Here’s proof that good looks and pragmatism can live in the same house. The exterior of this 253sqm four-bedroom home combines red brick, timber and black joinery to stunning effect, but it’s also practical. The brick and joinery look after themselves, and the timber that encases the upper level and softens the brick will only need a couple of coats of stain or paint and the owners can relax for a few more years. The smarts extend to the interior. Concrete floors were chosen for thermal mass and warmth, and wool carpet for sustainability. A speckled carpet design was supremely practical for a family with three children and a dog. So too the locally made wool-based insulation, and the fireplace wetback that heats water and can be hooked up to solar panels later. The family opted for a carport over a garage to save money, but compensated with well-thought-out storage, such as a generous laundry and high cupboards tucked under the soaring gable in the children’s rooms. As you can see, good looks have not been sacrificed in the process. You’ll find coppery tiles in the bathrooms, black-iron balustrades, exposed brick on either side of the staircase, and a patio with a fireplace that invites the owners outside for a morning coffee or evening drink.