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www.watershedunion.com MMP04634-03-a28AugŠFCNVIC
UNION
style + the city
editor \ sian m acpherson pictures \ tara pearce styling \ stephanie stamatis
M
oving from a three-bedroom apartment on the Geelong waterfront to a custom-built home surrounded by grasslands a stone’s throw from the rumbling surf of Barwon Heads was an opportunity relished by Hedley Griffiths and partner Fi Mercer. Having held a deep-seated hankering to live in a small, friendly village by the sea, the busy couple’s natural choice was Barwon Heads. Once the block of land was secured, Johnny Greig, of Greig Design and Construction, was commissioned to oversee the rather significant build. Working closely with James Goodlet, of Altereco Design, the team took two years to arrive at the final design, with the couple changing their minds several times during the process. The design that won the couple’s seal of approval fulfils the brief, which calls for flexible spaces for three generations to live when children, partners, grandchildren and pets come to visit. continues » P26
in search of a sea change AUGUST 28, 2013 \ The weekly review 25
style + the city
Above: Artworks are casually propped against a bentwood chair as a bedroom vignette. Right: A collection of breadboards and copper pots reflect the family’s love for cooking. Top right: The open-plan living room looks out over grasslands and down to the nearby river.
26 The weekly review \ AUGUST 28, 2013
From » P25
Mercer and Griffiths cite their travels through Europe, and in particular the Perigord region in the south of France, for their inspiration in the use of natural stonework that adorns multiple fireplaces inside and out. The cement benchtops and flooring, along with the concrete bath and basins, take their inspiration from the villas of Florence in Italy. Capturing the northerly aspect of the block – and views of the nearby river – was also a priority for the couple. “Going to sleep and waking up to the muted rumble of the surf is one of the best things about living here,” says Mercer. Cement hearths wide enough to sit on in the outdoor entertainment areas ensure that the outdoor fireplace is an inviting meeting point even in the depths of winter. “We wanted a home that our children, now all grown up, would feel relaxed to come home to with
their partners, children and pets,” says Mercer. Floor-to-ceiling windows turn the surrounding paddocks and grasslands into large artworks for the interior spaces, almost rendering any interior adornment superfluous. Textiles and artworks are used sparingly to add subtle hints of colour and texture to the home, along with artefacts and pieces collected on the owners’ travels. Griffiths and Mercer subscribe to the Slow Movement when it comes to decorating, preferring to take their time and let their new home’s interior grow organically in décor and styling. This home, built with integrity and in sympathy with the surrounding environment, in a small, friendly seaside village, seems like paradise. \ smacpherson@theweeklyreview.com.au get the look » P28
“The flexibility of the design ensures that we have one house that can be used in many ways”
Above: A serious chef’s kitchen was always a part of the orignal brief for the design of the family home. Left: A canary-yellow Mini Moke makes for a great getaway surf vehicle. Right: Details show the couple’s collection of artworks, oddities and books from their travels.
AUGUST 28, 2013 \ The weekly review 27
style + the city
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What’s in store The Melbourne showroom displays full-size sample ranges of all its Australian-made and imported products. Its indoor-use blinds collection includes timber venetians and heavy duty fabric versions for home theatres, as well as remote-controlled blinds, plus timber and aluminium plantation shutters that provide great screening. selection of energy-efficient, attractive blinds and shutters, knowing the difference window furnishings can make to the ventilation, light, security and appearance of a home or office. Home owners are also loyal customers – much of Timbershades’ business comes from word of mouth. \
» Timbershades, 29/148 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin. 9558 1655. Weekdays 8am-4pm, weekends by appointment.
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Metro Melbourne Showroom 29/148 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin info@timbershadesmelb.com.au I www.timbershades.com.au 34 The weekly review \ AUGUST 28, 2013
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