FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU
PETER MADDISON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS PLUS TV HOUSE EXCLUSIVE SUFFOLK PARK
WELCOME IN WELLNESS Healthy home, happy home
70+ pages of jaw-dropping design
CORK TALK chairs, pendants… bathtubs?
4 DIFFERENT LOOKS Compare and contrast
Issue 8.6
LEARN THE DESIGN RULES
AUS $9.95* NZ $12.99 (Incl. GST)
and how to break them!
ALL THE RIGHT ANGLES Bright white cantilevered heaven
WHERE LUXURY meets DISCOVERY With lands of pristine beauty and breathtaking wildlife, travelling to Antarctica is a long held dream for many. Plan your adventure to the final frontiers of this southern continent, go further and dream bigger. From our passionate Discovery Team members, to the two on-board helicopters and submarine and a wealth of world-class features, Scenic Eclipse is the new benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising.
We invite you on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™.
FARES UT OW
Dive deep below
Soar above and beyond
Intimate and luxurious, with every feature you could wish for, Scenic Eclipse has been designed with the guest in mind. Delighting both the keen explorer and elegant traveller, the World’s First Discovery YachtsTM will surpass all of your expectations. Anthony Laver, Group General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
ANTARCTICA IN DEPTH
Scenic Whisky Bar
ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & FALKLAND ISLANDS UP TO
$4,000
Buenos Argentina Aires
Ushuaia
Beagle Channel
1
Argentina
Drake Passage
11
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
South Georgia
Ushuaia Elephant Island
South Shetland Islands
18
Drake Passage
South Orkney Islands Port Lockroy
PER COUPLE AIR CREDIT*
Buenos Aires
1
South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Peninsula Weddell Sea
Lemaire Channel
Antarctic Circle
Antarctic Peninsula
Departing 9 Nov 2020 Buenos Aires > Buenos Aires (101S)
Departing 20 Nov 2020 and 8 Dec 2020 Buenos Aires > Buenos Aires (201S)
Includes Earlybird Savings from $4,510* per couple
Includes Earlybird Savings from $6,950* per couple
113 days from $18,025*pp including charter flights Buenos Aires - Ushuaia return
20 days from $29,565*pp including charter flights Buenos Aires - Ushuaia return
Truly All-Inclusive Luxury Only 200 guests Spacious all-verandah suites Butler service 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio Up to 10 dining experiences, from casual to fine dining All meals and premium branded beverages† Specialist Polar Discovery Team Immersive Scenic Discovery excursions# Indulgent 550m2 Senses Spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio‡ Internal flights, airport transfers and tipping
Order a copy of our new brochure collection now CALL 1300 947 488 | Visit sceniceclipse.com or visit your nearest Scenic agent *Conditions apply. Offers are valid for new bookings only on selected departures. Offers are valid until the 28/02/2020 or until sold out. These terms and conditions are additional to the terms and conditions contained in Scenic Eclipse Worldwide Discovery Voyages 2020/2022 brochure and on scenic.com.au/terms. All bookings are subject to Scenic’ s full terms and conditions. Prices are in Australian Dollars. Advertised prices includes Early Payment Discount and guests must book and pay in full by 28/02/2020 for the discount to apply. Antarctica in Depth price based on Category DD. Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands price based on 20 November 2020 departure category DA as at 02/12/2019. Conditions for Air Credit: Flights must be booked with Scenic. Air Credit offer is valid for new bookings only, maximum of 1 air credit per person per booking. Single occupancy suites receive half the per stateroom air credit amount specified. Air credit offer can be combined with Earlybird Fare as marked on selected itineraries, Scenic Club Members, Welcome Home, Vouchers and with Members Introduce a Friend vouchers. Offers cannot be combined with Future Travel Credit, expo offers, Scenic Club Member offers published in Magazine and other mailings. Offers are non-transferable and cannot be altered or exchanged for cash, or other goods or services. Any unused portion of the offer will be forfeited. Voucher can only be used once. Once a booking is made including the voucher code, the voucher expires and cannot be reinstated or re-issued. All drinks are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. ‡Additional cost for Spa treatments. #Helicopter and submarine excursions are available at additional cost. Must be booked and paid on board. Excursions are strictly limited and subject to availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather & ice conditions. For full conditions visit scenic.com.au/terms. Scenic ABN 85 002 715 602
Frame Living System, Glenaire Swivel Chairs, Otway Coffee Table & Johanna Ottoman by Kett
Otway Table & Armchairs by Kett
Tosca Clubchair, Daybed & Nomad Ottomans by Tribu
Luxurious furniture from leading designer brands. www.coshliving.com.au
Kay High Back Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Gloster
Senja Sofa & Hexagon Coffee Tables by Tribu Exclusive to
Collingwood Cheltenham Sydney Brisbane Perth
03 03 02 07 08
9281 9532 9317 3254 9415
1999 0464 3011 0000 2522
Make a big
IMPACT
Dowell
ALFRESCO DOORS NOW BIGGER THEN EVER
One of our fastest growing trends in residential markets is outdoor living. With homeowners adding outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, state of the art BBQ’s, contemporary furniture and even large screen TV’s to the rear outdoor area of their homes this is the new “hang out”. Separated by Dowell Alfresco doors, the living room flows invitingly through to the outdoor. Dowell Alfresco Corner Stacking, Sliding and Bi-Fold doors not only create the perfect alfresco environment, but also provide the award winning security, quality and protection that you have come to expect from one of Australia’s leading windows and doors suppliers - Dowell. For more information contact a Dowell representative or visit any of our Dowell showrooms throughout Australia today.
1300 882 188
www.dowell.com.au
US
N
IM ER R
DE
ED
NG
IEWS
PHONE: 1300 00 DUCE
-
WEB: WWW.DUCE.COM.AU
-
EMAIL: SALES@DUCE.COM.AU
-
SIX GREAT SELECTION CENTRE LOCATIONS
E
E
L
D
ITY
Sharing your passion for exemplary design since 1934
F U RN I T U R E
•
LI G HTI N G
•
FIREPLACES
•
H A R DW A R E
•
BA TH R OOMS
•
OUT DOOR S
•
H O ME W AR E S
Think Creativ e . H o m e t o e xt r aor din ar y fur nit u r e a n d ar c h it ec tu r al fi t ting s.
The more stars the more water efficient
WATER RATING
www.waterrating.gov.au
a
5.5
litres per minute
In accordance with AS/NZS 6400
Licence No. 0418 CHAOPING
e c f b
d
g
h
a. Sherbrooke Mirror Cabinet with 2 Doors in White RRP $1,595 b. Fremont Double Small Vanity in White with White Italian Carrara Marble Top RRP $3,299 (Also Available in Large RRP $3,699) c. Meir Basin Set in Matte Black RRP $349 (WELS: 5 Star, 5.5L/m in accordance with AS/NZS 6400 - Registration: T17230) d. Rivet Cast Iron Bath in Matte Black RRP $3,695 e. Wavy 27x7cm Glazed Wall Tile in Gloss White RRP $1.20 ea f. Amsterdam Large Pull Handle in Antique Copper & Black Timber RRP $39.25 g. Domed Medium Cupboard Knob in Matte Black Powder Coated RRP $4.80 ea h. Laurel 30x26cm Porcelain Sheet Tile in Matte White RRP $8.50 ea
Superstores in Clifton Hill, Moorabbin & Geelong. *Prices are accurate at time of printing and are subject to change.
F U RN I T U RE
•
LI G HTI N G
•
FIREPLACES
•
H A R DW A R E
•
B AT HR OOM S
•
OU TDOOR S
•
H O ME WA R E S
Think S ch o t s . Unique pieces that withstand the test of time. Since 1978
i
j
k
i. Castello 300cm Concrete Dining Table with Rust Steel Legs in Dark Grey RRP $3,995 (Also Available in other sizes with Acacia or Matte Black Steel Legs) j. Paxton Pompadour 300cm Reclaimed Elm Dining Table in Natural Finish RRP $3,995 (Also Available in Reclaimed Teak Slated Tabletops Suitable for Outdoors - 240cm & 300cm) k. Chevron Hand Embroidered Cushion in Turquoise RRP $22.05 ea (Also Available in Other Fabrics & Designs)
R e s t o r i n g v a l u e t o A u s t r a l i a n h o m e s f o r o v e r 4 0 y e a r s. Discover more & shop online at schots.com.au
SCHOTS
Your grand ŞųŅģåÏƋ ŸĘŅƚĬÚ be about you. RMC - Recovery Massage Centre Gold Coast - Queensland
A place you can be completely at peace.
iHealth’s Steam-Free Infrared Saunas can be custom designed and built to suit anything from a luxury studio to a wellness retreat ... or even an existing steam room conversion. Talk to us about tailored design options including sound systems, light therapy and beautiful Canadian Hemlock timber lining. Now with our latest full spectrum heating technology.
A place that makes you physically and mentally well again.
We deliver and install anywhere in Australia. INDOOR | OUTDOOR | CUSTOM Melbourne Showroom Mon-Sat 10am - 4pm 29/145 Rooks Rd Vermont, VIC www.ihealthsaunas.com.au
A place with an iHealth Infrared sauna.
Call 1300 721 418 now for a free quotation or FREE Discovery Pack
CRE DI T S
EDITORIAL Editor Angela Young ayoung@umco.com.au Editor-at-Large Peter Maddison Deputy Editor Cassie Haywood Contributors Carrol Baker, Pete Colquhoun, Chris Knierim, Louise Smithers, Donnay Torr Art Director Kate Podger Plans Anthony Allars Sub-Editor Michelle Segal TV House Photographer Rhiannon Slatter Cover image Fernando Guerra
PETER MADDISON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS PLUS TV HOUSE EXCLUSIVE DEE WHY HOUSE
TOP FLOORED Never underestimate what’s underfoot
10 staircases with the swoon factor
45 interior ideas for your own project GO WITH THE FLOW Seamless transitions from inside to out
WINNING KITCHENS Pick of the crop
Issue 8 5
OOZING GLASS No throwing stones in this sunlight-filled dream house
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS NSW Advertising Team Leader Anthea Hamilton P: (02) 9887 0311 M: 0414 319 271 E: ahamilton@umco.com.au Vic, SA & Tas Advertising Manager Natalie Grosso M: 0420 477 422 E: ngrosso@umco.com.au Vic Kitchens, Bathrooms & Heating Specialist John Oliver P: (03) 9694 6430 M: 0417 316 820 Qld Business Development Consultant Lynn Hill P: (07) 3351 8725 M: 0488 424 232 E: lhill@umco.com.au Advertising Production Thomas Pena Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz
Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Finance & Administration Manager James Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger Marketing & Acquisitions Manager Chelsea Peters This magazine is printed on paper produced in a mill that meets Environmental Management System ISO14001. Grand Designs Australia issue 8.6 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Level 1, 150 Albert Street, South Melbourne Vic 3205. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, timesprinters.com. Retail distribution: Gordon and Gotch, Australia. Distributed in Singapore and Malaysia by CARKIT (FE), Singapore, Phone: 65 62821 960. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation, and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. * Recommended retail price ISSN 2200 – 2197 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXX ACN 003 026 944 umco.com.au Please pass on or recycle this magazine.
Grand Designs® is a trademark of, and is licensed by, FremantleMedia Australia. All rights reserved. Grand Designs® is produced by FremantleMedia Australia Pty Ltd for Foxtel Management Pty Ltd. ©2019 FremantleMedia Australia Pty Ltd. Licensed by FremantleMedia Australia. All rights reserved.
18
GRAND DESIGNS
Picture this on your floor! Introducing Scribbles, crafted in Melbourne using two different yarns. The first is a chunky heathered wool, with a random thinner highlight yarn ducking and weaving its way in and around each loop. The result is undisputed luxury perfect for all domestic installations. Walk through our entire collection at prestigecarpets.com.au. (03) 9794 9044. Prestige Carpets‌ bringing your home to life.
32
40 REGULARS 18 Credits 22 Editor’s Letter 25 Editor-at-Large 27 Design forum 186 Ask the architect CREATIVE EDIT 29 Book club 30 Architecture snapshot 32 Favourite 5 34 What’s hot 44 Travel inspo IN PROFILE 40 Elliot Gorham 42 Matthew Johnson SPECIAL FEATURE 49 4 homes, 4 great looks
Inside
49 94
34 20
GRAND DESIGNS
CON TENT S
70 84
46
HOUSES 60 TV House Suffolk Park Quality over quantity makes the simple life 72 Overseas project Valencia’s stunning Hofmann House 84 Tweed Terrace House Curves for days 96 Wild Coast A real wild child 108 Quakers House A fierce presence 118 Gundowring House Off grid and on trend 132 Upper Cairns House The great brick revival
106 INTERIORS 148 Grey matter
60
KITCHENS 156 Lavender Bay FEATURES 160 Wellness in design 168 The rules EXPERT ADVICE 182 Architecture 184 Building
94 GRAND DESIGNS
21
ED ITO R’S LET T ER
From the Editor Mentionables Chip[s] Board’s Parblex Plastics. chipsboard.com Sutton House. Photography by Pedro Geleris. arquitectura.com.au Cork stool. corkimports.com.au
f there’s one thing thatt Grand Designs provides in spades — both the TV sshow and this magazine — it’s that wonderful opport unity to have a good old snoop around other people’s houses. Who doesn’t love to see how everyone else designs, sty yles and lives in their homes? Of course, even better than lookin ng at a screen or a page is to get out there and have a physical snoop s around, which is exactly what I did during the Desiign Canberra Festival. And I cannot recommend it enoug gh. Walking through the Pedro Geleris-designed Sutton House, in Griffith, I was ab ble to really feel the significance of the huge, c centrally located fireplace around which ev very single living space revolved. And that was after I’d experienced the sheer roominess of the doubleheight entrance hall that really ne eeded to be walked through to be appreciated. Open homes h are great, so make sure you make the most of any a near you. In the meantime, in this issue y you can virtually walk through the rooms of no less than n 14 different homes, stealing design ideas for yourself all the w way. Something I’m incredibly excitted about is our exclusive announcement on page 32… I don n’t want to give too much away, but cork blimey this range is a goo od ’un! You can also check out a host of innovative and earth h-friendly “second yield” biomaterials on page 38, too. If you’ve always wondered how w the designers and stylists hit the target every time, we’ve got so ome inside intel’ on the rules they follow over on page 168, and we’re delving into the issue of wellness and how to make sure yo our home is looking after you on page 160. All that plus invaluable advice from the experts at the back end, and you’ll be a pro before you u know it! Be inspired.
Angela
ANGELA YOUNG EDITOR
22
GRAND DESIGNS
A flat lay of some of our sought after finishes
BESPOKE FINISHES BY FAUCET STROMMEN We like to tell people about our beautiful organic brass finishes available on our complete range of tapware and accessories. We also have Switzrok Matte Black and Matte White and the stunning neutral Brushed Nickel. These finishes are all produced by hand in our Kerang factory and have a short lead time. We would love you to call us to discuss your project and can also post you some free swatches of your favourite finishes.
Celebrating 20 years 1999-2019
Ph: (03) 5450 4236 www.faucetstrommen.com.au
Hand built in Australia
SLT-973 3 ‘Hal H o’ pen
nt r
od
Introducing the Sirius Halo pendant rangehood. A state-of-the-art light ring and a powerful motor combine to create an elegant extraction solution.
valentina collection
www.siriusbrand.com
E D I TOR -AT -L AR G E
From Peter Maddison RACV Tiny Home by Maddison Architects. Photography Beechworth Photographers
ne hundred thousand. Used to be a big number. But it seems it’s a starting point for everything today. If you want to visualise the number, think MCG Grand Final day, packed to the rafters. It’s also the number who attended the Climate Action march, in Melbourne alone. There’s a serious call to arms by mostly young people to take notice of what’s being wrecked in our environment. This groundswell will continue to rise until the government thinks beyond piecemeal solutions. That’s not to say tackling the use of plastic and a sustainable waste management solution is not needed. In fact, I have an agenda of my own to pick up 100 pieces of rubbish each and every day. But why is there rubbish on the ground, and in the rivers and sea in the first place? Perhaps the answer is in longer terms of office
for politicians who would be more committed to policies that take years to implement. Short political cycles are the undoing of vision. One hundred thousand is also the multiple upon which housing costs are measured. It seems that to buy a reasonable house, in my home town of Melbourne, you need about 10 of these. The encouraging thing is that if you think small, like Episode 5 last season, the Lewisham Pod in Tasmania, Alice Hansen only spent two of these. Mind you, not everyone is happy to live in a 50sqm space. Of course, the future promises that we’ll all live in smaller, perhaps 100sqm houses. The Tiny House movement is here and could well become the norm because of population growth and the cost of building. The average Australian house is currently sitting at about 265sqm. I can see it being halved very quickly. Here at Maddison Architects we’ve just designed a Tiny Home as an exemplar for the RACV. At 20sqm it has everything you need for living and is completely off grid. If our design were to go into mass production, I could see it being retailed for about 100 grand. This mobile home is dropped off the back of a truck and can be connected to services, but if not, collects its own rainwater, solar power and stores drinking water, sewage and grey water. A deck and sunscreen fold open on the north side. The whole house is clad in charred timber and is 60 per cent more energy-efficient than a new six-starrated house built today. Way to go! One hundred thousand-plus is the population growth of the city of Melbourne every single year. Now that’s a lot of people! The apartment boom is the phenomenon of this decade. The CBD has changed in a questionable way because of it. The outer suburbs are growing faster than the roads can keep up while the middle-ring suburbs remain mostly untouched. I can see the Tiny House model slipping into the sacrosanct quarter-acre block as part of the solution. As we get stuck into this year, all the homes I’ve been following on Grand Designs Australia have come together nicely, and we’ve been flat out wrapping up new groundbreaking episodes on projects — often over their budget by $100,000! When next I write, I’ll be back fresh from Palm Springs in LA as part of Modernist Week, with 100,000 stories to share (no exaggeration).
PETER MADDISON EDITOR-AT-LARGE
GRAND DESIGNS
25
Welcome To A
FABULOUS
FLOORING
EXPERIENCE
Flooring is one of the biggest investments you will make for your new home or renovation. It needs to not only look great, but suit your unique home and family. No two homes are the same! Finding the balance between aesthetics, quality, budget and suitability can seem overwhelming. That’s why Flooring Xtra want to help you through the whole journey, from beginning to end. Three simple steps; We inspire, we measure, we install.
Over 85 Stores
flooringxtra.com.au
1300 FLOORX (for your nearest store)
A
FABULOUS
FLOORING
EXPERIENCE
02
Click bait Explore the wonders of our architectural world online E D I T E D BY C A S S I E H AY WO O D
04
03
DE SI G N FO R U M
01
01/ The Lilypad, Palm Beach One of Sydney’s most exclusive villas is now open to the public for overnight stays and intimate events. The Lilypad is a luxurious floating villa at Palm Beach built for relaxation and taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Running completely off solar power, the villa is self-contained and offers access to a floating daybed, self-drive inflatable boat, paddleboards and a complimentary on-board wine cellar. Grab your swimmers and prepare for some serious R&R. lilypadpalmbeach.com.au 02/ Big Plans Waiting for the day where virtual reality means you can literally walk through the plans for your home? Well, do we have news for you. Based in a huge open warehouse in Melbourne, Big Plans projects your floor plans onto the ground and offers VR and AR technology to experience your life-size plan room by room. Determine if you really do need an extra metre in your living room, or simply get the feel of a space you’ll one day call your own. bigplansmelbourne.com.au 03/ Eat Drink Design Awards If you’ve been curious about the places a designloving foodie should visit, here’s the inside scoop. The Eat Drink Design Awards are an annual competition supporting innovation and excellence in the design of hospitality venues. Entries come from far and wide across Australia and New Zealand, from high-end restaurants to trendy hole-inthe-wall cafes. Matt Moran hosted the 2019 awards ceremony at the Melbourne Metropolis in November, where the winners were crowned. Pictured is the finalist Woolwich Pier Hotel by Alexander & Co, which got the recipe just right in its design. Photography by Tom Ferguson. eat-drink-design.com 04/ ZTISTA Furniture Translated as “made of dough”, ZTISTA is a new furniture line by Victoriya Yakusha for FAINA. Taking organic design to the next level, ZTISTA furniture is made from recycled metal, cellulose (recycled paper), wood chips and clay. Handmade using ancient rolling techniques, Victoriya rethinks modern perfection in the pieces’ imperfection. Uneven surfaces and irregular holes speak of its handcrafted origins where each item holds the “fingerprints” of the maker. The whole range was released at the 2019 Danish Design Week. faina.design
W: completehome.com.au N: completehome.com.au/e-news-signup F: facebook.com/granddesignsau I: instagram.com/granddesignsau P: pinterest.com.au/granddesignsau
GRAND DESIGNS
27
Creative
Edit Take a look at what’s happening in the world of architecture and interior design 29 Book club 30 Architecture snapshot 32 Favourite 5 34 Return of rattan 38 Second yield materials 40 In proďŹ le 44 Travel inspo
28
GRAND DESIGNS
R E VI EWS
WHITE HOUSES PHILIP JODIDIO THAMES & HUDSON | $75 White walls, white space and now white houses. A white home stands out in a crowd, a stark contrast to rolling green hills or brick suburbia. Timeless in style, they showcase a modernist idealism and mesmerising interplay of light and shadows. White Houses presents some of the world’s most striking and unique white homes designed by emerging architects as well as longstanding architectural practices. There are some new buildings, some old, each employing the simplicity of white to bounce light around and accent materiality. Prepare to see white houses in a new way.
Book club Broaden your horizons… E D I T E D BY C A S S I E H AY WO O D
ON INTERIOR DESIGN PENNY DRUE BAIRD IMAGES PUBLISHING HOUSE | $69.99 Design is multifaceted, pushing the boundary between form and function through layers of colour and texture. Creative, comfortable rooms with a personal touch are the elements of a successful design, and Penny Drue Baird is here to help. An incisive exploration into the essentials of contemporary interiors, On Interior Design goes into detail on such questions as vintage or Victorian? Ochre or orange? Penny considers all the details of a space, including the architectural features, furniture, fabric, flooring and lighting, presented through a lens of expertise, history and opinion. With 30 years’ experience and international commissions, she imparts the lessons she’s gleaned from her expansive career.
MARFA MODERN: ARTISTIC INTERIORS OF THE WEST TEXAS HIGH DESERT HELEN THOMPSON | PENGUIN BOOKS | $85 Once an insignificant town and now a tourist destination, Marfa in Texas skyrocketed to notoriety in 1986 thanks to artist Donald Judd. Leading the charge of a minimalist movement that drew on Marfa’s austere and unique landscape, Donald revolutionised the small town into a cultural hub. The ever-growing arts and gallery scene has attracted collectors from around the world and brought a new wave of architecture and design to the area. Marfa Modern is an exploration of 24 homes embracing Marfa’s rugged sense of place and vibrant artistic community.
NEW NORDIC HOUSES
AUDACIOUS ARCHITECTURE
DOMINIC BRADBURY THAMES & HUDSON | $70 Nordic architecture is designed to handle the two extremes of weather, from cold, dark days to endless blue skies. One of the most-loved styles around the world, Nordic design has influenced everything from homes to furniture and drink bottles. The new generation of Nordic architects reflects a fresh appetite for spatial exploration and transitioning lifestyles. Divided into four sections — rural cabins, coastal retreats, townhouses and country homes — this book examines 40 of Scandinavia’s finest and most innovative houses. Dream big and be inspired.
BARRY STONE NEW HOLLAND PUBLISHERS | $49.99 This audacious new tome is all about innovation meeting design in various unique ways. From dancing towers and twisting skyscrapers to snow-capped treehouselike homes that blend into the landscape, Audacious Architecture celebrates the bold paths architects have chosen for their structures. Dive into the process of creating these structures from the inside out and explore the unusual features that’ve made these buildings renowned around the world. Get your passports ready — you’ll want to see some of these in person.
GRAND DESIGNS
29
01
ARCHITECTURE
01
HIDDEN STUDIO
Nestled among the trees on a 20-acre property in Byron Bay, the Hidden Studio was imagined as a refuge with privacy and immersive views. The renowned “Sydney School” architect Ian McKay had designed the two existing structures on the land, which were the starting point (and complement) of this third building. Repeated portal frames and continuity of materials ensure a smooth linear flow through the home. The facade of the view-facing side is mostly glass, while aged metal ingratiates the rustic home with its environment. Photography by Andy Macpherson. harleygraham.com
snapshot Standout architecture that goes above and beyond E D I T E D BY C A S S I E H AY WO O D
02
NORTH AVOCA HOUSE
02
What better place to weekend away than North Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast? Embracing the bungalow style of the area, but with its own twist, this home follows the natural curve of the land to create a three-level getaway for the extended family. Featuring a mini sport “oval” on the flat ground level and ocean views on the top, the design makes the most of the best elements of a beach location. Living areas enjoy the breeze on the top floor, before transitioning into bedrooms on the middle floor, and then stepping down into a separable flat on the lower level. Photography by Brett Boardman. neesonmurcutt.com
03
94 RIVER STREET
An ode to monumentalism, the 94 River Street development is designed by Buckerfield Architects with the crafted interiors of Hecker Guthrie. Once built, the unique residential design
30
GRAND DESIGNS
C R EATI VE EDIT
03 will vertically align three different homes within a statuesque modern form. The striking facade arose from the vision of a sculpture seen as a home, with generosity, scale and an airy lightness characterising the appearance. Plants will spill over edges and cling to wires stretching above, creating an almost magical first impression. Each home will have its own identity and features, but all will enjoy courtyard or city views, a luxurious bathroom suite and climate-controlled wine storage. Render by Gabriel Saunders. heckerguthrie.com
04 05
04
JASMINE
Built by an architecture practice that seeks to create dream homes for its clients, the Jasmine by Tim Stewart Architects does not disappoint. The design connects inside to out and ground floor to first floor fluidly. The upper floor extends past the main body of the home, shading the outdoor living area below, with lights and a fan in the ceiling. A void between the floors soaks the home in light and offers space for a feature pendant light to hang between the two levels. The upper floor’s protrusion towards the backyard gives the typical house image a modern twist, the plant-entwined grid providing privacy for the ensuite. Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones. timstewartarchitects.com.au
05
MOUNTAINSIDE HOUSE
Perched on a mountainside, this home enjoys sweeping views of valleys and plains all the way to the coast. With surrounds as beautiful as this, it’s no surprise the house is built to reflect and connect with nature. Grounded in the homeowner’s deep understanding of the area from his local work, this project is protected from the elements through concrete retaining walls and sheltered outdoor spaces. The combination of concrete, render and fire-retardant hardwood offers texture and a chance for the finishes to weather wonderfully over time, while also acting as a safeguard in the bushfire-prone area. The Mountainside House co-exists harmoniously with the rugged and dramatic environment, merging land and home. Photography by Brett Boardman. hillthalis.com.au
GRAND DESIGNS
31
A corking GREAT LOOK Yes, it says five… but we’re just too excited that this brand new innovative cork range is about to hit the market, revealed exclusively here in Grand Designs Australia magazine WO R D S A N G E L A YO U N G
32
GRAND DESIGNS
e called it and it’s gone and happened. Cork isn’t just back. It’s the new black. And it’s taking over the joint. If you thought cork was just for flooring and the odd bottle of wine, you were underestimating its potential massively. Queensland-based Cork Imports Australia is launching an exclusive new range of cork products, never before available in Australia, with items as varied as chairs, stools, coffee tables, lampshades, wall cladding and even baths and sinks! Made from the hydrophobic suberin bark of the Quercus suber (cork oak) tree, agglomerated cork is highly durable and highly sustainable — harvesting of the bark can happen continuously after a tree reaches maturity, with no detrimental effects to it — the tree can happily live for 300 years! After harvest, the bark is “seasoned” in the field for 12 months, which both ages the cork and dries the naturally occurring oils and resins. It’s then steamed clean and any natural bio-organisms growing on it are taken off. After the thickest part of the bark is whisked away to be used for the (no less important!) wine industry, what’s left is granulated, washed and formed into blocks using steam pressure. This heating
FAVO U RI TE 5
process releases naturally occurring resins within the cork, which solidify as they cool and bind the compressed granules together. It really is nature at her most marvellous. The fact that they’re naturally waterproof, fire retardant, insulating, hypoallergenic, high density and comfortable underfoot makes cork tiles a great alternative to timber, bamboo, carpet, vinyl or concrete and this New Generation Cork range retains all the naturally occurring properties of cork in unique contemporary designs and an array of gorgeous colours. The “kitchen of the 1970s” look is long gone. Warm in winter and cool in summer, cork’s antistatic properties mean it doesn’t attract or retain dust, and it’s easily cleaned anyway, using hot water and methylated spirits. Importing only the best Portuguese cork, Cork Imports Australia is set to reinvigorate interior design style for the 21st century with this range, at a time when sustainable materials are the only materials that really matter. With no trees needing felling and no toxic binders used in production, you could find yourself relaxing in one of the most sustainable, renewable and coolest bathtubs around! corkimports.com.au
GRAND DESIGNS
33
01 02
03
05
A RETURN
06
to rattan A natural fibre making a comeback in a big way E D I T E D BY C A S S I E H AY WO O D
07
34
GRAND DESIGNS
04 01/ Willow bed. jardan.com.au 02/ Studio AC/AL LASSO round mirror. orchid-edition.com/en 03/ Rattan drum stool in antique brown. satara.com.au 04/ AT-ONCE PANÔ shelf. orchid-edition.com/en 05/ Large Linger bench by Alvin Tjitrowirjo. Photography by Martin Westlake. yamakawa-rattan.com 06/ Drafters’ stool. youngfurniturestudio.net 07/ HUM chaise lounge. muar.com.uy 08/ Elton table. sarahellison.com.au 09/ Beliz small planter. mrdhome.com.au 10/ Min chair in natural. mrdhome.com.au 11/ Haku chair. mrdhome.com.au 12/ HK Living rattan hanging bowl chair. norsu.com.au 13/ Small Java lamp shade in natural rattan. made.com
W HAT ’S HOT
13
12
11
INSPO Love a bit of boho chic or just fancy a pop of natural? Rattan works wonders for any style Photography by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Tess Newman-Morris. barefootgypsy.com.au
10 09
08
GRAND DESIGNS
35
MEDITERRANEAN JOURNEY BY SEA Rome, Naples, Corfu, Crete, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Kotor, Sicily, Sorrento, Barcelona You’re invited on an epicurean journey amid glorious scenery through the Mediterranean. Indulge in authentic eating experiences and all the delicious delicacies of the region while learning about the many enriching and healing benefits of the revered Mediterranean cuisine. This experience is limited to just 30 guests.
SEPTEMBER 9-27, 2020 HIGHLIGHTED EXPERIENCES • Two-night stay in the heart of Rome in deluxe 4-star accommodation • 15 days/14 nights on the luxurious Enchanted Princess • Gourmet Italian cooking classes in Rome and Naples • Seaside Greek coffee tasting experience in Corfu • Olive oil plantation visit in Crete to savour Greece’s liquid gold • Interactive Greek working-farm tour in Mykonos • Winery tour through the rolling hills of Montenegro • Market visits in Sicily and Barcelona to sample local delicacies • Information sessions with wellbeing expert author and media commentator Gerald Quigley • Must-see sightseeing tours in nearly every port • Fully escorted by Travelrite International tour manager • All meals on-board Enchanted Princess, taxes, port & handling and ship gratuities
www.travelrite.com.au
START END
Barcelona
Rome
Kotor Naples Corfu Athens
Sicily MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Mykonos Crete
Santorini
Enchanted Princess encompasses spectacular style and luxury and introduces some unique new attractions. Get ready for exquisite, one-of-a-kind dining experiences. The most pools and whirlpool hot tubs ever. World-class entertainment venues hosting dazzling performances. Revitalise and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess, from rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquillity of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to state-of-the-art fitness centres. You’ll find all the elements to come back feeling new.
Only available through Travelrite International
Toll Free
1800 630 343
Travelrite International E: balwyn@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au
GERALD QUIGLEY Gerald is well known for his unique view of health from a holistic perspective and is a popular personality on the national House of Wellness radio and TV shows. He is a practising Community Pharmacist and an accredited Herbalist who enjoys sharing his knowledge in an easy-to-understand way.
01
01
2nd yield A new year brings the opportunity for change — and it’s time for one in our homes. With biomaterials the London Design Fair’s material of 2019, let’s choose recyclable and reusable in our homes for this year and beyond. We’ve discovered seven earth-friendly products that encourage a circular economy and better future for our planet, while looking great in the process E D I T E D BY C A S S I E H AY WO O D
02
Lighting the way to sustainable practices is plant-based light manufacturing company High Society. Located in Italy, the brand is using compression-moulding techniques to give life to the leftover products of wine, hemp and tobacco production. The three materials create a distinctive, minimalist look in different colours, reflecting the tones of excess hemp, wine pomace (the pulpy residue left over from wine-making) or discarded leaves and stalks from tobacco cultivation. The Highlight suspension lamp reinvents the classic silhouette with organic materials, sleek surfaces and idiosyncrasies that make these lights so highly admired. A portion of profits from each lamp supports local initiatives against drug dependency and gives back to the community. high-society.it
02
“Without corn there is no country.” This famous Mexican phrase is the banner behind a movement for local, diverse crops and the revitalisation of the nation’s countryside. Acknowledging the tie between corn and country, Fernando Laposse has transformed a typical by-product of maize into a design statement. Using the husks of heirloom Mexican corn, Totomoxtle is a new veneer material that showcases the diversity of native produce. From deep purples to soft creams, Totomoxtle can be used decoratively for walls, table tops, vases and many more applications. Laposse partners with the community of Tonahuixtla, a small village in Puebla, where the corn is grown, harvested, cut, ironed, glued onto a backing and cut by the local people. Totomoxtle is helping regenerate the traditional agricultural practices of Mexico, provide a new craft for women in the area and promote biodiversity for future security. fernandolaposse.com
03
03 38
GRAND DESIGNS
With a mission to reduce landfill, Australian company hygge:liv creates beautiful cushions from unused textile industry fabrics. These leftover materials typically collect dust in factories for a variety of reasons, whether it’s being the excess of a large production run, dyed the wrong colour, or surplus unsold fabrics. Turning leftovers into a chance for creativity and one-of-a-kind home accessories, hygge:liv chooses to embrace responsible practices to make beauty from waste. The name reflects the key message of the brand: hygge, to treasure and keep items that bring warmth, familiarity and joy. hyggeliv.com.au
W HAT ’S HOT
04
We’ve heard of a win-win, but what about a win-win-win? Alexander Schul has created a range of recycled plastic furniture and lamps that considers the person, the industry and the environment for a holistic model of design. The Substantial range arose from the idea to better utilise the existing plastic waste and upcycle into a stylish home accessory. The recycled high-impact polystyrene is sturdy, lightweight and practical for large-scale manufacturing. The Substantial dining chair is crafted from less than a square metre of the material, and can be easily dissembled for storage or transport. alexanderschul.com
04
05
06
05
Universally loved, potatoes are in high demand globally. UK company Chip[s] Board has teamed up with McCain, the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, to create a sustainable model that uses the byproducts of existing production cycles. Chip[s] Board’s invention, Parblex Plastics, is translucent pure or fibre-reinforced bioplastic with a brilliant surface finish and durability for fashion and interior design. The addition of ingredients such as coffee grounds, pine flour or oak shavings can add texture to the material. Chip[s] Board seeks to eliminate waste with a cradle-to-cradle model that takes a leaf out of nature’s book, where waste is broken down and reused in the environment. With multiple circular economy loops including in-house recycling, post-use recycling and composting that fertilises the next crop of potatoes, Chip[s] Board is changing the potato industry. chipsboard.com
06
The Upcycle Studio is passionate not just about recycling but upcycling to create a better product than before. Whether turning bike inner tubes into purses or giving a second life to fabrics, the upcycle ideology builds on existing resources rather than reaching for new. The Byron Flatweave rug is one example of this creative reuse, whereby reclaimed denim, cotton and hemp are handwoven together. upcyclestudio.com.au
07
There’s no shame in being environmentally conscious — a truth that’s celebrated in the Confetti collection by GibsonKarlo. Bold and colourful, 100 per cent recycled plastic meets elegant lines for a combo that turns waste into artlike furniture. The collection is locally produced and thoughtfully designed, with a vibrancy uncommon in recycled pieces. The surface variation makes no piece fully alike for a one-of-a-kind product. The range includes planters, coffee tables and loungers featuring the recycled plastic body, base or feet respectively. Each piece comes with its own story. designbythem.com
07 GRAND DESIGNS
39
I N P RO F I LE
Elliot Gorham Combining traditional joinery methods with unique manufacturing processes, Elliot’s furniture is one to watch WO R D S C A S S I E H AY WO O D
40
GRAND DESIGNS
lliot Gorham creates furniture with the idea that “form follows function”. Keeping his unique furniture simple enough not to clutter a space, yet complex enough to engage himself and the client, Elliot’s designs play with typical styles and add a twist. Industrious, creative and impatient, Elliot has been a maker his whole life. “From a young age I was always assembling bits and pieces with nails and glue, never quite realising my initial vision, but enjoying the process immensely,” he recalls. “To better myself as a craftsman, I went to the Australian National University Art School and completed four years of furniture studies.” At the end of his course, Elliot found himself equipped with new hand skills and knowledge, but still falling short of achieving his primary vision. But that wasn’t the end for him. Furniture-making has been a long journey for Elliot, during which his craft has evolved design after design. “I’ve spent the last 10 years observing design, studying design, designing a variety of different products, prototyping many things with subsequent iterations, reflecting, correcting and becoming a better designer,” he says. “I’ve always been a designer; I’m now just a better designer than I was before. I’m no longer trying to create the vision, but something better than the initial vision.” For Elliot, being able to express himself creatively is important. He enjoys being challenged and each day brings a new problem to solve as every project is unique and interesting. After years of refi ning his craft, Elliot, alongside his wife Louise, took the leap and created Melbournebased design studio Apparentt in 2016. With an ethos of creating “attractive, innovative furniture and lighting solutions for residential and commercial interiors”, Elliot and his furniture have made waves in the design world. Despite his work being demanding and exhausting, it is still Elliot’s passion and he is always excited about the day ahead, finding inspiration in everyday life. His background in fine furniture-making enables him to include joinery and traditional methods of manufacturing often considered too complex by commercial manufacturers. Elliot incorporates these elements into a contemporary package for identifiable durability and unique features. He describes his design style as “intricacy concealed in a package of effortlessness”. Admiring his pieces, we have to agree. Besides sourcing timber renewably, Elliot also believes that longevity is key to sustainability, and a high-quality product should be made from high-quality materials to last a lifetime. So what’s ahead for Elliot? “At the moment I’m enamoured with steam-bending wood and have just released the Esteem chair for Apparentt, which has a single solid piece of timber bent to produce an incredibly impressive backrest,” he says. “The absence of joins in the curve makes this product more durable and undoubtedly more beautiful.” The Bank credenza, another favourite piece of Elliot’s, is grand both in size and spectacle, a talking piece that blurs the line between art and design. Creating time and again the perfect package of elegant design, simplicity in manufacturing and comfort in function, Elliot is a force to be reckoned with. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on what’s to come from him and Apparentt in the future. apparentt.com.au
ELLIOT SAYS “I’m no longer trying to create the vision, but something better than the initial vision”
GRAND DESIGNS
41
I N P RO F I LE
Matthew Johnson See the natural world through the eyes of another WO R D S C A S S I E H AY WO O D
42
GRAND DESIGNS
career born not out of ambition, but the desire to experiment with a visual language that reflected his perception of the world, Matthew Johnson creates unique artworks inspired by the natural environment. Whether it’s the mesmerising kinetics of the ocean or verdant and structural complexities of a rainforest, Matthew’s visual language encompasses light, colour and form. “My paintings are nuances of atmospheric environment observed and imagined,” he explains. “Orb-like forms are used to mesh and meld the entire picture plane into a single entity within the subject and fi eld of each painting.” It was almost natural for Matthew to be creative, growing up with a father well established in the art industry. “Meeting artists and visiting art exhibitions was simply part of my childhood,” he says. “It seemed normal and I enjoyed the challenges of understanding art in all its forms.” Eventually attending the National Art School in Sydney, while continuing to create in the studio he’d opened as a teenager, Matthew supported himself through other sectors of the art industry, namely framing, art installation and working for galleries. “My initial ‘break’ arose from a group exhibition at Mori Gallery in Sydney, where a renowned collector began collecting my works,” Matthew says. “At that time, I invested most of my funds from artwork sales back into my art practice so I could research, travel and explore new materials. Over a 30-year expanse my art practice has seen many highlights and opportunities, not just as a painter but working with architecture and design.” Matthew works with a variety of mediums to create art that inspires and engages the viewer’s own creativity. His entire way of being is tied to the visual, and how he expresses this, like all art, can transcend borders and cultures to connect with people. For Matthew, being able to think creatively is a switch you can’t turn off — and wouldn’t want to. “Being conscious that our world is both visual and tactile ensures our perception of everything that exists remains important,” he says. “Our ability to manifest and engage our intelligence is paramount.” Whether he’s painting using traditional methodology and materials such as oil paint or oil-based mediums and linen; drawing utilising watercolour, gouache, pencils and brushes; or dabbling in the built form with computergenerated LED programs, glass, ceramic frit or Perspex, Matthew firmly believes “art and life are a reflection of ourselves”. Exploring further the language of visualisation and continuing to delve into the relationship between light, colour and texture is what lies ahead for Matthew. “I’m going to keep going and not stop,” he enthuses. “Eventually I’ll look over my shoulder and reflect on my life, hoping that I’d given my best.”
MATTHEW SAYS “Being conscious that our world is both visual and tactile ensures our perception of everything that exists remains important”
GRAND DESIGNS
43
TR AV EL INS PO
PAUSE A WHILE AT
the Calile Design inspiration from a true urban resort right in the heart of Brisbane WO R D S A N G E L A YO U N G P H O T O G R A P H Y S E A N F E N N E S S Y
44
GRAND DESIGNS
VN Sydney principal architect Phillip Rossington believes a shift in how people enjoy their homes could in part be due to increased travel, which has exposed us to more lifestylefocused hotels and resorts. “I think we want our homes to contain the sort of spaces that we fi nd in those resorts, both indoors and out,” he says. This got the Grand Designs Australia team thinking: travel and holidays can provide huge inspiration when it comes to conjuring up your dream home. So we decided to set out and find some. A perfect starting point was the new Richards & Spencedesigned Calile Hotel in Brisbane, somewhere Mike and Megan Fishwick, of this issue’s TV house project Suffolk Park, also stayed and soaked up the inspo while their house build dragged on. Subject of palpable buzz when it first opened its doors in the city’s hip James Street precinct, the Calile is said to be the first genuinely “urban resort” in Australia. I can attest to that. All mod cons — gym, spa, library, automatic blackout blinds operable from your bed, an amphitheatre (!) — are provided, and you are seriously well looked after (GHD straighteners available on request, ladies). With its central and sun-drenched green-tile-lined pool complete with super-elegant cabanas and sun loungers, plus perfectly ventilated corridors (they’re essentially open-air, so no need for air con), the architects have succeeded in making you feel like you’re relaxing in Miami rather than an Australian capital city. And that’s no accident. This is a property purposefully designed specifically for its subtropical climate. Described by architect Ingrid Richards as “classic masculinity softened by the curve”, the geometric shapes, pastel shades, brass accents and “floating” frosted globe wall lights combine to produce an ethereal, calming and supremely elegant feel — mid-’70s France, as in the Jolie/ Pitt film By the Sea, keeps popping into my mind. Showcasing the joy of cork floor tiles in the rooms — this is a sustainable material the comeback of which we’ve only so far seen the beginning — it’s that dusty blush pink I can’t get enough of. Complemented with brass as subtle as it is distinguished (generally in a brushed/dulled finish) and pale American white oak to keep your mood on the go-slow, you just can’t help but feel languorous in these surrounds. Stick a freestanding bath beside your bed and you’re done. Restrained design touches such as the ubiquitous scalloped shapes (from balconies to credenzas to custom breeze blocks — 7800 of them), wide, white-brick archways and those light globes that you just have to handle, come together to achieve a wonderful combination of supreme comfort and glamour. Would I want to live in a home that looked like this? Without a doubt. I’ve already started my moodboard (see page 46), so it’s just a matter of time. thecalilehotel.com Rooms: 175 | Suites: 9 | Rates: From $259
PR OJECT TEAM ARCHITECT Richards & Spence PROJECT MANAGER Blades Project Services BUILDER Hutchinson Builders CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ADG Engineers FLOORING Cork Imports Australia
GRAND DESIGNS
45
T R AVEL INS PO
Mood
02
03 Colour Palette Soothing matt blush pink and neutral tones of cork and light oak add up to calm, sophisticated surrounds, finished off with classy but subtle brass and marble accents. Curves and spheres effect a wonderful touchy-feeliness
11 04 05 10 01/ Calais Cream floor tile. corkimports.com.au 02/ Forte wall IP44 with brass base and opal glass. aboutspace.net.au 03/ GB Masonry Cloud breeze block in porcelain. australmasonry.com.au 04/ Pink velvet stool with black hairpin legs. melodymaison.co.uk 05/ Charlotte arch floor mirror. cocorepublic.com.au 06/ B9 Bentwood armchair. haveaseat.com.au 07/ Dhara round rug in braided cotton and natural hemp. schots.com.au 08/ Pas Mal rattan bench seat with brass. kiraandkira.com.au 09/ Pink Kate day bed. brosa.com.au 10/ Stratos brass and white marble clock. artisanti.com 11/ Inax Accordi U tiles. artedomus.com
09 9
08
07
46
GRAND DESIGNS
06
1* &RUN _ 0DGHLUD :KLWH
1* &RUN _ 0DGHLUD
1* &RUN _ %OXH ,OOXVLRQ
new generation cork Warm under foot • Soft and resilient • Easy to install New design range
3 _ ( RSHUDWLRQV#FRUNLPSRUWV FRP DX
FRUNLPSRUWV FRP DX 1* &RUN _ +DUPRQ\ *UH\ /)7
1* &RUN _ &DODLV &UHDP
The Dexter relies on creativity, intuition and emotion, because you determine the size and shape of the final design
www.castworks.com.au
SP E CI AL FE AT UR E FOUR LOOKS, FOUR HOMES
4
GREAT LOOKS
You’ve done the time, saved the money and are ready to create your dream home — now you need to decide on an aesthetic. To help, we’ve broken down four popular styles into the need-to-knows so you can be right on-trend, or make your own hybrid WO R DS C AS S IE HAY WOO D
ocation, location, location. Like many things in life, choosing the style of your home starts with where it’s based. No one said you can’t mix things up with a Hamptons home in the mountains, but generally certain looks suit certain areas. This style guide isn’t just for complete overhauls, of course. While we’ll check out the nitty-gritty details of four popular
looks (we’re talking skirting boards and cabinet handles), remember even the smallest of tweaks can help you achieve your desired aesthetic. If you love traditional accents, breezy rooms and a bit of coastal charm — Hamptons-style may be the home for you. Not afraid of interiors with teeth? Industrial-inspired homes offer a raw, tactile feel with an edge. If you’re an ace at cutting the clutter and love a sleek space,
the modern minimalist look will tick all your neatly stacked boxes. Our fourth look is one for the ages; Scandi-style is inviting, cosy and effortlessly timeless. Understanding each of the styles will help you pick the details that fill your space to create a harmonious home that reflects your personality. Choose what you love! No one ever said you had to pick just one.
GRAND DESIGNS
49
SPECIA L F EAT UR E FOUR LOOKS, FOUR HOMES
1
HAMPTONS HAVEN
The Hamptons-style story begins on Long Island, not far from New York City. Named after a group of villages on the east end of the island, upmarket coastal charm was the name of the game in this area.
50
GRAND DESIGNS
On the shores of Australia, the Hamptons style has come a long way. Evolving from its American roots, Hamptons Down Under is pared back for a relaxed, more comfortable look, better suited to the Aussie lifestyle. An emphasis on open plan, outdoor living is one of the reasons this style is so popular here. “The Hamptons lifestyle is all about entertaining, conversing with family and the holiday feeling where you walk back from the beach and the doors are wide open,” says Natalee Bowen, director of design studio Indah Island.
The classy look revolves around a neutral colour palette, bright and airy living areas and plenty of texture. “Picture cool coastal vibes with a colour scheme mainly of white variations,” Natalee says. “Accents of grey and blue let details in the mouldings shine through.” Large open windows and high ceilings offer light and air, while spacious living areas close by ensure all family members can interact. The heart of any home, the kitchen is the family hub and hosting HQ in a Hamptons-style home. “It’s designed as the centrepiece with beautiful elements
such as Shaker-style doors, crisp cabinetry and half-moon drawer pulls,” Natalee says. “Panelled details such as wainscoting and shiplap are great feature mouldings and should be painted white to make them really pop. For a stricter budget, interior mouldings in specific areas such as the entrance or living area can work wonders to achieve this look.” Styling wise, it’s all about the layers. “Think of your room like a Sara Lee cake,” Natalee advises. “Add blue and white cushions, pops of black and white, floorboards (always American oak or stained chocolate). Finish the look with orchids or palms, as well as little vignettes from your travels.” Lighting is important in the Hamptons aesthetic, natural or otherwise. Choose bolder pendant lights and chandeliers to hang over coffee tables and kitchen benchtops. “Wall sconces look lovely in the bathroom, and I love mixing it up with a chandelier,” Natalee says. “Whatever your choice in finish, it should complement the rest of your home. Chrome or black is typical for this style, but we’re seeing more brass and polished nickel for a modern take.” You can’t forget about the outside, either. Weatherboards are the perfect way to bring a bit of coastal into any setting, beachfront or otherwise. White is typical, though muted tones such as blues, greys or even navy can be a breath of fresh air. Decorative accents such as embellished pillars and balustrades are also a great combo for this beachy look. Ultimately, it’s all about the details!
Design by Indah Island. indahisland.com
GRAND DESIGNS
51
SPECIA L F EAT UR E FOUR LOOKS, FOUR HOMES
2
MODERN MINIMALIST
Less is more is the anthem of modern minimalist. A look that Kondo fans find sparks joy, it’s time to let the architecture and design of a room speak for itself. You won’t find any busy patterns in this aesthetic (besides, perhaps, a tasteful piece of modern art), but rather smooth lines where your eyes glide across the space. 52
GRAND DESIGNS
“Modern minimalism can be described as restrained, calm and considered design that speaks not only of essentials but of elements that contribute to the whole without dominating,” explains Carole Whiting, principal of Carole Whiting Interior Design. “It’s a softer minimalist direction that lays the foundation for some layering, while keeping the palette narrow, and the items introduced to the space simple and elegant.” If you enjoy sleek, this style is one for you. The versatility of modern minimalism is not found in furniture, but in the ambience of a space. Always
calming but with the opportunity for moodier colour schemes, muted grey or bolder black tones can work with this style. Timber and natural materials are also often included, accompanied by handle-less cabinetry and simple trims. With a style that’s so minimal and removed from detailing, it’s possible to stray into bland. “The style is essentially a reduction, but it’s about finding that balance and layering of elements to create a clean but satisfying environment,” Carole says. “It’s important to consider each piece, as they all contribute to the whole, be it a colour, texture, material or loose furniture.”
Modern minimalism offers a timelessness that enables a space (and its occupants) to breathe. Rather than removing the occupant’s style from a space, modern minimalism can be a chance to embrace it. “Minimalism allows people to add the colour and texture to a space,” Carole explains. “It lays the landscape for the personalities of the inhabitants to emerge.” Give yourself the chance to live slowly at home by removing the clutter that can easily build up. “For me, it’s about creating a calm space above all else. Life is hectic and home is your sanctuary; a relaxing environment that’s gentle on the senses is what I strive to produce.” Like all styles, bending the rules to create a space true to the personality of the owners is the essence of good design. You can still create a modern minimalistic home with a few favoured knick-knacks on a shelf. Sage House by Carole Whiting Interior Design. Photography by Jack Shelton. carolewhiting.com
GRAND DESIGNS
53
SPECIA L F EAT UR E FOUR LOOKS, FOUR HOMES
3
EDGY INDUSTRIAL
Vibing a moody, raw feel? Look no further than the edgy industrial style. An aesthetic that celebrates all things functional and efficient, this look works in the background to evoke history, steal a bit of the spotlight and showcase unpolished décor. Consider letting the bones of your home speak, where brick walls and concrete floors aren’t covered up but left exposed and enjoyed. It’s this openness and simplicity that’s at the heart of industrial design.
54
GRAND DESIGNS
complement the materials used, so a warmertoned space would work well with a room that uses plenty of reclaimed timber. Say hello to the uber-stylish, playing-hard-to-get look of industrial, where paring back to the home’s framework is where all the fun starts. Inside or out, embrace the rugged and natural.
Torquay Concrete House by AuHaus Architecture. Photography by Derek Swalwell. auhaus.com.au
Industrial-look spaces, although typically inspired by decrepit old warehouses, create a fresh and modern feel. Simple elements of modern design influence the styling of an industrial space where straight lines and metal pendant lights meet earthy faux-leather sofas, luxuriously plush armchairs and toe-sinkable rugs. Soften the look with leafy plants, plenty of light and colourful artworks. The industrial style doesn’t lend itself to any mouldings at all — it’s often simply bare concrete or bricks that enclose a room. Metal staircases, handle-less joinery and smooth furniture pieces are all characteristics.
Put your own spin on the industrial look to suit your tastes. Industrial glam is a softer version of the aesthetic, where a space is brightened with shiny metal features and sleek curves for a beautiful contrast. Let gold accents replace black for a splash of opulence. Soft pink plate sets, warm-coloured paintings or crystal chandeliers can brighten a room for an inviting feeling with edgy foundations. Cooler or earthy colour schemes are the norm for this style of home. The modern twist on this look has brought in marble elements that are a serene counterpart to the ruggedness of concrete. The colour scheme should
GRAND DESIGNS
55
SPECIA L F EAT UR E FOUR LOOKS, FOUR HOMES
4
SCANDI STYLE
Hailing from three countries that often rank as some of the best places to live in the world, can you blame us for wanting to take a leaf out of their book? The home of Scandi style, Scandinavia typically just refers to Sweden, Norway and Denmark. We don’t know if it’s the cosy allure of hygge or simple practicality of design, but this style resonates with many Australians.
56
GRAND DESIGNS
The three characteristics of any good Scandi design are minimalism, abundant light and functionality. This trio of elements creates a soothing ambience ideal to unwind in after a long day at work. We spoke to Nat Wheeler, co-founder of renowned Nordic retailer norsu, who herself embarked on a Scandi renovation of her home. “I have to attribute Scandi style’s popularity to how it makes you feel,” she says. “It’s soft, it’s relaxed, it makes you feel happy. That’s why the trend is here and has lasted.” The look is characterised by a more neutral, monochromatic palette that relies on natural materials such as timber and stone to inject warmth into a space. Timber is a must-have for texture and colour, whether included in the furniture or the surrounds. “We wanted to show people the style doesn’t always have to be black and white, so when it came to my home, we used a bit of colour so each of the rooms was painted with different tones in a soft pastel way,” Nat explains. “Oak floors set the Nordic tone of the home, while the main base of the home is grey and crisp white.” Shaker-profile cabinetry accessed by finger pulls or leather tabs balanced modernity and tradition. Furnishings are soft and cosy, a nod to the colder European climate. Warm throws, rugs and plants litter a Scandi-style home, with limited artworks to avoid overcrowding a space. While the design of a room and furniture is typically simple, small décor pieces frequently line the shelves and surfaces of a home, introducing a nice homely feel. Scandi style can be interpreted a few different ways and, as shown by Nat’s home, softer pastels can provide a playful twist on a Nordic look. “Our
bathroom is literally blush pink with a lot of brass tapware and door handles, offering a different sort of Scandi look.” Similar to the Hamptons look, weatherboards also often feature in Scandi homes, almost always in white. Simple or slightly decorative trims line window and door frames, in keeping with a pared-back aesthetic that lets small furnishings have the spotlight. Scandi style prizes craftsmanship and longevity in design, while creating an inviting and timeless ambience for residents to enjoy.
Nat Wheeler’s norsuHOME. Photography by Lisa Cohen, styling by Beck Simon. norsuhome.com
GRAND DESIGNS
57
Sirius Integrated Induction Downdraft: SDDH1.1
Make a statement with Sirius. Downdraft rangehood specialists since 2001.
Year Warranty when Sirius ducting is used.
The Sirius integrated downdraft rangehood is the innovator with many imitators. Combining a quiet and powerful rangehood with a sleek and stylish induction cooktop, Sirius has the perfect solution to island cooking extraction. Featuring a powerful German motor, sleek bevelled edges and an easy installation, Sirius takes cooking to the next level.
valentina collection
www.siriusbrand.com
Houses Indulge in the cream of the architecture crop
Photography Rhiannon Slatter
60 Suffolk Park House 72 Hofmann House 84 Tweed Terrace House 96 Wild Coast 108 Quakers House 118 Gundowring House 132 Upper Cairns House
GRAND DESIGNS
59
THE SIMPLE LIFE Martinis at sunset are encouraged inside this mid-century-themed home that adheres to the “less is more” maxim and values quality over quantity WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y R H I A N N O N S L AT T E R
60
GRAND DESIGNS
T V H OUS E SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
GRAND DESIGNS
61
Mike and Megan Fishwick with show host Peter Maddison
D ETAI LS HOUSE Suffolk Park House LOCATION Suffolk Park, NSW DATE COMMENCED August 2018 DATE COMPLETED June 2019 INITIAL BUDGET $350,000 FINAL COST $500,000
hhh, Byron… home to the Hemsworths, protector of Australia’s most easterly point and the stomping ground for this Grand Designs TV house. Modern, modest and all together marvellous, Suffolk Park House is the passion project and family home of creative couple Mike and Megan Fishwick. With Megan in charge of managing the $350,000 budget, Mike took the lead in all other facets of the design and build. His motto: No architect? No builder? No worries! After all, who needs to splash cash on trades you can (hopefully) do yourself? “This house, apart from just its planning and drawings, is something we wanted to do ourselves,” stresses Mike, a professional fashion designer. Mike and Megan made the seachange from Sydney to Byron 11 years ago. Their dream of a simpler, slower lifestyle conducive to raising kids was the impetus for the move, but the house they eventually built was far from simple.
62
GRAND DESIGNS
T V H OUS E SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
“THIS HOUSE, APART FROM ITS PLANNING AND DRAWINGS, IS SOMETHING WE WANTED TO DO OURSELVES” — MIKE FISHWICK
GRAND DESIGNS
63
Flow through from indoors to the wraparound deck hits the spot
Space is used wisely in the floating kitchen
64
GRAND DESIGNS
Located within a new development in Suffolk Park, less than 10km outside Byron Bay, the three-bedroom home is a martini short of a swinging Palm Beach soiree. Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House in Illinois is a mid-century marvel that has earned cult status in architecture circles. Small but mighty, the home now serves as a museum. Taken by the structure’s mid-century aesthetic, Mike borrowed Farnsworth’s steel post-and-beam construction method. “We wanted to weld in with the land and feel at one with nature,” Mike says. “The steel post-and-beam construction means the only thing hitting the ground are some piers. Everything else respects the flow of the land.” Mike was confident his design expertise and passion for architecture were sufficient. But as so often happens when building your own home, his Pomeranian enthusiasm turned into the wrinkled worry of an English bulldog over the course of the project. He lost 16kg and a decent chunk of his hair before move-in time.
T V H OUS E SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
W E LOVE THE FLOATING BANQUETTE SEATING INÂ THE DINING AREA
GRAND DESIGNS
65
Respecting his own limitations, and eager to set the foundations correctly, Mike enlisted his dad (a seasoned builder) along with his builder friend Aiden to assist in the early stages. Unlike a typical house where the roof would go on first, the modernist flat roof is simpler to install when the ceiling has already been completed. To keep the budget in check, Mike used prefabricated lightweight MDF lining instead of the more conventional tongue-and-groove boards. He would later come to regret this decision after torrential rain caused the MDF to warp and ripple — it turned into a sponge and Mike was forced to patch and sand the panels, using a whopping 2000 screws to hold them all in place. Another issue? The design of the pool was out by 5mm. The adjustments and loss of time and money weighed heavily on Mike, but he was not deterred. The interior is just as inviting as the white exterior populated with palm
66
GRAND DESIGNS
trees and an orange front door. Similar to the linear nature of boxy modernist structures after which it was modelled, the home sports suitably clean lines and a refined aesthetic. Mid-century furniture and artwork mingle with personal knick-knacks and an interesting material palette. The use of polished cement sheet flooring, natural stone and timber panelling make the building feel earthy and authentic. Indeed, the free-form stone feature wall in the lounge room is reminiscent of those found in the 1960s and ’70s. Despite its compact size, the home — with L-shaped floor plan — doesn’t feel cramped thanks to a design that maximises space and minimises arguments. For example, a deconstructed bathroom wing prevents any scuffles over bathtime. The lounge room is also sectioned. A dividing wall separates a play area where the three kids can wreak havoc without destroying the rest of the
T V H OUS E SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
E D I TO R’ S FAVO URI T E THE FREE-FORM STONE FEATURE WALL IN THE LOUNGE ROOM
ABOVE & RIGHT Blackwood timber panelling imbues a cosiness, especially in cute little nooks OPPOSITE The concrete double vanity in the bathroom was custom built
GRAND DESIGNS
67
TV HOU SE SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
3 6
4
2 5
7
8 16
1
14
16 9 15
L EGE ND 1 Entry 2 Kitchen 3 Dining 4 Laundry 5 Store 6 Living 7 Play room 8 WC 9 Bathroom 10 WIR 11 Ensuite 12 Master bedroom 13 Bedroom 14 Bedroom 15 Pool 16 Garden bed
13 10 11 16
12
G RO U N D F LO OR PL A N
house. High ceilings elongate the spaces and make them feel more generous than their measurements. Where most homes affi x fittings to the floor, this house hovers. Like the banquette seat and floating kitchen, nothing seems to touch the ground. Built-in seating, a dining nook, plus a ’50s-era dining table and box frame steel shelving units are some of the standout features. The trio of bedrooms and shared bathroom sit at one end, while the living areas rest at the other. The kitchen and dining space opens onto a wraparound deck, leading to a 9m pool. At 155sqm, the concrete, steel and glass structure is a true labour of love. So, has Mike’s Pomeranian enthusiasm returned? Maybe, but it’s now tinged with caution. Asked whether he’d advise others to build their own home, the answer is a swift “don’t do it”. “It’s really, really challenging but I don’t think we ever anticipated how massive building a house is, and I don’t recommend it to anybody who’s not a professional. It’s intense.” Regardless of the hardships, Mike and Megan have defied the odds and created a home that rejects redundancy. Despite Mike’s inexperience, a tiny budget and the conservative floor space, this Byron abode proves that less is more. So very much more.
68
GRAND DESIGNS
More blackwood timber panelling injects colour into the master bedroom
Terrazzo tiles from Fibonacci Stone create interest in the bathroom
P ROJE C T
SERVICES Pool construction Suncatcher Pools Plumbing Bally Plumbing Excavation Limited Access Excavation Crane works Byron Bay Crane Hire Sandstone rockwall supplier Stylestone Stonemason Squirestone FIXTURES & FITTINGS Steel structure Matthews Metal Fabrication RooďŹ ng Versiclad Timber windows & doors Fabrica Joinery Structural & decking timber Greenmount Timbers
Internal blackwood timber panelling Sharp Plywood Carpeting Choices Flooring Byron Bay Paint Dulux Custom concrete vanities Slabshapers Kitchen stone benchtops Quantum Quartz Tapware Phoenix Industries Tapware Terrazzo tiles Fibonacci Stone Kitchen tiles Surface Society Bathroom tiles Metro Tiles Bathtub Decina Fireplace Jetmaster Water tank The Tank Factory Architectural garden plants Beautiful Gardens Exotic Nursery
GRAND DESIGNS
69
TV HOU SE SUFFOLK PARK HOUSE
Mood Board
02
01
Colour Palette The palette of black, white, primary colour variants and timber highlights are typical of Modernist architecture. An orange that is almost red appears in the outdoor chairs, yellow in the artwork and blue in the pool that can be seen from the main living area
01/ White Cloud 2012 by Stephen Ormandy. olsengallery.com 02/ A330s golden bell pendant lamp by Alvar Aalto for Artek. hivemodern.com 03/ Eames moulded plastic rocker in orange red with chrome and walnut base. livingedge.com.au 04/ Noguchi coffee table in black ash. livingedge.com.au 05/ Herman Miller Eames moulded plywood lounge chair in walnut. livingedge.com.au
05 05 03
04
70
GRAND DESIGNS
indoor + out
LIMESTONE TUMBLED CAPBRETON
ambertiles.com.au 1300 139 868
Scan our QR code for more information on our Amber Tiles range.
PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES Adding another feather to Valencia’s already crowded architectural crown is a family home quite unlike its neighbours or anything we’ve ever seen WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y F E R N A N D O G U E R R A
72
GRAND DESIGNS
OV E R SE AS P R OJ E CT HOFMANN HOUSE
GRAND DESIGNS
73
OVERSEAS P ROJ E C T HOFMANN HOUSE
DE TAI LS HOUSE Hofmann House LOCATION Valencia, Spain COMMENCED 2016 COMPLETED 2017
74
GRAND DESIGNS
panish architecture is legendary and Valencia doesn’t disappoint. The south-eastern Spanish city is the setting for the famous City of Arts and Sciences Complex (with its planetarium and oceanarium), the Central Market and the Rococo Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas. The city is spoilt with man-made splendour. And now joining these legends is a domestic dwelling designed by Fran Silvestre Architects that gives the big boys a run for their money. Long and large, the original plot glimpsed the sea and its consolidated landscape was ringed with gardens. A single-floor habitation was outlined in the brief, and the “day area” and main rooms were to connect to an outdoor terrace and pool.
WE LOVE THE SEA BREEZE AND WATER VIEWS FROM THEÂ ELEVATED TERRACE
The angularity of the architecture is a sight to behold on the Valenician horizon
GRAND DESIGNS
75
E D I TO R ’S FAVOU R I T E THE FLOOR-TO-CEILING GLAZING AND CANTILEVERED ROOF
Strip lighting is used in the kitchen to counteract the darkness that high walls invite
76
GRAND DESIGNS
The brief was brought to life with an extruded cover configured into a T-shaped framework that is geographically optimal. This layout grants the home access to sea breezes and a surprising amount of privacy. It also lessens the potency of the summer sun. Meanwhile, the roof is a fully fledged belvedere that affords eagle-eye views of the entire plot, and beyond. “An exempt cabinet houses the structure, distributes spaces and filters privacy, opening up possibilities in the way of movement and use of space,” architect Fran Silvestre explains. “The main room, shaded by the cantilever, is arranged in continuity with the outside. The interior of the unit includes wetted parts and limits the scale of overnight areas that are located in the quiet part of the garden. The study opens on the corner with the best views.” The cover and the cabinet are anchored to a stone base and overlooked by an elevated terrace awash in seaside zephyrs and enviable views. Raising an open-plan house in contact with the exterior and sheathed in glass was challenging when also attempting to guarantee privacy. “During projects there are always problems, however we do not see them as problems but as opportunities to continue learning,” Fran admits.
OV E R S E A S P R OJ E CT HOFMANN HOUSE
“THE MAIN ROOM, SHADED BY THE CANTILEVER, IS ARRANGED IN CONTINUITY WITH THE OUTSIDE” — FRAN SILVESTRE
GRAND DESIGNS
77
Proving himself the master of optimism, Fran notes the uneven ground surface could have been a hindrance, but he skewed positive and used it to the design’s advantage by creating a semibasement level with garage and laundry. The spaces are ambiguous enough to be repurposed as the owners see fit. Inspired by its impressive site, Hofmann House punctuates the Spanish terrain with its angular form and cantilevered roof. Such a striking structure needn’t bother with overdone material and colour schemes and, in this instance, it doesn’t. Simple, light colours and materials complement the architecture without overshadowing it. The aluminium-clad central “box” and marble paving continue the clean, streamlined style found internally. “We like to use materials that reflect light and maximise spaces, and which change their appearance with the change of hours,” Fran says. Innovative and chic, this project is a genuine one-off, which is bad news for those of us who’d like a mirror image copy of Hofmann House. Fran commiserates but claims: “We work with the idea that each project is the first, the only and the last.” Touché.
78
GRAND DESIGNS
OV E R S E A S P R OJ E CT HOFMANN HOUSE
“WE LIKE TO USE MATERIALS THAT REFLECT LIGHT AND MAXIMISE SPACES, AND WHICH CHANGE THEIR APPEARANCE WITH THE CHANGE OF HOURS” — FRAN SILVESTRE
GRAND DESIGNS
79
OVERSEAS P ROJ E C T HOFMANN HOUSE L E GE N D 1 Entry 2 Living 3 Stairs 4 Store 5 Hall 6 Bathroom 7 Bedroom 8 Bedroom 9 Bedroom 10 Gymnasium 11 Living/dining 12 Kitchen 13 Stairs 14 Hall 15 WC 16 Bathroom 17 Bedroom 18 Master bedroom 19 Master bathroom 20 Wardrobe 21 Studio 22 Pool
1 3
2
4
10
9 5 8 6
7
GR O U N D F LO O R P L A N
16 11
12
13
17
18
19
20
21
15 14
22
FI RST F LO O R P L A N
80
GRAND DESIGNS
BELOW The feeling of spaciousness inside what isn’t an overly large bathroom is seriously impressive, thanks in no small part to the bright white colour scheme
P R OJ E C T T EA M ARCHITECT Fran Silvestre Arquitectos INTERIOR DESIGN Alfaro Hofmann BUILDER Construcciones Francés STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Estructuras Singulares PROJECT MANAGER Studio 2
SERVICES Air conditioning Daikin FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Outdoor furniture Blau Collection table and chairs by Fran Silvestre (gandiablasco.com) Cupboard Malmö Dining room chairs A chair by Fran Silvestre (capdell.com) Sofa Flexform Groundpiece sectional sofa Armchair Neo, Black Tone (jmm.es/newjmm) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Glazing Double-glazed tempered glass (dekovent.es) Sanitary fittings Geberit Kitchen appliances Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen furniture Studio 2, Eggersmann Bathroom taps Zucchetti Pan Toilet Serie Inspira Round (roca.com)
GRAND DESIGNS
81
OV ERSEAS P ROJ E CT HOFMANN HOUSE
Mood Board 01
02
Colour Palette Here we find an absolute minimal aesthetic in terms of colour. White, cream and grey are contrasted only by the occasional walnut piece and glimpses of turquoise from the pool
05
04
03
01/ Carrara C of Natural Stone series. skheme.com 02/ Tolomeo Maxi floor lamp. artemide.com 03/ Saarinen dining table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. knoll.com 04/ Eames soft pad group side chair for Herman Miller. hermanmiller.com/en_au 05/ Avant sideboard. coshliving.com.au 06/ Jasper sofa. kingliving.com.au
06
82
GRAND DESIGNS
Paarhammer Windows & Doors (QHUJ\ (IĂ€FLHQW 6XVWDLQDEOH &XVWRP PDGH 1RLVH 3URWHFWLRQ
WŚŽƚŽĹ?ĆŒÄ‚Ć‰ĹšÇ‡ Ͳ ĆŒÄ‚Äš 'ĆŒĹ?ĸŜ
Enhance your lifestyle and increase comfort 3DDUKDPPHU SURYLGH \RX ZLWK WKH SHUIHFW VROXWLRQ IRU UHGXFLQJ \RXU KHDWLQJ DQG FRROLQJ FRVWV HQHUJ\ HIĂ€FLHQW ZLQGRZV and doors that keep in the winter warmth, and keep out the summer heat. &XVWRP PDGH ORFDOO\ VLQFH 3DDUKDPPHU ZLQGRZV DQG GRRUV DUH PDGH IRU $XVWUDOLDQ FRQGLWLRQV DQG WHVWHG WR H[FHHG $XVWUDOLDQ 6WDQGDUGV (XURSHDQ GHVLJQ XQLTXH IUDPLQJ DQG VHDOLQJ DQG SDWHQWHG *HUPDQ KDUGZDUH FRPELQH WR SURYLGH XQSDUDOOHOHG VHFXULW\ DQG VWUHQJWK WR JLYH \RX HQHUJ\ VDYLQJV RI XS WR ZLWK QR GUDIW DQG QR QRLVH &KRRVH IURP WKH VRSKLVWLFDWHG Architectural Timber Range, low maintenance Wood-Alu Range, economical Komfortline Timber Range DQG %$/ )= FRPSOLDQW %XVKĂ€UH 6DIH 5DQJH.
For more information call 03 5368 1999 or visit paarhammer.com.au
84
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE
Mod pod Curves for days and an organic edginess that’s hard to look away from WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y M AT T B A R R E T T (R E ZO LU T I O N P H OTO G R A P H Y )
GRAND DESIGNS
85
LEFT There’s something almost froglike about the design’s outline BELOW An exterior spiral staircase adds a suitable air of grandeur
D ETAI LS HOUSE Tweed Terrace House LOCATION Coolangatta, Queensland DATE COMMENCED February 2017 DATE COMPLETED August 2018
f the Jetsons shacked up with the Flintstones and moved their house to Bedrock, this is what it would look like. Well, sort of. Tweed Terrace House isn’t in Bedrock, but the Coolangatta residence does rest on a bed of rocks. “The Rockcote render and locally sourced basalt boulders will gradually weather, adding an organic character to help the home blend into its surroundings,” says Frank Raunik of Raunik Design Group. Curious about curvature and a lover of all things organic, the client was inspired by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, who was commissioned to complete the initial concept design, with Raunik Design Group engaged to transform concept to reality. “The project consists of two egg-shaped shells sitting atop a rock base,” Frank explains. “The curved structures continue inside to form two joined ‘pods’ — one open pod containing the kitchen and living areas, and the other pod segmented to form three bedrooms and two bathrooms.” Never a firm to do things by halves, Raunik Design Group has fashioned a home where all internal walls and joinery enjoy a curved, organic geometry. In fact, where curvature was concerned, no detail was
86
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE
GRAND DESIGNS
87
88
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE
E D I TO R’ S FAVO URI T E THE “TIMBER ROOM”, WHERE CURVED BLACKBUTT VENEER COVERS ALL SURFACES
ABOVE Ocean views from the front-facing balcony take the breath away LEFT The atmosphere inside the blackbutt “timber room” is entirely different to the rest of the home
overlooked, regardless of how small or how challenging. From the curved doorjambs and the custom curved bathroom mirrors to the German-made black powder-coated stainless steel porthole awning windows, there’s barely a right angle in sight. The unique nature of the project demanded the architects consider new and innovative design strategies. This was a significant departure from Raunik’s usual work, which tends to focus on contemporary/modern homes with strong linear and geometric elements. “The documentation and 3D modelling presented many challenges,” Frank says. “Experimenting with new software to achieve the desired outcome and working with such organic shapes proved a challenge to provide exact measurements. In many cases we
actually reverted to hand-drawn concept and construction details, as this proved a better method of communicating the curved forms.” Bagging the Residential Category Grand Prize for the 2018 Corian Design Awards, Tweed Terrace House epitomises innovation. Take the concrete, for example. As your run-of-themill building material, it isn’t the concrete that stands out but the way in which it’s been used. “The project’s unique form required the material’s performance to be pushed beyond its normal use,” Frank points out. Though onerous, the task was far from impossible for the structural engineers at Odyssey Consulting, who were able to achieve the large curved structure with minimal internal columns. A team of set designers accustomed to working in the film industry lent their expertise
GRAND DESIGNS
89
to the project when they constructed the formwork for the concrete. With the technology to import the architects’ 3D model and cut the curved foam pieces, which were then assembled on site piece by piece, their contribution was invaluable. Curved steel reinforcing was then laid and sprayed with concrete. Contrasting the vastly concrete home and its minimalist vibe is the “timber room”. Curved blackbutt timber veneer with expressed joints wraps around all surfaces to create a warm and textured room that tickles the senses (and even smells different to the rest of the home). With the property in close proximity of tourist hotspot Point Danger, environmental considerations took a holistic approach. Considering longevity and visual impact, the house is bold yet unobtrusive to the headland landscape. “Unlike lightweight beach houses that tend to gradually deteriorate in highly exposed coastal conditions, this home’s material palette included powder-coated stainless steel and glass, all to stand the test of time and reduce the need for replacement materials and paints,” Frank says. High thermal mass from the concrete superstructure, awnings over the openings and an internal layer of insulation regulate internal temperature to reduce the load placed on artificial heating and cooling. Cross-ventilation is strong, with sea breezes known to saunter through the large oceanfront openings and gently pass through curved corridors of the interior, before exiting smaller pivot porthole windows on the opposite side. Airflow velocity can be manually controlled by adjusting the opening angle of the rear pivot windows. Award-winning and awe-inspiring, Tweed Terrace House feels simultaneously futuristic and intrinsic to the location, and it deserves all the praise it’s received.
90
GRAND DESIGNS
WE LOVE THE GERMAN-MADE BLACK POWDER-COATED STAINLESS STEEL PORTHOLE AWNING WINDOW FRAMES
P R OJ E CT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE
CURIOUS ABOUT CURVATURE AND A LOVER OF ALL THINGS ORGANIC, THE CLIENT WAS INSPIRED BY MEXICAN ARCHITECT JAVIER SENOSIAIN
GRAND DESIGNS
91
PROJECT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE L EGE N D 1 Entry 2 Living 3 Dining 4 Balcony 5 Kitchen 6 Bathroom 7 Garage
S1
S2
S I T E PL A N
4
2/3
4/5
1 6
7
S EC TIO N 1
7
SE CTI ON 2
“THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF TWO EGG-SHAPED SHELLS SITTING ATOP A ROCK BASE. THE CURVED STRUCTURES CONTINUE INSIDE TO FORM TWO JOINED ‘PODS’” — FRANK RAUNIK SERVICES Landscape architecture Green Synthesis Design
P ROJ E C T T EAM ARCHITECT Raunik Design Group, raunikdesign.com.au (Initial concept Javier Senosiain) BUILDER GCB Constructions, gcbconstructions.com.au INTERIOR DESIGNER Raunik Design Group, raunikdesign.com.au
92
GRAND DESIGNS
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Polished concrete floors Snowdrift with Tungsten Oxide Paint Dulux Bathroom tiles Gloss round mosaic Custom curved stainless steel linear drains Stormtech Concealed custom curved stainless steel guttering Gold Coast Metal Roofing Lighting Lumen 8 Abaco Recessed downlights Bathroom vanities Corian Antarctica curved vanities Shower roses Aio Twin Waterrail
The space-age-looking bathrooms will be a breeze to keep clean thanks to all those curves
GRAND DESIGNS
93
PROJECT TWEED TERRACE HOUSE
Mood Board
02
01
03 Colour Palette Minimalism is king in this project. White and shades of grey are contrasted only by timber. Glimpses of blue and green appear through the porthole windows
06
01/ Corian Solid Surface in Antarctica. casf.com.au 02/ Acquamiki pendant by Michele De Lucchi. mondoluce.com 03/ Metal-framed round wall mirror. westelm.com.au 04/ Essente stainless-steel gooseneck mixer. oliveri.com.au 05/ Oasis batth. on.com.au concretenatio 06/ Penny round white gloss tiles. nationalttiles.com.au
04
05 94
GRAND DESIGNS
A RC H I T EC T U R E | MA STE R P LAN NIN G | I NT E R IO R DE S I G N
Our goal at Raunik Design Group is to continually strive to produce architecture that is an exciting and innovative reflection of contemporary design.
44 Ashmore Road, Bundall Qld 4217 | 07 5531 6430 | architects@raunikdesign.com.au
raunikdesign.com.au
WILD CHILD
A linear masterpiece cantilevered over heaving terrain WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y P E T E R B E N N E T T S
96
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT WILD COAST
GRAND DESIGNS
97
A gravity-defying feat of architecture
D ETAI LS HOUSE Wild Coast LOCATION Portsea, Victoria DATE COMMENCED April 2016 DATE COMPLETED March 2017
ortsea is the home of Millionaire’s Walk, a cliff top stroll glimpsing lifestyles of the rich and architecturally inclined. Not surprisingly, then, the affluent area is speckled with man-made gems. The latest jewel in Portsea’s crown is Wild Coast, a home that defies gravity and commands attention. As the owner, builder and developer, the client had great expectations for the project. “The brief was to create a house that would work as a holiday home or a family home that took advantage of the landscape,” says FGR Architects director Feras Raffoul. The development was aimed at buyers looking for a new, large single dwelling within a stone’s throw of Portsea’s back beach. The natural undulating topography informed the design concept, with a hill on the site lending itself to a cantilevered form. Erected on the apex of the crest, the rectangular module house seems to float in place. “The biggest obstacle was the cantilever, making it work while also getting the proportions of the cantilever and grounded building correct,” Feras admits. “We worked closely with the project engineer to design a structural system that allowed the concept to be realised as purely as possible.”
98
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT WILD COAST
E D I TO R’ S FAVO U RI T E THE UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS FROM THE NEAT, SUN-DRENCHED POOL DECK
GRAND DESIGNS
99
The building’s central module grounds two interconnected living spaces. Inside the central module is a shaded sitting area defined by a frameless wall. The use of a frameless wall — a clever design hack — encourages transparency as well as ventilation. A glazed facade sits at one end of the living area, while the other end features a hovering bedroom wing. Powerful architecture affects the senses before one even enters the building. That’s certainly true for Wild Coast, where the driveway is bordered by pear trees and gives way to a stone path leading to the entrance. “My favourite part of the project is the journey leading to the front door,” Feras reveals. “From here the concept of the project is best captured, a linear form cantilevering over a rolling landscape.”
100
GRAND DESIGNS
An external palette of render and glass emphasises the simplicity of the structure. Internal render matches the 30m x 11m home’s exterior. A minimalist material palette is stunning but doesn’t detract from the views, which are visible from every room in the house. Imitating the natural elements outside, the bathrooms offer organic and luxurious bathing opportunities. Skylights shower the bathrooms in sunlight, highlighting the dark joinery and black tapware. Cooking is a dream inside Wild Coast’s kitchen. Overlooking the pool and beach through 22.5m frameless glass panels, a 5m textured limestone island bench is offset by black tapware and deep-hued cupboards and benchtops. Light timber flooring brings the palette together for a simple, cohesive kitchen
P R OJ E CT WILD COAST
GRAND DESIGNS
101
area. Such a significant amount of glass can sometimes be concerning for those who feel the heat, but not in this home. Automated venetian blinds shield harsh northern light when needed. Despite sprawling beach and parkland views, privacy is surprisingly ample, made possible by the site’s typology and location. Also ample are the parking facilities, with provisions for three cars nestled under the “floating” wing. Sporting five bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of the home’s greatest temptations is the terrace. Sun loungers and a pool make it the perfect spot to contemplate your navel, practise your backstroke or gaze off into the sunset (or out to Port Phillip Bay). The project is respectful of the surrounding landscape, touching lightly on the site. “Rather than altering the difficult terrain of the site, we wanted to embrace and draw attention to it in its natural state,” Feras says. It is this approach that has guaranteed the success of one truly wild home.
102
GRAND DESIGNS
“RATHER THAN ALTERING THE DIFFICULT TERRAIN OF THE SITE, WE WANTED TO EMBRACE AND DRAW ATTENTION TO IT IN ITS NATURAL STATE” — FERAS G RAFFOUL
ABOVE & OPPOSITE The internal aesthetic is clean and simple, taking nothing away from the extradordinary spectacle visible through floor-to-ceiling walls of glass
P R OJ E CT WILD COAST
GRAND DESIGNS
103
L EGE ND 1 Garage 2 Basement entry 3 Laundry 4 Pool equipment 5 Foyer 6 Entry 7 Bedroom 8 Bedroom 9 Bedroom 10 Bathroom 11 Powder room 12 Dining 13 Kitchen 14 Pantry 15 Sitting 16 Living 17 Master bedroom 18 Ensuite 19 Robe 20 Kids’ bedroom 21 Terrace
4 3 1 2
BAS E M EN T F LO O R PL A N
21
17 13
12
10
9
7
8
11 18
19
16
14 6
20
15
5
G RO U N D F LO O R P L A N
PR OJECT TEAM ARCHITECT/INTERIOR DESIGNER FGR Architects, fgrarchitects.com.au BUILDER Simonds Home, simonds.com.au
SERVICES Structural engineer INTRAX Engineers Mechanical supplier Mod Cons
104
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT WILD COAST
The view from bed is pretty breathtaking
Skylights shower the bathrooms in sunlight, highlighting the dark joinery and tapware
WE LOV E THE STONE PATH, WITH PAVERS OF DIFFERING SIZES, LEADING TO THE ENTRANCE
GRAND DESIGNS
105
PROJECT WILD COAST
Mood Board
02
01
03
Colour Palette Contrast rules here. Neutrals in beige, white and blue-greys are countered by black and walnut. The occasional peek of timber warms the aesthetic
07
06
05
106 6
GRAND DESIGNS
04
01/ Super White dolomite. cdkstone.com.au 02/ LEDlux Strix dimmable pendant in black. beaconlighting.com.au 03/ Venetian Morning II by Geoff Birrell Photography. artloversaustralia.com.au 04/ Vivid Slimline sink mixer gooseneck in matt black. phoenixtapware.com.au 05/ Concerto M Package 21WD. kingliving.com.au 06/ Conway plastic bar stool. cultfurniture.com 07/ Soho cushion in lake. thedesignhunter.com.au
Cooker: 90cm Upright Oxford - X9F-5 NF Rangehood Sirius 90cm Canopy - SL22 900B
Presenting the Oxford cooker by Steel. Drawing upon the heritage and history of refined craftsmanship, the Oxford is an homage to the handcrafted cookers that Steel has been refining since 1922. Featuring a textured anthracite finish and a black gloss enamel cooktop with a high efficiency wok brass burner, this handmade Oxford cooker is a stylish centrepiece for your kitchen. Exceptional value at $4490. www.steelbrand.com.au
PROJECT QUAKERS HOUSE
Access ALL areas
Conducive to entertaining, this reimagined Mosman home boasts a ďŹ erce presence and a strong outdoor connection WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y A DA M R E S C H
108
GRAND DESIGNS
GRAND DESIGNS
109
D E TAI LS HOUSE Quakers House LOCATION Mosman, NSW DATE COMMENCED March 2017 DATE COMPLETED December 2018 INITIAL BUDGET $750,000 FINAL COST $1,200,000
rom a home without street access to the best house on an already impressive block, TDDP Architects and Lawson & Lovell Building Services have outdone themselves with this Sydney project. Scant access to natural light, a restrictive floor plan and a lack of privacy compromised the efficiency of the existing brick building and lightweight addition with exposed roof terrace. A contemporary home that capitalised on the surrounding views and sunlight was the client’s top priority. For a family of four (including two teenage boys), the design needed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while providing the family with flexible entertaining opportunities at the same time. Northern Beaches expert building company Lawson & Lovell was given the construction reins and made the most of what the team described as “one of the most logistically and geographically difficult sites” they’d ever encountered. The original single-storey structure was retained to minimise demolition and corresponding landfill. Adding to the project’s green footprint is a collection of operable windows and shading devices that encourage inhabitants to manage thermal comfort via passive cooling and ventilation.
110
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT QUAKERS HOUSE
JAMES HARDIE EASYLAP PRE-PRIMED PANEL CLADDING (PAINTED IN MALAY GREY) ENCASES THE TOP FLOOR
GRAND DESIGNS
111
The design retained and reconfigured the existing ground-floor plan, according to Victoria Dennis, director of TDDP Architects. “The number of bedrooms was increased from two to three and the existing family living room was upgraded,” she explains. Down on the first floor, a new living, kitchen and dining area was constructed, as was a master bedroom suite (with walk-in wardrobe, study and ensuite), with all flooring finished beautifully in tallowwood. James Hardie Easylap pre-primed panel cladding (painted in Dulux Malay Grey) encases the top floor, and 30x30mm battens conceal joints. The result is a facade that enjoys the appearance of zinc cladding for a fraction of the cost. “Due to the positioning of the home on the hill, it was critical the building’s contemporary design nestled quietly into the existing context,” Victoria says. “Colours and forms were selected to be complementary and respectful to the existing landscape and neighbours.” The house’s window frames are all black aluminium, with those that face north featuring
112
GRAND DESIGNS
extended black powder-coated aluminium sunhoods for extra shading and privacy. Up top, a 12m-long high-level clerestory window enables natural light to flood the first floor (and down the stairwell to the lower ground), framing views of the surrounding tree canopy. Meanwhile, thoughtful use of structural steel hides a hydraulics system and enables a cantilevered awning to span out, providing shade to the ground-floor alfresco entertaining space. Teenage boys and the great outdoors go together like bricks and mortar, and this home offers plenty of opportunities for its youngest inhabitants to stretch their legs and hang out with friends. A pool and terrace prove popular spots. Landscape work included a new southern entry, pool and terrace. “A new large timber deck was constructed at the rear, capitalising on the northern orientation and connecting with the natural vegetation surrounding the building,” Victoria notes. The landlocked site had no street access and could only be reached using 32 public
W E LOV E THE HIGHLY INTEGRATED ENTERTAINMENT SPACES IN THE FIRST-FLOOR ADDITION, WHICH ENJOYS PANORAMIC SYDNEY HARBOUR VIEWS
P R OJ E CT QUAKERS HOUSE
ABOVE An impressive cantilevered awning offers respite from the weather RIGHT A new southern entry, pool, terrace and timber deck were incorporated in the landscape design
GRAND DESIGNS
113
ED I TOR ’ S FAVO U R I T E FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS THAT DRENCH THE INTERIOR IN SUNLIGHT
114
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT QUAKERS HOUSE
Beautiful Sydney Harbour views are the showpiece of the living space
pedestrian steps. Seven neighbouring properties sharing the same boundary line exacerbated the challenges of demolition, excavation and building in such a tricky location. To save the builders’ backs and make the transport of materials more manageable, a 40m conveyor belt was installed next to the pedestrian access steps. “At the point of tender, many builders looked at the site and immediately said ‘no, thank you’,” Victoria recalls, noting the usefulness of the conveyer belt during the excavation of the pool when large rocks and dirt were moved quickly down to trucks waiting below on street level. Close collaboration between client, architect and builder, and a strong, shared vision minimised the effect of issues that cropped up. One such issue was the new orientation of the living spaces on the first floor. Minor internal planning amendments and a clever arrangement ensured full access to the enviable harbour vista without sacrificing privacy. Thus, the home strikes a delicate balance between existing site conditions and the client brief.
Exquisite and varied tiling adorns the walls and floors of the bathroom adding practical elegance
GRAND DESIGNS
115
3
5
4
6
7
1 12
11 8
10
2 13
9
G RO U N D FLO O R PL A N
15
14
22 23 20
L EGE ND 1 Pool 2 Terrace 3 Sun room 4 Laundry 5 Bedroom 6 WIR 7 Living 8 Deck 9 Bathroom 10 Ensuite 11 Bathroom 12 Stairs 13 Bedroom 14 Alfresco 15 Living 16 Kitchen 17 Balcony 18 Dining 19 Study 20 Ensuite 21 WC 22 WIR 23 Master bedroom
16
21 19
18 17
FI R ST FLO O R PL A N
SERVICES Hydraulic engineer Partridge Geotech White Geotechnical Group Landscape designer A Total Concept
P R OJE C T T E AM ARCHITECT TDDP Architects, tddparchitects.com BUILDER Lawson & Lovell Building Services, northernbeachesbuilders.com.au STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BVG, bvgconsultants.com.au
116
GRAND DESIGNS
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Bathroom fixtures Candana Kitchen fixtures Winning Appliances Lighting Tovo Lighting Tiles STS Stone, Artedomus, Skheme
P R OJ E CT QUAKERS HOUSE
Mood Board
02
01 03
Colour Palette A modern classic palette of honey timber floors and white walls is dotted with black accents. Tones of beige and cream add warmth, while greenery brings a freshness through the window splashback
01/ Souk wool rug. westelm.com.au 02/ Intertwined black long lumber cushion. bandhinidesign.com 03/ Zulta cushion in criss cross sage. fentonandfenton.com.au 04/ Berry cluster branch in henry vase. granddesignshomecollection.com.au 05/ Elle Luxe marble round coffee table in white. globewest.com.au 06/ Søren Lund 329 sofa. danishred.com.au 07/ Nora moroccan basket. barrefootgypsy.com.au
07
06
04 05
GRAND DESIGNS
117
OFF GRID
118
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
AND ON TREND Corten and concrete collide to create a farmhouse fantasy plucked straight from our dreams WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y R H I A N N O N S L AT T E R
GRAND DESIGNS
119
ccupying 200 acres of rolling green pastures and with beautiful valley vistas, Gundowring House is flanked by ranges and overlooks Lake Hume. The location offers an ever-changing backdrop reflecting the seasonal variations of the north-east Victorian landscape. Downsizing from the family home is a big move for anyone, and the couple who own Gundowring wanted more than an empty nest — they wanted a working farmhouse. “Beyond the pragmatics of planning a rural farmhouse, the greatest challenges were responding to the site and the environment,” says architect Richard Bryant, director and co-owner of Bryant Alsop. “With principal views to the south, we had to manage that balance between taking advantage of the view and controlling the light and heat loss. The curved concrete fascia along the south wall pulls the western concrete blade forward to manage the late-afternoon sun in summer.” In lieu of a traditional brief, the clients initially provided handcrafted sculptures they’d made from rusted farm machinery. Richard notes a refined quality to each element despite their rudimentary origins. These
120
GRAND DESIGNS
D ETAI L S HOUSE Gundowring House LOCATION Tangambalanga, Victoria COMMENCED January 2015 COMPLETED November 2016
P R OJ E CT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
The rusted patina of the Corten steel against a clear blue sky increases the wow factor
GRAND DESIGNS
121
The stylish Horama fireplace provides a warm, cosy feel
pieces proved the clients were after something special, not your run-of-the-mill home. As well as resonating with their lifestyle, the clients hoped the house would insert itself sympathetically into the landscape. As with any self-respecting farmhouse, it needed to have a functional work zone at the rear for dirty clothes. The owners also asked for a clearly identifiable front door for visitors, and enough space to entertain and accommodate them comfortably. Intimate living areas were equally important for times when visitors are scant and the resident number plummets to two. The single-storey, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house delivers in spades. A solar PV array, battery storage and a 100,000-litre water tank ensure the household is self-sufficient and can operate completely off the grid, while deep window reveals to the north offer summer shading and picture-framing windows.
122
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
E D I TO R’ S FAVO U R I T E THE TRANQUIL ENTRY HALL WITH VIEWS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE VALLEY
GRAND DESIGNS
123
Tall windows ensure plenty of daylight for the kitchen
WE LOV E THE CONTRAST OF CONCRETE WALLS AND IRONBARK FLOORS
124
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
“It was important to establish an artificial structured landscape to bed the house on the site and create a mechanism for controlling views and movement through the house,” Richard insists. “Central to this was the Corten steel northern facade that is singular and rhythmic in its openings, and the off-form concrete blade walls that establish the formal zoning.” Dominated by Corten steel and concrete, the material palette is robust. The longevity and patina potential both these materials possess made them the ideal combination for the setting. Additionally, the colours connect with the landscape and mimic some of the shades found in the surrounding terrain. “The colours, textures and materials create quiet, calm spaces — the house was very much conceived as a restful enclosure from which to watch the changing dramas of the landscape,” Richard says. Internal concrete walls and ironbark floors are standout features, as is the entry hall. The low and compressed space contrasts with the elements outside and is exposed to views of Kiewa Valley. A functional farmhouse that welcomes guests with style and enthusiasm, Gundowring House is an effortless beauty.
How about those landscape views from the bath?
GRAND DESIGNS
125
PROJECT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
18
17
2
16
4
3
5
1 19
15
7
6
10 14 20
21
13
11 9
22
8 12
23
G RO U N D FLO OR PL A N
“THE CURVED CONCRETE FASCIA ALONG THE SOUTH WALL PULLS THE WESTERN CONCRETE BLADE FORWARD TO MANAGE THE LATEAFTERNOON SUN IN SUMMER” — RICHARD BRYANT
P ROJ EC T T EA M ARCHITECT/INTERIOR DESIGNER Bryant Alsop Architects, bryantalsop.com.au BUILDER Scott James Builder, scottjamesbuilder.com.au
126
GRAND DESIGNS
L E GEN D 1 Entry 2 Sitting room 3 Study 4 Master bedroom 5 Ensuite 6 Store 7 WIR 8 Garage 9 Powder room 10 Mud room 11 Laundry 12 Back porch 13 Dining 14 Living 15 Pantry 16 Kitchen 17 Meals 18 Terrace 19 Bathroom 20 Bedroom 21 Bedroom 22 Bedroom 23 Covered deck
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Toilet Ideal Standard Tonic BTW close-coupled toilet suite Shower Posh Domaine 180 rose with MIZU drift wall straight shower arm Bath Posh Domaine Vanity basin Kado ARC 430 Wall-mounted vanity basin Omvivo NEO Bathroom tapware Caroma Elegance II Kitchen sink FRANKE Fragranite Onyx Kitchen appliances Miele Fireplace Horama, Cheminees Philippe Lighting EARTH, LEDlux Strix LED, Odessa Flooring Market Timbers Splashback Fibonacci Stone Kitchen benchtops & upstand Cosentino Laundry/bathroom benchtops Caesarstone, colour Osprey Ensuite wall & vanity bench Honed Calacatta Oro Extra
The concrete blade walls are striking yet have a role to play in establishing zoning
GRAND DESIGNS
127
PROJECT GUNDOWRING HOUSE
02
01
Colour Palette For a concrete and steel base, this home has a surprisingly welcoming feel. Coloured artworks and honey timber floors warm the black and white base, while turquoise accents and blue skies keep it fresh
01/ White Day at Walcha II by Ross Laurie. kingstreetgallery.com.au 02/ Solitaire petite pendant light. nichemodern.com 03/ Mio vase in rose pink. noteworthy.style 04/ Village pinot lancaster wood dining chair. crateandbarrel.com 05/ Steinway baby grand piano S-155. steinway.com.au
05
04
03
128
GRAND DESIGNS
Go inside some of Sydney’s most interesting contemporary residential architecture with our popular Residential Bus Tours. The Peekaboo House designed by Carter Williamson was one of the residences we visited in our Residential Bus Tour in December 2018. The architect of each house explained their design concepts, shared interesting stories of the design and construction processes while showing us through the spaces. Subscribe to our e-Newsletter on our website and be amongst WKH ¿UVW WR NQRZ DERXW IXWXUH 5HVLGHQWLDO %XV 7RXUV
residential bus tours Photograph courtesy of Carter Williamson. Photographer: Brett Boardman
www.architecture.org.au
for our buyer — their homes have been built to last a lifetime,” Mr Jambrovic said. Harish Kumar’s family moved into their new Privium home at Pallara on Brisbane’s southside in July 2019. “Our new home has given us a special touch of luxury at an affordable price,” he said. “We love to live in our new home with more space and natural light. The finishes are very good, from the cabinetry, doors, hot water tank with solar boost, to the modern kitchen, lighting and more height. “Privium Homes guided us all the way through the build, and our home was built and delivered ahead of schedule,” Mr Kumar. For more information on the full range of Privium Homes, head to www.priviumhomes.com.au
Luxury finishes a top priority for home buyers looking for a forever home Upsizers and experienced property buyers are prioritising luxury upgrades and finishes when searching for a home they can live and grow in. It’s a trend that one of Australia’s largest residential builders, Privium Homes, is capitalising on with more luxury finishes coming standard with all of their homes, including the Canvas Series. For a limited time the Canvas Series homes come with a Colorbond roof, LED down lights through the entire home and higher ceilings. The driveway, porch and path are also included at no additional cost. Privium Homes National Sales Manager, Aaron Jambrovic, said people searching for their forever home are typically in their mid-30s, already own a home and are thinking about starting a family. “These buyers are likely to be on their second or third home and have a strong idea of what they want such as premium finishes and higher ceilings to complete their home,” he said. “They’re going for the home they can just walk into. When completing a home build there’s nothing worse than feeling
like you’re living in a construction site.” Mr Jambrovic said finding the right home is an emotional and lifestyle purchase. “We’re not just building homes for people; we’re striving to create a concept that’s unique in the eye of each individual buyer,” he said. “Each home is constructed to help customers pioneer their own futures by providing modern living solutions in an impeccably finished package that meets their unique needs. This is the true idea behind our homes. “But with starting a family, affordability and a reduction in household income may also need to be considered. Privium Homes offers the perfect mix of affordability with luxury finishes and features that meet family requirements over the long term. “There is no sacrifice, and there will never be any surprise costs with our homes. Before our customers put their deposit down, they’re provided with the total fixed costs for their new home. “We also offer a lifetime structural guarantee, which provides peace of mind
ABOUT PRIVIUM GROUP The Privium Group is a full service, vertically integrated homebuilder, with services that extend from land development through to property management and software solutions. With a 23-year heritage, the Privium Group is one of the most respected and competitively priced suppliers of property, finance and lifestyle services across Australia’s East Coast. Offering a full range of civil, design, construction, finance, lifestyle, and software services, the Privium Group is passionate about meeting the growing needs of its clients and stakeholders. ABOUT THE PRIVIUM HOMES CANVAS SERIES Privium Homes pursuit is greater than just building your next home; it’s about fusing Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Transparency to create elevated environments that inspire customers to pioneer again. Privium Homes aims to help customers pioneer their futures. We understand the dream of pioneering — inventing and creating — your own future. Through the Canvas Series, Privium Homes works with customers to design homes that capture that pioneering spirit. It’s time to ‘pioneer again’.
Home is where aspirations are born. It’s where your personal style and best memories come together in a perfect display of comfort, warmth and safety. Your home is your space. It should perfectly balance your individuality with practical living solutions that allow you to live your best life. Privium Homes offers a diverse range of modern oor plans and facades to customise, curate and co-design a space that meets your standards. Backed by 23 years of award-winning experience, we have built over 6,500 homes across Australia for individuals, couples and families of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. We take an interactive, innovative and empowering approach to help you build your dream.
Be inspired by how unique your home can be Visit priviumhomes.com.au or call 1300 002 268
GREAT BRICK REVIVAL A timeless Brisbane home boasting minimalist undertones overlaid with modern luxury WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y M I N D I C O O K E & C AT H Y S C H U S L E R (C O U R T E S Y O F P G H B R I C K S)
132
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT UPPER CAIRNS HOUSE
GRAND DESIGNS
133
D E TAI L S HOUSE Upper Cairns House LOCATION Paddington, Queensland DATE COMMENCED January 2018 DATE COMPLETED January 2019
ricks are in the midst of a purple patch. The modest, rectangular-shaped beauties fell out of favour some years back. It was a time when cladding was king and cement render reigned, but bricks are now back with a vengeance (and a range of fresh colours and finishes). Andrew Gray, co-owner of construction firm Graya, had his finger on the pulse and his eye on the kiln when constructing Upper Cairns House in Brisbane to live in with his wife Larissa. Brick was chosen as a primary building material early on in the piece. Tried and true (and so very True Blue), the humble brick scored top billing thanks to its adaptability. Aside from being durable and long-lasting, bricks can be worked into various design styles and solutions.
134
GRAND DESIGNS
The outside room offers an opportunity to enjoy the fireplace and that tri-level chimney
P R OJ E CT UPPER CAIRNS HOUSE
W E LOVE THE INTERNAL BRICK FLOORS AND WALLS
GRAND DESIGNS
135
Multi-level living is perfected in this beautifully designed space
When Andrew came across PGH Bricks’ Pebble Creek shade from the Pure Linens range, it was fresher than a newborn and, strangely, smelled just as good. The neutral hue is warm and smooth to the touch, with Andrew granted exclusive access to the bricks, which now cover the chimney, inside floors and walls and external pathway leading to the front door. “It was all about using classic materials in new and innovative ways,” Andrew says. “We initially chose to use bricks because they can help regulate a home’s temperature within the Queensland climate, but we still wanted to have a holiday feel. It was important to think outside the box with using materials that were both practical and long-lasting, but could also have a lot of design potential.” The crisp and breezy colour scheme is light enough to offset the brick and warm enough to feel inviting. The light colour palette is in keeping with the modern, airy costal vibe the owners were aiming to achieve, one they believe will endure into the future. As beautiful as the home looks today, it was a completely different story in January, 2018.
136
GRAND DESIGNS
P R OJ E CT UPPER CAIRNS HOUSE
The sloping site ensures the home’s living spaces are light-filled and airy, with beautiful views across Brisbane
GRAND DESIGNS
137
ED I TO R’ S FAVO U R I TE THE THREE-LEVEL CHIMNEY WITH DUAL FLUES
Leakier than a busted bubbler and about as structurally sound as a house of cards, the rundown worker’s cottage housed Andrew and Larissa for 12 months before they committed to renovating the property. “The house was so bad I couldn’t walk on the balcony or down the stairs,” Andrew remembers (incredulously, not fondly). “The plumbing leaked so I had a number of cups placed to catch the drips that I had to replace each day. I think it makes you appreciate the house a lot more when you’ve lived in it at its worst. That’s part of the reason we love the house so much now.” With neighbours nipping at the heels of its boundary lines, the property is positioned on a steep gradient. This sloping proved challenging in terms of maximising usable space but by no means impossible. A hat-trick of levels contains four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Also held within the brick walls is a pair of living
138
GRAND DESIGNS
rooms, a kitchen and dining room, laundry, expansive deck, wine cellar, two fireplaces and a three-storey brick chimney. Plus a pool for good measure. Essentially, the house has everything it needs to adapt to the lifestyle of any family who passes through, which was entirely Andrew and Larissa’s aim when they undertook the project. Andrew’s history in the construction business heightened his awareness of architectural trends and their potential to date a building. “I’m always conscious that you need to ensure your design is not only on trend, but also be aware of how it could date,” he says. “I accomplished this through colour and versatile materials, using a lot of neutral/earthy tones and a light colour palette in brick that we know will age well regardless of changing design trends.” Commanding attention is easy when you’re a three-level brick chimney. Dual
flues allow the fireplace to roar on multiple levels simultaneously. “This really opens up our space and gives us that fresh and roomy feel,” Andrew adds. “You can see the chimney from streets away and lots of people have commented on how unique yet traditional it looks.” It’s this respect for tradition and incentive to create something original and modern that binds the home together and sets it apart. The internal brick floors and walls create continuity with the external fabric of the home, while prolific windows and floor-toceiling glass doors dissolve the boundaries separating indoor and outdoor living. Despite what you might think of a tri-level home, this building is incredibly functional thanks to the ingenious minds at Tim Stewart Architects and the expertise of Andrew Gray. It’s a minimalist home with maximum potential, and one that plans to stick around for a while.
P R OJ E CT UPPER CAIRNS HOUSE
ABOVE Timber flooring in the living spaces, alongside the soothing hue of the bricks, ensures the neutral colour palette continues throughout LEFT Andrew and Larissa enjoy relaxing in the home’s new pool
GRAND DESIGNS
139
2
11 2
9
2
12
10
2
13 2
1
3 8
7
6
5
2
4 2
LOWE R GR O U N D F LO O R P L A N
2
14
20 16 15
21 18
17
19
GR O U ND F LO O R P L A N
L EG E N D 1 Pool 2 Stairs 3 Outdoor room 4 Living 5 Bedroom 6 Bedroom 7 Bedroom 8 Laundry 9 Study 10 WC 11 Linen 12 Bathroom 13 Store 14 Entry 15 Garage 16 Clear 17 WC 18 Lounge 19 Kitchen 20 Dining 21 Deck 22 Master bedroom 23 Ensuite 24 WIR 25 Deck
2 24 25 22 23
UP PE R GR O U N D F LO O R PL A N
P ROJ E C T T E AM ARCHITECT Tim Stewart Architects, timstewartarchitects.com.au BUILDER Graya, graya.com.au INTERIOR DESIGNER Carmel Cule from Studio Cii Ci, instagram.com/studiociici
SERVICES Bricks and clay manufacturer PGHÂ Bricks, pghbricks.com.au
140
GRAND DESIGNS
Cool terrazzo in the bathroom
P R OJ E CT UPPER CAIRNS HOUSE
Mood Board
02
01
Colour Palette Earthy neutrals reign here. Tones of putty, beige, grey and white are offset by scattered greenery and timber tones. The result is quite soothing 01/ Pure Linens Pebble Creek. pghbricks.com.au 02/ Strand pendant open by Muuto. surrounding.com.au 03/ Kett Otway sofa. coshliving.com.au 04/ Chayce vase. granddesignshomecollection.com.au 05/ Airplant in dansk pot. granddesignshomecollection.com.au 06/ Huber coffee table. brosa.com.au 07/ Plank armchair in solid oak. iconbydesign.com.au
03
05
07
04
06
GRAND DESIGNS
141
NATURAL BEAUTY Skilfully built with timber and stone by Hedger Constructions, Waimarie is the epitome of organic grandeur WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y PAU L W E S T P H OTO G R A P H Y
A
n impressive scale and immense presence accompany this Glen Waverley powerhouse. From ironbark screening, spotted gum bookcases and cedar eave linings to Peninsula stone and limestone brickwork, the use of natural materials such as stone and timber is central to the design and character of the home. Entering the retirement phase of their lives, the owners noted their partiality for the organic simplicity and classical nature that defines the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. They requested earthy tones via material selection and colours. “From the outset, with attention to maintaining trees and vegetation during demolition, through to the finite detail of aspects such as the travertine paneling and bespoke staircase, this build demonstrates superior craftsmanship at every turn,” explains Steven Hedger, director of
142
GRAND DESIGNS
Hedger Constructions. “Where required, additional materials were included in the frame to ensure durability, strength and evenness in the build.” Hedger Constructions worked closely with the architects from McLauchlan Building Designers to ensure the integrity of the design, integrate key structural components and guarantee the project fell within budget guidelines. The four-bedroom 586sqm house takes root on a double block backing onto a park. A grand 6.5m entry foyer makes its presence felt with full-height hand-laid stone walls and a spotted gum staircase leading to the upper floor and soaring atrium. In spite of all the grandeur, the overall effect the entry point has is one of warmth and calm. Powerful vertical and horizontal lines nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and create a unique statement when teamed with the extensive
DETAILS HOUSE Waimarie LOCATION Glen Waverley, Victoria INITIAL BUDGET $1,945,319 FINAL COST $2,086,160 DATE COMMENCED November 2018 DATE COMPLETED February 2019
SP ON S OR E D P R OJ E C T WAIMARIE
EDI TO R ’ S FAVO U R I TE THE ENTRY FOYER WITH SOARING ATRIUM VOID
GRAND DESIGNS
143
PR OJ E C T T EAM ARCHITECT McLauchlan Building Designers, mclauchlan.com.au BUILDER Hedger Constructions, hedgerconstructions.com.au
144
GRAND DESIGNS
internal rock, including Peninsula stonework that was randomly laid for a purposefully rustic result. External cream limestone brick cladding combined with ironbark, cedar and spotted gum fulfils the brief and complements the multi-tiered one-degree pitched Kliplock roof. “Supporting stonework walls, soaring roof structures, and the double-storey nature of the home, ensconced in heavily treed surrounds, are key features that make this property unique,” Steven says. Large bedrooms (with ensuites and threemetre high ceilings) and a full bathroom populate the lower level guest zone, which was designed with privacy in mind. The formal dining area is shielded from the street by carefully crafted screening and a full-height bifold door system that allows the area to be sealed off from the main kitchen and living area. Extensive cabinetry in the kitchen continues the natural, earthy theme, with Corian stone and timber benchtops blending beautifully. Over in the adjacent living area is a gas log fire with stone-clad facade. The owners can assume Tarzan personas in the master bedroom, with an ensuite and retreat that seems to float in the treetops. Rather than swinging from branch to branch, the couple can immerse themselves in the beauty of expansive timber windows, bluestone deck, floor-to-ceiling travertine, enlarged shower area and electricopening clerestory windows. A spacious photography studio with timber cabinetry serves the lady of the house, who works in the field and can now indulge her passion and work on her craft in a purpose-built space. As avid dog breeders, the pair now keep their canines in a designated area linked to the garage with house access. Waimarie boasts a sustainable design with thermal superiority, evidenced by the shadeproducing eave structures. With solar panels on the roof and a 45,000-litre underground water tank, not to mention the double glazing and 10kw PV system, this is one very green home. Plus, the solar panels and visible roof guttering are concealed behind bevelled cedar fascias. Hedger Constructions took the reins on all aspects of the construction, from demolition to turnkey. “Suggestions for change by the clients were incorporated into the build so they had the confidence that all trades were working to a finish of the highest standard.” Whether it’s the substructure framing or the trusses, the attention to detail cannot be faulted. High-end finishes are consistent throughout, and Hedger should be proud of the exquisite results and quality of life it has bestowed on its clients. hedgerconstructions.com.au
SP ON S OR E D P R OJ E C T WAIMARIE
W E LOV E THE PROLIFIC USE OF STONE AND TIMBER TO GRAND EFFECT
GRAND DESIGNS
145
Photography Chris Warnes
Interiors
Standout interior design 148 Woollahra House
GRAND DESIGNS
147
INTERIOR P ROJE C T WOOLLAHRA HOUSE
Grey MATTER Drift away on a tide of seagrass, honed marble and timber WO R D S LO U I S E S M I T H E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y C H R I S WA R N E S
148
GRAND DESIGNS
ED I TOR’ S FAVO U RI TE THE CARRARA MARBLE FIREPLACE
GRAND DESIGNS
149
INTERIOR P ROJE C T WOOLLAHRA HOUSE
Dark charcoal walls with walnut and black-stained oak joinery define the study
oco Republic’s latest interior project in Sydney has more shades of grey than that hugely problematic but wildly popular X-rated novel. Unlike said book, this interior fit-out is classy and timeless. The Victorian terrace in the eastern suburbs received a complete renovation, whereby internal spaces were rearranged to make way for elegant interiors. “Designing interiors for terrace houses can be tricky,” explains Victoria Chapman, interior designer at Coco Republic. “Establishing the right amount of aspect, light and air are often simple elements which cannot be successfully resolved in this type of architecture.” In this case, windows, doors, central courtyards, floating stairs and double-height glass represent a few of the architectural features that have permitted comfortable and private living with controlled light and air.
150
GRAND DESIGNS
Formal and informal living areas across three levels flow off a central staircase and atrium that rises to full height and is open to the elements, complete with a lush green wall, water feature and sculpture. Material and colour selection have been used to distinguish the formal areas at the front of the home from the more casual rear of the house. Grass cloth and mohair velvets in varying shades of grey join a Carrara marble mantle and mixed metal furnishings and light fittings in the formal section. A Coco Republic blue velvet sofa with carmine red cushions provides a rich vibrant splash to the timeless space. “The colour palette was created from a series of natural finishes such as honed marble, seagrass wallpaper and timber veneers, which all have grey as the base and aged metals with warm tones to create a sense of quiet elegance and timelessness,” Victoria elaborates. The palette becomes lighter the
DETA IL S HOUSE Woollahra House LOCATION Woollahra, NSW DATE COMMENCED September 2017 DATE COMPLETED August 2018
GRAND DESIGNS
151
INTERIOR P ROJE C T WOOLLAHRA HOUSE
Brodware Roma bronze tapware pings in the bathrooms
W E LOVE THE ELBA MARBLE IN THE KITCHEN
ARCHITECT Nexus Architecture — John Horiatopoulos, nexusarchitecture.com INTERIOR DESIGNER Coco Republic — Victoria Chapman, cocorepublic.com.au
152
GRAND DESIGNS
deeper you venture into the building. Kitchen joinery in sable timber veneer grounds the cooking area and Elba marble softens the stonework. A custom brass and opaque glass pendant presides over the custom solid oak dining table with brass inlay and Oly Tatum leather dining chairs for a contemporary twist on dinnertime proceedings. Exuding natural permanence, the first-floor master suite and study are wrapped in grey sable joinery, grey marble, grasscloth, lambswool, linen and silk. “The study needed to be a more masculine space conducive to relaxation so the walls were painted in dark charcoal and contrasting joinery elements of walnut and black stained oak were added,” Victoria explains, noting the chic Poliform Stanford swivel chair in tan leather and Timothy Oulton Hudson leather coffee table. “Aged leather and textural wools were used in furnishings to further provide a sense of calm and visual interest.” The original garage has been refurbished to include a new powder room and upper living space with additional storage. Black tongueand-groove panelling on the lower level leads to warm white tongue-and-groove wall panelling in the upper living space, with sisal flooring in the main area and honed black marble hexagon floor tiles in the powder room. Light and laid-back, it’s one of the most luxurious garage spaces we’ve ever encountered. “Dogal dark grey marble was a key element used, particularly on the walls and vanity of the ensuite and in marble slabs in the powder room,” Victoria says. “These were chosen to complement the Brodware Roma Bronze tapware throughout.” A heart of grey and a natural glamour difficult to manufacture make this home special. Offering tranquillity in the city and family living with pared-back luxury, the Coco Republic team have once again outdone themselves.
Grey is the base colour for most of the home’s elegant, multi-hued palette
GRAND DESIGNS
153
30% OFF GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA two-year subscription deal
SAVE OVER $30
•
Each issue will feature houses comprised of a diversity of styles and budgets; some will be new builds, others conversions or renovations.
•
Each will showcase the project from concept to l ti and d will ill d t te how the architect or completion demonstrate er worked together. designer, builder and homeowne
12 ISSUES
Grand Designs Australlia magazine RRP $119.40
FOR ONLY
$83
Am magazine subscription to
GRAND D DESIGNS AUS STRALIA also makes gift a great g
Subscribe now! Visit universalshop.com.au and use the code C/GDA8.6 to get this two-year deal or call 1300 303 414. Hurry, offer ends 16th April, 2020 Grand Designs® is a trademark of, and is licensed by, FremantleMedia Australia. All rights reserved.
Photography Kata Bayer
Kitchens
Design inspiration for the heart of your home 156 Lavender Bay
GRAND DESIGNS
155
156
GRAND DESIGNS
K I TCH E N LAVENDER BAY
Harbour heights A semi-retired couple wanted dramatic elegance with a style that could happily accommodate the visiting grandchildren WO R D S A N G E L A YO U N G P H O T O G R A P H Y K ATA B AY E R
GRAND DESIGNS
157
KITC HEN LAVENDER BAY
small, steep, irregular site with “extremely constrained street and site access” — the Architecture Saville Isaacs team had their work cut out for them on this project, with clever planning, extensive excavation and complex construction required. “The house was an early-1900s Federation villa that had had many additions and alterations over the past 100 years,” Lavender Bay Interiors interior designer Linda Morrice, who was the client, says. With a brief to maximise views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, high attention to detail with an emphasis on quality was needed. “The materials and colours were used to connect with the bridge,” Linda explains. “Black steel, black-framed windows and grey concrete… the atmosphere I wanted to create was one of drama to equal the views. “I have many favourite areas,” she says of the whole project, but her standout is “emerging from the lift into the living area, which reveals a kitchen with a stunning backdrop of the avocado tree and lush greenery, and looking the other way towards the water where the external seating and dining is perfectly positioned”. Linda adds that “the day I saw the wine fridge 50m up in the sky was so exciting — fortunately it landed safely on the deck”! Brodware and Candana tapware add to the sophistication of the kitchen’s fittings, but it’s the smooth, clean lines emphasised by the twinkle of brass edgings alongside a truly sumptuous work surface — granite Absolute Black in a leathered finish along with a Maximum Pepper matt porcelain panel cooktop — that really sealed the deal. With exposed brick walls painted a nice bright white, any risk of gloom is dispersed and a genuinely open, stylish feel remains.
P ROJ EC T T EA M ARCHITECT Architecture Saville Isaacs BUILDER PCM INTERIOR DESIGN Lavender Bay Interiors
158
GRAND DESIGNS
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Sink Schock — ACS Designer Bathrooms Taps Brodware, Candana Oven, refrigerator and freezer Wolf and Sub-Zero Cooktop Maximum Pepper matt porcelain panel cooktop, granite Absolute Black in a leathered finish Tiles Di Lorenzo Natural stone tiles World Stone, STS Stone Flooring Polished concrete floor Splashback Painted recycled brick Lighting LA Lounge and Buster & Punch Windows Award Architectural Aluminium Cabinetry Saltwater Joinery Walls Board-form concrete
The
Source Get down to the nitty-gritty of the functional elements of your home 160 Wellness 168 The design rules
GRAND DESIGNS
159
TH E SOURCE WELLNESS
CULTIVATING
SANCTUARY Firepits, tranquillity pools and living, “breathing” walls… we retreat to our homes to find solace, seeking refuge from our busy lives in spaces customised to our wellness needs WO R DS DON N AY TOR R
s humans, we’re drowning in an abundance of material goods, much of it disposable. None of this excess seems to have made us happier, however. If anything, our long hours of optimised working and living have made us socially isolated, leading to loneliness and growing anxiety fed by economic uncertainty or climate crisis fears. Not surprising, then, that we want to reconnect with the idea of living well. For many, this means creating homes geared towards good health and peace of mind. Many homeowners and residential developers now consider all aspects of wellbeing, from the planning stages of a build to decisions about colour, lighting, soundproofing and the role that nature plays in family spaces. “I think the growing ideal of our home as a ‘sanctuary’ is a natural progression in an increasingly busy society,” Phillip Rossington, principal architect at BVN Sydney, explains. “Interestingly, it’s not only homes moving in this direction. Workplaces, schools and universities are also creating
160
GRAND DESIGNS
relaxed, sanctuary-like spaces. At [residential apartment tower] Emblem in Waterloo, for example, the developer allowed us to create the major communal garden and amenity area on level eight of the tower to capture the city skyline views for all the residents to enjoy. They effectively removed 14 prime apartments to provide this shared amenity.”
START AT THE BEGINNING It’s certainly easier to bend the “bones” of a house towards overall wellbeing if you’re building from scratch. Amelia Lee, owner of Undercover Architect, has seen an increase in homeowners exploring how to achieve healthy homes through sustainable design, making full use of the natural assets of their site (such as orientation, breezes, views and privacy), and making material selections that are “low tox” or more environmentally friendly. “I’m seeing homeowners reject building the largest possible house for the lowest amount of money, and rather choosing something more aligned with their personal values,” she says. “They’ve researched the connections between their home design, materials and
choice of finishes — and their health — and are driven to create homes that will assist with improving their health overall.” Designing to make strategic use of the movement of the sun is the single biggest thing you can do to make your home feel great, Amelia says. “It enables you to create a home that captures natural light, and use the floor plan, positioning of rooms and design elements such as external awnings, eaves and screens (and landscaping) to manage the heat load where required, so your home can be cool in summer and warm in winter by accessing something freely available.” Melinda Howard, principal architect at Kaleidoscope Architecture Studio, believes designing “healthy homes” is instinctive to most architects, and necessary and important work as we move into a more uncertain future. “We have to acknowledge that construction uses the finite resources of the world, so we feel a huge obligation to design responsibly. This includes designing healthy homes at its core — homes that are properly oriented, insulated and ventilated, and thus less likely to be damp, cold or mouldy.”
GRAND DESIGNS
161
Interior design and styling by studioezra.com. Tiles, Tilesofezra. Photography by Amelia Stanwix
junglefy.com.au
Photography by Amelia Stanwix
Warm up Having a cold home during winter isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your health. It’s a fact that more deaths in Australia are attributable to cold than heat. TV architect Joe Snell is passionate about creating homes that are appropriately warm as well as cool. Many of our buildings, he says, are lazy. “So many Europeans and North Americans have moved to ‘sunny’ Australia and have never felt colder in their lives, because we don’t build our homes to create proper shelter. There’s no point heating or cooling a home if the heat or cool escapes through porous walls. In colder climates there would never be gaps under doors and around windows.”
castworks.com.au
162
GRAND DESIGNS
According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution is the world’s single largest environmental health risk. Yet new research by Philips Air Care determined that 77 per cent of Australians don’t consider or prioritise their indoor air quality when cleaning, despite indoor air often being two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Investing in effective air filtration systems can thus play a crucial role in improving wellbeing.
CLEAR THE AIR Australian green wall and living infrastructure specialists Junglefy provides innovative biophilic design solutions for commercial and community spaces. Junglefy recently collaborated with Melbourne-based designer Adam Cornish to produce the Junglefy Breathing Wall — a unique, scalable, plant-based filter system that has been scientifically proven to actively clean polluted air both indoors and out. “We need to make our communities and cities more resilient to the effects of climate change, and we’re tending to make our homes more energy-efficient,” explains Jock Gammon, co-founder and managing director of Junglefy. “But at the same time we’re seeing additional problems in terms of indoor pollutants, and that’s where there’s a renewed focused on health and wellbeing.” Adam encourages homeowners not to be daunted by the idea of bringing nature into their homes. “The biophilic hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connection to nature,” he says. “Including living plants in your environment has been shown to
T H E S OUR CE WELLNESS
bvn.com.au
improve people’s wellbeing… it’s a great cost-effective starting point.” Jock agrees: “There’s a lot of research that’s shown that plants have a measurable benefit on people’s health and wellbeing. That’s why Junglefy is about social impact rather than just plants on buildings.” Interior stylist and decorator Amanda Smythe emphasises the importance of dealing with damp in your home. “The health implications of living with mould are significant and harmful, both short- and long-term,” she says. “Do whatever you can to get rid of it. Focus on deep cleaning and decluttering — most homes are full of dust that carries toxic chemicals.” Amanda recommends opening up your home to bring light and fresh air inside, and to invest in indoor plants: “Not only do they look fabulous, but they improve air quality and bring so much life into the environment.” The negative effects of artificial blue light on restful sleep are well documented, as are the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) on mood. In homes where natural light is
scarce, “human centric lighting” (HCL) can make a difference. Certain manufacturers are developing increasingly sophisticated HCL systems tied in with home automation, which mimic the sun’s path from morning to night. Also called “circadian lighting”, it creates more naturalistic lighting in interiors, and reduces artificial blue light.
HAPPY HUES Use of colour is also important. Danish designers, for example, are inspired by long, dark winters to create light, bright and simple interiors with neutral colour palettes and comfortable textures. The use of white pine, beech and ash wood is usually preferred over darker, moodier timbers. They focus on sustainable design, using locally produced, long-lasting quality furniture and decorative items and organic materials. Gitte Christensen, an interior stylist in Copenhagen, believes that simple and light interiors might “feel safer, given uncertainty about climate change”. Much of what makes us feel safe and healthy at home relies on a combination
GRAND DESIGNS
163
ABOVE Pools and spas cater to fitness and relaxation. Photography by Dean Bradley. oftb.com.au BELOW Blackout blinds aid restful sleep. luxaflex.com.au BELOW RIGHT Setting aside a gym or yoga space is great for wellness. Photography by Amelia Stanwix. studioezra.com
164
GRAND DESIGNS
Considerations Pool — swimming laps is an easy way to keep fit and healthy, especially on sunny days. Having a pool provides the perfect incentive to exercise, so consider an indoor option if you’re a fair-weather-only swimmer. Spa — hydrotherapy offers myriad therapeutic benefits if you’ve got the space and inclination. Gym — setting aside a room or small corner for equipment (no matter how minimal) means you can grab those weights or slip into a downward dog whenever the mood takes you. It can also double as a meditation space. Home-grown produce — cultivated inside or out, your own veggies, fruit and herbs always taste better and help you avoid chemicals, as well as providing constant access to good, nutritious snacks. Tranquil sleeping — blackout blinds and soundproofing in the bedroom are two excellent additions that can promote healthy, relaxed sleep.
T H E S OUR CE WELLNESS of mental and physical sensations — as much the calmness induced by a serene space as the interesting textures of fabrics or a cool breeze on your skin. Water, especially, can have a beneficial impact on wellbeing, and is easily incorporated in our homes in the form of pools, indoor saunas, outdoor showers or simply decadent rituals created around bathing. Marine biologist and author Wallace J Nichols calls the feeling of peace and strength we feel around water “Blue Mind” — the mildly meditative state “characterised by calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment”. “Blue Mind” is inspired by water and elements associated with water, from the colour blue to the words we use to describe the sensations associated with immersion.
BATHE IN BLISS According to Victoria + Albert Baths’ Emma Joyce, good lighting, natural materials and plants all help to create the perfect “wellness” bathroom space. Trend-wise, “smooth, organic shapes are popular in wellness-spa-inspired bathrooms”, she says. Victoria + Albert recently worked with acclaimed designer Steve Leung to develop the brand’s first circular bath, the Taizu, which draws its inspiration from daily bathing rituals in Chinese culture. “Bathing is principally a relaxing experience, reinvigorating the body and mind,” Steve says. “Daily life is increasingly intense, and this moment of tranquillity is a precious indulgence.” Fire can also add an extra dimension to our homes in the form of gas fireplaces or outdoor firepits. “Humans have long been drawn to fire and it’s believed that fire satisfies the primal desires for warmth, illuminates darkness and provides comfort and a place for social interaction,” Natural Gas spokesperson Kate Hawke explains. “As Australia becomes more and more urbanised, it’s not surprising that people are looking to bring natural elements, such as flame, directly into their homes.” Many homeowners aim to create quiet “meditation spaces”, while “listening rooms” with state-of-the-art sound systems have become popular among music lovers. Soundproofing options are diverse, from highquality insulation for walls and ceilings, installing double-glazed windows and ensuring that all spaces around windows, ventilation vents and door frames are properly sealed, to the clever use of soft furnishings and textured finishes to absorb sound. One example of effective and visually beautiful soundproofing is Adam Cornish’s Foliar Acoustic tile. This organic, modular tile is inspired by the tessellating patterns found when plants grow. “The tessellating design allows the user to author their own configuration and control the aesthetics of their environment,” Adam says. “However, it’s some of the other hidden design considerations that I believe really contribute to wellbeing: the acoustic tile is made from recycled PET (more than 50 per cent of post-consumer content) and the product was designed to ship flat and be disassembled at end of life for efficient recycling.”
ABOVE Good lighting, natural materials and plants promote tranquillity in the bathroom. vandabaths.com BELOW Adam Cornish’s soundproofing Foliar Acoustic tile. adamcornish.com
GRAND DESIGNS
165
THE SOU RCE WELLNESS
intothewildinteriors.com.au
Let me in… Sunlight — ups your vitamin D intake and full-spectrum light makes everything look better. Higher windows admit much more daylight than low ones, so position windows primarily for daylight (as opposed to views) as high as possible. Greenery — foliage helps with the air quality and provides a visual connection to nature. Feng shui — the ancient Chinese system of positioning your furniture just so you can produce real benefits — even if it’s just a placebo effect. Fresh air — maximum window and door openings (preferably away from pollution sources and with both wide and partial opening options) provides natural cooling and ventilation opportunities. Cross-ventilation is king.
166
GRAND DESIGNS
sundaritalia.com
With the virtues of decluttering now roundly understood — thanks in no small part to the global success of Marie Kondo and her “does it spark joy?” criteria — you won’t be surprised to learn that if your home is cluttered and chaotic, you’ll struggle to feel a sense of calm. Life design consultant Cecilia Macaulay uses her understanding of permaculture and Japanese design principles to design ecosystems, do on-site lean consulting and run life-design workshops. She sees transforming your home space as “beautifying” rather than “decluttering”: creating a house that doesn’t fight you. “Japanese culture is based on observing nature and making the most of a little. It’s about co-operating with nature and others so that you succeed as a team,” Cecilia says. She describes aspects of Japanese culture (such as tea ceremonies and martial arts) as “little zip files of how to make a good culture”, the elements of which are set up to help you succeed at every action in one go. It’s the difference between, for example, working in a kitchen where “the knife doesn’t cut, the saucepans are all damaged in some way, I fail at doing something 200 times before producing dinner...” and being in a space filled with only what you love, set up for easy use and to remove impediments to successfully taking any action: whether it’s cutting an onion or having a restful night’s sleep.
LET IT GO Guiding someone to change the way their homes are set up takes a lot of trust, Cecilia says. “I’m getting people to take away what they think are their survival mechanisms, the junk they’re holding onto because they ‘might’ need it one day, or because they think that throwing out something they paid money for makes them a bad person. I just teach people to let go.” Breaking free from the tyranny of stuff is also at the heart of interior designer and author Georgia Ezra’s work. She believes that making the decision to surround yourself with specific items in a specific atmosphere will ultimately echo throughout your reality and life. “When we enter a space we’re confronted by an array of sensory elements that ultimately shape our comfort levels,” she explains in her book A Healthy Home, A Healthy You. “What we see in terms of colour, lighting, geometric shapes and contrast all come together to create a celebration which either connects us to the space or doesn’t. Humans are visual beings — we’re often struck by what we see with our eyes first, but it takes the consideration of all our five senses to truly feel a humbling comfort in an interior.” Ultimately, creating a happy, healthy home requires a multifaceted approach. Let what makes you tick guide you.
ABOVE Uncluttered bedrooms are restful places. BELOW LEFT A dripping tap is a feng shui no-no — it’s said to represent your finances going down the drain. Images courtesy of amandasmythe.com
GRAND DESIGNS
167
Ratios, formulas… perfect interiors are a science. We’ve taken a peek inside the minds of the styling pros so you can better understand the many rules that guide their creations — and maybe even how to break them WO RD S C AS SI E H AY WOO D
tyling your space is one of the final (and, for some, most enjoyable) steps of moving into a home project. Exterior architectural beauty is important, true, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Furniture, colours on walls, and decor can make or break a space. And while homeowners often have an idea of what they’d like to include inside, many of us don’t have the confidence to execute those plans successfully. Home is ultimately a place of comfort and rest, so reflect this in its decor. The age-old debate of form versus function perseveres — the beautiful glass sofa just isn’t that comfortable to sit in, and great grandma’s lamp might not be quite the aesthetic you were after. Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright
168
GRAND DESIGNS
explained it perfectly: “Form and function are one.” Consider them in equal measure in order to create a home you love and can live in. The adage of less is more couldn’t ring truer for interiors. Restraint is present in every design studio, where too much of a good thing is exactly that — too much. Considered styling will help you cut clutter and save money for the items you really want. Holding back on furniture, for example, allows a space to speak for itself — the rule of the importance of negative (or empty) space. “We often design our joinery to be sculptural pieces in their own right and these often look best unadorned,” says Fiona Lynch, principal of Fiona Lynch Interior Design. “Having restraint when styling is the key to giving a relaxed feel to a room.”
Design by Fiona Lynch Interior Design. Photography by Sharyn Cairns
The rules
T H E S OUR CE INTERIOR DESIGN RULES
GRAND DESIGNS
169
LEFT & BELOW Straight lines are offset by lush curves to soften the room. Design by Fiona Lynch Interior Design. Photography by Sharyn Cairns. fionalynch.com.au
So, yes, there are rules aplenty in the world of design. Should we be intimidated? No. Some of these rules might have unconsciously been guiding your interior choices, while others could offer a new avenue for you to explore. Cut out the noise and choose which rules to follow and which to break. Remember, you’re the one who has to live in the space.
CONCEPT CONSIDERATION The best course to follow for interior design is the one you’re naturally leaning towards. “Start with a concept and write down the words that relate to the space you want to create,” says stylist Tara Wokulski, principal of Coco Camellia. “Curate a moodboard that resonates with your concept.” Research in magazines and online, and compile images that stand out to you and fit your concept. Once finished, sit on it for a few days so you can go back with fresh eyes and confirm the aesthetic is still meaningful. Thoughtful design will stand the test of time, while hasty styling can mean you’ll have to change it not far down the track. “The initial concept and moodboard is what I always refer back to when selecting all my decor, cushions, bedding and artwork for styling,” Tara says, “as it makes sure I don’t deviate from the initial plan or style direction.” Notice the patterns in your selections and if a furniture piece keeps cropping up, it’s likely a winner. Remember, too, that it’s good to mix. Layers of different colours, textures and shapes helps inject the things that make a space your own, while creating depth and interest. Mix the straight lines of rugs and bookshelves with the curvature of a sofa or coffee table, for example. Add a fluffy cushion or bright gold lamp to lift a muted space. “We understand materials best in contrast,” stylist Ruth Welsby says. “I like to team crisp cotton pillows with sumptuous velvet cushions for a visual delight.” Go easy on your interior by designing gradually, adding texture and depth one layer at a time. Building from the ground up with different pieces helps create a cohesive whole that genuinely reflects the occupant’s taste. “I’m always fond of layering spaces with a curated mix of art and objects,” Fiona says. “I’m a firm believer in building on the items that are already dear to the client, which adds to the authenticity and eclecticism of the space. If everything is loved, it inherently works together.” Also known as a focal point, hero or anchor, a muse is something every room needs — a feature that will take centre stage. Maybe it’s
170
GRAND DESIGNS
T H E S OUR CE INTERIOR DESIGN RULES RIGHT & BELOW Experiment with symmetry and positioning. Three of a kind creates harmony. Design by Fiona Lynch Interior Design. Photography by Amelia Stanwix
your favourite velvet sofa or a beautiful abstract artwork that you treasure. Our top tip is to ensure there is one piece that draws the eye and holds the room in balance. This isn’t the area to go overboard — one hero is enough to captivate without causing a sensory overload. If your muse is an object you’re a step ahead, as you’ll have naturally gravitated towards furnishings that complement it. Otherwise, go back to your moodboard and choose pieces that will enhance the focal point. Art is an easy way to brighten a room or add colour, and is often a room’s hero as a result. If there was ever a time and place to be picky, therefore, it’s with your wall hangings. Find a painting you love and suits your desired aesthetic, as it very likely will become the room’s anchor point. When hanging art, there’s another rule to remember. Generally, you should hang art at eye level, or somewhere between 140cm and 160cm. Note, it’s the centre of the piece that should be around that height, not the top of the frame! This height feels “right” to most people and ensures no one’s craning their neck to the sky or bending to the floor. Of course, as with all rules there are exceptions. If you have a tall piece of furniture — a high-backed chair, perhaps — that will obscure the artwork, raise it another 15cm to 30cm so the piece can be admired in its entirety. Tall, portrait paintings can also skew the height rule, so aim for the top third of these pictures to be at optimum height.
3 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER There are a few rules of ratios bandied about among those in the know — the rule of three and the 2:3 sizing rule, to name just a couple. The rule of three is based on the idea that odd numbers of things are visually appealing. The brain enjoys finding patterns it can derive meaning from, and three is the smallest number with which to form patterns, providing interest for our brain as we look around a room. Think of the satisfying visual of a sofa accompanied by two armchairs, or even three books sat on a shelf. Create vignettes of three items for an appealing aesthetic, and try to keep this idea in the back of your mind when arranging your shelves. Formal symmetry is fine, but experiment with breaking it by adding a third item of a different height. Varying heights allows each item to be enjoyed on its own and creates a feeling of a space being “full” without being cluttered.
GRAND DESIGNS
171
THE SOU RCE INTERIOR DESIGN RULES
bedroom eyes A quiet retreat, a reading nook on sunny days, or just irresistibly warm covers you can’t climb out of in winter — the bedroom is a special space full of creature comforts and personal effects. As a room in which you’ll spend at least a third of your life, it’s an important one. Bump up the thread count on your sheets or splurge on thick carpet you can sink your toes into. It’s all about the creature comforts. “Texture is a fail-safe in creating a more grand, luxe and relaxing feel in a bedroom,” says Tara Wokulski. “Varying the cushion and pillow varieties in style, pattern, colour and size will draw the eye and add depth to the room.” Bedrooms are inherently a place of softness, whether the bed you lie on or the soothing pull of sleep. Curtains, rather than blinds, are a great sound muffler and control the level of light in a room. “The humble S-fold sheer curtain invites a softer variant of texture and instantly creates a dreamy, light-filtering sanctuary,” Tara explains. “Layer a couple of throws over the bed for the finishing touch. I usually fold my coverlet in half over the linen cover, with another throw draped over the top to elevate the texture and colour of the room.”
LEFT & BELOW This bedroom plays with symmetry and the 2:3 sizing rule for a balanced look, from the duvet to the bedhead to the artwork. Styling by Tara Wokulski, Coco Camellia. Photography by Martina Gemmola. Haymes Paint Shoot
The 2:3 sizing rule is about choosing objects to populate your space from large to small and in a rough ratio of 2:3. For example, artwork above a bed should be two thirds of the width of the bed. This approach goes for such elements as window placement, too, as well as other furniture: it’s good if a dining table is 2/3 the length of the dining room, or the buffet is 2/3 the length of the sofa. This one is sometimes known as the 60/30/10 rule and also encompasses colour — think wall colour 60 per cent, furniture colour 30 per cent and accent colour 10 per cent. It evolved from the ancient design philosophy of the Golden Ratio, which itself is closely related to the Fibonacci Sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...) and the idea that each new total (or shape) is the sum of the previous two. This all sounds horrendously complicated but fret not, you don’t need to go and resit maths. It simply means you can create harmony and balance in your design by ensuring the ratio of the smaller section to the larger section is the same as that of the larger section to the whole. It’s a proportion present in the natural world, and architects and artists have used it for years. So, once you’ve decided on the largest piece in your room, work backwards (using the rule) for a space that feels balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
172
GRAND DESIGNS
Discover the difference of Evo MagnaTrack
01/2020
The true beauty of the Evo MagnaTrack Awning lies deep within its channels. The power of Rare Earth Neodymium Magnets hold the fabric tight, taut and always looking its best. The unparalleled strength of its magnetic channels allows for an impressive span of up to 6.5 metres. It also allows the awning to be left down in windy conditions. Should the fabric ever come out of its channels, the Evo MagnaTrack is the only straight drop awning in Australia that has a self-correcting feature that effortlessly returns and realigns the fabric. For a smarter solution to shade your home exterior, visit your local Luxaflex showroom and discover the difference of Evo MagnaTrack.
luxaex.com.au | 13 58 92 |
THE SOU RCE INTERIOR DESIGN RULES LEFT Low ceiling? Draw the eye up. Styling by Fiona Lynch. Photography by Sharyn Cairns BELOW Smooth lines, light and a neutral palette. Styling by Ruth Welsby. Photography by Martina Gemmola. Design by Cantilever
If you’re a proud member of the #smallspacesquad, rules can help you fake it till you make it. Low ceilings? No problem. Much like using a small plate can trick your brain into wanting less food, choosing lowprofile furniture can make the ceiling feel higher. Tall, slim background furniture (such as bookcases) can also draw the eye upwards to give the illusion of more height. Plenty of light and a neutral colour scheme are a killer combo for creating the illusion of space, as light bounces off white walls and makes them appear further away. Meanwhile, keeping it consistent with the same colour on your walls and ceiling will blur the line between them, making it harder to see where the wall ends and the ceiling begins.
THINK NEGATIVE The only way light can bounce off the walls, of course, is if they aren’t crowded with shelves and paintings, so negative space is your friend once more. Blank space gives the eyes a rest and is key in any size of room. Another tip: mirrors are marvellous. You can trick the eye into seeing more than is actually present with just one simple wall hanging. Ultimately, your home should make you happy so make sure you bring a bit of you into a space. Writing about the sense of loss after a residential fire, communications professor Karen Lollar said: “The house is not merely a possession or a structure of unfeeling walls. It is an extension of my physical body and my sense of self that reflects who I was, am, and want to be.” A great rule to live by is to surround yourself with the things you love, that evoke emotions or memories of a different time or place. Treasured knick-knacks, sentimental items and family/fur-baby/vacation photos will ground you in the present. Flowers and plants are also a mood booster, so take the time to bring a bit of nature into your space. As the poet May Sarton said, “everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help”. Include succulents along a window sill, flowers on the dining room table or a centrepiece of cotton branches to bring nature inside. For unique qualities, stylist Ruth Welsby recommends foliage over flowers. “Foliage is brilliant at creating instant drama, shape and height. It also lasts longer than flowers and complements any interior scheme.” Find what brings you joy.
174
GRAND DESIGNS
TO P T I P ALWAYS STAND BACK AND EXAMINE THE SPACE FROM AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE, AS WELL AS UP CLOSE
Styling by Ruth Welsby. Photography by Tom Blachford. Design by Figr
GRAND DESIGNS
175
THE AUSSIE HOME
INSIGHTS SURVEY
Are you a home decorator, renovator, home flipper or even a home influencer?
Be a part of Australia’s Home Insight Survey – we want to know what Aussies are doing with their homes.
500 to be
WON No project is too small - we want to hear what you are doing in 2020, and there are great prizes to be won
ENTER TODAY TO WIN
1 OF 500 copies of Grand Designs Australia Kitchens & Bathrooms 3rd edition
www.completehome.com. au/home -insights-sur vey
03 01
02
05
04
and longevity. Choose from black, white or tan leather-look upholstery, or see if a bespoke option is perfect for your house. Pick the bar seat height of 75cm or kitchen seat height of 66cm for a touch of the city in your home. satara.com.au
05/ MAKE AN IMPRESSION The picture of designer living, the Minus table and Radius armchairs by Manutti make style look effortless. With an atypical design, the Minus dining table is ideal for long and narrow spaces. The slim 85cm tabletop option is made to entertain numerous guests while creating a natural intimacy among table companions. Pick your tabletop from two earthy colours of fossil and travertine. Our favourite companion piece of the Minus table, the Radius chair is made entirely of rope for a neomodern appearance. A wrap-around backrest doubles as an armrest, that when combined with outdoor cushions offers optimal comfort for long gatherings. coshliving.com.au
Hot
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
of mind in even the highest bushfire-rated areas. The collection includes tilt-and-turn windows, hinged doors and sliding doors, all complete with compliance certification. Paarhammer products feature German hardware and multi-point locking systems for premium security, while also being double-glazed for the highest energy efficiency. Architect Bellemo & Cat. Photography Peter Hyatt. paarhammer.com.au
01/ A DANISH REVIVAL
03/SIRIUSLY GOOD RANGEHOODS
You wouldn’t guess the panel system by Made by House of Finn Juhl is more than 60 years old. Relaunched by Onecollection, the wallmounted panel and shelving system speaks of Danish designer Finn Juhl’s incredible style and sophistication. Timeless and functional, the panel system transforms walls into an integrated part of the overall design. Cupboards and shelves are able to be moved around independently and has almost limitless combinations of timber, colours and even fabrics available. danishred.com.au
With the kitchen being the hub of the modern Australian home, Sirius has created a range of hoods that bring Italian flair and functionality to this special part of the house. Presenting the new Halo, a rangehood that combines the quiet, powerful extraction of a ceiling cassette with a bright LED light ring to illuminate the cooking area. The spectacular design, brushless onboard motor, remote control and dimmable LED light make this rangehood not only an efficient appliance, but an eye-catching centrepiece for your kitchen. siriusbrand.com
02/ FIRE AWAY There is a solution for building in bushfire-prone areas — without the need for unsightly shutters. Paarhammer offers windows and doors tested and approved for all bushfires up to and including the most extreme rating of Bushfire Attack Level Flame Zone (BAL FZ). Featuring FSC-certified self-extinguishing Manilkara timber, SCHOTT PYRANOVA glass and specialised seals, the Paarhammer Bushfire Safe Range brings peace
178
GRAND DESIGNS
04/ NEW YORK, NEW YORK Big city dreaming? What better style to emulate than the New York look, where many giants of the design field have made their mark on the world. If you enjoy the endlessly stylish and relaxed look of this city, the New York bar stools will be right up your alley. Made from a solid, European oak frame with a leather-look PU upholstered seat and metal footrest, these stools offer abundant class, comfort
06/ SEEING (INFRA)RED Mmmm, an afternoon in a sauna. iHealth Saunas, operating since 2002, brings the heat to your home. Offering the only outdoor barrel infrared sauna in Australia, iHealth Saunas combines the latest technology with stylish design. Enjoy the traditional sauna experience with the added benefits of infrared therapy in your own backyard. The sauna is built from Canadian cedar with traditional shingle roofing, an adjustable temperature control panel, colour light therapy and Bluetooth sound system. Experience an invigorating tingle from the comfort of your own home. Indoor and custom sauna designs are also available with iHealth Saunas. Free delivery and installation Australia-wide. ihealthsaunas.com.au
06
S H OP P I N G HOT PRODUCTS & SERVICES
08
09
07 10 11/ FLOORED BY FLOORING
11 08/ SHAPE OF YOU
12
It’s time to get creative in your garden. FormBoss is the benchmark of strong, durable and flexible garden edging. Quick, easy to install and available throughout Australia, it creates professional results with clean, seamless lines. Established as the edging of choice in commercial and public spaces, FormBoss has now become a proven favourite in domestic garden design. Made local in Melbourne from high-quality Australia BlueScope steel, expect this hardy edging to stand the test of time. Ready-made three-tiered planters and rings make an instant feature in any garden and are perfect for growing your own kitchen garden. Big or small, FormBoss is an edging solution for all. formboss.com.au
09/ BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
13
Meet the Barrow BBQ fire pit by Konstantin Slawinski. The Barrow will be your new best friend with its unique aesthetic and function. A cross between a wheelbarrow and a grill, the Barrow is a fire bowl with a barbecue function that turns the whole world into a barbecue area. Enjoy year-round entertaining with snags on the barbie at your choice of location. cotswoldfurniture.com.au/en
10/ WATERED DOWN 07/ YEAR-ROUND COMFORT Don’t let the weather get you down, whether too hot or too cold, relax in comfort in a well-insulated home. The Botanica Timber series by Trend Windows combines the natural insulating properties of timber with energy-efficient glazing options. The series includes 13 products with a bushfire rating up to Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 29 for worry-free design. Energy-efficient homes will save on the power bill, so your investment will take care of itself. trendwindows.com.au
The Cascade pull-out sink mixer is all about restrained elegance. The classic style of the tap maintains clean, architectural lines and sleek proportions. Perfect for heavy-duty use, the Cascade features the world’s toughest stainlesssteel pull-out hose which comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. These mixers are designed and built in Australia, and are available in all of Faucet Strommen’s stylish finishes. Choose a tap that will match the sophistication of your home and last for years to come. faucetstrommen.com.au
What will lie beneath your fee et is one of the most important considerations in your home. If you’re looking for undispute ed luxury, look no further than Prestige Carpets’ latest creation, Scribbles. Currently in four co olours, Scribbles is an interesting textured loop p pile carpet, constructed using two different yarns. The main yarn is a chunky weathered wool with a random thinner highlight yarn ducking and weaving its way in and around each loop. Made in Melbourne from 100 per cent New Zealand wool, Scribbles is now in stock through Prestige Carpets’ retail network. prestigecarpets.com.au
12/ LUXURY LIVING Your access to the outside world, your windows and doors play a key part in your home. And what says luxury like oversized windows and doors? Flood the room with light and enjoy nature from the comfort of your home with large-sized windows. After hand-crafting premium timber doors and windows for more than 85 years, Duce can create products limited only by your imagination. These bespoke timber fittings speak of craftsmanship and style, built to the finest standards in Australia for the best in your home. duce.com.au
13/ FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT Welcome visitors from the moment they arrive with an inviting front door. Catering to the rise in popularity of taller, wider, more welcoming doors, The Woodworkers Company has released an expanded range of door designs to make your entry inviting and stylish. New designs include the breezy Hampshire style (pictured), which is available in single- or multi-light versions, the timeless Cricket Bat Victorian door and the industrial-chic Barn door. The new designs augment the largest range of solid cedar doors and windows available in Australia. Find the right door by visiting The Woodworkers Company’s showrooms in Brisbane and Sydney, and on Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine Coasts. woodworkers.com.au
GRAND DESIGNS
179
14
16 15 smaller, high-thermal-mass homes this is ample), but for their design aesthetic and the timeless homely appeal of having a wood-fired heater in the house. castworks.com.au
16/ KNOCK, KNOCK
17 14/ CHASE THE DARKNESS Lights can make or break a space and good illumination allows you to enjoy a room to its full potential. The Meknes iron pendant light features a subtle embossed pattern true to its Moroccan influences. The colour and depth of the antique gold finish changes as the light illuminates from different angles, revealing its natural beauty. Scatter a few pendant lights around a room for a touch of the exotic. schots.com.au
Open the door to design possibilities with Dowell’s DesignerLine hinged doors. Easily matched to the Dowell’s wide range of windows, these doors are robust, durable and easy on the eye. Flexibility of design is made simple with a variety of configurations and combinations with security screens, barrier grilles, custom sizes and colours. Choose from low-emissivity glazing or doubleglazed configurations for energy efficiency, or enjoy 180º opening with the optional Parliament hinge — the list can go on. DesignerLine doors offer peace of mind for longevity and security, so you can always sleep easy. dowell.com.au
Consumers are redefining luxury. Gone are the days when luxury meant the biggest, the brightest or the most expensive. These days luxury is about authenticity, experience and craftsmanship. Rather than a larger home, people prefer smaller homes that can be personalised. The same goes for the appliances and fittings. Statement pieces such as Morso wood-fired heaters are seeing a resurgence not just for their practical ability (though with
Every little detail counts in your home, especially in the bedroom. For example, the base of a bed needs to be deep enough so you can tuck the sheets in without hurting your fingers, yet high enough for storage below. It’s these ideas that have culminated in a remarkably refined yet practical furniture piece called the Jolanda bed. This bed makes a statement with its strong, sleek lines and angled legs, and offers timeless aesthetic without the large price tag. A design and manufacture arising from
18
180
GRAND DESIGNS
18/ ESCAPE THE HEAT While some sunshine is enjoyable, as the afternoon wears on it can become uncomfortably hot or shine right into your eyes when you’re trying to relax. A drop-down awning can take the heat off on summer days or when the sun’s rays cause uncomfortable glare. Helping to cool and shade indoor or outdoor areas, the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack awning can be let down in rougher weather conditions. A world-first in functionality, this product is the only straight-drop awning system in Australia to selfcorrect, effortlessly returning fabric into its channel if dislodged. Its patented magnetic retention system offers unparalleled strength and can be left down in windy conditions. luxaflex.com.au
19/ THE NEW HYBRID 17/ LITTLE DETAILS FOR A BIG DIFFERENCE
15/ MODERN LUXURY IS CHANGING
five generations of furniture-making, the Jolanda bed has been expertly crafted with passion and perfection so you can rest, recharge and relax in luxurious comfort. iconbydesign.com.au
Invest in one of the most hard-wearing surfaces in the home. Hybrid flooring brings you the best of both worlds, with the great qualities of laminate and vinyl combined. This type of floor is 100 per cent waterproof, so the flooring can encompass your entire open-plan area for a seamless look. It’s not just a show stopper in the looks department either, this durable material is a dream to clean — no need for additional waxes or polishes, a vacuum, sweep or mop will have your floor looking brand new! flooringxtra.com.au
19
Expert Advice Get the low-down from industry professionals
Project Code Green
182 Architecture 184 Building
GRAND DESIGNS
181
01 02
01
ow do architects come up with their ideas? In any design process, forcing yourself to write down what you’re actually trying to achieve helps keep your creative juices focused. In architecture this initial note is always based on the client’s brief, budget and site. It then becomes a crosschecking tool on the validity of solutions and a way to get back on track when you find yourself lost down the designer’s rabbit hole. The National Architecture Awards once again presented another swinging array of responses across a range of locations. However, we have on record the key points from the architects themselves on how they arrived at their decisions. Here are the homes that took home the chocolates in the category of “Houses — new”, along with the architect’s descriptions and the jury’s comments.
CLOISTER HOUSE
01/ Cloister House. Photography Givlio Aristide 02/ Daylesford Longhouse. Photography Rhiannon Slatter 03/ GB House. Photography Justin Alexander 04/ Hawthorn House. Photography Ben Hosking 05/ House in the Hills. Photography Earl Carter 06/ North Melbourne House. Photography Peter Bennetts
“All rise”
— YOU BE THE JUDGE Take a look at this year’s National Architecture Awards winners WO R D S P E T E C O LQ U H O U N
182
GRAND DESIGNS
DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: MORQ A couple looking towards retirement came to us in search of a house where they could feel a sense of refuge; somewhere to peacefully dwell for the coming chapters of their life. The name Cloister House is not so much a typological reference, but rather a reference to the creation of an inward and protected world. Through this design approach the making is threefold; we shield the occupants from the noisy street, consolidate residual outdoor space, and create an inner sanctuary within. A sense of protection is expressed through the materiality of rammed walls. Furthermore, the use of only a few raw materials generates a harmonised background that places emphasis on light, space and the couple’s everyday life. THE JURY’S COMMENTS The experience of this house lingers in the mind. Externally, a series of deep rammedconcrete surfaces softly redirects natural light into the depth of the plan, reducing glare and focusing the interior towards the verdant green of the courtyard. The resolution and economy of detail and unadorned surface is rigorous and poetic, creating a quality of complete embodiment and immersion.
GB HOUSE DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: Renato D’Ettorre Architects This house above Gordon’s Bay embodies the spirit of seaside living in response to a magical site. The nuanced design shies away from a “look how clever I am” approach. Its discreet scale, quiet focus and layered materiality are sensitive to its location and neighbours, and provide mystery and privacy along one of Sydney’s busiest coastlines. Sites are the soul
E X P E RT ADV I C E ARCHITECTURE THE JURY’S COMMENTS Cubic, concrete masses, punctured by semicircular apertures, rest on delicate, residual supports, highlighting interplay between heavy and light, solid and open, screening overhangs and curved floor-to-ceiling glazing.
HOUSE IN THE HILLS
03 of projects; they raise curiosity and generate discussions that guide a design direction. As Alvar Aalto said, a building has to respond to the multiplicity of the site. It would have been easy to treat the ocean as the only hero but that would have been one-dimensional. We wanted to respect the coastal context and experience the site like you would a mediaeval city castle. MY COMMENTS Instead of the jury’s comment, in this case I’ll add my own thoughts. When I visited this house, at first I was challenged by the concealment of the view by the tapestry of breeze block. But over the course of the day I understood that in a house such as this — on such a public walkway and popular coastal bay — creating a sense of refuge for the occupants was more important than opening everything up to the view. It was a very brave move but having an architect who understands how people live and the need to feel secure trumps expansive glass with the curtains always drawn.
HAWTHORN HOUSE DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: Edition Office Within this garden platform, the house is defined by two heavily textured concrete shrouds, each with its own proportion and personality, linked by a walkway and courtyard garden. The arched shrouds evolved as a method of structurally supporting the house with its own skin — to be understood as protective cloak rather than signifiers of support.
04
DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: Sean Godsell Architects In the outback, any constructed shelter can mean the difference between life and death — shade from the intense heat, height above the flooding river — so that these simple, often weather-ravaged structures assume a more profound meaning. In this part of Australia the southerly winds are cold. In fact, the wind fundamentally dictated the design of this building. The 30m x 30m operable roof parasol protects the house, offering both shelter from and deflection of the prevailing wind as well as varying degrees of shade and direct sunlight depending on the time of day and year. More importantly, the parasol acts as a place-maker, localising and defining a precinct on a large site within which the essential requirements for habitation — shelter, protection, security — can comfortably occur. THE JURY’S COMMENTS House in the Hills initially presents as an abstract intervention in the rural Victorian landscape, challenging our perception of rural domesticity. In contrast to the unashamedly rigorous metallic exterior, the plywood interior is warm and inviting. Inside, the vast landscape views and broad extent of the parasol enlarge the perception of the modestly scaled rooms. This is an ambitious family home on a beautiful yet unrelenting site.
NORTH MELBOURNE HOUSE DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: NMBW Architecture Studio The owners of this site also own the adjacent block containing a 19th-century double-fronted cottage, making an L-shaped double property. Together, the two dwellings, old and new, are conceived as a “share-house for ageing in”.
05
06 THE JURY’S COMMENTS North Melbourne House is a project that speaks to the future and, more specifically, to the important issue of ageing in place. The architecture invites nesting.
THE DAYLESFORD LONGHOUSE — WINNER OF THE ROBIN BOYD AWARD 2019 DESCRIPTION FROM THE ARCHITECTS: Partners Hill The response has been strategically derived from a requirement to collect enough water and provide enough protection for a garden to flourish. It derives from a principle that the landscape is for being with, not gazing at. Rather than placing an architectural object in the landscape, Longhouse produces a modifying void that encourages landscapes and buildings within. As a research project it emphasises how much capacity is needed to have a few people independently survive with some animals, enough water and year-round harvesting. THE JURY’S COMMENTS Daylesford Longhouse is utterly extraordinary. The strategic starting point was a roof large enough to collect water to support a small number of people, some animals and a produce garden on a remote and exposed site. The core activity to be sustained by the architecture was food production, preparation and sharing. The roof marks out a linear territory that, with walls of sheet metal, translucent polycarbonate and agricultural mesh, preserves the interior (including the verdant garden) as a discrete climatic zone. The translucent skin, punctuated only by carefully curated picture windows, protects the garden from predators and exposure. Inside, alongside the plant life, is a surprising richness of refined architectural detail — raw timber, terracotta and whiteglazed brick, all composed harmoniously in a magical and constantly changing light… a deeply memorable experience of a house. With thanks to the Australian Institute of Architects.
GRAND DESIGNS
183
E XPERT ADVIC E BUILDING
Green
INFRASTRUCTURE Shout it from the green rooftops! WO R D S C H R I S K N I E R I M
184
GRAND DESIGNS
s our population continues to grow in major Australian cities, the impact that both existing and new infrastructures will bear on our environment is of great concern. With the marked growth in our population comes an increased demand for new housing and commercial buildings. As our metropolitan cities expand to meet this demand, we’re clearing away vegetation to make room for structural accommodations, which in turn affects both the air quality and overall quality of life for the entire population. With the removal of plant life necessitated to accommodate the new masonry and hard surfaces, temperatures rise in these cities. It’s known as the “heat island effect”, which refers to increased temperatures found in built-up urban areas, compared to the heat levels discovered in surrounding rural regions. The phenomenon is a huge concern for our cities, causing increased pollution and heat-related illnesses. The outlook on this issue, it’s important to note, is not all doom and gloom. We can combat it by reintroducing plant life into cities, and on a substantial scale — not just via small garden patches but through the introduction of green roofs to existing and new structures. A green or “living” roof is one that fosters the growth of vegetation. Not just any roof can become a green roof — it’s important they’re engineered and built by experienced tradespeople. A living roof must come complete with a suitable waterproofing membrane that will allow adequate drainage to ensure the water tightness of the structure. Green roofs comprise a series of layered components: the roof
structure; waterproofing membranes; water storage cells; root barrier protection fabrics; soil media; and the foliage of plants. Contrary to popular misconception that they’re a recent building fad, green roofs have been in existence for more than 100 years. In response to the recent increase in demand and in accordance with advanced technologies, today’s green roofs are more viable, quicker to install, and are growing lighter in weight and more robust.
LIVING LAYERS In developed, densely populated areas, green roofs can reduce the heat island effect by replacing heat-conducting roof surfaces such as masonry, brick or concrete, offering instead heat-absorbing “living” layers that also provide shelter for the hot air. A green roof can, due to its multiple layers, act as both a noise and a climate barrier. The multiple layered system can reduce external noise from traffic, machinery, aeroplanes and people by absorbing, reflecting and deflecting sound waves. They also protect the building from external conditions, which in turn enhances a structure’s thermal performance, leading to significant cost savings on energy bills, as less energy is required to heat and cool the building. In winter, green roofs keep the heat inside and in summer the cool air released through your air conditioning unit will be less likely to escape your home. Green roofs deliver clean air by removing gaseous pollutants and particulate matter from the atmosphere. They absorb CO 2 (a major contributor to global warming) as well as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and ground-level ozone from the air. Fine air particles, which can cause pulmonary diseases, are captured on green roofs due to their irregular surfaces, on which the particles become trapped and then flow away into the drains along with the rainwater. The growing media (soil) and plants lining a green roof serve to absorb water that would otherwise become runoff. Research suggests that peak flow rates are reduced by 50 to 80 per cent compared to conventional roofs. Instead of flowing straight off, through down pipes and into waterways, the rainwater is absorbed by plants and soil, which inevitably reduces the flow rate of the water into our stormwater systems. If rainwater tanks are installed adjacent to the roof, the tanks are filled first — before the water runs off into the stormwater system. The green roof structure purifies the rainwater as it flows through the plant and substrate layers before reaching the drain. It’s thanks to this that toxins such as copper
sulphate and zinc remain in the substrate and out of the water. Green roofs attract fauna and flora back to the local area by providing habitation through their own miniecosystems, thus increasing an area’s biodiversity. Insects in particular are attracted to green roofs, especially bees. Green roofs also protect the surrounding environment from fragmentation and provide an aesthetic appeal and diversity. Who wouldn’t prefer to look out of the window and see a beautiful garden as opposed to a bland reflective roof surface? In my own work designing sustainable structures around the world, green roofs play a big part. I have seen first-hand
the natural, mood-boosting benefits of green roofs atop houses and office spaces. People are instantly more attracted to their workspace and environment. Before considering a green roof, however, remember to consult an expert in the field. You can make it a fun experience by getting the entire family (or even your employees) involved in the planting of the roof as you start propagating the plants. Chris Knierim is an international awardwinning designer and builder. He’s the national president of the Building Designers Association of Australia and sits on the board of the Australian Design Alliance. codegreen.com.au
GRAND DESIGNS
185
EX PERT ADVI C E ASK OUR ARCHITECT
Ask our Architect Editor-at-large Peter Maddison answers your questions
Q
I live in a new flat in Sydney and have the uncomfortable experience of hearing what’s going on with my neighbours. I can hear their TV, I can hear them walking around. I can even hear them coughing. Is there anything we can do? Are there regulations around acoustic privacy? Can we retrofit our flat?
Sian, NSW I’m sorry to hear about that. Sound is one of things I personally fi nd very annoying because it cuts through one’s privacy. If your apartment has been built in the last 10 years, it should have been covered by the National Construction Code (previously known as the Building Code of Australia). There are standards that the design of your apartment should have met in order to be given a Building Permit. This includes a sound reverberation standard and an airborne noise standard. All this is well and good, but it means nothing if your neighbours have loud arguments and play the drums. Positive solutions. Insulate your apartment with another layer of dense plasterboard. Thoroughly seal the windows and any air gaps around doors. Keep your windows and doors shut and install a fresh air make-up system (heat-recovery system). Alternatively, issue all neighbours with Ugg Boots and Hush Puppies and invite them around to share the joys of a game of charades.
A
Q
We’re about to sell our two-storey semi-detached townhouse in Port Melbourne. Do you have any tips to reap the best price? There is off-street parking, a garage and a small front and back garden. We are planning on repainting the interior and exterior, and replacing the carpet.
Simon, Vic Your agent will have suggestions such as furniture styling for sale, window cleaning and any other upgrade. For me, selecting the right agent is hugely important. Do your research to engage an agent who knows the area and demographic. Defi nitely have it professionally photographed, with nice legible plans and upgraded premium internet coverage. As an architect, I recommend selling before purchasing the next house if at all possible, to fi nd out how much money you have. Of course, this isn’t always possible. From my experience, the vendor always sells under their estimate, while the purchaser feels they’ve paid too much!
A
The Rivett Man Cave, series 8, episode 7
Q
On your show, you often talk about replicating foreign architectural styles as being a bad thing. Surely building a tried-and-tested design such as Italianate or French provincial is a safer bet for resale? Modern design can be cold and sterile and date quickly. We’re about to build a house on a greenfield site in an up-and-coming new suburb in Brisbane and I’d be interested in your opinion on this.
Meredith, Qld Australia is fi nding its way stylistically. Being only 200 years old we had no architectural tradition to build on, so we leant on English and European traditions. I’m pleased to say that the view you have is turning. Ever since Modernism found its way to our shores in the 1950s, there is an ever-changing tide of people wanting architecture that relates to Australian materials and climate. I’m seeing fantastic, inventive, Aussie architecture transforming lives and bringing great joy. Have a look at last season’s Grand Designs Australia, in particular episodes 7, the Rivett Man Cave ACT; Episode 8, Suffolk Park House in Byron Bay (see page 60); and Episode 9, Mount Tambourine Tropical in Queensland. Like French champagne, foreign styles should stay at their place of origin. Vernacular Aussie styles such as the “Reinvented Queenslander” or “Freeform Modernism” are proving themselves to be meaningful Aussie styles.
A
Q&A — Need Peter ’s help? Email your queries to homedesign@umco.com.au
186
GRAND DESIGNS
Photography Rhiannon Slatter
INDEX
Index AAA..................................................................................... 129 Amber Tiles .........................................................................71 Castworks..........................................................................48 Coco Republic................................................Back page ComfortHeat.......................................................................8 Cork Imports Australia.................................................47 Cosh Outdoor Living ......................................................4 Dowell Windows ...............................................................6
Duce.......................................................................................10 Faucet Strommen.......................................................... 23 Flooring Xtra..................................................................... 26 Hedger Constructions.....................................142, 146 iHealth Saunas.................................................................. 16 Luxaflex..............................................................................173 Paarhammer Windows............................................... 83 Prestige Carpets ............................................................. 19
Privium Designer Homes.........................................130 Raunik Design Group ..................................................95 Scenic Tours......................................................................... 2 Schots Home Emporium............................................ 12 Sirius.............................................................................. 24, 58 Steel .................................................................................... 107 The Woodworkers Company................................... 14