SEASONS GREETINGS
I don’t know about you but can it really be the end of another year as this one seems to have flown by!
Looking back it’s been one of the most challenging years of my life both personally and professionally, one filled equally with many highs and lows. After a successful 2012 where we moved to Forrest Lodge and renovated Foss Cottage. Belinda and I made the call to back ourselves and build Forest Lodge ECO House next door and showcase the mix of our design and art and of course my passion for Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens.
Our decision to back ourselves paid off seemingly rather quickly when Grand Designs Australia TV decided to follow our build and so 2013 was underway to a flying start with my new work colleagues assigned in the “Grand Designs Australia” film crew.
The year was progressing well with our eldest son Dieter in his final year and Liam just behind until the health bombshell that was Belinda’s diagnosis with cancer struck our family in April.
We are not the first couple to face the myriad of anxious decisions and grave fears that come when you receive such a diagnosis and I’m sure we won’t be the last and Belinda’s health took precedent over all else. Weeks turned into months and after several operations Belinda is now bravely making the daily tentative steps toward a full recovery.
Throughout all of this the build for “Forest Lodge ECO House” and finally in August we were finished. Our episode went to air on 14th November and has received over 6000 hits on YouTube. For those of you that missed it here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXPhX509F-c
Countless emails of support and shout outs from people we meet on the street which has been so encouraging. In January the Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore will officially open the house and we are very excited and looking forward to that day.
From my family to yours, enjoy the festive season and may 2014 be a happy, healthy and successful year!
Kind Regards,
Chris
© 2015 Designer Constructions | Code Green
Hi Chris,
I’m currently watching a rerun of the Grand Designs Australia episode featuring your house. I wanted to send my best wishes to Belinda during her recovery and to the rest of your family during this challenging time. What a wonderful ‘get-well-soon’ present for Belinda to come home to! The house is simply gorgeous. You’ve created a cosy home that is also sleek, modern, light and spacious, despite the small footprint.
I also love the juxtaposition between the very modern and reflective glass facade of your house and the older matte stone facades of the neighbouring properties. So often, I find that new constructions, that are not in keeping with the existing style of an area, detract from the appearance of neighbouring properties. However, in my opinion, your house actually enhances the character and beauty of the surrounding area/properties, and vica versa, because of the stark but respectful contrast between the styles. The vertical gardens soften the property edges very nicely and complement both the older character style of the neighbouring houses, as well as the ultra-modern style of your house.
Congratulations on creating such a lovely family home. I hope you will all be very happy there. I’m sure that such a lovely, comfortable and relaxing home environment will help Belinda to return to full health very shortly.
With best wishes,
From Susan.