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Born out of fun and games

Madelin HayesThe West Australian
19 Longford Road, Beaconsfield. 
Camera Icon19 Longford Road, Beaconsfield.  Credit: Supplied.

A home made possible by the inner workings of Minecraft, 19 Longford Road is an architectural dream.

Designer and homeowner Stephen Hayes had a clear vision for his home – it needed to be modern, sustainable and unique.

The vast freedom of the video game, Minecraft, allowed Mr Hayes to construct virtual versions of his dream home, due to the exploration of three-dimensional landscapes and modifications.

“I designed the whole house on my son’s PlayStation,” he said. “Minecraft allows you to see how each room interconnects, allowing for any adjustments to the build.

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“I basically built 100 houses in Minecraft for inspiration and to get an idea of internal spaces.

“I recommend Minecraft to designers and builders, you can really discover how a project will work without spending any money.”

Positioned on 302sqm of green title land on an ultra-high clifftop position, the home is loaded with technology and minimalist craftsmanship.
Camera IconPositioned on 302sqm of green title land on an ultra-high clifftop position, the home is loaded with technology and minimalist craftsmanship. Credit: Supplied.

Positioned on 302sqm of green title land on an ultra-high clifftop position, the home is loaded with technology and minimalist craftsmanship.

Its sustainable, cube-modular design interplays bold and smart elements to generate spaces for semi-private and private spaces alike.

“I like the nothingness of the design – there’s no skirting board or architraves,” Mr Hayes said. “In some ways it is pretty plain Jane.

“The house itself is an unusual design as it’s made from concrete block, including the ceilings. I followed a minimalist approach and because the home is all face block work, we had to hide all the conduit in the walls.”

The open-plan ground floor invites the interplay of light and shadow through 6.3mm ultraviolet-filtered hush glass windows, adding a new level of interest to the minimalist interiors.

The open-plan ground floor invites the interplay of light and shadow through 6.3mm ultraviolet-filtered hush glass windows, adding a new level of interest to the minimalist interiors.
Camera IconThe open-plan ground floor invites the interplay of light and shadow through 6.3mm ultraviolet-filtered hush glass windows, adding a new level of interest to the minimalist interiors. Credit: Supplied.

It’s here the living, dining and kitchen interconnect, with a separate master bedroom and laundry wing.

The Scandi-industrial kitchen boasts a Neff microwave convection oven, an ultra-quiet Schweigen rangehood, Miele appliances and a Neff cooktop with its very own teppanyaki system, while Italian porcelain benchtops and illuminated stainless steel glass drawers provide a hint of luxury.

The Scandi-industrial kitchen boasts a Neff microwave convection oven, an ultra-quiet Schweigen rangehood, Miele appliances and a Neff cooktop with its very own teppanyaki system.
Camera IconThe Scandi-industrial kitchen boasts a Neff microwave convection oven, an ultra-quiet Schweigen rangehood, Miele appliances and a Neff cooktop with its very own teppanyaki system. Credit: Supplied.

“This home would suit a young family or retiring couple due to its low maintenance and all amenities being accessible downstairs,” Mr Hayes said. “It is also suited to someone who is passionate about self-sustainability – the 24-panel solar farm and green wall are attractive features.”

Dubbed the crux of the house, Mr Hayes said the green wall held perfect potential for sunshade and growing your own produce, while protecting the home from summer rays and eliminating the need to run the air-conditioner 24/7.

“That was the impetus for the whole house, to get people thinking about the benefits of green walls in their construction. It not only beautifies a property but provides shade,” he said.

With its commodious indoor and outdoor spaces staggered across multiple levels, the modernist abode maximises an intelligent network throughout.

The master bedroom is a spacious escape, with feature Versawall block arrangements inspired by Western Australian architect Rob Olivieri.

The industrial theme continues to the master ensuite where the brickwork and brass hardware presents a warehouse feel.

Upstairs is the ultimate loft dwelling with abundant entertaining spaces for the entire family.

Imagine starting your mornings with a tree-lined outlook taking in the stunning historic surrounds of Beaconsfield, a short distance from the iconic South Fremantle cafe strip.
Camera IconImagine starting your mornings with a tree-lined outlook taking in the stunning historic surrounds of Beaconsfield, a short distance from the iconic South Fremantle cafe strip. Credit: Supplied.

“My favourite spot is the upstairs living room,” Mr Hayes said. “You can watch the moon rise over the back deck which is spectacular.

“There is so much birdlife – black-shouldered kites hover off the back deck and the quietness of the situation is very peaceful.”

A large media room and living area are the ideal spaces to unwind, while a study alcove is conveniently located in the minor bedroom wing.

The two remaining bedrooms, each generously spaced with their own walk-in robe and balcony access, carry the same distinct style of a raw and blunt aesthetic with the addition of Russian birch plywood.

The home makes the most of its views.
Camera IconThe home makes the most of its views. Credit: Supplied.

Imagine starting your mornings with a tree-lined outlook taking in the stunning historic surrounds of Beaconsfield, a short distance from the iconic South Fremantle cafe strip.

Bursting with additional extras, the home features 100 per cent Australian wool open-weave carpets, Italian-engineered European oak floors, Blum roll fixtures throughout, LED flush mount lighting, The Blockmaker permeable grass pavers and Panasonic fully ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning.

“I wanted to create a unique house not just a replica of everything around – there’s suburbs and suburbs of them,” Mr Hayes said.

The home is open for viewing today Saturday May 15 from 10-10.30am, at which time the auction will begin.

19 Longford Road, Beaconsfield

Beds: 3

Baths: 2

Auction: Saturday May 15 at 10.30am

Agent: Ray White Applecross

Contact: Noel Rogers, 0409 300 600

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