have more established supplier relationships. You’ll want to pick a builder who is confident with your plan and can assure you get the best quality home within your budget.

    Are you looking for custom home builders in Melbourne?

    At S&B Lamble Builders, we live and breathe luxury custom homes. Our Melbourne-based custom home builders have experience with multiple custom home projects and have an extensive portfolio spanning more than 35 years.

    If you’d like to start building your dream home, get in touch now with our professional builders or submit a tender through our enquiry form or call (03) 5941 8135.

  • Maximising your Home’s Space by Renovating Unused Corners

    Maximising your Home’s Space by Renovating Unused Corners

    Renovations provide the perfect opportunity to transform those unsightly corners of your home into a functional asset that better suits your family’s lifestyle. As custom home builders in Melbourne, our team is overflowing with renovation ideas to optimise your space including features to elevate your luxury custom home to the next level. With open-plan spaces a favourite of every modern residential design, it can be difficult to know what to do with ill-fitting nooks, voids or smaller rooms. Here are some ideas to maximise those unused spaces during a renovation with a premium builder.

    Take note of wasted space

    Ineffective use of space is a wasted opportunity within the home, but it is a perfect launching point for renovation ideas! Remember, misused areas of a floorplan aren’t just limited to those smaller, spare rooms that don’t serve a purpose. From a void under the staircase to a strange empty nook in the living room, if your home isn’t taking advantage of all the space available, it may be a poor design in need of reconstruction.

    When planning a renovation, first analyse your home’s current layout and consider which corners or aspects of your home are not being used efficiently and why. It may be that the spare room does not have any natural lighting or power points, limiting its potential and creating a stifling atmosphere. Maybe you’ll find that your home doesn’t contain enough storage space, so one corner of the kitchen has become an overflow area of clutter. By outlining the spaces that you believe can be improved, you can begin to envision your renovation needs and plan your dream home.

    Embracing your space through interior styling

    Once the less-than-ideal components of your home have been detailed, it’s time to perfect your space for optimum enjoyment. This could be as small as changing the void under the stairs into display shelving or a quiet, reading nook, or as large as creating an outdoor kitchen to better facilitate outdoor dining. If you have a smaller room that is often ignored, consider turning it into a unique hobby room that better suits your lifestyle such as a yoga studio, library, office, home cinema or wine cellar. By making smaller changes like removing curtains, adding a light palette or creating more floor space, you can transform unused areas into pleasant spaces for a brighter and more versatile home.

    Merging rooms for a more spacious design

    Perhaps the corners of your home all serve a purpose, but your abode is missing a sense of flow that would improve the use of space. As every custom home builder in Melbourne knows, establishing an easy transition between rooms and ensuring that natural light reaches the furthest corners of the home is important for that refined, luxurious ambience. Knocking down walls to establish a more open-plan design could maximise your home’s floorplan. This transformation could include combining rooms for an added sense of spaciousness or adding a much-needed window or skylight for a more welcoming feel. To truly embrace open-plan-living, consider installing bi-fold doors to create a seamless flow from your interiors to your outdoor entertaining area. 

    When merging smaller rooms to improve functionality, remember to approach your renovation holistically and with the benefits of passive design in mind. Luxury homes are created with a cohesive design between bathrooms, kitchens, living and outdoor spaces. This flawless feel can be achieved by including matching details such as tiling, tapware or a colour palette across the home. For that modern and timeless atmosphere, always use premium materials and enlist the help of expert Melbourne custom home builders like the team at S & B Lamble Builders.

    Renovation limitations

    Renovations are an effective method of improving unused spaces for your family’s ever-changing lifestyle. However, there are many things to consider before renovating your home. There are also construction components that could make your renovation more costly, such as spaces with poor access to plumbing or the need to adjust the ceiling height of the garage to convert it into a bedroom. Always take the time to discuss these challenges with an expert builder.

    Ready for a renovation with luxury custom home builders in Melbourne?

    S & B Lamble Builders have over 35 years of experience in the custom luxury home sector and can construct your ideal home with dedicated craftsmanship and an eye for detail. The expert team are ready to help you through the construction process from beginning to key handover so you can rest assured that you’re receiving quality care during your premium build. 

    Please feel free to submit a tender through our site or give us a call on (03) 5941 8135. Alternatively, you may also fill out our online contact form so we can get back to you ASAP.

  • 5 of the Chicest Luxury Home Design Trends of 2021

    5 of the Chicest Luxury Home Design Trends of 2021

    As luxury home builders, we have the pleasure of being a part of some outstanding and innovative builds that take advantage of the latest design trends. This simultaneously gives us insight into new and pioneering features and helps us to offer unique perspectives and ideas when discussing projects with new clients. In today’s article, we’re going to fuel your new home inspiration by giving you an exclusive sneak peek into five of the chicest luxury home design trends of 2021.

    Dark interior bathroom

    1.     Art Deco is back!

    The elegant and dashing theme from the roaring 20s is making a resurgence in time for the 2020s. Panelled walls, bold, flat colours and architecturally-driven statement pieces come to mind when regarding this style. This style is perfect for an isolated room such as a library or large study, yet can still be blended to fit with the rest of your home’s style if you’re not willing to commit to a complete art deco environment.

    There’s certainly a host of furnishings you can choose from to complete the art deco look with impressive and luxurious styles being easily accessible. Don’t be afraid to blend numerous colours such as shadow blues, oranges or even browns in with staple white features — when used correctly, the colour combinations can yield impressive and inimitable results.

    2.     Darker shades in the bathroom

    The days of the regal, bright white bathroom with gold-accented hardware are behind us with a toned-down approach taking centre stage. Dark grey walls and stone benchtops are now on-trend, creating a calming and reassuring atmosphere — a fitting environment for a room where most begin and end their day. This can be complemented by equally as muted appliances, with brass hardware fitting in especially well.

    Our luxury home builders also recommend a mirror with a striking art deco border — doubling as a statement piece you can enjoy as well as a practical addition that will be used daily. Try matching the frame finishing to the rest of your hardware for a uniform look. Another trend that is popular in other parts of a home, such as a kitchen, but isn’t as practical in the bathroom, is touch cupboards. Depriving yourself of decorative hardware will not only mean a missed design opportunity but functionality as well, as it’s just generally easier to open cupboards that have handles when you’ve just gotten out of the shower or bath.

    3.     Buying local

    Buying local is a great way to give back to the community and help local businesses grow; recent years have seen an influx in local brands branching out from just small goods, with many trying their hands at large, artisan goods such as furniture and decorative pieces. Take a look at some local manufacturers for that hint of local luxury when it comes to purchasing furniture, statement pieces or even artwork; this is especially suitable given the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses.

    4.     Decorating with artwork

    Decorating your home with artwork is a sure way to add some unique flair to it. The fantastic thing about art is that it’s less about understanding it, and more about what it makes you feel when you look at it. From locally painted canvas prints to larger gallery pieces, there is something for everyone in the art space.

    If you’re looking to add a touch of modern innovation to your room, then you might even want to consider a bezel-less, digital frame that will cycle between some of your favourite pieces from around the world, complete with alternating frames to fit each piece.

    5.     Embracing grandiose bedheads

    The bedroom is one’s ultimate palace, so it’s only fitting that a lavish feature such as an upholstered bedhead should make a return, offering both style and practical comfort in a distinctive manner matched by few other items. With materials ranging from leather to velvet, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Consider one that contrasts with your bedroom’s primary colour so it can stand out.

    Are you looking for luxury home builders?

    S & B Lamble Builders have had over 35 years of experience in the luxury residential construction sector, renovating and constructing lavish homes to turn people’s dreams into a reality. We work with the utmost care and precision, ensuring that every detail is carefully planned out before commencing and keeping you, the client, in the loop every step of the way.

    If you’re interested in enlisting our luxury home builders to work on your luxury home, or simply have some questions, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling (03) 5941 8135 or filling out our online contact form.

  • 7 Features to Elevate Your Custom Luxury Home to the Next-Level

    7 Features to Elevate Your Custom Luxury Home to the Next-Level

    Our custom luxury home builders in Melbourne enjoy bringing people’s dream homes to life from the architectural plan, and we’ve had the pleasure of working on several lavish and grandiose custom luxury homes; from the most decadent bathrooms to breathtaking luxury kitchens. We thought we’d take this time to share seven of the next-level luxury features you can add to your dream home to truly make it feel unique and exclusive.

    Custom luxury home

    1.     Underground garage

    The perfect feature for an automobile enthusiast and collector, an underground garage can be built to safely store your vehicles and act workshop for tinkering if properly outfitted. You can opt for a standard driveway that dips down into the garage for easy access or the more luxe elevator option — a car-sized elevator that will lower your car into the garage below. Regardless of the entry method, an underground garage represents a functional and luxurious custom home feature.

    2.     Yoga studio

    Our luxury home builders have noticed the prevalence of this feature spread in Melbourne in recent years as the popularity of yoga and Pilates has grown. Typically you would ensure that the room has a lot of natural light coming through it — this could be from a north-facing window (or backyard for privacy) or a spacious skylight — and a large mirror to help you ensure your form is correct.

    Of course, a yoga studio can also double as a home gym or reading space with the natural light working in your favour. Be sure to ensure the windows and skylight(s) are double or triple glazed to lessen the chance of the studio becoming a hot-house when the sun is out in full force.

    3.     Listening room

    For the audiophiles out there, choosing to have a dedicated listening room designed before construction can be extremely beneficial; there are specialised designers out there who will factor in how sound travels to ensure aspects such as minimal reverb for a clean, natural sound. There’s little else that says true luxury than a dedicated listening room with a high-end hi-fi setup; consider chatting to a local hi-fi audio store about fitting out the room with ideal speakers, amplifiers and a solid streaming unit, CD player and turntable.

    4.     Home cinema

    And, of course, one for the cinephiles, our custom luxury home builders love working on Melbourne home cinemas and know there is so much you can do with them from a design and functionality standpoint. Whilst a classic home cinema aesthetic is popular, it isn’t unheard of for some to opt for themed rooms based on their favourite film franchises. You can also add some extras like a small kitchen at the back or simply just a popcorn machine and mini-fridge for easy access to snacks and drinks; take a look at our article on crafting the perfect home cinema for more tips.

    5.     Tennis court

    If you have a sizeable amount of land to build on and enjoy physical activity, then why not consider a tennis court? Provided you enjoy playing the sport, a tennis court can be great fun and will keep you fit whilst being a convenient distance away. It’s also a great social addition to have as you can have your friends and family over and even host fun competitions.

    6.     An indoor pool

    The benefits of an indoor pool far outweigh their outdoor counterparts in our opinion and offer a fantastic and unique exercise alternative that can be enjoyed during the coldest weather and heaviest downpour. The indoor environment will guarantee a cosy atmosphere in winter and a sun-filled one during summer with double-glazed windows and skylights. We also recommend floor-to-ceiling windows that can fold away to expose a large entrance during the hotter days so you can truly bask in the weather.

    7.     Wine cellar

    There are wine cellars, and then there are wine cellars; our custom luxury home builders in Melbourne think you’re going to want the latter. This is an absolutely essential feature for collectors, connoisseurs and anyone in between. Whether you want a classic, rustic design that’s tried and true, a modern iteration or the best of both worlds, our builders have extensive experience in constructing wineries and will be able to meet all your requirements.

    Are you looking for custom luxury home builders in Melbourne?

    S & B Lamble Builders have over 35 years of experience in the custom luxury home sector and can construct your ideal home with the utmost attention to detail. You’ll always be confident that you’re receiving the best quality care and craftsmanship from our contractors.

    Please feel free to submit a tender through our site or give us a call on (03) 5941 8135. Alternatively, you may also fill out our online contact form so we can get back to you ASAP.

  • Luxury Kitchens: 5 Must-Have Features

    Luxury Kitchens: 5 Must-Have Features

    Like the bathroom, the kitchen is considered a prized location in a house. Not only does it need to be balanced with the rest of the home’s décor, but it also needs to be practical. This is where some kitchens fail as they may look the part, but the functionality doesn’t reflect the level that the accompanying aesthetic does. 

    Our custom home builders in Pakenham have had over 35 years of experience crafting luxury homes and know how to design a kitchen perfectly without sacrificing practicality for design or vice versa. If you’re looking to build a luxury homeor renovate your existing home, then these five must-have features should be considered for your kitchen to truly embrace modern luxury and practicality.

    Modern Kitchen

    1.     Smart appliances

    The biggest rise in home trends over the last few years has been smart appliances. These useful technological marvels aren’t just for automatically turning your lights on when you arrive home — but can also go a lot deeper, tapping into your coffee habits to ensure your morning coffee is made, ready and waiting for you in the morning before work. From air fryers to toasters and everything in between, smart kitchen appliances are designed to make your time in the kitchen a lot easier and simpler.

    2.     Integrated appliances

    Whether it’s a dishwasher, refrigerator or oven — integrated appliances represent high-end luxury by blending functionality with the gorgeous aesthetic of your kitchen. It is the ultimate balance of the two elements. These are more expensive to install and also replace when the time comes — but if you choose your products right and look after them, they’ll last for decades, and you’ll be left with a stylish kitchen with some hidden secrets. Integrated appliances are space-savers, as well, leaving more room for you to put in other features such as cabinets to show off your stunning glassware/crockery or even a dedicated baking bench.

    3.     High-quality materials

    Natural stone is easily the most luxurious material for kitchen benchtops, but some — such as marble — are not as durable as others and will easily stain from liquids such as red wine or vinegar. If you’re someone who is going to be doing a lot of cooking and baking and are worried about staining your benchtop then perhaps, whilst it does look stunning, marble isn’t for you.

    On the other hand, quartz is the best of both worlds (and still within the natural stones category) — carrying with it a luxurious and stylish aesthetic whilst also maintaining practicality and durability. Quartz benchtops are available in a wide variety of natural styles to suit your kitchen no matter what colour palette or theme it follows.

    4.     Carefully curated lighting

    Lighting is such an important part of the kitchen and sometimes you can benefit from more than simple overhead downlights. We’re talking about planning concentrated lighting to appropriately illuminate specific areas where you will be carrying out certain tasks. Maybe you’ll have a particular stretch of benchtop where you’ll mainly be baking or another area to use appliances such as blenders or stand-mixers. This is where concentrated lighting — whether it’s a low-hanging fixture (which also introduces several potential design elements) or a smart light, for example — will come in handy and enhance your kitchen experience.

    Artificial lighting isn’t the only facet of this element that should be considered, as natural light is what you’ll predominantly be relying on during the day. Think large windows and skylights — any way you can maximise the amount of natural light that enters the kitchen will come in handy. Think about where the sun sets in relation to your kitchen and plan for the windows to be placed accordingly.

    5.     Soundtrack to your cooking

    There are many extra features that go that extra step further and add some final touches to a luxury kitchen, but being able to listen to your favourite songs whilst cooking or baking is one of the best extra features that we often satisfy with a simple, cheap solution. Instead of using a subpar portable Bluetooth speaker, invest in high-end multi-room systems like BlueOS or HEOS to give your kitchen routine the ultimate hi-fi soundtrack. Control your music from your smart assistant or phone and enjoy the music.

    Are you looking for custom home builders in Pakenham?

    S & B Lamble Builders are veterans of the custom home industry having completed countless projects over the last 35+ years and can build you your ultimate dream house in Pakenham. We will ensure that every step of the journey is feasible whilst staying true to your vision.

    Get in touch with our luxury custom home builders in Pakenham today by calling (03) 5941 8135 or by filling out our online contact form.