Turning Houses into Homes
Founded by Norbert and Judith St Mart, Twelve Star Homes is built on a deep understanding of what transforms a house into a home. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, we focus on creating spaces where light, sunshine, space, and proportion work in harmony with the needs of the occupants.
Comfort and health are at the heart of our designs. A well-constructed home should maintain a balanced temperature, prevent dampness that can lead to mold, and eliminate air gaps that cause draughts—all factors that can impact long-term health and well-being.
This passion for healthier homes stems from a personal journey. During Judith’s frequent hospital visits for asthma, she and Norbert sought to uncover the root cause of these health challenges. They discovered that poorly designed and constructed homes often contribute to such issues.
At Twelve Star Homes, we are dedicated to addressing these challenges, building houses that are not just safe and healthy, but also warm, inviting spaces that truly feel like home.
A Mission for Better Living
During the Covid lockdown period, Norbert and Judith used the time to research building materials. They became interested in the Passive house construction method which was born in Europe in the 1970’s. They discovered that the ‘stick and brick’ model really wasn’t that efficient in keeping out the cold, damp or heat. Once they discovered that there is a better way, that houses could be ambient without excessive heating or cooling, they wondered, how can they achieve this and make it affordable? The extra materials, their quality and the time required to install them to achieve passive house standard added so much to the building cost as to make it unaffordable for the average income earner. There just had to be a better way!
Their family-run business is built on the principles of sustainability and comfort. They strive to create homes that are not only good for the environment but also provide a healthy sustainable space for families, couples, and individuals alike.
What Makes a House a Home?
It’s not just about decoration. Every element of a house must be carefully considered—from orientation to the materials used to the way they are combined. Each component should harness the natural elements, creating a house that provides shelter and works in harmony with nature.
Why Choose 12 Star Homes?
Twelve Star Homes is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a comfortable and sustainable living space. Designed to be warm in winter and cool in summer, our homes provide a sanctuary where families, couples, and individuals can truly relax and recharge.
Every detail of our construction process reflects careful thought and innovation. Traditional materials like bricks and plasterboard, which are labor-intensive and offer minimal thermal efficiency, have been replaced with modern, high-performance alternatives. This ensures that every home not only meets but exceeds expectations for comfort, sustainability, and quality.
At Twelve Star Homes, we are committed to creating spaces that feel as good as they look, offering unparalleled liveability for generations to come.
Building More Than Houses
At Twelve Star Homes, we don’t just build houses—we create lifestyles and lasting investments. With recent changes by the Victorian Government cutting red tape in residential zones, second dwellings can now be constructed in backyards without the need for planning permits. This opens up a world of opportunity for homeowners.
Imagine turning your backyard into a space for a relative, offering the comfort of living close by while maintaining independence. Or consider the financial freedom a passive rental income could bring. These 60m² dwellings, while compact, offer transformative potential for your lifestyle and finances.
Designing a smaller home, however, presents unique challenges. Every square meter must be utilized efficiently to create a functional and comfortable space. Additionally, the compact size means a higher ratio of external walls to internal volume, making heat loss and gain more pronounced. For this reason, superior insulation and careful attention to the building envelope are essential to maintaining energy efficiency and comfort.
Building in backyards also requires a lighter, more thoughtful approach. Limited access and the need to preserve existing infrastructure demand innovative solutions that minimize disruption while achieving exceptional results.
At Twelve Star Homes, we specialize in meeting these challenges with precision and care, ensuring every second dwelling is as practical, comfortable, and sustainable as possible.