For Dr James Park, a telecommunications engineer approaching retirement, and his wife Valerie, a psychologist, Melbourne’s winters had become increasingly hard to tolerate. Their 1960s brick bungalow in Glen Waverley was poorly insulated, and year after year, the cold seemed to linger a little longer indoors.
It was while travelling in Canada, that they decided it was time for a change.
“We started looking at potential areas we could move to while we were still on holiday,” James says.
A recommendation from a friend who had built with Metricon sparked their next step. Back home, they visited a display home in their local area and met New Home Advisor Gabrielle, who would prove instrumental in shaping their journey. “She was phenomenally helpful,” James recalls. “She worked through potential blocks with us and helped us understand what designs would or wouldn’t work.”
Together, they explored a range of options, carefully reviewing what would suit both the block and their future lifestyle. Before long, they had their sights set on a block in Melbourne's east, in a leafy eastern suburb known for its parklands and relaxed lifestyle. When it sold before auction, it felt like a missed opportunity, but in a twist of fate, the sale fell through and the block came back to them.
With Gabrielle’s support, the couple began thinking more deeply about how they wanted to live in the years ahead. While they were initially drawn to the Chelsea, the design didn’t suit the block. After exploring several alternatives, they found the perfect fit in the Mantra 29 with a Yale façade.
The single-storey design, with four bedrooms, two living zones and a central kitchen, dining and outdoor area, offered the space and flexibility they were looking for, while also supporting a more considered, future-focused way of living.
To bring their vision to life, the existing home needed to make way. The KnockDown ReBuild process allowed them to start fresh and design a home that truly works for how they want to live, now and into the future. “It was the right decision,” James says. “The original home wasn’t well positioned or suited to modern living.”
The build progressed quickly and smoothly.
“We had a really good site manager,” James says. “I visited the site every day. I was fascinated by how it all comes together."
“The neighbours kept on commenting on how quickly the build was happening,” Valerie says. “They’d never seen anything go up quite that fast.”
As the home took shape, it quickly became clear how much their day-to-day living would improve. The wider block allowed space for a workshop beside the double garage, perfect for James, who enjoys tinkering.
Inside, thoughtful design choices have made all the difference. Higher ceilings create a sense of openness, while clever storage solutions help keep everything organised as they transition into a more streamlined home. The layout also lends itself to a ‘lock-up-and-leave’ lifestyle, giving the couple the freedom to travel with ease, including extended trips overseas.
At Studio M, the couple focused on selecting finishes they truly loved. “We chose what felt right for us,” James says. “Interestingly, some of our favourite selections were also among the more affordable options.”
For Valerie, the kitchen has become the heart of the home.
“I love the walk-in pantry and the wide bench,” she says. “I enjoy cooking, and I love how connected this space feels to the rest of the house.”
It is a connection that comes to life each week when their three daughters and eight grandchildren gather for regular family meals. With everyone living nearby, the home is a constant hub of activity, and the spacious layout easily accommodates everyone - including a grand piano that now takes pride of place in the living area.
The home also supports the couple’s everyday routines. James works comfortably from a dedicated home office, while Valerie has embraced the outdoors, replanting fruit trees and olives salvaged from their previous property.
“As the garden has grown, people walking past often stop to comment on how well it complements the house,” Valerie says. “We’ve even got chooks out the back, and they’ve settled in nicely.”
For James and Valerie, the biggest transformation isn’t just how the home looks but how it feels to live in. Compared to their original 1960s home, the difference in comfort is immediate.
“The energy efficiency really stands out,” James says. “It’s so much better insulated. In winter, it stays warm, and in summer, it’s easy to keep cool. We hardly use the air conditioning.”
Looking ahead, they’re confident they’ve created their forever home. “The new position of the house on the block gives us much more usable space,” Valerie says. “If we’d renovated the ‘60s house, you’d be limited by the original plan, so you’re always putting up with compromises of various kinds. It was a much nicer opportunity to start from scratch with Metricon’s KnockDown ReBuild process.”
Their advice to others considering a similar move? Don’t wait. “If you’re thinking about downsizing, just get on with it,” Valerie says. “You won’t regret it.”
Enquire with us today and explore how a KnockDown ReBuild with Metricon can help you downsize and create a home designed for the way you want to live.
