Construction Maison

Facades are a reflection of an architect’s creative vision. It’s the first thing we notice about a building while the design and materials used reveal much about the identity and what’s on offer inside. Richard Francis-Jones is design director for fjmt, the architects behind Sydney’s latest architectural landmark , the mixed-use King & Phillip development . The project, which is scheduled for completion in 2020, features a stunning facade that incorporates curved glass and perforated bronze -coloured screens to create the impression of a shimmering golden tower . “Architects are definitely spending more time on facades in their designs, all around the world,” Francis-Jones says. “I think there is much greater recognition of them. Not only do they contribute to the character and identity of our streets and public spaces but equally as important is the way they perform and the way they work.” bronzed exterior encompasses the entire building." /> Sydney development King + P...

There comes a time for most San Diego couples when they get sick of renting and, for the Whites, it came around the 40th birthday mark . Shawna White, 40, spent countless hours researching a place she and her husband Nathan, 39, could afford that wouldn’t break the bank. In addition to getting away from the region’s explosive rent hikes , they saw a home as an investment. Eventually, the Navy couple landed in Otay Ranch on the eastern fringes of the county near the border with Mexico. They bought a new 1,504-square-foot townhouse for $378,000, around $200,000 less than what something similar would have cost them closer to downtown. “We were able to buy something new instead of an older home with issues,” she said. “This was a good buy.” More and more new homeowners are being drawn to Otay Ranch, the largest residential development in San Diego County history at 25,000 acres. After being hit hard in the housing crisis , it has reemerged as a viable option for homeownership in a cou...

Canberra developer Geocon plans to redevelop the Woden Tradies Club site into one of its trademark high- rise apartment precincts after buying the property for $16 million. The Tradies Group accepted an unsolicited offer for the site, which is bounded by Launceston Street , Melrose Drive and Furzer Street in Phillip and occupied by the club, Quality Hotel and an adjacent car park . Chief executive Rob Docker said the decision to offload the property and close the club and hotel was made with a heavy heart but the Woden club had found it very difficult to make ends meet and would now close in January. “The club has found it very difficult, given its size, to compete with the Hellenic Club and Southern Cross Club in that location,” he said. The Woden Tradies has been part of the area’s entertainment and hospitality scene for nearly 50 years since it opened in 1969. But its membership of a little more than 10,000 is dwarfed by that of the other clubs. They will be absorbed by the si...

Here are the latest planning applications decided by Kirklees Council this week. Almondbury Applications submitted: S Ervine - c/o Agent, Installation of raised decking to rear at 47, Mountfield Avenue, Waterloo, Huddersfield Alex Paling, Work to TPO(s) HU2/73 at 318, Almondbury Bank , Almondbury, Huddersfield Ashbrow Applications Submitted: D Humphreys, Installation of first floor front and single storey rear extensions at 19, Woodside Lane, Fixby, Huddersfield Frank Marshall Estates, Discharge condition 12 (landscaping) on previous permission 2016/92866 for installation of six industrial units with office accommodation, formation of car parking and service yards and associated works at Mamas And Papas Warehouse, Colne Bridge Road , Colne Bridge, Huddersfield Thomas Jenkins, C/O Agent, Outline application for new detached dwelling at14 , Netheroyd Hill Road , Fixby, Huddersfield Conditional Full Permission Steve Wilford, C/O Agent, New single storey rear extension and a...