A very versatile and economical home that will admirably serve a young family and is especially suited to an extended family. Although restrictive budgets constrain spaces in starter homes it is from this that some of the best housing solutions materialise. This house is a classic example. The plan departs convention by connecting the guest room to an adjoining lounge.

ZONE 1: The master suite in this plan is self contained, spacious and discreet. Bath and closet are effectively removed so that the bedroom is more like a holiday suite sharing a private garden in which artwork may adorn the walls and a TV at the foot of the bed provide entertainment according to personal choice. Would you like to sleep in a private garden?

ZONE 2: The guest room connects to the retreat lounge room to provide almost a 'granny flat' configuration. Close the guest room door to the lounge and 13 metres of living spaces stretch across the north facade. All address the outdoor living areas to the rear of the site and the alfresco space. Natural winter warmth and low energy cost follow.
Open the guest room door and shut the twin doors to the living space and the suite has a bedroom and lounge room, alfresco access and the bathroom right outside the door!

ZONE 3: Comprises the remaining two bedrooms, a powder room, laundry and store room which, for extended family is essential. Bathroom facilities share with the guest room of course. Consider how this house plan can work. Suppose a young family with grand parents occupying the guest suite. When the oldies have retired to their bedroom and personal lounge, mum or dad have access to the children's bedrooms, laundry and bathing spaces. Night attendance on children is so easy. Conversely: while mum and dad enjoy a night out, so baby-sitting 'oldies' have exactly the same easy access to ensure children well-being.

INTEGRITY: This house is about family, safety, security, bonding, support, privacy, pleasure, happiness, sunlight, quiet, family meals and warmth, romance, adventure and all else. And this is just a starter plan?

Want a home office?: Why? Isn't the office big enough already? Simple. Build a doorway from the foyer just inside the front door into bedroom 2. Punch a wide hole in the wall between beds 2 and 3. Presto! Now you have a home office with a powder room right outside the door and a kitchen at the end of the hall. Give your daughter and her partner the guest suite and you've the rest of the house to yourselves. This design has started something!