People are amazed that we built it ourselves

Paal's owner-building system allowed Brad and Lisa Dewhurst to construct this beautiful home nestled under the Illawarra escarpment in New South Wales.

"Paal gave us the tools and the inspiration we needed to build a home that's ideally tailored to our location and lifestyle," says Brad, who is a boilermaker by trade.

"We feel it sits perfectly in its setting. The design is very responsive to the site, taking advantage of natural light and views."

The project was an ambitious undertaking for the couple, but the step-by-step Paal assembly method ensured a satisfying result.

When the Dewhursts first started thinking about building, they envisaged a contemporary design that combined a well-thought-out floor plan, lots of space, and flexibility for the family.

They did their homework online – looking at reviews, designs, costings and inclusions from a number of companies.

As cost-conscious owner-builders, the couple also wanted a kit home solution that would give them control over the build, allowing them to do it mostly themselves.

The best choice for the Dewhurst family was the four-bedroom Richmond design, a home that demonstrates the quality and flexibility they were after.

"Finding Paal was fortuitous for us. The Paal system is really simple and intuitive," Lisa says.

Paal helped the Dewhursts customise their home. They removed the ensuite between the second and third bedrooms and enlarged the remaining bathroom. They also added a separate toilet.