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What do you get when you combine classic elements, organic influences and a touch of \u2018resort vibe\u2019?\u00a0<\/span>The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever Home by SOUL Home<\/a>\u2018s Simone Mathews.<\/span><\/p>\n Tucked away in the picturesque beachside suburb of Cronulla, Simone designed The \u2018Maybe\u2019\u00a0<\/span>Forever<\/span>\u00a0to provide the perfect balance for an active family, while\u00a0<\/span>epitomising SOUL Home\u2019s signature\u00a0<\/span>70\/20\/10 rule: 70% classic elements, 20% organic influences, and 10% resort vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n The result is a timeless yet modern space that invites you to relax and unwind. Natural\u00a0<\/span>timbers, organic shapes, stunning windows and dressings play a crucial role in creating\u00a0<\/span>the warm, inviting atmosphere that characterises this unique home. Drawing\u00a0<\/span>inspiration from Bahamian architecture and European styles, Simone has created a\u00a0<\/span>timeless yet modern space which evokes a sense of escape and relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI wanted o<\/span>ur home to be a place where we could escape our hectic lives, but also somewhere\u00a0<\/span>that was practical for our family. The blend of classic and\u00a0<\/span>contemporary elements, combined with organic textures and resort vibes, really\u00a0<\/span>brings that vision to life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n Integral to Simone\u2019s vision is the commitment to sustainability and energy\u00a0<\/span>efficiency, a cornerstone of modern home design:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFor us, it was important t<\/span>hat our home not only looks beautiful but also functions efficiently. We\u00a0<\/span>wanted a space that was environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the\u00a0<\/span>long run.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n For Simone and her husband, Ben, who is also\u00a0<\/span>the builder, owning BAM Construction Group<\/a>, ensuring that The \u2018Maybe\u2019\u00a0<\/span>Forever home was as energy-efficient as possible was a top priority.<\/span><\/p>\n In this pursuit of sustainability, Simone turned to top building brands,\u00a0<\/span>Stegbar<\/a>, Gyprock<\/a>, Bradford<\/a>, Big River Group<\/a> and Luxaflex<\/a> for their innovative products. The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever\u00a0<\/span>now sets a new standard for energy efficiency, meeting the 7 -Star energy rating thanks to clever building\u00a0<\/span>material selections.<\/span><\/p>\n A key aspect of this achievement lies in the materials that work behind\u00a0<\/span>the scenes to ensure the home not only looks but also feels serene\u00a0<\/span>and inviting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among these, CSR Bradford\u2019s Enviroseal RW Plus Wall\u00a0<\/span>Wrap and Soundscreen acoustic insulation play an essential role.\u00a0<\/span>Though hidden within the walls and ceilings, these products\u00a0<\/span>contribute immeasurable, intangible qualities to the overall living\u00a0<\/span>experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese products provide an extra level of comfort by\u00a0<\/span>keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer, all while\u00a0<\/span>dramatically reducing unwanted noise transfer,\u201d Simone explains. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>this kind of attention to detail that creates a peaceful, quiet sanctuary within the home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The flooring base on the first and second floors is MaxiFloor by Big\u00a0<\/span>River, which significantly enhances the home\u2019s acoustics and thermal\u00a0<\/span>properties. \u201cMaxiFloor has had the greatest impact on the home\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>functionality,\u201d explains Simone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIts aerated concrete panels provide\u00a0<\/span>excellent acoustics. With the home spread over two levels, reducing\u00a0<\/span>noise transmission between floors was high on our list of\u00a0<\/span>considerations, and finding a product that offers superior thermal\u00a0<\/span>capabilities compared to traditional particleboard was a win.\u00a0<\/span>MaxiFloor\u2019s lightweight panels also enabled a quick and cost-effective\u00a0<\/span>installation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Every element of The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever home has been selected with care to ensure not\u00a0<\/span>only visual appeal but also long-lasting comfort. The kitchen, as the heart of the home,\u00a0<\/span>perfectly illustrates this. It features Big River Group\u2019s ArmourCab Spotted Gum veneer\u00a0<\/span>for all the cabinetry, as well as in the butler\u2019s pantry, adding a stunning natural aesthetic\u00a0<\/span>that enhances the overall design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cArmourCab wood veneer is a prominent feature\u00a0<\/span>throughout our home,\u201d says Simone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Spotted Gum veneer adds a classic, almost\u00a0<\/span>retro feel to the spaces, creating a sense of timelessness that makes it feel as though it\u00a0<\/span>has always belonged in the home. We also love its exceptional quality, which holds up\u00a0<\/span>well against heat and humidity, which is critical in these areas, especially living in a\u00a0<\/span>suburb near the ocean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The flooring throughout the first and second floors is finished with Big River\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>European Oak, offering both visual appeal and resilience. The choice of this flooring\u00a0<\/span>was particularly important to accommodate the demands of an active household.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhile we believe a timber floor should show signs of a lived-in home, we also wanted\u00a0<\/span>durability to withstand the daily activities of a family of six,\u201d Simone remarks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese\u00a0<\/span>floorboards are much stronger than those we\u2019ve used in other builds, minimising dents\u00a0<\/span>and wear over time, which is important in a family home. The Desert colour strikes a\u00a0<\/span>perfect balance, lending itself to the timeless, classic foundation for the home\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>design.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In the laundry and master robe, Master Oak in White was selected for its durability\u00a0<\/span>and high performance. \u201cMaster Oak offers a scratch-resistant, moisture- and stain-<\/span>resistant, and colourfast surface that looks and feels like real oak but stands up to the\u00a0<\/span>wear and tear of a busy family home,\u201d Simone notes.<\/span><\/p>\n Integral to the home\u2019s design and functionality is Gyprock HD plasterboard, which\u00a0<\/span>was extensively used for its acoustic properties and enhanced resilience, ensuring the\u00a0<\/span>walls withstand the daily demands of a lively family home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cStrength and longevity\u00a0<\/span>were important considerations when choosing the right materials, especially with\u00a0<\/span>four energetic boys. I also wanted to ensure the privacy of the bedrooms on the\u00a0<\/span>ground floor and Gyprock HD allowed me to reduce sound travelling across the floors, transforming the space\u00a0<\/span>into a serene environment,\u201d says Simone.<\/span><\/p>\n Windows and doors are crucial to achieving the overall aesthetic and\u00a0<\/span>comfort of the home. Given the Bahamian-inspired design of The \u2018Maybe\u2019\u00a0<\/span>Forever home, an abundance of windows was chosen to let in natural light\u00a0<\/span>and create an airy, open feel. Throughout the home, Simone selected\u00a0<\/span>different frame and glass types from Stegbar\u2019s advanced window and door\u00a0<\/span>solutions, based on design aesthetics and energy requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n Stegbar\u2019s Envira Collection of thermally broken aluminium windows and\u00a0<\/span>doors was the ideal choice for areas of the impacted by the sun\u2019s heat.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cStegbar\u2019s newest range of windows and doors perfectly suited our\u00a0<\/span>requirements,\u201d Simone shares.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Envira Collection not only enhanced\u00a0<\/span>the aesthetic appeal of our home but also provided superior energy\u00a0<\/span>efficiency and noise reduction. The thermally broken frames minimise\u00a0<\/span>heat transfer, ensuring that the interior temperature remains stable,\u00a0<\/span>reducing the need to switch on the air conditioner in summer and heater\u00a0<\/span>in winter, and lowering energy consumption and bills.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n To further enhance the home\u2019s energy efficiency, Simone selected the Stegbar E<\/span>nviraLuxe Thermally Broken Awning Windows for key areas, particularly where\u00a0<\/span>maintaining a consistent temperature was essential. \u201cWe wanted to ensure our\u00a0<\/span>windows were as energy efficient as possible, especially on the ground floor with the\u00a0<\/span>bedrooms, where in winter the warmth would stay in, and in summer the cool would\u00a0<\/span>not escape,\u201d Simone explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The EnviraLuxe windows were strategically placed in the g<\/span>round floor bedrooms, first-floor kitchen and walk-in pantry, second-floor ensuite,\u00a0<\/span>walk-in robe, and garage.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe are also limited with access on the side boardwalk of the\u00a0<\/span>house, so an awning window was the answer as it is minimal with the opening of the w<\/span>indows yet allows ventilation all year round,\u201d she adds.\u00a0<\/span>With budget a consideration,\u00a0<\/span>these premium windows were reserved for the northern-side of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n For the ground floor living areas, ground floor bedroom, and first-floor dining, Simone opted for Alumiere A<\/span>neeta Multi Lite Windows paired with the stunning Western Red Cedar Sliding doors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAesthetics was the\u00a0<\/span>most important choice here,\u201d Simone notes. \u201cWith this home having a Bahama\u2019s plantation style, the doors\u00a0<\/span>truly play a big role in creating this look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Simone\u2019s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever home, f<\/span>rom the elegant Gyprock Flexible arches that add architectural beauty, to the carefully\u00a0<\/span>selected Luxaflex\u00ae Window Coverings that adorn the interiors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The arches, with their\u00a0<\/span>soft, gentle lines, create a sense of fluidity and harmony throughout the home,\u00a0<\/span>soothing the overall ambiance. Gyprock Flexible was essential in achieving these\u00a0<\/span>intimate curves, whether framing doorways, defining hallways, or enhancing ceilings,\u00a0<\/span>adding character and sophistication to every room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The inclusion of Gyprock Aria\u00a0<\/span>cornices in the wellness room further highlights Simone\u2019s commitment to timeless\u00a0<\/span>elegance, proving that even small details can significantly elevate the home\u2019s design.<\/span><\/p>\n Among the standout features are the premium Luxaflex\u00ae Window Coverings that not\u00a0<\/span>only serve as a visual delight but also enhance the home\u2019s functionality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen\u00a0<\/span>considering window treatments, their functionality is our top priority, but their appearance is equally\u00a0<\/span>important,\u201d Simone explains. From automated blinds to MagnaTrack\u00ae awnings, each window dressing\u00a0<\/span>enhances the comfort and practicality of the space, as well as the final look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHaving worked with the Luxaflex\u00ae\u00a0<\/span>team on previous projects, we were confident in their ability to enhance our lifestyle,\u201d Simone adds.<\/span><\/p>\n Automated Duette\u00ae Shades in the bedrooms add a touch of luxury and convenience, with their honeycomb\u00a0<\/span>design contributing to the home\u2019s energy efficiency by providing insulation and reducing heat loss. \u201cWe\u00a0<\/span>focused on enhancing energy efficiency, particularly on the northern side of the house,\u201d Simone notes.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDuette\u00ae Shades play a significant role in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the master bedroom,\u00a0<\/span>the S-fold curtains make the space feel cosier, while the pencil pleat curtains in the office add a classic style and\u00a0<\/span>a level of sophistication. In the downstairs living area, darker raw linen sheer fabric creates more drama,\u00a0<\/span>perfectly complementing the organic style and limestone flooring.<\/span><\/p>\n The selection of sheer curtain fabrics, such as the Luxaflex\u00ae Burton fabric in Natural used in the living and\u00a0<\/span>dining rooms, complements the home\u2019s organic style, adding movement and transforming the space from\u00a0<\/span>looking sparse to feeling grounded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCurtains are the final layer in the design of a space; they really anchor the\u00a0<\/span>room and tie it all together\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The outdoor room is the true hero of The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever home, meticulously\u00a0<\/span>designed for year-round use and offering a place of total relaxation for both family and\u00a0<\/span>guests. Despite spanning three levels, the home feels cosy and intimate, with each\u00a0<\/span>space carefully designed for functionality and comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This outdoor space truly reflects\u00a0<\/span>how well the home\u2019s design meets the diverse needs of its residents. While the\u00a0<\/span>unassuming front fa\u00e7ade provides privacy and a modest, homey feel, the rear of the\u00a0<\/span>property exudes a resort-like feel that extends the home\u2019s interior seamlessly into the\u00a0<\/span>outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n Luxaflex\u00ae PolySatin\u00ae Shutters play a crucial role in transforming the look of the outdoor\u00a0<\/span>room, contributing to a plantation-style vibe that enhances the overall resort-like feel.<\/span><\/p>\n The addition of MagnaTrack\u00ae awnings was a game-changer, offering effective heat management from the\u00a0<\/span>western sun and significantly reducing the need for air conditioning, all while making the space inviting and\u00a0<\/span>functional throughout the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMagnaTrack\u00ae awnings truly transform how we use the space,\u201d Simone\u00a0<\/span>explains. \u201cFrom the early planning stages, we knew they would allow us to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, no\u00a0<\/span>matter the season. Luxaflex\u00ae has always been a trusted partner in our projects, and their window treatments\u00a0<\/span>have significantly enhanced both the aesthetic and functionality of our home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever home is more than just a beautifully designed space;\u00a0<\/span>balancing style, comfort, and functionality, it creates an environment that is\u00a0<\/span>both practical for everyday living and visually stunning. \u201cThis project has been\u00a0<\/span>a journey of creativity and technical achievement,\u201d says Simone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a home\u00a0<\/span>that reflects our personality and tells our unique story, with each level offering\u00a0<\/span>its own character, continuing to surprise and delight anyone who steps inside\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What do you get when you combine classic elements, organic influences and a touch of \u2018resort vibe\u2019?\u00a0The \u2018Maybe\u2019 Forever Home by SOUL Home\u2018s Simone Mathews. Tucked away in the picturesque beachside suburb of Cronulla, Simone designed The \u2018Maybe\u2019\u00a0Forever\u00a0to provide the perfect balance for an active family, while\u00a0epitomising SOUL Home\u2019s signature\u00a070\/20\/10 rule: 70% classic elements, 20% […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156828],"tags":[1159,156829,17317],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-330765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-australian-homes","tag-home","tag-mathews","tag-simone"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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