Australian House & Garden

Question: Our new house features lots of glass. Unfortunately, the windows along one side give us a great view of the neighbours’ bedrooms and they get a good look at ours. How can we keep our natural light and retain our modesty?

Answer: When building from scratch, choose a white translucent glass for any windows which may be overlooked. If you need more privacy from existing windows, you can achieve a similar effect by fixing window film (such as that from the 3M range) to the glass. At $200 to $300 per window, including installation, this is an affordable option. Alternatively, look at dressing the windows with blinds or curtains. Luxaflex Luminette Privacy Sheers are vertical blinds with sheer facings that block all light when closed, but offer privacy when open. A retractable blind – like an external venetian – has the added advantage of offering cooling, but is the most expensive option.

Yvonne Haber, architect, (02) 9300 0847, www.yvonnehaberarchitect.com  

Question: I like the look of open-plan living, but don’t see how it would work for a household with three teenagers. How do I plan an open space so that we’re not on top of each other all the time?

Answer: Open-plan works for the hub of the house, if it has release valves. In my designs, the kitchen is the pivotal point, with a larger central area on one side and a smaller space on the other. This offers a sense of division if people need space, but it can also be social, such as a study nook off the main space, where children can work while being supervised.

John Cameron, Architect, John Cameron – Architect, (07) 3395 5455, www.jcarch.com.au  

Question: I’m about to renovate my kitchen and don’t plan to do it again any time soon. How can I make sure that it will still look great in 10 years’ time?

Answer: Choose materials that are classic, not the height of fashion. If you want to introduce colour, do it with paint on the walls or a glass splashback screwed to the wall that can be changed later. The screws will be visible, but they will allow for flexibility. When it comes to the floor, don’t dismiss vinyl as an option. Today, you can get tough, commercial-grade vinyls in a side range of interesting colours and patterns. Vinyl is also softer on the feet than tiles.

Yvonne Haber, Architect, Yvonne Haber Architect (02) 9300 0847, www.yvonnehaberarchitect.com  

Question: Is double glazing worth the investment in terms of savings on my energy bills? If so, how far should I go: double-glaze every window, or just a few?

Answer:
It depends on your climate. If you’re in a building that regularly needs cooling or heating, then it will probably be worth the investment. Double glazing is best at keeping in heat, so it is especially good for colder areas, where it could be worth doing the whole building. In a hot climate, you want a building that’s airy and well-ventilated, with possibly a small retreat in the core that’s airconditioned. Insulate the walls around that space and double-glaze any windows. For a less expensive alternative, Magnetite and Wintec Aluminium offer magnetic clip-on double glazing that can be retrofitted. Check the window frames before double-glazing; a single-glazed timber-framed window has about the same performance as a double-glazed aluminium window with untreated frames (aluminium frames conduct heat). If you go for timber, look for products from a sustainable source. Canterbury Windows offers inexpensive, certified windows.

David Baggs, technical director/co-developer, Ecospecifier; www.ecospecifier.org

Question: I love the look of timber and want to use it in my bathroom, but I’ve been warned against this. What do you think?

Answer: Timber is great for softening hard edges in a bathroom. If treated and sealed correctly, it will perform well, but it must be placed where it won’t be exposed to too much water. Veneers, such as those by New Age Veneers, may be a better choice. The colours can be used to striking effect, but they are not inexpensive. If you’re going to use solid timber or timber veneer for your vanity, make it a feature piece. If it’s a period bathroom, use it on the benchtop only. Don’t go overboard – too much timber takes on a 1970s sauna look very quickly.

Christine Hamilton, interior designer, Christine Hamilton Interior Design; (02) 9954 7145 or www.chinteriors.com.au