When you meet Mark Lowe, his passion for design and minimalism is immediately apparent. Having previously built two homes with custom builders, he chose to build with Hamlan because he knew he could customise Hamlan’s predesigned floorplans in a way that would suit his lifestyle without the additional cost of building a full custom home.
Mark’s background in design is extensive—he studied architecture for a year, pursued visual arts and fashion, and now works for one of the region’s largest fashion brands. In his fast-paced role, he manages new ranges requiring a high level of attention to detail. This meticulous approach to design carried through to every decision he made through his build journey with Hamlan.
Throughout the sales and design stage, Mark’s experience with Hamlan was seamless. He couldn’t speak more highly of his New Home Consultant, Ash Afshar, who he described as amazing at getting back to him quickly. This responsiveness gave Mark confidence that everything was being managed efficiently by the internal team. “Ash was incredible to deal with—his quick responses and clear communication made the whole process stress-free,” Mark said. His praise extended beyond Ash to the entire Hamlan team, from his Site Manager and the Accounts team to Mia, his Interior Designer. He found the level of service consistently efficient and professional.
Mark’s sense of style has been shaped by his life experiences, including time spent living in Japan during his childhood. The Japanese emphasis on perfectionism and attention to detail has influenced his design preferences, alongside his admiration for Danish design.
The result of Mark’s refined taste and careful planning is a home that is both minimalist and cosy. The entryway is grand, featuring Danish bricks as a statement flooring choice. Having first seen these bricks used in high-rise buildings, he was drawn to their subtle tonal variations and Mark personally designed the tiling pattern for their installation.
Mark said “Every detail in my home has been carefully considered—from the textures of the materials to the lighting placement. Hamlan made it so easy to bring my vision to life with their flexibility and attention to detail.”
Mark was particularly impressed by the quality and finishes Hamlan delivered. He said that the level of attention to detail of his finished home far surpassed his expectations.
His home balances modern elements with a sense of warmth and space. Low ceilings, high doors, and carefully curated materials contribute to the home’s seamless blend of textures and tones. From the engineered oak flooring to the thoughtfully selected tiles, every detail has been chosen to work in harmony.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the home’s atmosphere, with fixtures positioned towards the outer edges of walls to create a soft, ambient glow. “At night, the lighting transforms the space,” Mark says. “It feels like a boutique hotel—warm, inviting, and perfectly balanced.”
The joinery has been designed to resemble furniture, with low-profile cabinetry along the back wall of the kitchen, giving the appearance of a buffet. In the front lounge, high ceilings are complemented by a bulkhead at the entrance, subtly defining the room and enhancing its cosiness.
Mark’s energy and enthusiasm for great design is inspiring. His home is a testament to his keen eye for detail and passion for well-executed minimalism. Reflecting on his experience, he expressed disbelief that anyone would opt to spend more money on a boutique custom builder when Hamlan could deliver such exceptional quality and service.
His home is more than just a place to live—it’s a carefully curated expression of his love for design, proving that true minimalism isn’t about having less, but about having more of what truly matters.
