VOLUME 32 NO 04(N)
kitchen bathroom home VOLUME 33 NO 6(U)
KITCHEN BATHROOM HOME Renovating a tired and dated kitchen will not only add to your enjoyment of cooking – it can also totally transform the way you use all of your living spaces, indoors and out. But where do you start and what's actually possible? To help you create the kitchen – or bathroom or home – you've always wanted, we’ve collected some of the latest design and product ideas in this issue of Trends. But you're not limited to what you'll find on the following pages – you also have access to much, much more when you head to the Trends website at Trendsideas.com There you'll find a wealth of design ideas and solutions in our 160,000 images, nearly 19,000 articles and 870 videos. And when you’re ready to start your home design project, we can put you in touch instantly with professionals and companies who can help to make all your final selections easier. Join us today on Trendsideas.com where you'll discover a whole new world of design inspiration!
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Use of black for this Poggenpohl kitchen adds a light industrial that's in tune with the building's heritage setting. For more ideas for black kitchens, head to Trendsideas.com
Patterned grey floor tiles link this bathroom with the other bathrooms in the home, which all have patterned floor tiles. We've got more great tiled bathrooms at Trendsideas.com
The post and beam construction of an existing mid-century modern home was the starting point for this large contemporary addition. Find more post and beam homes at Trendsideas.com
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CONTENTS Highlights from this issue of
kitchens
Light from above A contemporary basement-level kitchen basks in natural light thanks to a feature ceiling from glass pavement lights
Previous pages and these pages: Basements are often dark, neglected and out of touch with the rest of the home. However, the opposite is the result in this case where the entire six-level home has been gutted and reinvented by Andy Martin Architecture. On the basement level, home to the kitchen, living and dining spaces, the quest for light and connectivity with the floor above led the architects to the dramatic design move of introducing a ceiling in pavement lights. The glass ceiling throws light patterns across the interior and optimises light play on the kitchen surfaces.
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This basement-level kitchen forms part of a dramatic whole-house transformation by Andy Martin Architecture. Martin says the comprehensive renovation was driven by the owner’s brief to create a sense of lightness and openness through the home. “First, we stripped out all the existing elements of the five-storey home – leaving a six-level internal volume,” he says. “From here, we re-imagined the spaces to create a new interior that maximises transparency, connection, texture and light and shadow. “To resolve the problem of a dark and
unwelcoming basement level so common in terrace houses, we embedded glass pavement lights into the ground floor – the ceiling of the basement. This allowed light and glimpses of activity to connect the first two levels of the home.” To achieve a relaxed but crisp interior, a restrained palette of industrial materials – raw concrete and steel – is combined with refined glass, wood and plasterwork. “The owner wanted a clean and simple kitchen that would sit within the greater space much like furniture,” says Martin.
Above: The length of the basement is accentuated by an end-to-end run of concealed strip lighting. Adding to the overall sense of space, floor-toceiling glass doors at one end of the basement look directly out to the garden. The verdant plantings add a touch of colour to the subdued tones of the semi-industrial concrete and steel, and the refined plaster wall finishes.
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“To this end, we finished the cabinetry in brushed and limed oak veneer. This works well with both the concrete and plaster wall surfaces, and the timber floor. “Negative detail drawer pulls recede to the eye, adding to the impression of the cabinetry as furniture elements. And the hood is fully integrated into the cabinetry. The owner is a restauranteur who often entertains at home, so the kitchen needed ample workspace and storage. Everything is to hand within the compact kitchen, with a back-up fridge and freezer located
in the nearby laundry room. Plus, the kitchen is only a short step away from the wood and metal dining table. The glass ceiling combined with a run of concealed LED strip lighting along the kitchen side of the basement room ensure there is ample light play on work surfaces. “The strip lighting also accentuates the size of the greater room,” says the architect. “To optimise this effect, we introduced a shadow gap between the upper cabinetry and soffit to allow the lighting to run the full length of the room.”
Architect, interior designer, kitchen designer: Andy Martin, Andy Martin Architecture Kitchen manufacturer: Simar Arredamenti Window/door hardware: Doors from Olivari, windows from SDS London Cabinetry doors: Brushed and limed oak veneer Benchtops, splashback, sink: Corian Taps: CEA Italy Oven, cooktop: Mareno Ventilation: Laser Services Refrigeration: Liebherr Dishwasher: NEFF Flooring: Trade Flooring Company Tile flooring: Conproj – D range from Bernard J Arnull
Wall tiles: Nimrod porcelain tile from Strata Lighting: The Louvre Light from Established & Son, Flos lights from Lucent Lighting, Light Graphix, Delta Light, AC/DC Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Nick Rochowski
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Above: Floating on air – beside the kitchen and living area, a hand-made steel staircase leads up to the ground and first floor of the five level-plus basement inner-city residence. On a project that is about materiality and texture as much as light and space, tiny wall lights reflect on the steel treads. The kitchen and living spaces on this level are on a programmable light system, with the controller positioned at the foot of the stairs.
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Old turned new Part of a barn-style addition constructed with recycled building materials, this kitchen extends the home’s green ethos
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The greenest house is the one already built, runs the eco-friendly adage, but should that also include brand new buildings constructed from pre-used materials? This double-height living, kitchen and rumpus space addition in the form of a traditional barn is an excellent case in point. Designed by architect Rebecca Caldwell of Maytree Studios, the extension’s structure and skin is built from recycled materials. “The rugged portal frame with expressed steel connections and the second hand bricks also resulted in a semi-industrial aesthetic on the interior,” says Caldwell. “And we looked
to extend this semi-industrial feel to the kitchen where the brick wall becomes the splashback and the tall wall cabinets are in matt black.” The furniture-look island also extends the recycled aspect of the design, being built by the homeowner from salvaged Tasmanian oak. This is used as a breakfast bar and casual dining area. “In terms of functionality, the kitchen doubles as a through space, hence the understated, furniture-like appeal of the island. We created wide avenues between various areas of the kitchen so someone could be cooking and another passing easily through the space at the same time.”
The kitchen is designed in zones and, despite the wide spaces, achieves a close work triangle. “The tall cabinets near the island concertina open to reveal a large pantry, with provision for small appliances, while the cooking station is to the right. Both areas are a few steps from the island and the low L-shaped run of cabinetry on the other side of the space, used for prepping and clean-up as well as additional storage.” The crowning touch on the design, literally, is the mezzanine floor, which is centred directly over the workspace and helps give definition to the kitchen area.
Above left: Cool-toned concrete floors and matt black cabinetry are balanced by the warmth of recycled brick and wood in this kitchen design by Maytree Studios. On a project that emphasises recycled materials, the island – crafted by one of the homeowners – is built from repurposed Tasmanian oak. Above: The recycled brick fabric of the expansive home extension becomes the kitchen splashback, furthering the semi-industrial look.
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Architect, interior designer, kitchen designer: Rebecca Caldwell AIA, Maytree Studios Kitchen manufacturer: Cabinet Craft Sunshine Coast Window/door hardware: Accoya windows and doors with Centor fittings Cabinet doors: Laminex Polar White and Black; salvaged Tasmanian Oak cupboard doors, created by owner Benchtops: Staron benchtops in Pebble Ebony and Pebble Frost; salvaged Tasmanian oak island bench manufactured by owner Flooring: Honed concrete with Colorado mix from Hanson Wallcoverings and splashback: Recycled bricks Lighting: Salvaged and repurposed by owner Kitchen sink: Blanco Undermount sink Taps: Dorf Oven, dishwasher: Bosch Cooktop: Electrolux Refrigeration: Fisher & Paykel Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Toby Scott
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Left: High and mighty – the large two-level extension takes the form of a traditional barn, with recycled steel portal frames and brickwork the principal construction materials. The architect centred the mezzanine floor directly over the new kitchen to help define it. Wide passages between the various cabinetry elements mean the kitchen also works seamlessly and unobtrusively as a through space.
Wide open spaces Jet black glass cabinetry is a leading feature in this reinvented kitchen which responds to the new-found openness of the reworked wider interior
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Great design ideas don’t exist in a vacuum – any effective concept will likely be in part a response to the surrounding environment. On this kitchen project by designer Damian Hannah, the homeowners were renovating their home and wanted something very dramatic in their now open-plan space. “It needed a design that would maximise their space and provide a welcoming, open kitchen that worked well with their extensive art collection,” says Hannah. “They love to entertain and wanted a kitchen that flowed to the adjacent outside barbecue
area, complete with a large outdoor fire.” He worked with the idea of a large island that allowed a flow through from the living and dining area across to the sunroom – at the same time creating a gathering place near the stacker doors opening to the barbecue area. “Starting with the island’s long design, I then created a large galley-style kitchen that would provide the functionality required for the growing family of five,” says Hannah. “In addition, a tall bank of cabinetry in the sunroom gave extra storage and pantry space. “This allowed me to incorporate the large
Above and following pages: Upon reflection – glossy jet black glass cabinetry provides a picture-perfect reflection of the scenery beyond the stacker doors in this contemporary Alno kitchen design by German Kitchens. The gleaming kitchen is something of an artwork in itself, while the jet black cabinetry, splashback and countertop surfaces don’t compete with the owners’ colourful art collection.
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Designer: Damian Hannah, German Kitchens Cabinetry: Alno German Kitchen in Alnoart Proglass and aluminium Cabinetry hardware: Blumotion by Blum Benchtops and splashback: Glass by Colorit Flooring: Original wood flooring, sanded and polished Lighting: Kartell by Backhouse Taps: KWC from Kitchen Things Sink, oven, cooktop, dishwasher: Smeg from Kitchen Things Refrigeration: Fisher & Paykel Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Winner Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Paul McCredie
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Top: Designer Damian Hannah chose a bevel-edged Smeg sink to match the bevel-edged rear cooktop. The KWC tap includes a spray which is hidden in the nozzle when not in use. Above: The black glass kitchen surfaces complement the transparent Philippe Starck Ghost chairs and acrylic pendants, and provide a contrast with the refinished existing wood floors.
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stainless steel fridge, double wall ovens and double dishwashers within the main kitchen and also allowed for more usable bench space.” The owners liked the idea of taking the units as high as they could go. But, due to the home’s generous 3m ceiling heights, Hannah designed the tall units and wall units at different heights for an interesting design effect. “Setting these at varying heights lessens the impact of having the cabinetry running nearly up to the ceiling. The space above the main kitchen’s perimeter units allows for displaying art objects, while the space above the bank of
storage cabinets in the sunroom is highlighted by a strip of recessed LEDs.” Working with the owners on the interior colours, the designer specified a stand-out high gloss, black glass kitchen with matching splashback. The highly reflective glass reflects the stunning views beyond the opposite windows and bounces natural light through the interior. “The black glass is protected on its edges by aluminium strips,” says Hannah. “These extend at the bottom or top of a cupboard or drawer as an understated handle, adding to the sleek, minimalist effect.”
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Family and friends This comprehensive kitchen renovation offers plenty of room for the family to share cooking duties while improved connections to the living spaces and the outdoors make it equally well set up for entertaining friends
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The kitchen is the hub of the home as the adage runs – change this pivotal space and the feel of the whole interior can lift. When designer Kira Gray came to this project, the existing kitchen was dated, dark and had a cold appearance. “It lacked storage and bench space and, being separate from the living spaces, there had been nowhere to sit or entertain,” she says. “In its place, the owners wanted a bright, warm space, with a blend of modern and traditional elements to link with the home’s traditional aesthetic.
“They also wanted the new design to integrate with its wider surroundings.” Working from architect’s plans, walls were removed, spaces rearranged, and the home even extended to achieve a large kitchen with separate scullery. The kitchen opens to gardens and deck in one direction and to dining and family rooms in another – ideal for gatherings of family and guests. In terms of functionality, the hob and concealed hood are set centrally at the rear of the space, with bench space and glassfront display cabinets to either side.
Above: Dark becomes white, and cool becomes warm, in this comprehensive makeover of kitchen and surroundings by designer Kira Gray of Fyfe Kitchens. The project involved knocking down walls and extending the rear of the home following architect plans, in pursuit of more usable space and an overall serene, relaxed aesthetic. Two skylights were added to maximise natural light on work surfaces and to lighten the space generally.
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Above: Free of sinks or other inserts, the island benchtop provides a clear surface for prepping or serving. However, the main prep area is over by the window so parents can keep an eye on younger family members while preparing dinner or cleaning up. The new lighter-toned floor replaces a dark wood floor in the existing kitchen, while the metal pendants add to the artisanal flavour seen in the handmade, undulating tilework.
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“The owners had wanted an artisanal feel for the kitchen, too, and the addition of hand-made, undulating grey tiles for the splashback helped achieved this,” says Gray. “A slender pantry to one side provides additional handy storage.” At the other end of the kitchen is the prep sink, positioned so the chef can clean up and take in the garden at the same time. For the traditional accent, the designer chose classic cabinetry frames and a panel door style with internal bevel, all in white. Bright chrome cup pulls and knobs bring
pops of interest and these visually link with the metal pendants over the island. The island’s wood cabinetry with its solid corner posts adds to the traditional accent. Free from a sink or other inserts, the island benchtop has a more modern appeal, while a drinks fridge is set underneath. Sleek glass and steel appliances offer a contrasting contemporary touch. “The kitchen’s predominantly neutral tones bring serenity while the greenery of the indoor plants links with the natural world outside,” says Gray.
Designer: Kira Gray, Fyfe Kitchens Cabinetry: Perimeter cabinetry – 2 pot urethane satin lacquer, custom bevel panel doors, colonial cornice; Island – urethane-stained American white oak bevelpanelled doors, solid oak posts with bevel edge and skirting detail Cabinetry hardware: Grass Nova Pro full-extension drawers; Tiomos Impresso soft-close hinges; Blum Aventos lift fittings; Windsor chrome pulls, Hettich Cirpi Chrome Knob Benchtops and upstand under window: Silestone Lagoon Splashback: Tiles from Tile Space Flooring: Impressive Classic Oak Natural laminate
floor from Just Hardwood Floors. Kitchen sink: Sodium by Ikon Commercial Taps: Hansgrohe Oven, cooktop, dishwasher: Miele Ventilation: Smeg Classic power pac Refrigeration: Fisher & Paykel Wine fridge: Vintec Water dispenser: InSinkErator Awards: Trends International Design Awards Kitchens – Highly Commended Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Kallan Macleod
Above: A modest scullery to one side of the kitchen provides plenty of open shelving, storage and benchspace for baking. Woven counter stools complement the wood island and new floor.
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Space and light This substantial kitchen makeover has helped change the character of the home’s wider interior What are the stand-out heroes of the design? It’s a question that architects and interior designers ask themselves on every project. On this kitchen design, part of a comprehensive whole-house makeover by architect Melonie Bayl-Smith, the heroes were the abstracts of space and light. “Prior to this renovation, the interiors had a compartmentalised feel, says BaylSmith. “The original heavy, wooden kitchen had been situated at the end of a dead-end U-shaped space.” “This had meant there wasn’t room
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for more than one person to be using it at a time.” Together with wanting an open-plan, light-filled new kitchen, the owners needed sufficient usable space to accommodate more than one family member. They also wanted it to be discreet within the wider area and Bayl-Smith took several approaches to achieve this. “We decided to hide the kitchen in plain sight. But first we took out walls and opened up the spaces while being mindful to create an overall sense of scale that
would be in keeping with the new look. To this end, we removed the old ceiling and replaced it with a raked version to follow the roofline – opening up rooms while retaining low ceilings can create a flat look. A two-sided clerestory window was also added over the kitchen area.“ Having a large bulkhead containing the air conditioning, services, rangehood and lighting allowed the cabinetry and cooking area to integrate with the building. Using components in the Aleve kitchen
Architect: Melonie Bayl-Smith, Bijl Architecture Interior designer: Vanessa Tang-Lee, Bijl Architecture Cabinetry: Aleve glass doors in Bianco Opaco and Grigio Piombo, satin finish; pantry glass doors in Azurro Opaco, satin finish; internal carcass and shelving in Champagne melamine Cabinetry hardware: Grass soft-close mechanisms and aluminium profile handles Benchtops: Caesarstone Flooring: Preference Cannes European Oak, from King Cork Lighting: Nimbus, Brightgreen LED downlights by Koda; MondoLuce LED strip by Eurolife Splashback: Lea Ceramiche City Tiles by Bisanna Kitchen sink: Smeg, from Winning Appliances Taps: Blanco Linussa, from Winning Appliances Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Winner Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Katherine Lu
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model by Stosa Cucina, the architect’s integrating strategy also included placing pantry cupboards in a nearby stairwell, thereby keeping food storage close by but out of sight. The light-toned benchtops and glassfronted doors and drawer fronts reflect light across the space, while the darker cabinetry anchors the island bench in the larger dining and living area. Large-format tiles on the splashback respond to the proportions of the now open-plan volume.
Before
Facing page and following pages: Tall order – this new kitchen, part of a whole-house makeover by Bijl Architecture, benefits from a dramatic change to the surroundings. Walls and a flat low ceiling were removed, and a higher raked ceiling introduced in its place. The large bulkhead conceals lighting, services and a rangehood. Above: Large-format splashback tiles were chosen to be in keeping with the scale of the newly opened up family spaces. Left: The existing heavy wood kitchen was a dark, claustrophobic affair, with limited workspace.
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With respect Light industrial touches link this apartment kitchen to its wider heritage environment
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Often with a kitchen design, the cues for the aesthetic are drawn from the wider setting. This apartment kitchen is in a new mixed-use building in a sensitive heritage area. The facade’s tiled elements reference existing historic shopfronts in the vicinity and the kitchen continues this feel. Project architect Andrew Smith worked closely with kitchen designer Lara Farmilo at Poggenpohl to achieve the exact look required. “I chose a glazed subway tile in black for the splashback to echo the exterior tilework,” says Smith. “And, building on this, we wanted the whole kitchen to have a light-industrial touch.”
To achieve this, Farmilo says they chose the Poggenpohl cabinetry in a Black Satin lacquer finish with aluminium negative details. “The metal detailing and the Cameo White Corian countertops offset the dark cabinetry,” says Farmilo. “Satin lacquer also has a slight reflective surface which helps bounce light around the living spaces.” On show from all areas, stairs included, the kitchen needed to have a 3D sculptural quality. “To accentuate the height of the interiors, we wanted the cabinetry to reach to the ceiling. This could have been tricky given the high stud
but Poggenpohl was able to accommodate this aspect into the design. The rangehood with its marble-look tile front also reaches to the ceiling.” However, Smith says they avoided overhead cabinets to enhance the overall sense of space. The waterfall island offers ample storage and prepping and breakfasting surfaces, while its cantilevered benchtop appears to point out to the deck and the scenery beyond. “Two windows on the back wall also had a strong influence on the layout,” Farmilo says. “One of these enabled us to add a light-filled study area in a rear corner of the space.”
Above: A picture of white, black and metal trim, this kitchen by Paul Brown Architects and Poggenpohl Akzente offers a light-industrial touch – the black splashback tiles connect with the exterior shopfronts of the mixed-use retail and apartment building. Cleanlined, with strong sculptural forms, the contemporary kitchen includes plenty of benchspace.
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Architect: Andrew Smith, Paul Brown Architects Kitchen designer: Lara Farmilo, Poggenpohl Akzente Cabinetry: Black satin lacquer finish with negative detail by Poggenpohl Benchtops: Cameo White Corian Cabinetry handles: Negative detail handles by Poggenpohl Kitchen sink: Totara Marketing Cooktop, oven, integrated refrigeration, dishwasher: Miele Water dispenser: InSinkErator Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Patrick Reynolds
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Left: The kitchen is on show from most areas of the apartment and includes ceiling-height cabinets that draw attention to the apartment’s high stud, while offering a wealth of storage. The kitchen’s black lacquered cabinet fronts continue the industrial tone of the wider apartment interior, which features concrete, wood, metal and glass throughout. Designer glass pendants complement the industrial surfaces.
bathrooms
Sense of space Large-format porcelain tiles and a combined bath and shower zone help give this ensuite the light, open and clean-lined look the owners wanted
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Space might be the ultimate luxury, but how do you create a luxurious bathroom when space is limited? Especially if the owners want enough room for two people to use it at the same time, a freestanding bath and plenty of storage? Architect Linda Simons of LSA Architects says two aspects of the design for this ensuite help give it a spacious feel despite its long, narrow shape. The ensuite is part of a full renovation of a period home in which the original ensuite was tiny and nondescript.
Combining this with space from a small walk-in robe and popping out the side of the building gave a new area of 3.8m x 2.5m, still quite compact, says Simons. “We achieved the uncluttered look primarily through the choice of tile,” she says. “The large format 3m x 1m porcelain tiles gave us really large areas without fussy grout lines.” And because the marble-look tiles are only 6mm thick and relatively lightweight, they could be used on the vanity top and also fold down onto the cabinet fronts.
“The resulting single colour scheme gives a visual openness to the room. That also comes from breaking down divisions in the bath and shower area.” A single glass panel creates a wet area combining these two zones. Simons says that the overhead shower and position of the handspray reduce water splashing in the space, while the floor is correctly graded to drain water away quickly. “We then made a feature of the black fittings. They’re quite minimalist, but they anchor the different elements in the room.”
Previous pages: Large format, marble-look porcelain tiles contribute to the cohesive design of this master ensuite – part of a complete renovation of a period home by LSA Architects. These pages: The long narrow space had to accommodate two people at the same time, as well as contain plenty of storage to achieve an uncluttered look. Combining the shower and bath zones to form a wet area helps give the room an open, spacious feel, while the long line of the vanity extends the length of the room to include a section containing plumbing and the bath faucets.
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Above: The large format tiles used on the walls were also used on the vanity top and front, adding to the ensuite’s sense of luxury. As well as the extensive wall of under counter drawers, additional storage for smaller items was concealed behind the mirrors. The introduction of matte black tapware and a low-slung black pendant light contrasts with the marble veining in the tiles.
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Architect: LSA Architects: Linda Simons, Bree Thomas Vanity top: Nvy White Nature 3000mm x 1000mm tile from Earp Bros Basin: Moda Cube CUUB15M stone basin with white waste, from ASC Bathrooms Taps, shower head and shower mixer: Astra Walker Icon A69.11.AC in black Bath: Zonda Moda freestanding stone bath with white waste, from ASC Bathrooms Toilet: WC Cube Wall faced Invisi toilet by Caroma Flooring: Seville Grey 6019 600mm x 600mm floor tiles from Earp Bros Wall tiles: Nvy White Nature 3000mm x 1000mm tile from Earp Bros
Towel rails: Astra Walker Icon A69.11.AC in black Lighting: Black Bamboo M10 pendant light from Spence and Lyda Ventilation: IXL Ventair with square cover Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathroom – Winner Story by Paul Taylor Photography by Raphael Ruz
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Well connected This master ensuite connects to its villa surroundings with panelled joinery while adding a semi-industrial accent with tone and fittings
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Designer: Katie Scott, Caro Design Vanity cabinetry: Primo Benchtop: Diamondstone, Pure White Basin: Apaiser from Plumbline Taps: Buddy from Plumbline Showerstall: Crest Shower fittings: Ponsi Toilet: Catalano Tiles: Quantum and Jacobsen Lighting: Mr Ralph Underfloor heating: Warmup Drapes: Simon James Accessories: Plumbline Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathroom suite – Winner Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Helen Bankers
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How do you introduce a light industrial feel to the master suite in a classic villa yet stay true to the home’s style? Designer Katie Scott took this tricky brief of design opposites and ran with it – blending the styles while keeping a visible contrast. “The owner likes moody spaces so for the master bedroom I designed traditional panels for all the walls, painted a deep grey,” she says. “The custom bedhead and bedend are in a soft, smokey velvet – softening the dark grey walls.” Scott included floor-to-ceiling sliding panel doors to conceal the ensuite entry and adjacent wardrobe when closed. A television on the same
wall can also be hidden with the slide of a panel. “For the ensuite, existing windows had to be removed so I added a skylight to emphasise the room’s height. This went hand in hand with the high black feature wall in the shower as it adds a beautiful light, drawing the eye upward.” The designer made a point that there be no chrome in this design and all fixtures and hardware are in aged or antique brass. “Heated towel rails and the flush panel were electroplated to match the tapware. The rich-look metal contrasts with the semi-industrial concrete and black tiles, to add charm and warmth.”
Previous page: In this master suite makeover, the bedroom’s custom panelling in a moody grey conceals entry to the wardrobe and ensuite – all part of Caro Design designer Katie Scott’s response to a classic-meetssemi-industrial homeowner brief. These pages: Black tiles, concrete tiles, and brass fittings all contribute to a light industrial palette. An LEDlit shower niche and under-vanity lighting add a sense of warmth.
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Open plan or privacy? Motorised ceiling blinds provide a flexible connection between this master bathroom and bedroom Above: Part of a complete home remodel by designer Mick De Giulio, this master suite has a very open connection between the bedroom and bathroom. But there is provision for privacy – motorised blinds concealed in the ceiling can drop down to screen off the bath/shower area and the outdoors, if desired. Right: The clean lines of the tub and shower enclosure add a contemporary sculptural quality to the master suite design.
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While most of us see the benefits of having kitchen, dining and living as one open-plan space, we can be more reticent about taking an open approach to our bedroom and bathroom design. It’s not so much a perceived problem with condensation – good quality extractors can overcome that – but more an issue of privacy. There are times when we want to relax and soak in the bath without feeling like we’re on display. In this master suite, designer Mick De Giulio shows that it’s possible to have an
Top: Designer Mick De Giulio says having such an open-plan design gives a softer, living space effect to the bathroom, making it less hard edged. Plan: 1 bedroom, 2 bath area, 3 shower, 4 vanity, 5 toilet, 6 closet, 7 secondary kitchen, 8 stairs to office, 9 television Right: Four different formats of brushed Iceberg Quartzite tiles were used for walls and floors in the bathroom area, including large slabs for the wall behind the bath tub. The frosted glass window in the shower provides permanent privacy here.
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open connection between bedroom and bathroom, yet still have the flexibility for privacy when it’s wanted. The master suite is part of De Giulio’s extensive remodel of a lake house that was only eight years old. Despite its fairly recent build, the house had only a small master bathroom, so De Giulio extended this to make the room longer and wider. An early decision was to position the bed so as to get the best views of the lake, leaving the interior space behind the bed for the new master bathroom.
Above: To create the distinctive look on the cabinetry fronts of the his-and-her vanities, aluminium paste was rubbed into the grain of Sucupira wood, and a high gloss finish applied. Pocket doors between the two vanity areas and the bathroom area can be opened or closed to provide various degrees of privacy. Facing page: The master suite includes extensive closet space with custom-designed storage on all walls. With no windows, it’s the most private space in the master suite, but does include a skylight to bring in some natural light.
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“Then the idea was to have an open concept for the bedroom and bathroom,” says De Giulio. “But installing concealed motorised blinds in the ceiling meant the bathroom could be sectioned off, too.” This sense of openness includes an almost full height window to the side of the bath. And another blind can drop down here to block the view of the bath from the outside, if wanted. The shower is largely screened from the bedroom by the partition wall behind the bath. On the shower side, this houses
two sets of shower fittings, while the window inside the shower enclosure is frosted for permanent privacy. “The owner is well travelled, with very sophisticated taste. He didn’t want a typical lake house style, but asked for something more modern and clean lined.” De Giulio’s selection of bath tub reflects this, as does his use of quartzite on walls and floors in the bathroom area. “Brushed Iceberg Quartzite was used in four different formats – 760mm x 760mm tiles in the bath area, 100mm x 100mm on
the shower floor, 405mm x 405mm for the shower walls, and in slab form for the wall behind the bath,” he says. The large format floor tiles extend from the side of the bath and shower to the area housing the other bathroom components – the vanity and toilet. There’s an interesting arrangement here, too, with his-and-her toilet enclosures as well as his-and-her vanities. Sliding pocket doors also allow this area to be opened up or closed off to provide various privacy configurations.
Home and bathroom design: Mick De Giulio, de Giulio kitchen design Architectural consultant: Michael Abraham Architecture Interior design: Joan Herbert, JH Design Builder: Tomlinson Schultz Windows: Unilux Wall and floor tiles: Brushed Iceberg Quartzite Cabinetry: de Giulio Collection Vanity cabinets: High gloss Silver Sucupria with polished stainless steel hardware Vanity countertop: Brushed Iceberg Quartzite Faucets: Kallista One Collection in nickel silver Bath tub: Agape Spoon in matte white
Shower enclosure: Fargo Glass and Paint Toilet: Toto Aquia Vanity lighting: Robern Story by Paul Taylor Photography by Dave Burk
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Black, white, and chic A dramatic interplay of texture and tone play a leading role in this pared-back master bathroom Above: Despite the floor decoration on entry, this bathroom exudes a masculine quality with an emphasis on strong forms – highlighted by discreet lighting – and a bold, simple two-tone colour palette. Designer Davinia Sutton, of Detail by Davinia Sutton, created the bathroom, including designing the wall-hung, custom double vanity. Facing page: The tub is on show on entering the bathroom, with the vanity basins echoing its fluid lines.
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Contrary to the saying, sometimes it’s the big things, not the little things, in design that count. For this bathroom, by designer Davinia Sutton, it is the larger, more dynamic strokes that set off the otherwise minimalist master ensuite. The bathroom’s two-tone look is a continuation of the pared-back black and white palette in other areas of the home, says Sutton. “As well as this, the owner wanted the bathroom to have good spatial layout, strong clean lines, textured finishes, a walk-in shower zone, a freestanding bath and privacy for the toilet.” Sutton’s design presents a bold statement on
entry, with a large freestanding bath under the window the first thing on view. “We lengthened the windows in this area to make the most of natural light and to optimise views out to the garden from the tub.” Set opposite the bath is a double vanity with mirror-fronted wall cabinets above. “The vanity is wall-hung to add to the overall sense of space and also to make it easier to keep things clean. Round-cornered basins contrast the wider emphasis on straight lines and work with the flowing lines of the bathtub.” Together, the vanity drawers and mirrored
Above: Smooth, white Italian porcelain tiles with minimal grouting contrast the layered, textural effect of horizontally laid Mini-strip Bhutan tiles seen on several walls of the bathroom, including in the spacious shower zone. Seen at the end of the alcove, the upper wall niche is for soaps and shampoo, while the lower niche is a foot ledge for leg shaving.
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cabinets provide ample storage for the ensuite bathroom. Sutton underlit the mirrors to highlight the form of the design and this strip lighting is recessed so when the operable left and right mirror doors are opened the light isn’t directly on show. And the dark-stained vanity with white engineered stone countertop is underlit, too. The latter lighting works on motion sensors and acts as a nightlight for the bathroom. Round the vanity wall is the private double shower zone, complete with a rainhead shower and two wall- and hand-spray showers. This tucked-away zone also includes a soap ledge
and a lower foot rest for leg shaving. The other component of the master ensuite, the toilet, is unobtrusively positioned to the left just inside the entry, providing a degree of privacy. “Together with the space-efficient layout, the material palette is a hero of the design, with the mix of finishes providing sharpness and personality,” says Sutton. “Porcelanosa Samoa Anthracita tiles with the look of a veined dark stone were chosen for the floor while the stonelook wall at the entry and back of the bathroom is in a highly textural Mini-strip Bhutan, in a deep charcoal similar to the floor tones.”
Bathroom designer: Davinia Sutton, Detail by Davinia Sutton Vanity cabinetry: Oak Noir Melamine Benchtop: Silestone Blanco Zeus Extreme engineered stone by Trethewey Artisan Stone Bath: Kaldewei Ellipso Duo Oval Basin: Drop-in Basin, undermounted, by Durastyle, from Oakleys Plumbing Taps: Progetto Minimo floor-mounted bath filler and handshower, Grohe Allure basin mixer, from Oakleys Plumbing Shower tapware: Grohe Power & Soul slide shower, with 160mm handshower, from Oakleys Plumbing; Hansgrohe Raindance Air Overhead Shower head Accessories: Inda Touch toilet roll holder Flooring: Porcelanosa Samoa Anthracita tiles from NextDoor Walls: Marmi China tiles from NextDoor Mosaic tiles: Mini strip Bhutan from NextDoor Lighting: Accent Lighting Ventilation: Bex Plaque ceiling diffuser by Smooth Air Products Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Stephen Goodenough
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To play up these strong hues and textures, the designer chose smooth white Marmi China tiles for the balance of light-toned surfaces. “This particular tile is extremely crisp and clean-lined, which meant we could use a minimal amount of grouting and, as a result, create a more monolithic look for these walls – the perfect contrast to the expanses of dark grey on other walls and on the floor.” In a bathroom that celebrates strong, simple design strokes, the sleek vanity tapware, low wall lights and chrome heated towel rails offer sparkling highlights.
Left: The bathroom’s layout provides a clever use of space, with the shower zone achieving privacy but also visual connection to the outdoors. As part of the project, the bathroom windows were lengthened – both to optimise natural light and to provide views out to the garden from within the freestanding bath.
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All in the family Two bathrooms, two agendas, quite separate locations – however, sympathetic colourways and floor coverings bring design unity between these spaces
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Previous pages: This children’s bathroom is one of two in a villa renovated by designer Natalie Du Bois. The masculine white and grey palette is offset by curved elements, such as the custom vanity and the clawfoot, freestanding bathtub. With plenty of reflective surfaces, including mosaic tiles, the room has a subtle, sparkly quality.
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Not the same, but certainly in keeping – the master ensuite and children’s bathroom seen on these pages share some key features. Both by designer Natalie Du Bois, the two sympathetic spaces evoke a wider harmony across the home. The first bathroom was designed for the owners’ two young daughters. They wanted an elegant room, one that would work well with the look of their classic villa home. “Curvaceous elements like the hand-painted, turned vanity legs and the clawfoot tub helped achieve a romantic feel for this bathroom,” says Du Bois. “We chose a grey metallic paint for the
cabinetry, together with shimmery silver and white mosaic tiles, while the crystal cabinet knobs add sparkle. “The vanity offers sufficient storage for now, but we also future-proofed the design with the tall cabinet, which has ample storage to handle the needs of teenage girls in years to come.” The choice of classic, high-quality elements such as the Victoria and Albert tub and Perrin and Rowe chrome tapware set up the glamorous aesthetic that will suit the girls, both now and right through their teen years. “Patterned grey floor tiles link this bathroom
Designer: Natalie Du Bois, Du Bois Design Children’s bathroom vanity: Custom designed and hand-painted Vanity hardware: Blum Benchtop: Retro Nouveau wash basin from Robertson Bathware Taps, shower fittings, accessories: Perrin & Rowe from In Residence Bath: Clawfoot Victoria and Albert Cheshire bath from Robertson Bathware Toilet: Catalano Zero 55 Floor tiles: Southern Cross by Tile Warehouse Wall tiles: Mix of Peronda and Cotswold from Tile Warehouse Awards: Trends International Design Awards Bathroom – Highly Commended Ensuite vanity: Starck Lavabo Console in European Beech by Duravit from Metrix Basin: Starck Lavabo Taps: Axor Starck Classic by Hansgrohe Shower fittings: Axor Starck Raindance by Hansgrohe Toilet: Starck 1 Toilet suite with softclose seat by Duravit Accessories: Axor and Gessi Flooring: Southern Cross by Tile Warehouse Wallcoverings: Cotswold by Tile Warehouse Ventilation: Icon Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Kallan Macleod
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with the other bathrooms in the home, which all have patterned floor tiles.” In addition, both the children’s bathroom and the master ensuite feature a similar grey and white colourway, furthering the connection. For the ensuite, the owners had wanted a relaxed space with a large shower that looked out to the garden. The design had to incorporate their existing vanity, which they loved – and, to an extent, the room is organised around this. But the vanity provided insufficient storage, so Du Bois introduced a full-height cabinet and recessed it into the wall, borrowing additional
space from the adjacent girls’ bathroom. “This bathroom has a more masculine feel, along with a light feminine twist for balance. The curvaceous vanity mirrors and tilework are feminine, whereas the Philippe Starck tapware, toilet and vanity are quite masculine,” she says. Classic subway tiles were used for the side walls, while the end shower wall is in a teardrop mosaic. The single, unobtrusive shower screen was designed to give a feeling of spaciousness. The wall leading from the ensuite into the master bedroom is painted, helping to soften the transition between the two spaces.
These pages: In the master ensuite, the sculptural Philippe Starck vanity, tapware and toilet offer a masculine feel while the ornate floor tiles and mirrors add a more feminine accent. The floor tiles had to be maintenancefree, so a ceramic tile resembling classic tilework was chosen. As a result, no sealing was required. A minimalist shower screen keeps the ensuite feeling open and spacious.
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Seaside sanctuary Shaped by the site’s outlooks and the weather, this large yet protected home has several architectural flourishes
Previous pages: Internal landscape – protected from the wind at the back and affording views to the sea from its glass-walled interior spaces, this home has effectively created its own sheltered microclimate. Generous upstairs living spaces extend out to a large terrace, while downstairs there is a small bar at poolside. The wing at the far end of the pool is home to the upstairs master suite, on the highest point of the sloping site. Above: The home’s many apertures and glass corners give it design interest from any angle.
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Perched on an exposed coastal site, this large home has a wrap-around design that creates its own cosy internal environment. House designer Mick Rule of Romano Homes says that when the owners bought the property they were looking to renovate the existing house. “However, when we walked through it together we realised a renovation would never fully realise the site’s view potential.” That certainly couldn’t be said of the expansive home that went up in its place. “We designed the house in a U-shape,
wrapping around and sheltering the pool and terrace from sea breezes. The pool is on the north side of the home, which opens up its interiors to the sun and sea views through stretches of floor-to-ceiling glass, while the south side is more enclosed with fewer windows, as that’s where the prevailing bad weather comes from.” The latter facade is clad in travertine tiles and zinc – the design language here is simple rectilinear shapes. Restrictions of another kind helped shaped the distinctive roof that slopes two
ways with a gutter placed in the middle. “The highest point of the roof conforms to local building restrictions and we ran the 3º sloping form down from there. We also ran the ceilings up to follow the roof line creating beautiful full-height interiors. The home’s various internal spaces are also configured to optimise the sea views.” Living spaces are positioned upstairs in the middle section of the house. The master suite is upstairs in the east wing, which occupies the highest point on the heavily sloping site.
The other side of the U is shaped by a covered terrace, which includes a narrow element that extends out from the terrace over the pool, much like a diving board. This provides a lighthearted point of interest – or folly – and frames the views seen from within the pool. “When looking out from the pool, this extended element cuts across the horizon line – creating the pleasing illusion that the sky and the sea merge,” says Rule. Downstairs in the home, there’s a pool kitchen, a terrace area and a pool-side bar.
Top: Balancing the far master suite wing, the terrace at the near side of the coastal home extends out as a folly in the shape of a diving board-like extension directly over the pool. Above: The street-facing side of the home closes down against prevailing winds with minimal windows – presenting a face of travertine, concrete, and porcelain tiles. The formal entry is also on this side of the residence.
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Previous pages, top left and right: You know you’re near the sea when you’re looking out a porthole. Using 3D modelling, the house designer created circular windows at appropriate points in the floors, ceilings and walls to optimise sightlines and create interesting patterns of light. Previous pages, lower left: The pool kitchen started life as a bar but more and more was added until it took on a new role as a full second kitchen.
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Three of the five bedrooms are also on this lower level. “This specific arrangement of spaces futureproofs the home in two ways for the owners. Firstly, when they are older, they can occupy the upper floor only and have guests or family downstairs, or rent out this level which has a kitchen and bathroom as well as the bedrooms. And secondly, if the owners ever do decide to sell, the option of a home with a potential second income would be a major drawcard.” Futureproofing was considered in yet
another way, too, says the house designer. “While the home is set over three main levels – the garage, gym and wine cellar are in the basement – there are really six levels. That’s because each floor is split into two to avoid substantial rises or drops for wheelchair users. All six of the home’s half levels are accessed by elevator.” The design of the complex home and its response to external weather variables were made possible by the use of the AutoCAD’s 3-D modelling software. And this software programme was also responsible
for another feature of the surprising home. “In the pool kitchen and terrace area we had considered replacing a solid wall with one of glass – but it was decided this would create too open a feel,” says Rule. “So we took another tack, opting instead to introduce feature circular windows or portholes that show views to the pool and other areas. “These are set in surprising areas – there’s one in the floor as you enter the home, for instance. In addition, by using the AutoCAD facility to see how the sun
plays on the home as the days and seasons turn, we were able to ideally position the portholes for attractive light-play through the interior.” Despite the home’s relative complexity and fun idiosyncrasies, it still manages to achieve a fairly minimalist feel. Much of the exterior as well as the floors are finished in a strong large-format porcelain tile with the look of stone. The broad use of this material, contrasted with touches like western red cedar soffits, give the home its timeless material character.
Facing page: The main kitchen is a short step away from the upstairs outdoor terrace. The sense of indoors flowing to outdoors is enhanced by the uniform use of large-format porcelain floor tiles. Top: Soaking in the views – the master bathroom’s freestanding tub offers dramatic views of the other end of the home and the sea. Above: Open to the master ensuite, the master bedroom features the same dramatic views and a large headboard-cum-organising wall element.
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Architectural designer, interior designer and kitchen designer: Mick Rule, Romano Homes Kitchen designer: Romano Homes and International Cabinets Kitchen manufacturer: International Cabinets Landscape design and implementation: Blake Willis Pool design and installation: Select Pools Roof: Colorbond Cladding: Zinc, travertine, concrete, stone Window/door joinery: Aluminium Floors: Porcelain stoneware tiles – Graniti Fiandre, Italy Wallcoverings: Porcelain stoneware tiles from Graniti Fiandre and timber veneer Paint: Dulux Cabinets: Lacquer Benchtops: Caesarstone Bravvo Splashback: Glass from Direct Glass Sink: AFA Exact Taps: Gessi from Galvin Design Gallery Oven, hob, ventilation, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher: Miele Blinds: Automated roller blinds from Perth Eagle Blinds Vanity cabinetry: Laminex Timber Veneer Bath: Apaiser Oman Basin: Apaiser, Hatria Taps: Gessi from Galvin Design Gallery Bathroom floor: Artedomus Porcelain, carpet Bathroom wallcoverings: Artedomus Porcelain, Laminex Timber Veneer Lighting: Hillstone LED Ventilation: Reverse-cycle air-conditioning by Daikin from Admiral Air Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Andrew Pritchard
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Left: Generous western red cedar soffits in the downstairs poolside terrace area bring colour, visual warmth and a touch of nature to the coastal home. The individualistic portholes can be seen in the background here – including one in the floor. The downstairs kitchen and living space opens up to the pool-side terrace with its small bar and a dining area.
Marriage of two styles The post and beam construction of an existing Mid-century Modern home was the starting point for the design of a substantial extension to this property
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Faced with designing an addition to a home that has an established style, an architect usually has two options – replicate the existing building’s features for the design of the extension, or create a strongly contemporary addition that stands out from the original. However, in the home featured here, Christopher Mercier of architects (fer) studio took the middle ground of these two approaches – merging Mid-century Modern with more contemporary architecture in the design of a guest house addition.
Mercier says the project started out as a series of site improvements to a 280m2 single storey, Mid-century Modern home dating back to 1959. Initially, he was asked to add a carport plus a swimming pool, deck and cabana in the rear yard to take advantage of valley views below. “We had just started construction and had dug the hole for the pool, when the owner – photographer and Smashbox Cosmetics founder Davis Factor – purchased the lot next door,” says Mercier. “This changed the whole shape of the
Above left: What started out as a modest renovation of a Mid-century Modern home turned into something much more substantial when the owner bought the neighbouring lot as well. This allowed the addition of a whole new wing, seen on the left of the driveway, while the existing house is in the background, behind the Ipe faced wall. Above: The new wing has a board-formed concrete structure, while a metal mesh helps screen a new master suite on the driveway side of the house. The inset in the paving is a representation of the two joined sites that now make up the property.
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Above: A new entrance hall was created at the junction of the existing home and the extension that forms the guest house, seen in the background. Walls in the addition are boardformed concrete, with floors in black stained concrete. The front door and driveway are on the left, while the door on the right leads out to the expansive new deck, pool and outdoor entertaining area.
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property and the project expanded greatly in size and scope.” With the property now doubled in size to just over 6000m2, there was an opportunity to create a nature trail leading to a small pavilion further up the hill. But it also allowed for much more substantial changes to be made to the existing building – expanding it horizontally with the addition of completely new 250m2 guest wing. “The design of the whole house was driven by the post and beam construction
of the original Mid-century Modern home,” says Mercier. The addition is post and beam too, but this time in exposed steel instead of wood. Plus the ceiling height was raised in this new section of the house. “We played off the linearity of the existing home, so the new structure also follows the view line. The whole back of the house becomes glass, with views out.” And the design of the pool and deck that the project had started with was also extended along the entire back, tying the
two sections of the house together. As well as the pool, this enormous entertaining space now includes outdoor lounges, a fire pit and barbecue area. “Indoor-outdoor flow was a huge part of the project. The views are amazing, the lot’s amazing, so wherever we could we wanted to link the house to the exterior.” As a result, the whole back of the house is glass, with large sliding glass panels opening to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection. Inside, a single board-formed concrete
wall bisects the new guest house, dividing its public and private spaces. Positioning the entertaining and living spaces on the view side meant the extension’s more private spaces – including a new master suite – were on the driveway side, potentially compromising privacy. To overcome this issue, the facade along the driveway has been covered in white metal mesh, screening the interiors from view, while still allowing light in. Entrance to the home is now at the junction point of the two structures, with
Above: The living area in the original home retains it Mid-century Modern wooden post and beam structure, stone tile floor and a tongue and a groove ceiling, which has been painted white. An opening was cut into the wall next to the fire to connect the existing home to the new structure. A pocket door here allows the old and new structures to be used either as one large house, or two separate ones if guests are staying.
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Above: The new kitchen has a simple, clean-lined look, in keeping with the Mid-century Modern aesthetic. Facing page top: What was once the home’s dining room has now been reconfigured as a large home office next to the living room. Facing page lower: The original master bedroom has been retained and has access to the new landscape and views over the valley.
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the guest house to the left and the existing home to the right. Continuing straight through the entrance hall leads to the view side, with a line of concrete pavers on this axis crossing the pool and linking to the newly established nature trail. “There are pocket doors at the entrance to the existing structure,” says Mercier. “This means the house can be used as one large home, or the pocket doors can be pulled closed to separate the two structures, for example if there are guests
staying. Essentially it can become two houses when needed.” The interior finishes of the Mid-century Modern section have been largely left intact – with a stone tile floor, and the tongue and groove ceiling painted white. For Mercier, the success of his design comes from tying the two forms of the home together so it presents as one. “It’s how they integrate, yet they don’t integrate,” he says. “They meld, but not blatantly. People don’t often pick it up until you explain it to them.”
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Previous pages: The substantial bar in the new wing is a hub for entertaining. The bar counter continues to the outdoor area, which includes the barbecue and a fire pit. In front of the bar and pool table, walls of glass open the space to the deck and extensive views. Plan: 1 gym, 2 closet, 3 bathroom, 4 bedroom, 5 kitchen, 6 living room, 7 home office, 8 entranceway, 9 entertainment/bar, 10 outdoor lounge.
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Architect: Christopher L Mercier, (fer) studio Interior designer: Sarah Buxton Design Builder: Kibo Group Structural engineer: CW Howe Partners Landscape architect: Victoria Pakshong, Place Siding: Poured in place, board formed and plywood formed concrete walls; metal Siding – Amico Expanded Metal Mesh – Apex 04 Doors and windows: Fleetwood Flooring: Black stained concrete, Hakwood Wood Entry hall bench: Meditation 2 by Bae Se Hwa Family room sofa: Flexform by Poliform Family room sliding doors: Stripe by Giuseppe Bavuso from Rimadesio
Office chairs: B&B Italia, Jules Selzer Office table: Carlo Scarpa Kitchen cabinets: Ernestomeda from Brownlow+Chen Kitchen chairs: Crinoline from B&B Italia Kitchen table: Poliform Doleman Due square tables with Carrara marble top Kitchen pendant: Skygarden S2 by Flos Pool table lighting: Tiered Monastery by Hudson Audio visual: Rockin’ Audio Video Outdoor furniture: Sutherland poolside collection, Merida lounge chairs by RH Modern Story by Paul Taylor Photography by Joshua White
These pages: The bridge across the pool is along a direct axis with the front entrance and the dividing line between the existing and new structures. On this side of the house, the two post and beam formats can be seen – the original wooden structure and the new steel structure. The bronze sculpture is by Charles Fine.
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Natural selection Nosing into the bushline, this home is designed along strong, uncomplicated lines – keeping visual interest high and budgetary costs down Above: Fresh angle – this home by house designer Cameron Grindlay of Dwelling Architectural Design has a strong, simple roofline, a reflection of the design philosophy behind the architectural yet affordable design. Facing page: The back of the home culminates in a double-height living space and expansive deck. It’s this deck side of the home that maximises the cedar cladding and the stepped finishes that give the understated home visual interest.
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The complex balancing act between meeting a budget and your quality of home and lifestyle starts right from the outset. When architectural designer Cameron Grindlay drew up the plans for this home he engaged a quantity surveyor to ensure the design was affordable, and so viable. “The budget influenced the evolution of this house in several ways,” says Grindlay. “The bush-covered site is a generous 3000m2 but the ground slopes away steeply, with only about 400m2 of buildable land in the area where the owners wanted the home.” With feasibility assured, Grindlay designed
the home’s garage area to sit on a concrete slab on the buildable area, but set much of the rest of the home on poles. This was not just an affordable construction method, it also allowed for sheltered storage space under the house. “Designing an architectural house on a close budget requires strategic choices along the way. Part of the principal here was to spend more on prominent features and slightly less where things were of a lower emphasis,” says Grindlay. “The warm-look cedar cladding was not cheap, but it sets up the character of the whole home, not to mention being in keeping with the
Previous pages: Vertical cedar strips lead the eye right up the the doubleheight space. The varied window fenestrations add to the theatricality of the space,framing different individual outlooks. These pages: Affordable in white laminate and plywood, the kitchen echoes the feel of the bush beyond the windows. The house designer says you have to work harder to make a simple design look elegant compared to busier styles.
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setting. Balancing this natural surface, we used affordable black metal roofing material on the street-facing facade and in a different treatment on the double-garage door.” The house is set well back from the street and while the garage end is the first glimpse you have of the home, when you’re actually there and out on the generous deck it’s the cedar-clad, articulated side of the home that’s on show. Another leading aspect of this house is the window design and the glazing itself. “The windows were an important part of the design, look and function of the home. With
such large expanses of glass, we had to be savvy about heat control. As a result, the window systems feature above-spec thermally broken frames, and Low-E double glazing.” Grindlay says the close attention to design detail further animates the facade. Elements like having windows stepped in from the cedar or a full-height run of vertical cladding separating glazing panels all adds interest. The driving concept of spending most of the budget where it will have the biggest impact is continued inside. The airy double-height living, dining and kitchen space is the hub of the home
Architectural designer, interior designer, and kitchen designer: Cameron Grindlay, Dwelling Architectural Design Builder: C & J Building Kitchen manufacturer: Lifestyle Kitchens Cladding: Cedar weatherboards and Dimond LT7 Roof: Dimond LT7 Window joinery: Thermally broken, aluminium, from Design Windows Wallcoverings: Gib board, plywood, vertical-dressed cedar Heating: Metro Xtreme Rad with wetback to control system and radiators Kitchen cabinets: Laminate and plywood Benchtop: Tristone solid surface acrylic, from McGrath Benchtop Solutions Splashback: Window Sink: Franke, from Oakleys Plumbing Supplies Taps: Dorf, from Oakleys Plumbing Supplies Oven, induction cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher: Fisher & Paykel Awards: Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Kelk Photography
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Above: Upon reflection – with super-efficient glazing and heating solutions this economically built home is kind on the owner’s energy bills and also on the environment. The sustainable house itself is fully immersed in nature, occupying the high point on a sprawling bush-clad property complete with pond.
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and so is naturally where the most time is spent. “It required additional reinforcing to achieve this grand double-volume space, including the use of steel portals. This is all hidden away in the walls except for one point where it surfaces outside, under the roof line. In that instance, we clad the structural beam in cedar, so it disappears completely – keeping the cladding simple in cedar and black metal.” And the cedar cladding is celebrated on the inside too, with boards rising right up to the ceiling in the double-height living space. The kitchen is a feature within the living
space and is finished in warm plywood and white laminate to connect with the surroundings. “White and wood are predominant colours in this space – with so much colour beyond the windows it was better to leave the interiors understated, to bring the outdoors in.” The architectural designer’s heating solution for the home was another economical measure. “We considered a heat pump but in the end decided upon an over-size woodburner for the living area with a wetback next to it,” Grindlay says. “The system is linked to radiators in the modest bedrooms.”
PRACTICE SAFE DESIGN. USE A CONCEPT. Petrula Vrontikis — Designer
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