House Builder of the Year

1997 was a great year for Trevor Nobbs. At a spectacular awards presentation, Trevor was named the Regional House Builder of the Year for the Sunshine Coast region. After some nine years in business, at that time, the winning of the award was most satisfying. The joint effort of Trevor and his wife and partner Michelle, combined to develop their business to become one of the most sought after builders in the Cooloola area.

The recognition of house builders by the Queensland Master Builders Association in this award required the builders to be assessed against a number of criteria;- experience, client service, previous housing awards, business planning, industry involvement, innovation or leadership in industry matters and their business systems.

Trevor said " Winning this award has given us recognition and confidence to continue developing our business knowing that we are moving in the right direction. Recognition from our peers in this business means a lot to us. We are continually striving to improve our client service and keep up with current trends."

Regional House Builder of the Year is a distinction held by very few in Queensland.

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Energy Efficient Housing for Queensland

Energy efficient housing is beginning to receive plenty of media attention along with numerous awards from a number of industry associations.

This emphasis on energy efficiency relates to the international commitment to reduce greenhouse gases. Australia has made a commitment to reduce its emissions and is working with all industries to enable the commitment to be met.

Queensland is one of the highest per capita producers of greenhouse gases in the world and therefore the drive to reduce greenhouse emissions will increase in the coming years.

New housing is seen as one area where a significant long term benefit can be achieved through better designed and built housing.

New provisions are being proposed for inclusion in the Building Code of Australia over the next few years. In the meantime, the Queensland Government is preparing a code for detached houses and townhouses, which will take into consideration thermal insulation, sunshading of windows and doors and ventilation.

The general consideration in providing year round comfort utilises design principles which have been around for many years. In Queensland tropical and sub-tropical climates, the emphasis is on cooling rather than heating, although in South East Qld consideration of heating is required for a couple of the winter months. This means the climatic considerations for this area are amongst the most difficult to deal with.

The following design considerations contribute toward a more efficient building :

• living areas facing north for the cooling breezes and warm winter sun
• extensive cross flow ventilation
• shading of glazing by either overhangs, shutters, screens or blinds to prevent heat gain through the glass
• limiting the extent of windows facing east or west, which creates difficulties in shading the glazing due to the low angle of the sun in the morning and afternoons
• venting of roof spaces to remove the hot air before it has an opportunity to penetrate the ceiling lining
• use of insulation or reflective foil to limit the amount of heat gained through the roof or walls

Trevor Nobbs Homes understand the concept of energy efficient housing for Queensland and know that the principles used in southern homes where they are designed to be closed up to the cold or dry heat does not work up here.

Trevor Nobbs Homes are ideally placed to take up the challenge of providing energy efficient housing and are looking forward to building better homes for their clients.

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Universal Housing suits Everyone

Australia's ageing population is beginning to grow, therefore it is imperative that a greater emphasis is placed upon the concept of universal design in order to reduce the cost of alterations on houses to the community in general.

While there is considerable interest and research going on overseas, it is believed by some that Queensland is actually at the leading edge in providing universal housing. With the world's population also ageing similar to Australia's, there could very well be an opportunity to provide technology and design expertise to overseas countries.

Universal housing targets the total population, however people with disabilities will benefit the most.

The terms 'accessible housing' or 'disabled housing' has in the past created a stigma for those living there. This concept seeks to remove the stigma. The Queensland Government is also promoting a concept called <smart housing>, which combines universal design, energy efficiency and kid safe features.

While the disabled population will gain the most benefit, everyone will find that living in a universal house is much easier, safer and will appeal to a wider market when re-sold.

There are three distinct housing types which broadly fit under the banner of universal housing - visitable, adaptable and accessible. Visitable housing allows disabled people to visit friends and relatives. Adaptable housing allows those with a disability to adapt a house to suit their circumstances easily, while accessible housing has all the features included to allow any person with a disability to use the home.

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Universal Housing Design ... what is it ?

The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making housing usable by more people at little or no extra cost. This concept is an approach that incorporates products, design ideas, building elements and features which can be used by everyone.
Universal design targets all people of all ages, sizes and abilities for all buildings.

Living spaces have generally been designed for the "average" person - young, male, adult and physically able, however what is the "average"? Millions of people are never "average" and many millions more are temporarily in a situation where there environment cannot meet their needs due to injury, serious illness or other disabling circumstances.

The needs of these people have been met by special products and spaces which generally have been more expensive. These special products have led to complicated solutions which seldom meet the needs of all the people and therefore require many different variations.

Universal design promotes the idea that everyone can use buildings and spaces to the greatest possible extent without major modification. This is accomplished through thoughtful planning and design at all stages of any design project. However, the success of the concept requires an understanding and consideration of the broad range of human abilities throughout a person's lifespan. The creative application of this knowledge will result in housing and facilities that are usable by most people regardless of their level of ability or disability.

It is forecast that Queensland's population in the sixty (60) years and over age group will increase by over 150% over the next 30 years. The need for universal housing will become almost a necessity.Source: Population Information Forecasting Unit , Department of Communicationsand Information, Local Government ,Planning and Sport (1998)

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Benefits of Universal Design

The benefits of universal design are usually invisible or not even thought about by most people - those who can adapt to just about any environment or situation. This concept is about "adapting" the house or facilities to people rather than people having to adapt to the buildings or facilities. In embracing this concept, designers and builders will automatically increase their market appeal since the whole population can now be considered to be in the market, although this will be dependant upon budgets and other constraints similar to those experienced by all home buyers.

Some of the design features or products which can provide the invisible benefits are:

• Level entrance and clear accessible entry easier to move furniture and appliances in and out
  • easier to bring groceries home
  • easier to manage for mothers with babies
  • better access for stroller
• Wider doorways internally
  • improved circulation through home
  • reduces damage to door jambs by furniture when moving
• Lever type tapware
  • easier to adjust water temperature and volume
  • easier to clean
  • can be operated with single hand or elbow
• Bathrooms
  • extra space allows for more than one person to use bathroom
  • location of taps is even easier for able bodied people to use
  • grab rails can make it easier for everyone to get out of the bath
  • grab rails can double as towel rails but more durable

    Source: Concrete Change http://concretechange.home.mindspring.com

Other broad benefits relate to visitability, economy of life-cycle construction, safety and ease of use and eventually a greater choice of housing types. These broad benefits have an overall effect on society through the widespread adoption of the universal design principles.

Trevor Nobbs Homes incorporate a number of the principles of universal design in the new homes they build. If you have a particular need or can see the benefit of universal design, contact Trevor or Michelle .

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State Award Winner in 2000

Trevor Nobbs Homes has reinforced their reputation as one of Queensland's premier builders.

At a spectacular awards presentation at the Brisbane Convention Centre in October 2000, Trevor Nobbs Homes was awarded "State Winner for Timber Housing up to $125.000" by the Queensland Master Builders Association.

This charming Colonial home built at Cooloola Village also won the Sunshine Coast Regional Award for "Timber Housing up to $125,000" in June 2000.

Not only did the home allow Trevor to showcase his craftsmanship but the involvement with the clients in fine-tuning the design and the many features of the home has produced a much loved and admired home.

The clients knew that Trevor Nobbs "was trustworthy, took pride in his work, had high morals and an uncompromising attitude toward every facet of the business" and this allowed them to have peace of mind during the building of their new home.

The classic home features the best of the Queensland designs from the past and allows for easy living with its open plan.

A cypress feature floor throughout compliments the timber kitchen while adding to the openness of the home. Picture rails and a soft contrasting colour scheme compliment the high ceilings.

The attention to detail, as in all Trevor Nobbs homes, is clearly evident in the workmanship throughout. The bullnose verandahs and octagonal gazebo are superbly crafted.

From the first time you contact Trevor Nobbs Homes, you will find an uncompromising attitude toward achieving the very best for every client. Trevor and Michelle Nobbs take pride in ensuring that each home they build has the same excellence of service and quality.

Working personally on each home, Trevor is able to ensure the quality is maintained and any construction difficulties are eliminated on the spot.

Trevor and Michelle are very much aware of the trends occurring in housing, incorporating concepts such as energy efficiency and universal design .

Trevor Nobbs Homes provide a complete colour selection and interior design service for its clients. Their office selection area and a Professional Colour Consultant mean clients can save time by not having to travel.

Building a home with Trevor Nobbs Homes will give you peace-of-mind ­ a very important aspect in today's building enviroment.

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