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Receiving the keys to their forever home after five years of planning and building has given this Sydney family plenty of reasons to celebrate.

In Sydney’s east, years of careful planning have brought about a superb home on a modest footprint.

Polly and Bobby Manasiev and their two sons, Sammy,10,andTommy,eight,areanadventurous family who love experiencing new things. In conjunction with a strong sense of conviction, they’re also fairly easygoing, which made their build journey unusually fluid and enjoyable. The Manasievs’ home in Sydney’s east was completed in June 2017. Prior to moving here, they lived in a modern apartment in the cosmopolitan inner west. Though they loved it, the space was too tight for four. They were also keen to be closer to the beach, so they rented in the east while searching for a place to buy.

Initially, they were seeking somewhere ready to go, but couldn’t find what they wanted. They narrowed their criteria to good street orientation and renovation potential, in a location within their budget. “When we did find the property for us in 2012,” says Polly, “it was a small three-bedroom, single-level house on 690m2, with a DA-approved plan for a two-storey, four-bedroom home and pool. We could immediately see the potential and were in and out of the inspection so quickly, the agent didn’t think we were serious bidders at the auction!”

The house had been renovated five years earlier, so it was in good condition for the young family to live in. However, after settling in they realised the existing DA plan was too traditional for them. “I started looking at other houses and went to see a beautiful French provincial-style new build in our street,” says Polly. “Though it wasn’t our style, it had been finished exceptionally well so I found out who the builder was and we decided to do a full knock-down and rebuild.”

MaxMilosevicofFeltonConstructionswasthearchitect and builder. He suggested a light-filled two-storey home that connected with its outdoor spaces. To create interest andovercomethesite’s“modestfootprint”,heincorporated “varying ceiling heights, and rooms and balconies that sit within and project beyond the basic structure”.

Max’s wife, interior designer Carlie Milosevic, consulted on all the design elements, including the external stainedcedar cladding and bronze-finish louvres. The material and colour palettes for the interior were influenced by Polly’s childhood in Jervis Bay on the south coast, surrounded by greenery and light. “I wanted greens and blues like the ocean, and lots of wood like the bush – I find it really calming,” says Polly. Meanwhile, Bobby’s priority was having a fully integrated home, with wireless access points and a sound system throughout.

A low-maintenance garden was created by Matt Lowlett from Endless Landscapes, who integrated a timed irrigation system controlled via smartphone. The design reflects the minimalist architecture and features a ‘freestanding’ green wall by Ed Warburton from Greenwall Solutions, which screens a neighbouring house and enlivens the courtyard. Visible from both levels, it’s a beautiful focal point.

Polly says living in the original house prior to rebuilding gave her a unique perspective of what would work for the block and fit with the surrounding area. She has no regrets about taking so long to realise her ideal home. In fact, she says the joy of buying all new things outweighed everything. “We had absolutely no furniture or artwork that suited the house so we had to go shopping. We do have a lot of built-in joinery though, so at least that eliminated the need for cupboards and shelves.”

Architect Max appreciated the Manasievs’ positivity throughout the process. “It is an enormous responsibilty to build someone’s home, and we were fortunate to work with very trusting and open-minded clients.” #

Felton Constructions, Horsley Park, NSW; (02) 9620 2175 or feltonconstructions.com.au. Endless Landscapes, Helensburgh, NSW; 0403 916 290 or endlesslandscapes.com.au.