An Evolving Legacy – Glenvill Homes
Underscored by the ethos ‘anything but ordinary,’ Glenvill Homes is an architecture and construction company driven by inventiveness, purpose and integrity.
For over 62 years, Glenvill Homes has produced thoughtfully planned, quality homes combining the expertise of skilled architects, designers and builders – all under one roof. Yet despite the Victoria-based company’s strong legacy, Glenvill Homes has not rested on its laurels, continuing to evolve and innovate to meet the varied demands of contemporary living. “We’re always striving to differentiate ourselves,” explains Glenvill Homes General Manager Leigh Squarci. “We move with the times and do so with passion and integrity.”
Glenvill Homes offers a complete end-to-end service, and the team pride themselves on their holistic approach to design and construction. “We found that drawing from the shared know-how of a team of talented collaborators all managed as one allowed us do better work,” comments Leigh. “We have an open dialogue between architects, designers, estimators and builders that allows for synergies between disciplines and transparent discussions around budget and buildability.” Glenvill Homes is a strong proponent for the integration of collaborators managed as one entity – which Leigh attests allows for a more streamlined, flexible and creative process. “Above all, it keeps costs down,” he says candidly.
Indeed, Glenvill Homes is quick to remark on the seamlessness this structure gives the business and the ease it facilitates throughout the design process. “There’s no to-ing and fro-ing between contractors, so the same team takes clients from big picture planning right through to the finest details of the interior,” Leigh says. Managing the construction with an in-house team allows for clear oversight and understanding throughout the build. “It’s a unique way of working,” he admits. “We ask our clients to leave what they know at the door and invite them on a journey with us.”
With a veteran construction team and trades with extensive and material knowledge, Glenvill Homes confidently translates each project into an exceptional built outcome. This results in a more enjoyable experience for the client. With less parties involved and a dedicated team who understand the impact of design on construction processes and practicality, clients are able to relax knowing that they are in safe hands.
From the outset, Glenvill Homes engages its clients in the design process by working with an in-house architect and design team to define the project aspirations and functional brief. “We begin with the freedom of a blank page and work collaboratively with our clients to bring the project to life,” Leigh explains, a key aspect of which is the continued legacy of evocative, hand-sketches to complement traditional renders. “If we can bring art into building, that’s optimum for us,” he reflects. In a market saturated with photo-realistic renders, the skill of hand-drawing is a key differentiator for Glenvill Homes. “By virtue of beauty, hand-sketching is a poetic process for all participants,” Leigh muses. “Sketching connects our clients to the artistry of the design process – it’s aspirational, and a part of our business that will never change.”
For Glenvill Homes’ Mornington Peninsula House, the initial concept sketches were revelatory in the design process. The home’s dramatic positioning on the rugged Victorian coastline inspired a form of strength and substance, carefully negotiated on the drawing board prior to documentation. “Rammed earth walls create a ‘backbone’ that anchors the home to its site,” explains Leigh. “They’re a defining, textural element experienced from inside and out.” The beauty of the landscape is drawn into the experience of the home via full-height glazing, while striking figured stone and stained timber complements the natural tones of the surroundings.
Reflecting on the project, Leigh is reminded of the company’s growing investment in technology. “We frequently use virtual reality and fly-throughs to support our hand-sketched processes,” he reveals. These aids create a realistic experience of the design prior to construction and allow the design team to fine-tune elements in real time.
On the back of this reputation for quality custom builds and embracing technology, the company is further establishing itself as a leader in innovative design practices – namely, through the Collection range of considered, pre-designed homes. Driven by strategic observations of the housing market, Glenvill Homes responded with agility. “Demolition and rebuild is a fairly predictable process that can require lengthy waits for approvals,” explains Leigh. “Collection presents a range of compliant houses that can be built within 12 months, offering efficiency and better holding costs – it’s predetermined beauty that offers a solution to a wider market.”
Drawing on Glenvill Homes’ extensive experience designing and constructing quality, responsive family homes, the Collection range finds the balance between efficient timelines, quality finishes, considered design and personalisation. While pre-designed, each home offers flexibility in layout and finish, following the understanding that ‘one size does not fit all.’
The Collection Showhome, located in Melbourne’s Bentleigh East, successfully demonstrates these principles, celebrating Glenvill Homes’ strategic approach to planning and execution of quality craftsmanship. The striking frontage and contemporary interiors balance character and appeal, creating an attractive proposition for homeowners. “The showhome allows visitors to engage with the simplified process of building while experiencing first-hand our continued attention to quality and detail,” explains Leigh.
Synonymous with premium homes, both custom and the pre-determined Collection range, Glenvill Homes maintains focus on design-centricity and excellence. “We hope to give assurance that we’re here for the long haul,” Leigh quips. With a mindfulness of the future, he reveals “Glenvill Homes is striving to increase focus on sustainability and Australian-made product while raising awareness of our expanding capabilities.” Today, with a dedicated team and a strong emphasis growth and innovation, Glenvill Homes has a solution for everyone – whether it be a custom architectural project or pre-designed Collection home delivered with the same quality and service for which the company has become known.
