Wilberforce Retreat

“We are owner builders and blissfully happy with our new house, although it is not quite finished (we are owner builders!). With the northerly aspect windows/doors so aptly designed by Helen, every day we sit and cast our eyes over our mountain view. Our brief was complex – we wanted a passive solar, non-toxic house to take us into our twilight years, and our site was situated on a slope in a flame zone! We were amazed and relieved when our DA was passed by council without any questions at all. Thank you, Helen. The flame zone requirements increased our costs considerably, but the house is strong enough to withstand both fire and cyclonic winds (we are located on a ridge), being built of steel and Hebel. We are also really happy with the internal layout of our home – it works exceedingly well. Many of our rooms are ‘not square’ and there are no long corridors – another request in our brief. The high ceilings and pitched roof are a real hit. The reaction of our friends says it all – they comment “Wow, this is fantastic!” or “It’ll be worth 2 million when it’s finished”. Hopefully, our interior creative decisions will match the excellence of Helen’s design.”