Step inside Griffith’s showstopper residence – Carnegie House

Posted on 12 March, 2025

Have you ever driven by a new home and just ached to open the door, go inside and take it all in?

Classic Constructions has created a unique and striking family home in Griffith, and they are more than happy to cater to the public interest in this new build, offering private tours and showings to anyone interested in cutting-edge building, design and living trends.

It’s hard not to notice Carnegie House when you drive by.

It may be nestled among the established trees of one of Canberra’s most elegant suburbs – just like the other houses in the street – but this house stands apart.

For one thing, it appears to be floating off the ground, thanks to its unique design by architects Turco and Associates.

And while its modular façade looks dramatic and futuristic, a sweeping curve of bricks seems to earth the building to its location, paying homage to the brick heritage of the established inner south.

But that’s just the front. Once you open the door, this house will show you a whole new way of living.

The modern family concept home is a display property to showcase the latest in design, materials and ideas of long-established Canberra building company Classic Constructions.

While it is eye-catching in the extreme, the home is open to view as a way to showcase the reality of home building from a company that has its finger on the pulse of design trends while also having a 35-year record of building forever homes in the national capital and surrounds.

And let’s face it, there is no joy quite like that of walking into a beautiful new home, with the explicit understanding that you are being invited to sticky beak.

A display home invites all comers to look inside – peruse the features, touch the materials, consider the design points, rate the inclusions, enjoy the gardens, open the doors, switch the lighting, sit by the pool and work out whether this is the lifestyle you too want to lead.

Classic Constructions Director Jason Tanchevski says he expects Carnegie House to draw many visitors, not only because it is centrally located and practical to stop by but because it has such a ‘Wow’ factor.

“The modern facade, when you first arrive at the home, really strikes a chord and draws you in. One of the key elements at the front of the house is the cantilevered upper storey. We’ve also got curved, feature brick walls at the front, which make a statement. You can’t really miss this house off the street.”

Once inside, Jason praises his team for pulling together a meticulous construction in which every corner, join and space is resolved and well-executed.

He praises the design of the home for embracing the flexibility and options required in multi-generational living.

“This is a home which is adaptable and future-proof. We have two master suites, effectively one on the ground floor, one on the upper floor. And a selection of separate living spaces as well as communal ground.”

Jason fully understands that the kitchen will draw many a gasp from appreciative cooks. Or anyone really. It needs to be seen to be believed.

“Well, I say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I think this house has a really big heart. It’s almost two kitchens in one, I would say.

“It’s got the preparation and storage space at the back, but it’s connected and interestingly open to the front part of the kitchen where you do your cooking and serve. Also, who wouldn’t want to sit at that beautiful Caesarstone curved bench to eat a meal?”

The home has too many features to mention, between its feature brickwork, exposed aggregate, mudroom, butler’s pantry, indoor hanging garden, statement staircase, alfresco dining area, joinery walls, curved internal walls, stacking sliding doors, feature windows and Miele appliances.

But the house is more than the sum of its parts.

Architect Michael Turco says the home opens up gradually and reveals itself in different ways.

“You experience these moments as you walk through the entryway, little Easter Eggs as they say, when you’re within these spaces. For instance, the media room off the main entrance, the hidden study, the courtyard, and then you come through to the living area and enjoy the connection to the backyard and the pool.

“It doesn’t all hit you at once – you walk through the home and enjoy these special places as you go.”

Michael says the attention to detail, problem-solving and finished product speaks to the high level of expertise and experience in the Classic Constructions team.

“I could easily live here. And if my wife saw that kitchen, she’d probably want to move in immediately…”

Jason says he enjoyed the creative freedom of creating a concept house, which allowed his team to “shake off the shackles and use all the innovation we want.”

“Having a display home gives us that opportunity to think outside the box, to use materials and building methods that we don’t often get a chance to use, and it most importantly gives us a chance to challenge and test ourselves, without any inhibitions about whether it’s going to be an issue for a client or for a supplier.

“We get to do what we want, based on experience and knowledge and put it to something that we can be proud of and showcase.”

And then enjoy the collective oohs and ahhs of the crowds who come through.

Images supplied.