But not only did these Quarry Hill residents end up with the home of their dreams, they trusted their architect to create a bespoke building, using the finest quality materials as a major aspect of the build.

"There is a perception that architects only do the outside of buildings, however the interior and exterior are intrinsically linked, even more-so on compact buildings, so we spent as much or even more time on the internal aspects of this home," architect Lucas Hodgens says.

"Yes, the site was very small. It's the new typology of the inner cities, where a quarter-acre site has been subdivided. 

"Our brief was to design a home for a working couple, their last 'forever' home. It was to be a selfish brief in a good way, because the couple decided they would build a house that suited only their needs, with no outside influence from anyone.

"On the drawing board, their dream home ended up being 150-square-metres, excluding the garage, made up of two bedrooms, a decent-sized walk-in wardrobe, en suite and a living space for the grandkids when they visited.

"Privacy was an essential requirement, plus plenty of natural light, as was an open plan, and space enough for a compact lifestyle," Lucas adds.

Other innovations introduced are the louvred clerestory windows on all walls, for views to the sky, and great air flow in summer especially; perforated mesh screens designed for  ultimate privacy but which can be folded back for entertaining options, and timber walls that roll back to act as privacy screens or 'blinds' on hot summer days. The inside and outside do talk wonderfully to each other Lucas says.  

The kitchen has a magnificent Calcutta butterfly-marble benchtop, which is the perfect complement to the grey porcelain tiles.

The architect, the builder and the client took a road trip to the marble establishment in Melbourne to see firsthand what their options were in regards to colour and feel. All agreed that choosing such an important feature was not possible on the internet.

It paid off too, as the cut-out piece was used as a low mantelpiece for the gas stone fire and shelving to one side, ensuring no waste.

The success of this project depended on the faith and trust the client had in the architect. Never one to draw up plans and walk away, Lucas Hodgens says he acted as the conduit for all client and builder relationships, and in that way the six-month project was brought in on time and with minimal budget overruns.

This home was designed for and by the clients to be just what they wanted in a bespoke home.