Significant thermal and acoustic benefits as well as speed of installation were the primary reasons for the selection of Hebel panels during the construction of a new home in Sydney.

For Angeline and Roger Kable, a number of critical factors came into consideration when they were planning their new home in Forestville in Sydney’s northern beaches area. Key priorities included a speedy build, excellent insulation properties and the use of sustainable building products. Additionally, they wanted the finished product to look great and reflect their personal style, while providing a comfortable and environment-friendly living environment for their family of four.

The Kable family had lived in the existing house for 12 years, and although they were planning the new home, they didn’t want to move from the neighbourhood.

Instead, they decided to knock down their 1960s home and rebuild on the same site, with Roger as the owner-builder and Michael Dawson of Dawsonvu Associates as the designer.

“As we were going from a single storey to a two-storey home, we worked with the designer to make sure the neighbours weren’t impacted in regard to matters such as their sunlight and privacy,” said Angeline.

Following extensive research, the couple selected Hebel’s PowerPanel50 external wall system coated with a clean white render to contrast against dark Cemintel Edge providing the strikingly modern look for the exterior they sought on their new home.

Angeline describes the stunning outcome as ‘out of this world’ in every way.

“We did a lot of online research, and also looked at showrooms and homes all over Sydney and in Melbourne,” she said. “Along with the right price, we were looking for a quick build and top quality insulation, and we wanted the home to have a low environmental impact and to feature innovative methods and products where possible.

“I’m really happy with the overall look of the home. I feel it takes Hebel and Cemintel to a new level.”

The completed two-storey home features three bedrooms upstairs, a large kitchen and living space downstairs, and an adjoining one-bedroom granny flat.

The Hebel PowerFloor flooring system was used upstairs, providing extra thermal and acoustic benefits for the home. The Kables were also able to experience the speed of installation for which Hebel is renowned.

“We could see the difference every day,” said Angeline. “Both the flooring and the external walls were finished in less than two weeks.”

After moving in, the family was also able to appreciate the high acoustic performance and thermal insulation properties of the Hebel wall and floor systems, especially since the build was completed in the middle of winter.

“You can certainly feel the difference with the home, well insulated from the external elements, in comparison to our old home,” said Angeline.

She also acknowledged the support provided by Hebel staff during construction.

“They helped us to work out how to include it in our design, and checked up regularly to make sure we were happy with the way things were going,” she said.

“They also introduced us to a really good Hebel installer, Corebuild Services, which was an amazing help. From that I learned that as well as having a great product it’s important to have a great installer. The combination of both gave us a perfect build with Hebel.”

Images: Kable House, photography: Rick Gates