Federation charm, lightweight precision in Bunbury 

Key Stats: 

#House128 is a modern interpretation of lightweight residential construction, thoughtfully designed to marry timeless federation charm with contemporary practicality.  Located in South Bunbury, this custom single-storey residence was designed and constructed to meet a detailed client brief while pushing the boundaries of design effectiveness and construction precision for its quaint lot size.  

The clients describe this 3- bedroom, 2-bathroom home as their ‘empty nester’ with some key priorities including low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and of course the flexibility of lightweight construction without compromising on heritage-inspired design.  

The home’s defining feature is its classic federation-style elevation with bullnose verandah. A timber-framed structure paired with James Hardi Linea cladding achieves an elegant yet sustainable alternative to masonry.   

Key distinctive elements include: 

• Considered craftsmanship, with a pitched and gabled roofline enhanced by decorative timberwork, evoking heritage aesthetics.  

• Passive considerations, including maximizing natural light, ventilation and thermal performance. Lightweight framing paired with high-performance insulation and wall wrap delivers excellent energy efficiency, contributing to a 7-star NatHERS rating and year-round comfort. 

• The site’s quant size was overcome through clever spatial design that maximizes usable floor area and emphasizes vertical space with raised ceilings. Intelligent features like recessed mirror cabinets, and a well-appointed alfresco area that serves as an extension to the open-plan living space further complimented the client’s vision for a spacious home.  

Conclusion  

#House128 delivers strong street appeal with a thoughtful blend of federation elegance and modern function. Its clean, efficient layout and refined finishes create a home that suits downsizers or families seeking low-maintenance living. This project stands as a fine example of what can be achieved through lightweight construction, passive design, and client-focused detailing. 

 Client Feedback

The service from the whole team is beyond measure. They have all been extremely approachable and gave us confidence in what we set out to achieve. The process from planning through to handover has been so easy. We are totally inexperienced in the house-building game, so knowing that we could ask all sorts of questions and have confidence in the response was incredible.

11 months from slab down, we reached handover. We are now living in our new home and absolutely loving it.

I would definitely describe our home as a top-quality home, built by a local who takes pride in their work and the final result. You can see the care the team took as soon as you open the front door. Everything is finished off to a high standard.

The care that went into building our home, and care in working with us, from start to finish, made it such a good experience, and we are both very proud of the home we now have.

Our home is beautiful!! I can’t recommend White Building Co. enough.

A home we wouldn’t have without White Building Co.

2025 HIA Housing Awards:

• NOMINATED – Lightweight Housing – Up to $600,000