About Intermode
Great Ocean Road House
Elevated high on the rugged Victoria coastline overlooking waters of Bass Strait, the Great Ocean Road house impressively embraces the scenic beauty of the region, exemplified by the transparent and open spaces afforded by the versatility of Intermode’s customised prefab modular designs.
Great Ocean Road House
Blairgowrie House
The final design was just perfect for a holiday home. The build was on budget and on time with no hidden extras or costs. The finished house looks exceptional with a modern high class finish and clean lines. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.
Robin Manzin - Owner
Total Building Area: 279 sqm (30 Sqrs)
- 3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- study
- kitchen/living/dining
- European laundry
- external covered dining area
Features:
- This beach modular prefab house is specifically designed to allow the interiors to engage with the striking local natural environment yet afford our clients privacy from neigbours and road traffic.
- 6.6 Star energy rating.
- Polished concrete floors
- Glazed walkway
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes.
- Customised design of the living area joinery and master bathroom
- Inbuilt fireplace
We initially saw the Intermode house in Belle Magazine and fell in love with its clean lines and really liked the way it seemed to float above the landscape. A visit to the Kilmore house on 'Open Day' and we were hooked and started to plan a design that would suit our block on the Mornington Peninsula. At the first meeting with Intermode we knew we had chosen a company that had empathy with our ideas and were willing to meet our requirements in relation to our block size and outdoor living space. Orientation on the block was a very high priority with as much winter sun as possible entering the living areas and bedrooms, but large eaves blocking the summer sun.
The final design was exceptionally simple and just perfect for a holiday home. Getting all the planning right before construction meant that the build was on budget and on time with no hidden extras or costs. The finished house looks exceptional with a modern high class finish and clean lines. We couldn't be happier with the finished product. The Intermode team have a great product which conformed exactly to our brief.
Robin Manzin - Owner
Blairgowrie House
Merricks House
Total Building Area: 600 sqm (64.5 Squares)
Features:
- 7.2 m wide interior spaces
- 3 m high ceilings
- Custom designed external timber cladding.
- Custom designed bathrooms.
- Custom designed scullery and kitchen with in situ poured concrete bench
- Custom lighting design.
- Custom designed fireplace, wood storage and TV joinery
- Wine storage
In one of Victoria’s most popular wine regions, this Merricks house is a series of spaces designed to capitalise on the spectacular views of Merricks and Western Port Bay. With custom designed interiors and exterior finishes, this prefab modular house perfectly demonstrates the flexibility and quality of Intermode.
Merricks House
Phillip Island House
Total Building Area: 590 sqm (63 Squares)
Features:
- Two storey
- 3 decks
- 2 car garage
- 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom
- Lift
- Solar system
Positioned on a spectacular clifftop site overlooking the beach and Bass Straight. The upper level living zones are afforded spectacular views to the North and the South, whilst the lower level caters for a second living space and bedrooms, secure garaging for two cars, water tanks and storage.
Phillip Island House
Kilmore House
Total building area: 850 sqm (91.5 Sqrs)
- 5 bedroom
- 3 bathroom
- study
- mudroom
- cool room
- kitchen/living/dining
- rumpus room
- sundeck
- carport (4 cars)
Features:
- Winner of the Belle - Georg Jensen ‘House of the year’.
- This highly awarded house is positioned on a stunning site overlooking the vast Kilmore countryside.
- Utilising our ‘dark’ pallet of materials and finishes, this home sits over two buildings and was completed within 6 months.
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes.
- Some customisation occurred, including a retrofitted ‘cool room’, glazed walkway to master suite, and a cast iron ‘Aga’ stove.
“After going back and forth with architects and builders for 3 years, we met with Intermode to discuss options for trying to fast track our building needs. Within just a few weeks we had drawings, documentation, and were speaking to Council. The Intermode process is simple, easy to understand and the service we have received has been excellent.”
Sarah and John Curtis - Owners
This modular home is one of the first modular housing projects completed by Intermode. The prefab modular house system was conceived to create a modern and simple housing solution that, through modular building methods and innovative design, delivers contemporary and affordable design. The house, consisting of several modules, encompasses proprietary systems, standard building dimensions and prefab technologies to reduce the costs of a house construction, while maintaining the open spaces and clean simple lines conducive to modern living.
The prefab house was designed and built as a series of pavilions, some freestanding and others connected by glazed links, integrated in the whole structure via extensive decking. The facades are darkly clad to look boldly in the stark landscaping.
Kilmore House
Southern Highlands House
Total building area: 365 sqm
- Master bedroom with large sitting area and ensuite
- spine wall study
- kitchen / living / dining
- guest bedroom with ensuite
- single car garage
- single car carport
Features:
- Expansive full height glass throughout.
- Generous decking surrounds house
- Northern orientation
- 735 m altitude
- Polished concrete floors with hydronic heating
- '2 Pac' joinery finish
- stone benchtops
- electronic blinds
- Miele appliances
- Real Flame gas fireplace
Southern Highlands House
Sunshine Coast House
Total Building Area: 530 sqm (57 Squares)
Features:
- Two storey
- Split level decks
- Custom design plunge pool
- 2 car garage
- 3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- Home office
- Bar
- Pool
- Entertainment pavilion
Positioned on a spectacular hillside site overlooking Noosa’s hinterland and the ocean. The upper level living zones are afforded spectacular views whilst the lower level allows for protected underground garage for two cars, water tanks and storage.
Sunshine Coast House
Exeter House
Total Building Area: 300 sqm (32 Sqrs)
Features:
- This spectacular prefab modular house is sited on an sloping site overlooking a nearby waterway and rolling hills
- Polished concrete floor
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes
- Custom designed living room joinery
Nestled in the rolling hills of the diverse landscape of the Southern Highlands just outside the village of Exeter, lies the newest addition to the Intermode stable of design and constructed homes. Comprising of a master ensuite with private study, 2 guest bedrooms, large rumpus and bunk room, powder room, guest bathroom, entry courtyard, tank water storage, and fire pit. This modular prefab home is designed for a family to experience the landscape, with vast amounts of full height glass and long internal vistas.
Exeter House
Kyneton House
“Our decision to build our home through Intermode was serendipity. The wash up- a beautiful home, built within budget, finished on time AND exactly the type of home that at one stage seemed way beyond our means.”
Di Foggo and Rodney Moore - Owners
Total Building Area: 418 sqm (45 Sqrs)
- 3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- study
- Kitchen/Dining/Living
- European laundry
- external covered dining
- sundeck
- carport (2 cars)
Features:
- ‘Intermode's Kyneton House’ featured on Grand Designs Australia.
- This fabulous house is sited on ‘Scotsman’s Hill’ overlooking the Kyneton Race course and Mount Macedon.
- Polished concrete floor with in-slab hydronic heating
- Kitchen/Dining area separated from Living zone.
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes.
- Customised design of the kitchen joinery, and the master bathroom, which included an Omvivo double vanity with storage below.
“Our decision to build our home through Intermode was serendipity. We had purchased a difficult block of land in Kyneton that despite everything had wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. However we began to discover that the type of modern home we wanted was beyond our means. Being on the edge of retirement we were not prepared to risk a venture that, as with previous experience, had the potential to cost far more that original estimates.
An architect with a formidable reputation was kind enough to refer us to Intermode. And we literally walked off the street into their office. We were greeted with warmth and in the process found we could have the house of our dreams built at a fixed price and within a set time frame.
Initial reservations that the modular design might be a de-facto ‘kit home’ were soon dispelled. There was enough flexibility in the arrangement of modules and features that we were able to build a house that took maximum advantage of the site. Moreover, the design and finish reflected that of a bespoke architectural house.
One particular aspect of the process that won us over was that the ‘package’ included fittings and fixtures that were ‘high end’. No traipsing endlessly around different suppliers to make choices. The quality of fixtures and fittings was then matched by the standard of finishes.
The wash up- a beautiful home, built within budget, finished on time AND exactly the type of home that at one stage seemed way beyond our means. And to think we just walked off the street.”
Di Foggo and Rodney Moore - Owners
Kyneton House
Bright House
“We are very happy with the finished product. The resultant design is simple and elegant in layout and very responsive to the site. Would we refer Intermode to others? Definitely – we are extremely pleased with the outcome.”
Helen and Paul - Owners
Total Building Area: 387 sqm (41.5 Sqrs)
- 3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- study
- kitchen/living/dining
- laundry
- carport (2 cars)
Features:
- This spectacular prefab modular house is sited on an elevated ridgeline overlooking the Ovens Valley and Mount Buffalo.
- Polished concrete floor with in-slab hydronic heating
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes.
- Customised design of the master bedroom and kitchen joinery with the installation of a ‘Rayburn’ stove.
“We had a lengthy experience with an architect and, due to changes in the practice and personnel arrangements, the documented plan progressively moved away considerably from our original brief and budget. We took the difficult decision that there was no point building a house that we would not be happy with.
Having been aware of modular design and construction approaches, we researched various housing products including Intermode. After seeing media coverage of the Intermode house at Kilmore, visiting the Intermode house at Anglesea and having discussions with Intermode (Nick and Jeremy), we felt very comfortable with the flexibility of the Intermode design approach and standard and style of finishes.
The design process was quite painless with Jeremy and Nick very quickly coming to grips with our site near Bright and the challenges of trying to capture virtually 360 degree views. The resultant design is simple and elegant in layout and very responsive to the site.
Intermode handled the process of securing a builder efficiently and thoroughly. As a result, we had confidence selecting a local builder who ‘passed’ the standards of construction finish set by Intermode.
We are very happy with the finished product and, as it is a ‘second house’ at present, we are reluctant to leave it to return to our other residence. Being located in a cold climate, the heating arrangements are working well especially the passive heat gains afforded by the design for continuity of direct autumn, winter and spring sunlight to the polished concrete slab, and the extensive double glazing and insulation.
Would we refer Intermode to others? Definitely – we are extremely pleased with the outcome.”
Helen and Paul - Owners
Bright House
Woodend House
"We were already very attracted by the Intermode architectural design and liked the flexibility the modular system offered in order to address our particular needs. This flexibility has been especially important in giving a unique look and feel to the end design we have implemented."
Gerry and Sue Moriarty - Owners
Total Building Area: 418 sqm (45 Sqrs)
- 3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- study
- kitchen/living/dining
- laundry
- external covered dining
- carport (2 cars)
- garage (2 cars)
Features:
- This very elegant prefab modular house is positioned near Mount Macedon on an elevated site overlooking a vast country setting.
- Polished concrete floor with in-slab hydronic heating
- Glazed entrance hall
- Stone bench tops and two pack joinery finishes.
- Customised design of the kitchen and living area joinery.
"A number of years ago we bought a book on contemporary country houses and of all the houses it presented from around the world the one we liked most was the Intermode house at Kilmore in Victoria which had received the Georg Jensen design award.
At the time we were looking for a rural property outside of Melbourne to develop a country garden and often said that if we found a site without a house we'd like to build an Intermode home.
As it turned out we did find a wonderful property at Woodend North (behind Mt Macedon). The land had a planning permit that required us to begin building within nine months so we had little time to design a house and meet the conditions of the planning permit.
We could envisage the Intermode architectural form fitting ideally on the building location we had chosen. The extensive glazed walls would capture the magnificent views afforded by the site and the sweeping decks would provide a seamless link to outside lawns and garden which we wanted to achieve.
For us the speed and efficiency of the design process and contracting of the builder were important, and in fact essential features of the Intermode process, in light of the limited remaining time under our planning permit.
We were already very attracted by the Intermode architectural design and liked the flexibility the modular system offered in order to address our particular needs. This flexibility has been especially important in giving a unique look and feel to the end design we have implemented.
We are very pleased with the way the house sits on the site - capturing the extraordinary views and linking comfortably with the garden surrounds. We like the simplicity, the clean lines, the extensive internal storage provided in the spine walls and the light airy feel. “
Gerry and Sue Moriarty - Owners
Woodend House
Red Hill House
Total Building Area: 470 sqm (50 Squares)
Features:
- 7.2m wide interior spaces.
- 2.7m high ceilings.
- Custom designed bathrooms.
- Custom designed study joinery.
- Custom designed scullery and kitchen.
- Custom designed fireplace, wood storage and TV joinery.
- Wine storage.
Shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Awards, the Red Hill house is a series of spaces designed to capitalise on the spectacular southern views of Red Hill and Western Port Bay, while benefiting from the Northern orientation's light and warmth. With custom designed interiors, this prefab modular house perfectly demonstrates the flexibility and quality of Intermode.
Red Hill House
About Intermode
Intermode’s unique design and construction systems provide a simple alternative for people looking for exceptional architectural design without the high cost and long lead times associated with that process. We call it ‘exceptional, made simple’.
Launched in 2007, Intermode has rapidly become known as Australia's most innovative boutique housing provider. As part of the Carr Design family, Intermode works with one of Australia's most influential and awarded multidisciplinary design teams, bringing to bear world-class architecture and design skills for uncompromising aesthetics and build quality. Combining exceptional design with an efficient and transparent build process ensures our clients can enjoy their beautiful new homes sooner, and on budget.We work closely with our clients to ensure they get the benefit of both worlds: flexible and high quality architect designed homes and a hassle free build without unnecessary complexity, delay and cost overruns. We call it ‘exceptional, made simple’ and it's what sets us apart from other home providers.
Model approach finds favour
NICK Carr, director of the high-end modular housing company Intermode came to his role with an unusual yet perfect cache of skills.
As the son of esteemed Melbourne interior designer Sue Carr, of the Carr Design Group, he recalls childhood hours spent in the office, absorbing the imprint of her penchant for clean-lined architectural design in the luxury bracket.
Yet Nick Carr chose to study in the areas of science and economics, followed by an early career in property development.
When he returned to the family fold, he brought a ”more economical perspective” and construction experience.
Combining that with the design predilection of the Carr group, Carr came up with what he felt was a product sorely needed in the Australian market: a modular home solution that offered clients elegant, top-end design principles at a predictable cost and within a predictable time frame.
”We provide an alternative for those people looking for intelligent design and people looking for an aesthetic association with architecture but without the high cost and the long lead times associated with that process,” he says. ”It’s easy and quick, yet it’s flexible.”
Since Intermode launched in 2008, with several years of research and development behind it, it has gathered recognition in design awards and media coverage, with one of its latest projects now being filmed for the Grand Designs Australia television program.
The project featured here, in Emerald, beyond the Dandenongs, has been shortlisted for an award by one of Australia’s main interiors magazines.
The Intermode model has been created on a grid of 1.2-square-metre modules. These modules are customised for each house so, Carr says, each house is unique, as configurations are chosen to suit individual owners’ needs and briefs.
The houses tend to be five modules wide, about six square metres, he says, with clients playing with the way the length is configured.
In the case of the Emerald project, there is a main bedroom with en suite bathroom and wardrobes at one end of the house, left of the entry hall.
To the right is the kitchen, living and dining area – generally created as one space in the Intermode model but varying in size – and then two bedrooms, another bathroom and an office with meeting area at the other end.
Another design device Intermode uses is a ”spine wall” along one side of the hall. This conceals storage and utilities – in the case of the Emerald house, this includes a 1.2-metre-deep, European-style laundry.
Construction usually takes 20 weeks, following initial phases of client consultation, with a design and price produced within three to four weeks – where the model is configured to suit that project’s wants and council and planning processes.
One of the advantages of the model, Carr says, is that while council processes can’t be shortened, the designs do take into account planning codes so there are not the hold-ups or variations that can be required by more adventurous architectural plans.
The external finish is in Shadowclad Ecoply with a dark stain and the decking is recycled tallowwood. Emerald’s internal finishes include laminate in the kitchen and other joinery, benches of CaesarStone and Victorian ash floors with a dark stain.
As the company’s number of projects has grown, other options have become available because of client demands, Carr says. Instead of laminate, two-pack finishes can be used.
Another way in which Intermode projects are different is related to their site. In the case of the Emerald house, the land was steep and required extensive engineering to cut and fill it to flatten it, Carr says.
This was also done to orient the house to enjoy the magnificent views, 180 degrees towards the Warburton Ranges.
Hard landscaping, such as the deck and retaining walls, are contained within the Intermode scope but not soft landscaping such as plants, Carr says.
The price range for Intermode modular houses is $800-$2000 (sometimes up to $2200) a square metre, for single levels. Intermode also has a number of two-level houses under way.
Despite all the meticulous planning and preparation, Carr admits that the design and building processes will always have their unseen qualities.
”Our job is to remove all the obstacles and uncertainties,” he says.
”[But] every building site is capable of challenges. It’s the process you have to deal with it which is what makes it different for the client.”
| Address | 4/31 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | |
| Phone in Melbourne | +61 3 9665 2333 | |
| Phone in Sydney | +61 2 8060 7984 | |
| info@intermode.com.au | ||
| Website | http://www.intermode.com.au/ |
Prefab Modular Houses by Intermode, Victoria, Australia