Couple choose Paal for rural tree-change
When Peter and Paula Gidley of Sydney decided on a change of lifestyle as a prelude to retirement, they built a Paal kit home on the Alpine Way near Jindabyne.
The couple, from Castlecrag on Sydney’s north shore, had visited most of the project home and kit home suppliers – as well as investigating an architect-designed residence – before choosing Paal.
“We researched them all thoroughly. The overall quality of Paal was what attracted us. The steel framing also appealed because of its termite and fire resistance,” Peter said.
The couple extensively modified Paal’s Camden design, changing the standard layout and substituting some of their own internal fittings, including doors and windows of their choice and a kitchen that was modelled on their Sydney home.

They created a bigger living area in the centre of the house, converted the lounge room into the master bedroom, enlarged the kitchen, and doubled the size of the walk-in pantry.
Peter and Paula also extended the laundry to become a “mud room” and added a drying room, which is essential in an alpine environment.
“Making these changes was extremely straightforward,” Paula said. “We altered a lot of the internal design, but nothing was too much trouble for Paal. That was so good!”
The alpine region’s challenging climate required non-standard extras such as wind loading, snow loading and insulated sarking. Double-glazed PVC framed windows were fitted instead of standard aluminium frames.
“Paal’s people were outstanding. If anything extra was needed, they put it in a courier bag and delivered door to door. We didn’t expect that level of service,” she said.
Paula and Peter were busy with their careers so employed a builder to construct their new home.
“The builder was most happy with the Paal kit and found it extremely straightforward. The deliveries were on time, the kit inclusions were as specified, and it all came together very well,” Peter said.

Located on a ridge just 10 minutes from the Skitube alpine railway to Perisher Valley, the Gidleys’ new home is clad in Rock-Face sandstone with a matching Colorbond roof of Pale Eucalypt. An internal wall is also finished in sandstone.
“Everyone who sees our home says ‘what an outstanding finish’. The end result is perfect. We love our new home and would emphatically recommend Paal to others,” the couple said.