A timber frame with structural steel support was initially proposed for the build but was discarded in favour of a more cost-efficient alternative – framing made from TRUECORE^® steel.

Design versatility

Fast and efficient installation

Backed by BlueScope

100% termite and borer proof

Project Goal

To build an architecturally-designed home on a sloping site, located 2.5m from a sheer cliff face.

Key Benefits Delivered

Design flexibility

Using framing made from TRUECORE^® steel meant that the vast expanses and openings could be achieved without the need for an awkwardly placed 90x90 steel pole in the middle of the living area

Cost savings

Hobbs estimated that the switch to using AFS frames made from TRUECORE^® steel yielded cost savings for the homeowner in excess of $10,000 in comparison to a timber frame and structural steel construction.

Peace of mind

Frames made from TRUECORE^® steel are 100% insecticide-free and termite proof, so it's an ideal choice if you want to minimise the use of insecticides when building your home.

TRUECORE^® steel won't ignite or contribute to the spread of fire and is backed by a warranty of up to 50 years for eligible applicants* from BlueScope.

Project Details

Hobbs Building & Interiors is an award-winning, residential and commercial builder located in the heart of the Scenic Rim region of Queensland. Husband and wife team, Luke and Nikki Hobbs have 20+ years of experience, and specialise in eco-friendly construction, and building with steel frames.

Executive Director and Builder, Luke Hobbs, is very experienced with steel frame building. Following his carpentry apprenticeship, Luke commenced a subcontract career with Australian Framing Solutions (AFS) – South East Queensland’s largest fabricator of light-gauge steel frames. Their alliance has continued, and Hobbs now purchase all of their frames made from TRUECORE^® steel from them.

Project Information

Project

Mount Tamborine Rainforest House

Location

Mount Tamborine, QLD

Architect

Cameron Design Logic

Builder

Hobbs Building & Interiors

Steel Frame Fabricator

Australian Framing Solutions (AFS)

Principal Steel Products

Frames: TRUECORE^® steel
Roofing: COLORBOND^® steel Surfmist^® in a Classic finish
Gutters and fascia: COLORBOND^® steel Shale Grey^® in a Classic finish

Case Study

2020

Framing

Residential

QLD

Framing made from TRUECORE^® steel is Hobbs preferred material for a number of reasons.

“We choose to recommend frames made from TRUECORE^® steel to all of our new-build clients. TRUECORE^® steel has fantastic properties, including being termite and borer proof, not contributing to the spread of fire, and the ease of pre-fabricated installation.”

Nikki Hobbs, Director and Interior Designer, Hobbs Building & Interiors

Jake Gundry, CEO at AFS echoes this statement and added:

“Quality is key to the AFS promise, we always deliver consistent results across our end-to-end services (design, engineering, manufacturing, to installation). TRUECORE^® steel offers reliability – it’s precision that really counts for builders and that the material is durable. We trust TRUECORE^® steel for its consistency and corrosion protective coating. It is also backed by a warranty of up to 50 years for eligible applicants* from BlueScope.”

In 2017 Hobbs was approached by a family who live and work overseas, to build them their dream house on a tricky sloping site set high in the rainforest hills of Mount Tamborine. The home’s design is spread across two-levels and included three bedrooms, an office, four bathrooms, wine cellar, gymnasium and an underground water tank.

A timber frame with structural steel support was initially proposed for the build but was discarded in favour of a more cost-efficient alternative – framing made from TRUECORE^® steel. Since TRUECORE^® steel has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, this choice added an additional benefit - the removal of an awkwardly placed structural pole in the middle of the living area. The removal of this pole, helped to create the ideal open and expansive feel the family had dreamed up - one that celebrated the surrounding rainforest setting with uninterrupted views. Using framing made from TRUECORE^® steel also gave the family peace of mind knowing the frame is not only termite and borer proof but also won’t catch fire.

The homeowners were so pleased with their house that they threw Luke and Nikki a party to celebrate upon the completion of the project!

Hobbs Building & Interiors also picked up a number of awards associated with the Mount Tamborine Rainforest House including:

2019 Scenic Rim Regional Council Excellence in Business Awards:

Trades & Construction
Apprentice of the Year

2019 Master Builders Queensland (Gold Coast):

Rising Star
Best Use of Sloping Site

Hobbs continues their partnership with AFS and is currently collaborating with them again on another stunning home in Canungra in Queensland, that is built using frames made from TRUECORE^® steel and is locally designed by Pride Home Designs.

See more photos of this award winning Mount Tamborine home

Sources

Nikki Hobbs, Director and Interior Designer, Hobbs Building & Interiors
Jake Gundry, CEO at Australian Framing Solutions (AFS)

The content of this case study is based on statements made by the sources listed above and is a reflection of their views and experience. Same/similar results are not guaranteed for each user and outcomes may vary across projects.

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Hobbs Building & Interiors – Mount Tamborine Rainforest House