Elegant Simplicity

Martin Kolarik  Home Design
Creating Simply Elegant Home Designs For Your Family
0407 900 068
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bushfire safety Archives - Page 1

How Do I Renovate on Bushfire Prone Land?

7 June, 2021 by Martin Kolarik

deck on bushfire prone land

Do you need to make your home safer from bushfires? Designing and renovating on bushfire prone land can be technically challenging.

The best solution? Have all these technical issues resolved by your designer before designing your dream home (which is the fun part of the project!).

Here is an outline of the process your designer will undertake when designing your project.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety

How To Find A Good Bushfire Consultant

12 January, 2021 by Martin Kolarik

bushfire warning sign

Do you live on Bushfire Prone Land in NSW? Are you planning to do a renovation to your existing home or build a new house? There are some important requirements to make your dreams become a reality. One of them is to work with a good bushfire consultant.

A designer with experience in the design of homes on Bushfire Prone Land will already have a Bushfire Consultant whom they work with. Engaging your designer to coordinate with their preferred Bushfire Consultant on your behalf, will simplify and speed up the process.

Alternatively, the following information outlines the process to find a good Bushfire Consultant.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety

Is a Timber Deck Possible for Homes on Bushfire Prone Land?

3 December, 2020 by Martin Kolarik

timber deck on bushfire prone land

Whether you are entertaining on a balmy night, or the outlook from your property to the bush is simply spectacular, a timber deck connects indoor living with the outdoor environment.

A home on Bushfire Prone Land is no exception. You can enhance your abode by adding a timber deck overlooking the backyard, pool, or the nearby bush.

With careful planning, specified materials and construction, a timber deck may be possible in certain circumstances.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety renovating your home in style

Approvals Required Before You Renovate in Bushfire Prone Areas

3 October, 2018 by Martin Kolarik

bushfire prone areas

Sydney, when viewed from above, is lined by spectacular harbour foreshore and bushland. These areas are considered Bushfire Prone Areas.

For safety reasons, authorities have a compliance plan for Councils, NSW fire authorities, builders and certifiers to follow.

If you are planning a home renovation, you will have to submit your plan to the authorities.

Therefore, you need to obtain approval to renovate in Bushfire Prone Areas.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety council regulations

Securing Your Home From Bushfire Attacks

13 March, 2015 by Martin Kolarik

bushfire safetyExperts estimated that around 1 million homes in Sydney suburbs are prone to bushfire, and according to a report by the NWS Rural Fire Service, almost 200,000 homes are located in areas that are highly vulnerable to bushfire attack.

While the prospect of bushfire present is serious matter, most properties in bushfire-prone areas do not have emergency plans and many residents fail to prepare their homes to a level that would increase the survivability of the structures as well as ensure their own safety.Read More

Topics: bushfire safety

House Designs that Withstand Bushfires

2 February, 2015 by Martin Kolarik

house design for bushfire safetyIt is better to be safe than sorry, especially if you live in bushfire-prone areas. Talking of safe, there is nothing safer than a having a house and, thus, the two components correlate. It is becoming imperative to create and live in houses averse to bushfires. The problem is that the materials and house design needed to ensure the same also make houses more expensive to buy.
Read More

Topics: bushfire safety

Should The Vegetation Clearing Code Stay?

25 August, 2014 by Martin Kolarik

Bushfire protectionThe 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of RFS, which came into action on August 1st 2014, has found a vehement critic in Pittwater Council, says Cayla Dengate on the website dailytelegraph.com.au. The Code allows residents of Pittwater, NSW and its surrounding areas the facility to clear trees and vegetation dangerously near their houses.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety

What To Do If You Live In a 10/50 Vegetation Zone?

11 August, 2014 by Martin Kolarik

Locate yourself

Thanks to continuous planning and implementation against Bushfire spreads, it should become a lot easier for habitats of NSW to tackle the fire. This is important for those living in Bushfire prone areas and living in the wake of the raging embers. Rural fire services, in their official website, have expedited the way to identify BAL (Bushfire attack level) and counseled on how to take care of vegetation.

Read More

Topics: bushfire safety council regulations

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Client Feedback

Extremely Happy

The conversion of our 2 bedroom 1950’s bungalow to a modern 4 bedroom house has been an enjoyable journey that completed on time, on budget and with results that far exceeded our expectations.

Jon and Lindley Randle

Lane Cove

Invaluable Expertise

You can see quality in every design detail. During the construction process, Martin's expertise proved invaluable when dealing with council and a somewhat recalcitrant builder.

Dolien and Peter Nicolsen

Berowra NSW 2081

Innovative, highly professional and sympathetic

We wanted to suit the needs of our young family but Martin advised us on how to future proof our house design and meet our needs as our family grows up. We now have a stunning home and we couldn’t be happier with the architectural design.

David & Pauline

St Ives Chase

Fantastic

Martin Kolarik was instrumental in the design and documentation of our family home renovations a few years ago and I have pleasure in recommending his professional services.

Warwick J. Higgs

Chartered Accountant, Wahroonga

Far Exceeded Our Vision

At the completion of the building works, the end result is fantastic and far exceeds the vision we had all those years ago. Martin was able to take our scattered ideas for what we needed in a major extension/ renovation, at all times patiently working with our changing requirements, and deliver an end result that we are extremely pleased with.

Graeme Bradford

Turramurra

Very Happy

Martin's capable oversight of the builders and other contractors ensured we had a trouble free building experience. We continue to be very happy with the result of his efforts.

Patrick and Laura Mooney

A Joy To Work With Martin

Martin is very knowledgeable, organised and professional and it is a joy working with him. He gives every request due consideration, no matter how challenging the request.

Anja & Perry Poehlmann,

St Ives Chase.

Seven years on and still really happy

Seven years on and still really happy I am sitting here typing this testimonial for Martin, 7 years later, and really appreciating this amazing home we live in that is part of the bush environment, as well as providing my family with a very comfortable and modern home.

Mateki and Liam Payne

Hornsby Heights

Exceeded Our Expectations

Martin's ability to understand our core requirements and present answers and new ideas for our project exceeded our expectations. Several design features that Martin presented to us regularly get positive comments from visitors to our home, these comments have come from builders, designers and engineers.

James Douglass J.P.

Lane Cove

Invaluable

Martin has exceeded our expectations during a lengthy design and approval process. His attention to detail and flexibility in being able to interpret our ideas into a new functional space has been outstanding. His assistance during the quotation phase of the project was invaluable and resulted in us engaging a first class builder to complete the works.

Teresa and Peter Gray

Very Attentive

Martin listened very attentively to our requirements and very cooperatively finalised the plan, with careful discussion back and forth. We felt he always took on board our thinking, while respectfully putting his own suggestions.

James and Irene Franklin

Lane Cove

Very Happy

Now that we have lived in the finished product we can categorically state that we wouldn't change any part of the design. Indeed, the only parts of the renovation that we would change are those you weren't involved with!

Michael and Quyen

I Cannot Begin To Thank Martin Enough

One of our main concerns was getting the design through council as we were in a conservation area. Again Martin handled it with ease, going through first time with no amendments! Practically unheard of in our area.

Joe and Sonya La Rosa

The Ultimate Professional

On each occasion I have dealt with Martin and his business I have always found him to be the ultimate professional. One of Martin's strong points, which I particularly admire, is his ability to design to a budget and his understanding of building costs. I feel this is an area of design which many designers are particularly weak.

Mark Newman, Director, Newmark Constructions

www.newmark.com.au

Excellent All the Way

Martin Kolarik was the first person to provide a solution that specifically addressed our requirements. His additional suggestions very much enhanced our living and the value of our home. His unwavering commitment continued until the last paperwork was done, long after the final fee was paid.

Ross & Daphne Bishop

West Pymble

About Us

Accredited Building Designer

Martin Kolarik Home Design your Sydney North Shore specialist home designer. We live here, work here and have done so for decades.

We design extensions and renovations of houses to deliver beautiful, functional homes that complement your lifestyle and budget.

Martin Kolarik’s central design philosophy is modernism for its elegant simplicity.

He appreciates and employs the use of architecture to introduce natural light and ventilation as significant components of the design. This in turn has a positive effect on the sustainability of your home.

Martin creates spaces which are designed to be aesthetically elegant, comfortable and functional which will stand the test of time. He challenges the design solutions to ensure your design maximises every opportunity and the investment you are making to achieve a home that you will be excited to live in.

Welcome

home designer in Sydney

Welcome to my website. My purpose is to help you create a wonderful place you and your family can call home.

It is about listening and understanding your needs and what you would like to achieve. I have spent the better part of my life learning how to create warm and welcoming spaces rather than simply designing houses.

Please have a look around. View the galleries of some recent projects and read the testimonials from past clients.

I have also written many articles on my blog to help you on your journey to creating your dream home. I look forward to assisting you,

Martin Kolarik Home Designer Signature

0407 900 068

Testimonials

A few words from our clients. Read them all in full here

Extremely Happy

The conversion of our 2 bedroom 1950’s bungalow to a modern 4 bedroom house has been an enjoyable journey that completed on time, on budget and with results that far exceeded our expectations.

Jon and Lindley Randle

Lane Cove

Invaluable Expertise

You can see quality in every design detail. During the construction process, Martin's expertise proved invaluable when dealing with council and a somewhat recalcitrant builder.

Dolien and Peter Nicolsen

Berowra NSW 2081

Innovative, highly professional and sympathetic

We wanted to suit the needs of our young family but Martin advised us on how to future proof our house design and meet our needs as our family grows up. We now have a stunning home and we couldn’t be happier with the architectural design.

David & Pauline

St Ives Chase

Fantastic

Martin Kolarik was instrumental in the design and documentation of our family home renovations a few years ago and I have pleasure in recommending his professional services.

Warwick J. Higgs

Chartered Accountant, Wahroonga

Far Exceeded Our Vision

At the completion of the building works, the end result is fantastic and far exceeds the vision we had all those years ago. Martin was able to take our scattered ideas for what we needed in a major extension/ renovation, at all times patiently working with our changing requirements, and deliver an end result that we are extremely pleased with.

Graeme Bradford

Turramurra

Very Happy

Martin's capable oversight of the builders and other contractors ensured we had a trouble free building experience. We continue to be very happy with the result of his efforts.

Patrick and Laura Mooney

A Joy To Work With Martin

Martin is very knowledgeable, organised and professional and it is a joy working with him. He gives every request due consideration, no matter how challenging the request.

Anja & Perry Poehlmann,

St Ives Chase.

Seven years on and still really happy

Seven years on and still really happy I am sitting here typing this testimonial for Martin, 7 years later, and really appreciating this amazing home we live in that is part of the bush environment, as well as providing my family with a very comfortable and modern home.

Mateki and Liam Payne

Hornsby Heights

Exceeded Our Expectations

Martin's ability to understand our core requirements and present answers and new ideas for our project exceeded our expectations. Several design features that Martin presented to us regularly get positive comments from visitors to our home, these comments have come from builders, designers and engineers.

James Douglass J.P.

Lane Cove

Invaluable

Martin has exceeded our expectations during a lengthy design and approval process. His attention to detail and flexibility in being able to interpret our ideas into a new functional space has been outstanding. His assistance during the quotation phase of the project was invaluable and resulted in us engaging a first class builder to complete the works.

Teresa and Peter Gray

Very Attentive

Martin listened very attentively to our requirements and very cooperatively finalised the plan, with careful discussion back and forth. We felt he always took on board our thinking, while respectfully putting his own suggestions.

James and Irene Franklin

Lane Cove

Very Happy

Now that we have lived in the finished product we can categorically state that we wouldn't change any part of the design. Indeed, the only parts of the renovation that we would change are those you weren't involved with!

Michael and Quyen

I Cannot Begin To Thank Martin Enough

One of our main concerns was getting the design through council as we were in a conservation area. Again Martin handled it with ease, going through first time with no amendments! Practically unheard of in our area.

Joe and Sonya La Rosa

The Ultimate Professional

On each occasion I have dealt with Martin and his business I have always found him to be the ultimate professional. One of Martin's strong points, which I particularly admire, is his ability to design to a budget and his understanding of building costs. I feel this is an area of design which many designers are particularly weak.

Mark Newman, Director, Newmark Constructions

www.newmark.com.au

Excellent All the Way

Martin Kolarik was the first person to provide a solution that specifically addressed our requirements. His additional suggestions very much enhanced our living and the value of our home. His unwavering commitment continued until the last paperwork was done, long after the final fee was paid.

Ross & Daphne Bishop

West Pymble

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where to focus spending during major home renovation
where to focus spending during major home renovation

Contact Us

If you are considering undertaking a major renovation project, use the form below to get in touch with us:

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Home Designers Sydney | Home Extensions & Renovation | House Additions & First Floor Additions Sydney

3 Valley Park Crescent, North Turramurra NSW 2074

Phone: (02) 9449 1109

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