Timber flooring quality that shows ...

     There are those companies chasing awards and recognition from their pairs; or those claiming the largest project, largest stock, largest this or that … At The Good House we claim offering our clients the best quality for their budget, and we have done so for the last 18 years.

     This chevron parquet in a Nicholas Day designed house is a testimony that quality stands out, and doesn't happen by chance, but by a sustained effort towards the best possible results.

     Traditional tongue and groove construction allows for a discreet but stylish bevel, and the lightly smoked finish enhances the natural features of French oak. 

     And if you ever wondered what is the cost of such a magnificent floor, just remember the old saying: "save money, buy quality …"

     

How far can we go ?

It is always tempting to push the boundaries of traditional design and parquetry is not immune of this tendency. The French leached grey finish, so popular over the last 3 years, is a good example of that trend(see our previous post). Wide herringbone pattern is another example, here is what it looks like in a simple renovation in the heart of Windsor.

Natural oil on top of a brushed finish provides a contrasting rustic feel in this sophisticated interior.
 

The simple question that comes to mind is how far we can go with the width and length of herringbone boards, that once used to be 65 x 390mm only!

The photos show boards that are 150mm in width, and 900mm in length, and you may have already noticed that the length has to be a multiple of the width, usually 6 or 7 times. It keeps the pattern more orderly when you look at it from a 45 degree angle, and also helps for installation, making it easy to check alignment of boards across different rows.

As for the question about the width, as a manufacturer we would advise not to go wider than 150mm if you want to use solid timber, but we can supply boards up to 220mm wide, either in solid or engineered type. That said, the beauty of traditional parquetry has always resided in high grade narrow boards with a fine polish and low sheen.

With technology now allowing strict control of the moisture content, indeed nowadays the limit is your imagination !

Herringbone parquet floor - Classic or Contemporary ?

          This recently completed project in Brighton aptly raises the question as it entails traditional Tongue & Groove Herringbone blades in a rather modern setting with a trendy and subdued leached grey finish.
          The blades are 125mm wide, 750mm long, and are outlined with a micro-bevel. Larger width, bevel and factory finishes are features only rendered possible by the T&G manufacturing type, which also is the traditional way parquetry was always made in Europe, be it in the French castles of the Renaissance period, or in 19th century Paris apartments.
          Please review the pictures below and decide for yourself. At The Good House, we believe a parquetry floor is simply timeless !

Coming home to the warmth of a French oak floor ..!

In the News Papers ….

The French Provincial style of private residence is more popular than ever and is taking Melbourne Eastern suburbs by storm. No wonder then that local media got interested as well, and have tried to understand this phenomenon a bit more.
Therefore The Good House was a logical source of information for journalist Charlotte Durut.
 Click here to read her article in the Leader Newspapers.

And see for yourself below an example of simple and symmetrical classical French design..!
If you are in the process of designing your next French chateau... give us a ring ..!

Versailles panels the floor of choice for French Provincial design

The French Provincial or French inspired style is taking some of Melbourne leafy suburbs by storm. To be honest, as a grumpy old Frenchman I feel often ashamed of the final look. Enter now Trevor Mitchell and Ivan Pantovic from MARQUE Property Group into the high end segment of the market and everything changes for the best! The Good House is proud of being part of this success, having supplied the solid French oak Versailles parquet for this luxury display home.

The Good House also supplied the farmhouse limestone fireplace.

Our panels are made of genuine solid French oak, precision machined to ensure installation is a breeze. All components are connected to each others by tongues and grooves, the traditional manufacturing process that allows for these panels to be installed on any sub-floor, including joists or battens.

Camembert soon to be on the cheese board and,..

... the Boeuf Bourguignon is in the pot !

Factory standard finish is fine sanded with bevel. Custom finishes include wire brushing, smoking (light or heavy), heat treatment (for a very dark result), and stain + oil coating.

Note the installation with shuttle blocks between panels.

The "Petit Versailles" panel is 600 x 600 mm, and the "Grand Versailles" is 866 x 866 mm. The Good House can also supply custom sizes up to 980 x 980 mm, as well as the equally stunning Chantilly and a string of made-to-order designs.

Double glazed windows: The French Farmhouse, Trentham

          There is no doubt most clients of The Good House are very special people. If anyone need be convinced, just follow this link to read the full story of the Trentham French Farmhouse,  a work of faith and passion, proudly achieved by Andrew and Narelle Glynn.

          For this project The Good House supplied the double glazed windows, custom made in France to perfectly match a symmetrical and simple design, a true sign of genuine French houses, particularly in the Southern half of France.

Yes ! This is in country Victoria ! (Did you notice the Eucalyptus foliage ?)

From inside the illusion is even more striking !

          For those more interested in the technical side of things, below are more photos at an early stage of the project. Installing double glazed windows goes hand in hand with very good thermal insulation, and there is no shortage of it at the French Farmhouse!
          The timber windows we supplied are fully painted (primer + 3 coat low sheen lacker) and they also come with handle and a fully recessed, multi-point locking mechanism, to guarantee full weatherproofing and security.  Cross bars can be exposed as pictured, or recessed within the thickness of the double glazing, in a bronze or silver, thinner look.
          For more installation details,  please call Bernard on 0408 90 40 10.

                         Or come and spend an unforgettable weekend at The French Farmhouse !

Note the thickness of the walls and insulation…

… and the standard handle and separable European hinges.