A house where the outside is a feature on the inside has won one of the state’s top building awards.

The Housing Industry Association’s Victorian Home of the Year may sit on a small block of land (346sqm), but it still packs a major punch in terms of living space and attention to detail.

Canny Builders responded to a challenging design brief by buildmg a three-level French-provincial-style house that offers ll9Osqm of floorspace, indoor/outdoor living, and views of Melbourne’s CBD skyline.

The award for Home of the Year was presented at a gala evening last weekend honouring some of the state’s best building talent.

The South Yarra home’s owners wanted a house that gave them indoor! outdoor living options, as well as panoramic city vistas.

The result is a home very much geared to the modern family’s need for separate and communal living and entertaining spaces.

Its interior includes a basement with parking access, as well as a self-contained two-bedroom teenagers’ retreat. Other key elements on this lower level are an ensuite, kitchen and a living zone that opens up to a light-fified and heated courtyard.

The ground floor, which can be reached via a bridge at street level, has a formal entrance with an eye-catching curved staircase, formal and informal livjng zones and a kitchen with integrated appliances. In keeping with indoor/outdoor trends, the communal living areas have bifold doors to a large north-facing terrace with stunning city views, built-in barbecue and canopies with built-in electric heaters.

The upper level features two more bedrooms, both of which have ensuites. Again, indoor/outdoor mles here because the main bedroom has direct access to a north-facing terrace overlooking the city skyline.

Convenient, luxurious features include built-in furniture, electric blinds and smart-wiring. There is even provision for a three-level lift in the future.

‘The entry was a standout in all aspects, providing a total package of outstanding quality,” said the judges, who were impressed by the quality of materials, finishes and workmanship.