All Manna of Things
Blairgowrie House
Podcast
Co-founders of Design & Construction practice MANNA MADE, former 2x The Block contestants, current The Block Foreman and co-host of Healthy Homes Australia, Dan and Dani Reilly take us step by step through their dream build in a little slice of paradise on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula suitably named ‘Blairgowrie House’.
Armed with a combined 30 years of design and construction knowledge and experience behind them and a handful of expert guests, artisans, trades and suppliers, learn the realities of a build from the architectural building design and interior design processes right through to the nitty gritty construction details… plus everything in between.
With a low-tox and sustainable approach to the design and construction of ‘Blairgowrie House’, Dan and Dani share what was important to them in this project and the key things to consider with any building project.
Web Series
Episode 1 - LET’S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD
The Blairgowrie love story that started it all! A builder, creative director and founders of construction and interior design studio, Manna Made, Dan and Dani Reilly unpack why they fell in love with a block of land on a weekend away on the Mornington Peninsula, and how it quickly became a dream project in a little slice of paradise.
In episode one of All Manna of Things, Dan and Dani explore the challenges of building on a sloping, sandy site, they share an overview of the floor plan and get cracking on the excavation and lower-level slab pour. They discuss the importance of having strong relationships between the builder and all key people involved from architects, building designers, interior designers and all the trades that make the build process possible. Buckle up, we’re just getting started!
Episode 2 - IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BONES
Welcome to the mad house! Episode two of All Manna of Things highlights the challenges of coordinating deliveries, tricky site access and storage, and investing money where it’s really needed on a building project.
Dan takes us through the nitty-gritty of multiple building and construction elements, and the choices made when designing the bones of Blairgowrie House, including a revolutionary subfloor system by Spantec.
In addition, Klynton Krause from Krause Bricks stops by to share the art of handmade bricks, from traditional craftsmanship methods passed down through generations and the modern innovations revolutionising the heart of building. We’re also reminded that the imperfections of hand-made projects is what ultimately makes them perfect.
Episode 3 - WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SUB-FLOOR
For Dan and Dani, building a home that was as sustainable as possible was a top priority, as it is for many people building in 2022. But making conscious selections by no means limits aesthetics and comfort, and it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank!
In episode three, we share the small things that will make a big difference in the liveability and overall sustainability of Blairgowrie House, and any project for that matter. From the subfloor insulation through to the way the home is heated and cooled, it’s important to tackle any project with a holistic approach.
Living a simple, healthy and sustainable life within your home shouldn’t be challenging or expensive, and Dani and Dan share just how this can be done with just a couple of key elements.
Episode 4 - FRAME STAGE & THE CRITICAL NEXT STEPS
Finally, we’re at frame stage!
The timber frame is up and the build is starting to come alive. In episode 4 of All Manna of Things, Dan and Dani explain the importance of this milestone in any build, as it’s time to lock down any final changes ahead of the next stages.
Sam from Bellhaus Design Office comes by for a site visit and we commence the electrical pre-rough in walk-through with the project electricians and lighting designer, Danielle from Lights Lights Lights. We resolve switch and GPO locations and lock in any final changes around the lighting placement.
Reviewing what’s on paper for the electrical and lighting of any project, within the actual space once erected, is one of the most important things to tick off prior to plastering commencement. Once the plaster is up, it can be costly and time consuming to make changes.
Episode 5 - WE’RE LOCKING UP!
It’s milestone after milestone at this stage in the build.
Pushing through to lockup on any project is a huge milestone because with it comes so many little wins that really show the house starting to come together, and even begin to resemble a home. Episode 5 of All Manna of Things literally has it all! Think window installation with Element Windows, joinery pre-measure with COS Interiors, exterior cladding, interior insulation delivery from Earthwool and full rough-in completion of heating & cooling, plumbing and of course electrical.
It’s been a huge few weeks with so much to think about. Staying on schedule, whilst also managing our client projects, has never been more important but it’s just as important not to rush these crucial pieces of the building puzzle.
Episode 6 - THE THINGS YOU CAN’T CHANGE
We’re stepping inside! It’s been a huge couple of months on site as we inch closer and closer to the finish line, with another COVID lockdown thrown in for good measure.
In episode 6 of All Manna of Things, Dan and Dani push on with resolving the finer details of the interior and start to consider how some elements will come together. We discuss the brickwork in the sunken lounge, the tiles for the bathrooms, both floor and walls from Eco Outdoor and Tiles of Ezra and why the selection of handmade, natural materials for these items was important to ensure a cohesive feel within the home.
In addition, we take delivery of our custom Kingspan water tanks. Whilst not a sexy component of the build, an essential one to achieving compliance and keeping on track with our sustainable building approach.
Episode 7 - THE ONE PERCENTERS
In episode 7 of All Manna of Things, Dan and Dani share their thought process behind what elements they let shine and what they keep subdued to achieve their overall design intention, as well as the power of the one per cent details that can make all the difference to the look and feel to an interior of a home.
From doors to floors! Dan get's excited about the minimal EzyJamb door-jambs from Studco, they both discuss the different concrete floor finishes and the direction chosen for the house, Dani takes us through the perfectly imperfect wall tiling with Cursio Tiling and they both discuss the engineered timber floorboards from Made by Storey.
It's crunch time though... Another lockdown later, and the Blairgowrie House schedule has started to slip.
Episode 8 - IT’S ALL COMING TOGETHER!
As handover date fast approaches, it’s all systems go on site with not a minute to spare.
In what Dan describes as “the busiest day on site since we turned soil”, Dani’s dream of a real wood fireplace is finally coming to reality with the installation of the Cheminées Philippe firebox from Wignells to the sunken lounge.
Episode 8 of All Manna of Things shows a healthy number of other sustainable and environmentally conscious items specified during the planning stages, being ticked off the list. From the Rheem heat pump hot water service to the interior wall treatments including Dulux envio2 paint and marble and limestone marmorino render from Calce Company applied by Catela. The materials and overall environment of the interior of the home is crucial to our health and wellbeing so making conscious selections that will improve the living conditions within the home, was an important consideration during the specification stage of Blairgowrie House.
And last but not least, the natural stone benchtops are installed. What a day!
Episode 9 - DIVING INTO THE PLUNGIE
It’s Plungie crane day! While the lift itself is a "piece of cake", a mountain of potential challenges and last-minute issues including street access, site access and overhead powerlines could affect the crane lift and installation of the Plungie plunge pool. It's safe to say, nerves are high in episode 9 of All Manna of Things.
First up, is craning of the mature olive tree over the house and into the back yard, next up is the “big boy”... the Plungie. This innovative re-imagining of pool infrastructure is pioneering the future of swimming pools, by allowing builders more control over their projects and Australians a faster, easier, and more often than not, cost-effective solution to years of summer lovin' backyard fun.
Christmas is upon us, and the handover deadline is only a couple of weeks away.
Episode 10 - THE FINAL PUSH
In an absolute blur… the end is fast approaching, and Dan and Dani are beyond exhausted.
In episode 10 of All Manna of Things, the finishing touches to both the interior and exterior are starting to be applied. Think window furnishings by DIY Blinds, custom furniture and lighting installation, installation of the last few concrete benchtops by Concrete Collective, pool decking, and of course the final bits of landscaping including the statement grass tree from Franklin Landscape & Design.
With additional hero elements including the exterior venetian blinds by Evaya and the custom joinery paneling in the sunken lounge by COS Interiors using Hafele fittings, the final vision of how the spaces were intended to feel is well and truly evident and it’s a pinch me moment for Dan and Dani.
Episode 11 - LET’S SHOW YOU AROUND
And, exhale…
In what feels like a dream and an exhausting marathon at the same time, Blairgowrie House is completed, and they're excited to show you around and share a few of their favourite spaces and pieces.
In episode 11 of All Manna of Things, Dan and Dani discuss the most important elements for each of them in the home, how they worked to resolve the interior spaces throughout, how this home and the process they took during the planning process differed to a standard client project, the importance of passion, ‘healthy discussions’ and remembering we’re all working to achieve the best outcome.
They share the reasons why the sunken lounge is their favourite space in the home, how they managed the budget towards to the pointy end of the project and again why it’s important to be forgiving on natural materials and handmade furniture and products.
As Dan and Dani settle into Blairgowrie House, they wrap up the series by reflecting on what makes Blairgowrie House feel like a home.
