Enduring Composure – Panel House by Custom Choice Builders and Steve Laux Building Designs

In response to the increasing occurrence of unprecedented fire seasons, Custom Choice Builders crafts homes through a holistic lens, acknowledging Australia’s unique environment to produce poised and beautiful bushfire-conscious designs. Panel House, designed by Steve Laux Building Designs, is rooted amongst the grasslands and gums of Kangaroo Ground in regional Victoria, exemplifies the boutique builder’s skill for eminent aesthetics wrapped up with functional permanence. Engaging fully with the land, the residence exists in respectful harmony, considering not only the breath-taking views and verdant surroundings, but also the natural and often harsh conditions that influence its setting.

Applying years of expertise building for fire-prone areas and specialising in complex luxury projects, Custom Choice Builders’ Director Mitchell Thomas approached Panel House’s creation with measured intent, working with architect Steve Laux Building Designs to accommodate Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) standards deftly throughout the residence’s architecture. Embracing the temperament of Panel House’s environment, both builder and designer have responded with an elegant and alternative style of building.

Grounded by robust bushfire compliance, vitalised with discerning materiality and streamlined in its development, Panel House came to fruition through the dedication of the design and build teams.

“Panel House’s focus was around incorporating a design that complements a high bushfire rating of BAL 29,” Mitchell says. “The charred timber used is a BAL 29 compliant material, while the windows were taken to BAL 40. In fact, most elements of the home have been designed to withstand a BAL 40, as there was conscious attention to the surrounding areas and the risks associated with building in this region.”

The home’s volume is a graceful and stoic addition to the countryside, its orderly geometries and lean physique imbued with confident composure. Fabricated from minimal and raw materials, the assembly of concrete panels and charred timber affords flame-resistant longevity while contributing flawlessly to a palette of elevated restraint. Complementing and contrasting the selection are moments of fair American Oak that warm and soften the staircase, breakfast bar and entry seat, while shadowy steel supports the spine of the staircase and shrouds circular windows carved into the walls. Allowed to bare its simple tactility, both the interior and exterior breathe with open ease. “Our client wanted to keep as much concrete on the finishes as possible,” Mitchell describes. “In many ways this is where sustainability comes into this project. By keeping true to the nature of the product and not covering it up with finishes like plaster and the like, we have ultimately reduced the environmental impact. The panels also incorporate 60-millimetre insulation within them, making the home more energy efficient; this method sets the home and construction apart from a typical concrete structure. By employing this method, the home will age gracefully inside and out.”

Grounded by robust bushfire compliance, vitalised with discerning materiality and streamlined in its development, Panel House was brought to fruition through the dedication of the design and build teams. Following the design process undertaken by Steve Laux Building Designs, Panel House’s building stages were breezily executed by Custom Choice Builders. “All 26 of the concrete panels went up in a 16-hour day,” Mitchell recounts, “with the rest of the home finalised in 10 months. This includes some of the landscaping construction, concrete panel staircase driveway and stepping pavers.”

Delivering a remarkable haven of understated repose and high-calibre construction, Panel House presents to the Australian landscape a striking example of natively functional design. Dignified by the conviction of its concrete composition, the home is primed to endure blistering heat and remain anchored throughout Australia’s most scorched summers.