Testimonials

Gavan Kinna's Award Winning Homes
have appeared in each of these coveted Australian magazines

The Complete Guide to Hillside Living

Drive up the highest cul de sac in Eatonvale, and your eyes will be drawn to the wheat coloured home at the top of the hill. It belongs to Margaret and Garry Brine and, they report, it is as beautiful to live in as it looks.

The Builder Gavan Kinna and his two sons Ken and Joshua, originally built the home for Gavan's parents. The care and creativity the Kinna's installed into building and designing of this home earned them two prestigious Master Builder awards : one for the best use of timber and one for the outstanding workmanship.

The memorable use of timber is evident as soon as you arrive at the top of  the stairs. Above you is a lofty golden timber ceiling which waves throughout the home in flowing angles. Sun ray beam in through large windows and gently warm you up. Timber glows on the floors, railings and the lower half of the lounge room walls. The feelings that engulfs you is one of golden warmth and well being

Margaret says, "Even on a dull rainy day it's bright and  uplifting. There are just so many windows with natural light pouring in."
" I liked everything about the home. It was on top of the hill and  it looked so inviting."
"As soon as Gary saw it he loved it too."

One year later Margaret and Gary are still thrilled with there new home.

Garry says, "We live in the family room and on the verandah. The verandah is 65 metres squared of excellent space. The house is designed well because both the family room and kitchen run off the verandah."

Timber Facts Magazine

Gavan Kinna's parents got more than they bargained for when they asked their son to build them a home. The house is perched just below a ridge crest running through the estate. A high set pole platform, it rises above the crest offering the occupants unobstructed 360° views. On a clear day it is possible to see the islands in Moreton Bay.

Gavan devised the layout of the house and had final plans drawn by a drafting professional. The design can be modified slightly to accommodate an additional bedroom and more living space.

The main living areas face north-east. Colonial style awnings offer protection against afternoon sun. Of particular interest is Gavan's use of Shadowclad for exterior cladding. An attractive plywood sheeting product, Shadowclad features a channeled face that gives the impression of a vertical shiplap profile.

The house exterior is lavishly finished in timber. Treated hardwood decking, step treads and joinery are features of the wide covered verandah area. Gavan has taken full advantage of the steeply sloping site, utilizing under house areas for car parking, laundry facilities, and additional storage and living space.

The house interior features extensive use of plantation pine for flooring, joinery and ceiling linings. Voids, high picture windows, plenty of glass sheeting and plain walls are skillfully contrasted with the pine finishes to provide visual interest.

The central void rises 6.5m from the floor of the lounge room to the ceiling of a loft bedroom. The openness of the design ensures the house is filled with gently filtered natural light throughout the day.

Queensland Award Winning Homes

This home called the "Broadleaved Tea Tree"  is a stunning pole home, utilizing great use of timber and workmanship, built on a difficult and steep slope, the design of this home has ensured that the views attained, are as spectacular as the home itself.