Sculpted Elegance
Building your own house may seem like a far-off dream for many and for those who do achieve it, it can be an expensive, long and rocky path to the finished product. This is where a good builder can come in handy. Not only is a good builder hands on with the tools, but they know the industry inside and out and will work with you to smooth out the road ahead and guide you along it. Here, Melbourne Home Design + Living’s Emily Axford sits down with husband-and-wife duo, Rami and Catherine Boktor, to discuss their latest build and how the top-notch team from turn group helped breathe life into their designs to create a stunning architectural masterpiece.
Architecturally designed by Sync Architecture and expertly styled by Meraki Property Staging, this ultra-modern, high-end addition to an existing Victorian terrace house is nothing less than luxurious. Presenting moody undertones, natural colours, exquisite stonework and curved features (including the shape of the extension itself), this architectural marvel embodies the modernistic style. Specialising in luxury building at competitive prices, Turn Group navigated the construction of this project and worked closely alongside Rami and Catherine to ensure that their vision was realised in every detail of the project. In the following interview, you will get an in depth look into the Boktors’ experiences while creating this elegant extension and how Turn Group’s expertise and commitment was integral to this project’s success.
What was your vision for your home?
Our vision for the home was a high-end, architectural, luxury feel whilst still retaining the heritage beaty at the front of the home. We really wanted to replicate that feeling that you get when you enter an expensive, luxurious hotel or resort. A big focus was finishes and materials, thus the vast amount of stone and American oak that has been used throughout the home.
Were there any ‘must haves’ that you wanted in your new home?
A ‘must have’ was to use stone from floor to ceilings in the bathrooms. I really think it cheapens the look when tiling it stopped three quarters of the way up. Another ‘must have’ was luxurious carpet as I believe that you can really feel the difference when you step on cheap carpet. Curves and arches – another ‘must have’ which we added in various ways throughout the property.
During the planning process, where did you get your inspiration from for your new home?
Rami and I love property and interiors. We are constantly attending property inspections, taking screen shots of images from social media and so on. We have two favourite properties in Toorak and our home was basically a blend of the two.
What brief did you give Turn Group?
Our brief was a high-end, luxury build. We didn’t want to cut any corners or use cheap materials or trade. This home was a very expensive build, so it was very important that it was done well.
Where there any challenges with the construction of your property?
We were on a really tight timeframe and Turn Group went above and beyond to make sure the build was completed before the date we needed. All tradies really came together and exceeded our expectations.
How long did the process take from design until move in? How did this compare to expectations?
The build took nine months which was incredibly fast. It was a few months shy of the contract end date, so we were really pleased with Turn Group’s efficiency.
Are you happy with the end result? How does the finished product compare to the property you first envisioned?
It is honestly the most beautiful home I have ever seen. I still walk around and can’t believe what I see. The ideas that I had in my mind and how I thought they would turn out are so much better in real life. Everybody that comes through is in awe of the property as it is truly breathtaking.
What made you choose Turn Group as the builder for your home?
Turn Group have competitive pricing and use quality tradesmen. We also felt really comfortable with them which is super important as it’s such a long and tedious process.
How did you find working with Turn Group?
The whole team was amazing and very easy going and down to earth. We are very fussy clients and very interior focused. We were constantly coming up with new ideas and requesting changes along the way and they were very accommodating. Nothing was ever a problem and we never felt like a burden. I think if it were any other builder they would have lost their patience with us very early on. We were also allowed to visit the site as often as we wanted which was really important to us. I know a lot of builders are very strict with this and you need to make private appointments to visit site.
Would you recommend Turn Group to readers searching for a builder for their own home?
Yes, absolutely! You can rest assured they will deliver on time, not cut corners and ensure you are thrilled with the end result. I also really admire that we communicated and worked on the project as a ‘team’ instead of being spoken down to. We met a few other builders that were a bit arrogant and dominant and it’s not something that you want to confront on a daily basis for a year. We honestly loved them so much and kind of sad that the process is over as we don’t get to see them as often now! It was always a great laugh on site. We still keep in touch even now that the build has finished as we genuinely get along that well. It is definitely a friendship that has lasted beyond the build.
