Tag: architecture

Chic Perth heritage reno a seamless blend of old & new

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 23, 2020
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The heritage home with modern extension, is certainly not a new concept. Regardless of heritage restrictions, many a run-down old character home has been lovingly restored simply because people love a slice of history. From solid timber floors to architraves and unique ceiling details, a heritage home simply cannot be recreated with modern materials; something that was acknowledged by the designers of this gorgeous renovation, located in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Mosman Park.

Owned by the co-founders of Perth architectural and design company MAEK, the home was renovated recently after being purchased in less than ideal condition. And while it would have been easier (and possibly cheaper) to demolish the original abode and build something new, the MAEK team couldn’t resist the old bones of the once-loved home.

“It seemed sad to let the historical façade, and the history within it, disappear from the streetscape. People have since remarked at how glad they are that we had kept the old house and brought it back to life. We feel like we’ve made a real contribution to the neighbourhood and the value of our street,” says the co-founder of MAEK and one of the home’s owners Sophie McComish.

“We believe there is something very authentic and beautiful about a heritage home; something that is hard to replicate new. We get an immediate sense of quality and solidness; a sense that great care has been taken to craft it. This was another driving factor for us to bring the old home back to life – not losing all that beautiful detailing and workmanship,” says Sophie who rebuilt the front façade (the chimneys were strengthened and repaired) and repaired the home’s original six-metre-long jarrah floorboards too.

And when it comes to the home’s stunning rear extension, a commitment to ‘beautiful details and workmanship’ is evident where MAEK settled on a unique blend of old and new. “Whilst we have not imitated the old, we would never do this, it’s difficult to know where the old house ends and the new addition begins,” says Sophie.

For example, the living room (a highly contemporary addition) features heritage sash windows, plus detailed skirting and cornices; and it’s one of Sophie’s favourite places to inhabit. “From an aesthetic perspective, the kitchen and living area is a delightful space to be in. You feel as though you are nestled in your own secret garden with its lush green outlook. It’s beautiful all year round,” says Sophie.

Sash windows feature in the home's new extension — Sash windows (right) feature in the home’s new extension

The bathrooms, with their generous proportions of marble and stone, are some of the home’s standout spaces. One of them is situated in an original bedroom, and now sports a vintage freestanding bath in front of an original black and white fireplace. “The heritage features are complemented by a generous ceiling height, large proportions of statuario marble, limestone floors and supersized mirrors. The result is grand and luxurious, but also calming,” says Sophie.

Guest bathroom — The gorgeous guest bathroom

The beautiful garden features a few large boulders, nestled beneath trees among plants and rocks, giving the garden a lovely organic feel. “From kids’ playdates to grown up barbeques and lazing about on a Saturday morning, the house works perfectly for us. The kitchen, living area and alfresco are surrounded by an oasis of lush green gardens and pool, which makes for a very tranquil space to enjoy.”

Pool — The unique pool fence appears to be floating on grass. “It hardly requires any cleaning!” says Sophie.

Photography: Joel Barbitta & Jack Lovell

For more on MAEK | A landscape designer’s green oasis in Perth

Tags architecture, design, home renovation, home tour, house tour, interior design, interior designer, interiors, MAEK, perth, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

Architecture Competitions Design

Would you like $100,000 USD to build your dream home?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 16, 2020
No Comments on Would you like $100,000 USD to build your dream home?

With Airbnb searches for unusual spaces (think shepherds’ huts, windmills and tiny houses) having increased by nearly 70 per cent over the last year, people are clearly seeking unique holiday experiences. In response, and in great news for budding designers, Airbnb has just launched a $1 million USD search for the most unique home ideas.

The fund is the company’s first-ever $1 million USD ($1.5 million AUD) program and it’s designed to enable anyone with an extraordinary house idea to design and build it, and then share it with travellers all over the world.

JR's Ecohut, in the NSW town of Nangus — The unique Airbnb listed Ecohut, in the NSW town of Nangus

So, if you’ve got a unique home idea that needs funding to take flight, now just might be the time. Submissions, which are open until mid-April 2020, will be judged against a set of criteria including creativity, feasibility, sustainability and social good.

The most obvious criteria, ‘creativity,’ asks that a successful entry be full of surprises, both inside and out. The ‘feasibility’ category asks you to demonstrate how you’d pull off the project with a budget of $100,000 USD. ‘Sustainability’ will be judged in terms of the project’s use of recycled materials, energy efficiency, smart irrigation, waste reduction and its overall environmental footprint, while ‘social good’ looks at the way the project would benefit guests, neighbours and the community at large.

Ten recipients will be selected by a panel of design and style innovators including award-winning actor Billy Porter, Airbnb Superhost Kirstie Wolfe (of the famed Big Idaho Potato Hotel), and global cutting-edge architecture firm MVRDV.

Judge Kirstie Wolfe with her Big Idaho Potato Hotel. — Judge Kirstie Wolfe with her Big Idaho Potato Hotel, in the US state of Idaho

“The only thing better than pushing the boundaries of style, is empowering others to do the same. I’m thrilled to join Airbnb in this global search for the most outrageous, spectacular home ideas ever. I can’t wait to see these concepts developed by design lovers from around the world first-hand,” says Billy Porter.

You can stay in this deluxe shipping container retreat in South Australia

MVRDV partner Fokke Moerel is equally enthusiastic. “The Unique Airbnb Fund is a great initiative that makes hospitality exciting. It will empower people to create new spaces with daring, imaginative and fantastic architecture,” says Fokke.

An old steam train carriage has been repurposed into accommodation in country Victoria

For more on the fund | Design hotels: Tasmania dominates awards shortlist

Tags airbnb, architecture, competition, design, interior design, interiors

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Sustainable design underpins Melbourne cottage reno

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 11, 2020
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Sitting on a diminutive 195 square metre block in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, this weatherboard workers’ cottage was renovated recently, with Gardiner Architects at the helm. The front section of the house encompassed two bedrooms, a hall and a lounge, while the rear was home to your typical weary lean-to.

“It was small, dark and pokey with low ceilings and no insulation. Along with being hot in summer and freezing in winter, the house, as it was, had no connection to the outside,” says architect Paul Gardiner who set about amending all of those things.

Front of the home — The home’s heritage front was restored; a 1970’s concrete porch was removed, and a bullnose added.

Restoration works were completed on the front heritage section, of the home, while a modern, open-plan extension was added at the back. The home was also opened up to the outdoors at the rear, and with the addition of a courtyard.

“Our approach is to find ways to allow for internal spaces to have adequate light, protection from hot afternoon sun and a visual connection to green spaces and the sky,” says Paul. So, while the home is nestled in a dense, urban area, it feels private and protected with the garden key to this feel.

Bedroom — The modest home has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a European style laundry and a separate study.

Of the decision to restore the front of the home, Paul sees value in celebrating and preserving heritage buildings regardless of whether regulations require it or not. The practice, rather conveniently, also happens to be sustainable too.

“Keeping construction materials already in use has to be one of the most effective and sustainable things to do. Unfortunately, in Australia we don’t have adequate systems that see demolished materials sorted and sufficiently reused and recycled. So, we say, don’t knock it all down,” says Paul who retained as much as he could from the existing home.

A European laundry is a space saving technique — Situated in the hallway, a European laundry is one of the home’s space saving techniques

And while the architect is keen to restore heritage features, he sees no value in creating a new home that is trying to look like an old one. “Rather than extending the same roofline or using the same materials for the new area of the house, we like to find a way to relate to the old without replicating a period aesthetic,” says Paul.

Sustainable practices underpin the home’s entire design; an aspect that was client driven. And while the owner didn’t fully understand what sustainable building practices were, she was keen for them to be incorporated in the home. Firstly, keeping the house on the small side was a sustainable choice, and the home was designed with passive solar design principles including a northern orientation that allowed for protection from the hot afternoon sun.

“We also chose to incorporate a concrete slab for thermal mass that helps maintain a temperate climate inside. Solar panels and water tanks assist to reduce the usage of mains electricity and water, which in turn reduces the home’s running costs,” says Paul.

The home’s aesthetic choices were driven by the owner’s existing collection of old furniture and art; a mix of family heirlooms and pieces collected while travelling. “The pieces have a very warm and rich aesthetic,” says Paul. Timber flooring and joinery, as well as white paint, was used to complement to the collection.

“We weren’t seeking a minimalist approach, just a backdrop for all her beautiful belongings to sit within. The spaces have a comfortable feel while being open and full of natural light.”

Photography: Tess Kelly

For more on Gardiner Architects | Self-taught owner builder transforms Melbourne home

Tags architecture, design, gardiner architects, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, melbourne, real home, real reno, reno, renovation

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Duplex designs: This abode proves they can be stylish

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 21, 2020
1 Comment on Duplex designs: This abode proves they can be stylish

When it comes to home design, the duplex has always been a bit of a poor cousin – practical but usually lacking on the design front. This stylish home, located in Victoria’s Mornington, breaks the mould however.

“Not people to shy away from something different, the clients didn’t want to follow the pro forma unit developments in the street, but wanted that wow factor that is often lost in single storey, duplex style homes,” say the home’s designer Amy Hart of The Little Brick Studio.

The home’s owners, who recently welcomed a new baby, plan to keep one duplex for themselves and sell the other as an investment; a savvy financial decision that makes efficient use of a larger block without the requirement for any common property.

A study nook makes efficient use of space beside the kitchen

“With the right orientation and site, a duplex design can allow for generous practical and light filled spaces, without the cost of a larger single home,” says Amy, who believes we’re in the midst of a duplex resurgence.

Built by Foundation Builders, the home has a lovely facade with varying roof shapes complemented by a sophisticated colour palette. “We especially like the combination of textures on the façade – the rough split face and the smooth, dark Alucobond,” says Amy.

Duplex facade — Strong architectural shapes make this home look nothing like a typical duplex

“With a great team we created a comfortable home for our clients, as well as an alternative and interesting change from stock standard single storey duplex developments. We know there is no need to follow the formula and are proud that thinking outside of the square has brought this amazing project to life.”

Photography: Brent Lukey | Styling: Coastal Styling

For more on The Little Brick Studio | Stunning 1960’s reno: Pool to ocean views in Mt Martha

Tags architecture, design, duplex, interior design, interiors, the little brick studio

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Houzz announces Best Of Houzz 2020 winners

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 17, 2020
No Comments on Houzz announces Best Of Houzz 2020 winners

This serene infinity pool, another winner, was created by Living Style Landscapes

Shining the spotlight on just 3 per cent of its professional community, the 2020 Best of Houzz awards have been announced, honouring those whose work was the most popular on the platform. Receiving an accolade is no small thing, especially when you consider that the Houzz community includes 2.5 million active home professionals and interior and architectural photographers.

This bathroom, by Studio Black Interiors, is one of this year’s winners.

“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home renovation and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app. This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across Australia and around the world,” says Tony Been, managing director ANZ at Houzz.

The awards are handed out annually across three categories including design, customer service and photography. Design awards recognise the professionals that were the most popular among the Houzz community, while customer service honours are based on factors including a professional’s overall rating and client reviews submitted in 2019. Photography honours are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were the most popular.

Another winner, this kitchen is by GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

Winners will be able to display a “Best Of Houzz 2020” badge on their page, specifying the category won, which helps homeowners identify popular and top-rated professionals. The badges are highly sought after within the Houzz professional community, as attested to by some of this year’s winners.

“Houzz has such a large following and is a platform for renovators and homeowners around the world. Winning the Best of Houzz Awards consecutively since 2017 is something I’m extremely proud of. Houzz continues to support my business and brings genuine clients with different size projects and budgets,” says Julianne Bull, principal designer at The Den Interiors.

Den Interiors created this winning living room

Having won several Best of Houzz awards over the years, architect Rebecca Naughtin agrees. “Prospective clients are more likely to reach out if they have confidence in your business. A Best of Houzz badge improves our exposure, gives credibility to our profile, assures clients that we are competent professionals and boosts our team morale,” says Rebecca.

This bespoke timber staircase, by Rebecca Naughtin Architect, is one of this year’s winners.

Browse the 2020 Best of Houzz award winners | Growth in kitchen reno spend according to Houzz survey

Tags architect, architecture, design, houzz, houzz awards, interior design, interior designer, interiors, reno addict

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Stunning 1960’s reno: Pool to ocean views in Mt Martha

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 12, 2020
1 Comment on Stunning 1960’s reno: Pool to ocean views in Mt Martha

With its sweeping ocean views from almost every room, this home makes the utmost of its cliffside seaside location in Mount Martha, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Built in the 1960’s, its owners (a family of five) decided to renovate it recently with interior designer Jasmine McClelland at the helm.

“The 1960’s property was in mostly original condition, with lots of little rooms that didn’t make a lot of sense and were not meeting the needs of the family’s modern lifestyle,” says Jasmine McClelland who set about transforming the property into an open-plan, spacious home that celebrates its ocean backdrop with a palette of natural timber, blue and grey.

A standout feature of the renovation is the pool that sits at the entrance to the property. The pool was once an enclosed brick and glass room and is now an airy space with views all the way to the ocean. “The mid-century pool in the front portion of the house was absolute gold, the clients kept the existing form and gave it a facelift, with new tiling and landscaping,” says Jasmine.

Opening out onto the pool, courtesy of a custom servery pivot tilt window, the expansive kitchen sits at the heart of the home and is the ultimate in entertaining. “Allowing the kitchen to extend into the outdoors was a key design component. It was through this detail that we were able to create a real sense of connection in the space, even though it is so large,” says Jasmine.

The space features generous work benches, ample amounts of storage and a walk-in pantry. The Arcade Tee tile from Perini is a design highlight (the features in the outdoor shower too). “It worked in perfectly with the palette and added a quirky touch to the otherwise clean lines in the kitchen. It is also a bit of a nod to the mid-century roots of the property,” says Jasmine.

The master bedroom is another standout space. Firstly there’s the bedroom details (geometric wallpaper and metallic pendant lights), but there’s also a fabulous his and hers ensuite with unique organic shaped mirrors and custom timber vanities. In addition, the view from the shower is pretty incredible too!

The nearby walk-in robe is a triumph of gorgeous design paired with fabulous functionality. “Cabinetry design is a real passion of mine. I love considering everything that my clients’ want and then taking it to the next level with what they imagine is possible for the space,” says Jasmine.

The glass fronted luxury wine cellar is another notable area and it’s one that Jasmine designed in what was once an unused space. “A low ceiling space, with no natural light, provided a unique opportunity to create a cellar,” says Jasmine of the room that features gorgeous exposed natural brick too.

A downstairs kitchenette allows for a separate self-contained space on the lower ground floor

“All in all, the home is a sophisticated take on a beach style. We really wanted to hero the surrounding landscape, and feel we managed it.”

Photography: Jonathan Tabensky

For more on Jasmine McClelland Design | A unique circular VIC beach house

Tags architecture, bathroom, bedroom, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interior designer, interiors, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

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Granny flat design: A chic new build in outer Sydney

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 4, 2020
3 Comments on Granny flat design: A chic new build in outer Sydney

Located on five bush acres in Sydney’s Hills District, this new build is no ordinary granny flat. Comprised of two small connected pavilions, the stylish one bedroom home has all the mod cons its occupants need, while remaining close to their family who reside nearby on the block.

“The home is a secondary dwelling on their son and daughter-in-law’s property. They wanted to be close to family but maintain privacy,” says the home’s architect Luke Carter, director of Sandbox Studio.

Compact, environmentally sustainable and close enough to the access road, but out of sight of the ‘main’ house, the home ticks many boxes for its owners who are in their early seventies. “Though modest in size, the house is designed to open up to the landscape to create a feeling of space. To make the small-footprint home feel generous, we gave it high ceilings and lots of windows so every part of the house projects towards a view,” says Luke.

The two pavilions separate the house into two zones; a public and a private, with a corridor linking them. Simple yet robust materials give the home an industrial feel which is countered by the warmth of natural timber inside, as well as the occasional pop of colour.

“Recycled bricks and steel cladding address the bushfire code and lend character. The interior is also robust, using recycled bricks for the chimney, Tasmanian oak floorboards and ceiling and wall linings of unpainted fibre cement sheeting,” says Luke. The custom kitchen and bathroom vanity were made from recycled spotted timber while the only painted surfaces are two doors that provide colour in the corridor.

Environmental features include solar roof panels for power, rainwater tanks for irrigation and firefighting, double-glazed windows, insulation and an Envirocycle composting septic tank. “We are proud of the fact we have very happy clients who are really enjoying their little home in the bush. We are also proud of the fact the house has a low carbon footprint due to the passive design principles used,” says Luke.

And does Luke believe this ‘granny flat’ design is symptomatic of a wider trend? “We believe that the granny flat/studio trend is on the rise due to housing affordability and availability, along with the rise in multi-generational living.”

Photography: Katherine Lu | Styling: Megan Morton

For more on Sandbox Studio | How to earn money from your granny flat

Tags architect, architecture, design, interior design, interiors, sydney

Architecture Design Interviews

Two terraces combine in Melbourne ‘mountain’ home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 30, 2020
3 Comments on Two terraces combine in Melbourne ‘mountain’ home

Designed by Austin Maynard Architects and located in Melbourne, this new five-bedroom family abode incorporates the front of two pre-existing terrace homes with a fabulous rear build that is most notable for its mountain-like roofline.

“The owners were preparing to renovate and extend their tired single-fronted terrace in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, when the house next door came up for sale,” says Andrew Maynard of Austin Maynard Architects, the firm that designed the project. The newly purchased home, despite being dilapidated and unliveable, was subject to heritage restrictions that required the street frontages of both homes to remain. “We were asked to combine the neighboring properties to create a family home and garden for a family of five,” says Andrew.

The two existing terraces are linked by a glazed entry

The roofline captured from the garden at the rear

The entry leads from the front garden to a lounge, kitchen and dining room. The parents’ bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite are located above the kitchen. There’s plenty of clever design in the kitchen including a glass splash back that slides to reveal a hidden pantry, appliance storage shelves and food preparation area behind.

Parents' ensuite — Parents’ bedroom and ensuite

Beyond the kitchen, dining room and concealed laundry, a two-storey kids’ zone houses three bedrooms and a bathroom accessed by a spiral staircase. Below is a rumpus room, study and multifunctional utility/garage space.

“The rumpus room opens out to the garden and also to the street, future-proofed to become self-contained with its own direct street access. Behind is a dedicated craft/study area, designed to allow for both maximum creative mess and quiet secluded revision,” says Andrew.

The kids' study has an abundance of toy storage — The kids’ study has an abundance of toy storage

Arguably the hallmark of the home, the exterior roofline looks like a series of mountain peaks – a design response that came about organically. “Initially it looks to be a fanciful design, an architectural mountain range, but at its core the house is responsive and strategic. The roof form is contextual; every rise and fall is tuned to minimise overshadowing and visual bulk,” says Andrew.

The roof is low against abutting gardens (to avoid overshadowing) and high where the neighbours have built against the boundary. “In creating height in all the areas, both internally and externally, the mountain profile emerged,” says Andrew of the roof that is covered in slate, chosen for the patina that will develop with age and the lichen that will establish itself on there. “It will create a beautiful canvas beyond its utilitarian function,” says Andrew.

Another interesting aspect to the home is the way that it engages with the often-forgotten rear laneway – created with a view to engaging with the street and neighbours, there’s large openings, direct access and windows too. “There’s lots of garages but also extensions, subdivisions and newer builds that have capitalised on the dual frontage aspect in the laneway. Rather than defend from the street, the design opens to this public space.”

Photography: Peter Bennetts

For more on Austin Maynard Architects | Another sophisticated Melbourne family home

Tags architect, architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, design, interior design, interiors, melbourne, real home

Architecture House Tours Travel

A peek inside a classic-luxe Taiwanese apartment

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date January 17, 2020
No Comments on A peek inside a classic-luxe Taiwanese apartment

Every now and then, we like to take a peek at what’s happening in interiors around the globe. And when it comes to far flung shores, Taiwan certainly fits the bill. Taiwan continues to emerge as a ‘must-do’ for foodies and adventurers alike. But now, this cosmopolitan East Asian nation is fast emerging as a serious player in the architecture scene.

Taiwan was previously best known for the famous Taipei 101 Tower, which, for six years, was the tallest building in the world. Now, its growing portfolio of projects that feature a blend of East meets West and modernity versus traditional, mean an explosion of uber cool architects and designers doing some pretty amazing stuff.

International interiors: a peek inside a classic-luxe Taiwanese apartment

Case in point; Ris Interior. Located in Taichung City, central Taiwan, Ris Interiors was established in 2013 with a focus on ‘contemporary aesthetics and functional details’. This is illustrated to great effect in the A la Blanc Residential Project, a Taiwanese apartment that will give you plenty of food for thought.

This classic two-bedroom Taiwanese apartment focuses on updating a classic style with unique (and pretty darn gorgeous) touches throughout. From the veined marble walls to the porcelain-tile flooring, the combination of textures and finishes (metallics, copper and brass) pops against a predominantly white colour scheme.

Making the most of a small space, the apartment utilises polyline-structured bookshelves for storage. While a narrow, galley-style kitchen with custom fit cabinetry (we love the combination of charcoal grey cabinetry with brass toned handles and accessories) creates a gorgeous but functional space.

Both the main and second bedroom feature an eclectic mix of tones and textures with private bathrooms attached to each.

We LOVE the royal blue bathroom cabinetry in the main ensuite while the second bathroom fits in seamlessly with the rest of the apartment; the epitome of classic-luxe.

If you loved this Taiwanese apartment, You can check out more at the Ris Interiors website

Tags architecture, international

Architecture Design Designers

Australia’s first Tom Dixon designed apartments!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 12, 2019
1 Comment on Australia’s first Tom Dixon designed apartments!

There aren’t many modern designers more revered than Britain’s Tom Dixon. The British designer, perhaps best known for his iconic round copper pendant lights and table lamps, has a distinct aesthetic that’s certainly resonated with people across the globe. And while he is involved in many architectural projects globally, never before has he created something in the Australian residential space. That is, until now.

Based in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, Rondure House is a high-end residential apartment development that will sit in the Studley Park precinct of Melbourne’s Kew. The project will come to life through a partnership with Dixon, as well as the acclaimed Australian firms Cera Stribley and Eckersley Gardens. Melbourne based property developer Above Zero is driving the project.

“With our shared appreciation of brutalist architecture, high quality materials and rough textures, we are delighted to partner on this unusually high quality and well thought out project and believe we can add a series of innovative interventions in luminosity, texture and comfort to a world class project,” says Tom of the project that will house 14 apartments including a whole-floor penthouse.

Brutalist design aspects feature on the building’s exterior where off-form concrete hyperbolic concrete columns serve as both decorative and structural functions – the effect being almost organic. And there’s hand-made bricks recall the 1960’s where materials were minimal and long-lasting.

“To celebrate this milestone, we will be delivering bespoke features across the residences, communal spaces and lobby including yet to be released furniture items. Our intention is to deliver an exceptional experience for future residents. From the building entrance to the proposed customisable furniture in each apartment – each detail is considered,” says Tom.

Often forgotten spaces (from a design sense), the lobby and communal spaces have been particularly well thought out. Residents will be greeted with a grand lobby and art gallery on the ground level as well as the Tom Dixon designed and furnished Opal Bar & Lounge where residents can enjoy a morning coffee or evening drink with guests and neighbours.

Another unique aspect of the project is the creation of ‘vaults’ for each residence – these are privately titled multi-purpose rooms that are separate from each apartment and can be customised to suit individual preference. Each vault will be approximately 10 square metres in size and will act as an extension of each resident’s home – a place to escape or entertain. The design team imagines they will take the form of a private office, cigar room, wine or whiskey cellar, art or collector’s studio, private theatre or meditation room.

Rondure House will launch to market in early 2020 with private VIP display suite appointments for pre-registered buyers starting prior to Christmas this year.

For more on Rondure House | Melbourne downsizers trade mansions for luxe apartments

Tags apartment, apartment living, architecture, Cera Stribley, design, Eckersley Gardens, interior design, interior designer, melbourne, tom dixon

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Victorian weatherboard surf cottage gets fresh revamp

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 4, 2019
3 Comments on Victorian weatherboard surf cottage gets fresh revamp

Located near Geelong, in Victoria’s Barwon Heads, this gorgeous light-filled home features a sensitive restoration of, and extension to, an existing weatherboard cottage. The house provides the perfect backdrop for its owners, a young couple and two energetic dogs, to entertain, while the materials palette perfectly reflects its coastal locale.

The picturesque front of the home — The front of the home

“The home strongly connects to the surrounding landscape through the use of natural timbers and large floor to ceiling windows and doors,” says architect Kim Irons of Irons McDuff Architecture, the firm that designed the project.

Painted entirely in Dulux Natural White, for a light fresh finish, it’s the timber that really shines in the home. “Victorian Ash timber floors and joinery elements add warmth and texture to the spaces,” says Kim.

The white and timber kitchen features a study nook adjacent. Incidentally, the ‘cheeky extra’ is one of the 2020 home design trends we recently reported on!

As for the renovation’s design brief, many boxes had to be ticked – the owners wanted a contemporary, light, open feel that capitalised on the home’s northern orientation. They also wanted a generous sense of space (but not excessive) as well as a sense of separate spaces within the home’s open plan design.

“Also, the owners wanted to maintain the home’s relaxed coastal qualities and they wanted the capacity to entertain in multiple ways,” says Kim. The outside of the home has a particularly lovely feel – large glass doors open out onto decking and several old trees.

The extension features timber cladding on the outside too – natural timbers, silver top ash and painted weatherboards tie in the original cottage.

Many original features remain in the front lounge of the original cottage

Photography: Nikole Ramsay

For more on Irons McDuff Architecture | Retro, tropical themed surf shack in NSW

Tags architecture, before and after, design, home reno, interior design, interiors, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

Architecture Design

2020 interior design trends: Top 8 according to Houzz

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 26, 2019
1 Comment on 2020 interior design trends: Top 8 according to Houzz

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is just around the corner, but with the new year comes one of the things we really love – trend predictions. And when it comes to trends, the Houzz platform is always an interesting place to look. From the end of the ‘official’ kitchen area to the rise of cheeky leftover spaces and terrazzo as a foundational material in the home, read on for Houzz’ top eight home design trend predictions for 2020.

1. The ‘unkitchen’ kitchen
The kitchen remains a constantly evolving space when it comes to design trends, and it’s still the most popular room to renovate according to Houzz research.

Of late, Houzz is starting to see contemporary kitchens integrating small touches of furniture-like elements that complement the rest of a home’s décor. At the extreme end, we will see more and more kitchens that disappear completely into bespoke cabinetry, so their functionality is hidden away when not in use.

2. The cheeky extras
Got an extra 1.5m space at the end of your kitchen renovation floor plan? Houzz is starting to see homeowners no longer decide between a pantry or more bench space if they have spare meterage. Instead they are extending into the space, building in integrated study nooks, kitchenettes and banquettes. This trend began in 2019, with study nooks searched on Houzz 26 per cent more than the previous year.

3. The rise of curves and arches
This is a trend we’ve reported on, but it seems that our collective penchant for curves and arches just keeps growing. Designers and architects on Houzz are introducing curves to add a feminine touch and create softness in spaces otherwise filled with hard surfaces.

Architectural elements of the home will embrace rounded edges through circular windows, arches and curved walls as advances to technology allow architects to challenge structural boundaries.

4. Terrazzo
Again, not a new trend but with searches for the material having increased by 28 per cent on Houzz this year, it’s predicted to truly reign in 2020.

Terrazzo, a composite material that can be poured in situ or pre-case, and formed from chips of marble, quartz, granite or glass, has mostly been seen in bathroom splash backs until now. But, in the new year, we can expect to see it used in bench tops and homewares, with the chips becoming larger and colour ways becoming bolder.

5. Metal cladding
With an increasing focus on technological innovation, the desire for greater sustainability, the need for safety and always-changing realisations about wellbeing in the home, one of the biggest trends on Houzz is the rise of metal cladding. With recent issues with combustible materials, already we are seeing professionals on Houzz readjust to these new demands, so goodbye rendered brickwork and timber slats and hello copper, zinc and steel.

6. Muted colours
Beige, stone, soft eucalypt greens and earthy browns will be strong interior colours in 2020, following their popularity on Houzz in 2019. Those hues are seen in natural materials such as sisal, jute, hemp, unbleached, undyed wool, clay and natural stone.

There is some solace for those that love colour, however – Houzz tell us that strong colours with added shading will be on trend, such as merlot, peacock blue and spicy pink.

7. Homewares made from biomaterials
The common concerns about climate change, sustainability, the harm of single-use plastic and environmental pollution will push professionals to innovate even more in the years ahead, developing new recycled and recyclable materials for homewares & decor.

The 2019 Houzz & Home Australia study found that integrating “green” materials was a high priority for 22 per cent of renovating homeowners; a 3 per cent increase from 2016.

8. Wellbeing & bioliphic design
Biophilia means ‘love of nature’ and this, combined with our focus on wellbeing, will form a strong design focus for 2020. Lamps that adjust their intensity according to natural circadian rhythms, decor that seriously integrates plants, soothing palettes and low-VOC paints, plus architecture designed for wellness are just some examples of the trend.

Houzz is already seeing this emerge with many designers and homeowners introducing natural light from windows and skylights; focussing on exterior views and access to nature; and using water sources as fountains, ponds and water features, that can be seen, heard and touched.

Tags 2020 design trends, 2020 trends, architecture, architecture trends, design, houzz, interior design, interior design trends, interiors

Architecture Design Travel

2019 hospitality design awards: Rural areas feature

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 21, 2019
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Recognising the best in design across restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and more, the Eat Drink Design Awards are Australia’s only hospitality design honours, and 2019’s coveted trophies have just been handed out.

“From a pink-hued bar in a country town with barely over 2,000 people, to a future-focused CBD restaurant, this year’s winners are very geographically diverse, indicating that in Australia, good design transcends location. It’s something that has permeated out to our suburbs and our regional areas, which should be applauded,” says Cassie Hansen, editor of Artichoke magazine and jury chair.

And while there were winners across eight categories, these are our pick of the bunch.

Best Bar Design: Blacksmith Lake Mulwala by The Stella Collective (Mulwala, NSW)

Located in rural Mulwala, New South Wales, the Blacksmith interiors are sophisticated, elegantly restrained, and certainly not what you’d expect to find in the bush! “The proportions of the indoor/outdoor space are well controlled, with the palette and materials showing incredible restraint and elegance. This restraint allows the few pops of whimsy to have a greater impact: vintage-style pink patio umbrellas might get lost in a busier design, but here they evoke 1970’s Southern California without devolving into cliché,” say the judges.

Blacksmith. Photo: Lillie Thompson — Blacksmith. Image: Lillie Thompson

Best Café Design: Via Porta by Studio Esteta (Mont Albert, VIC)

Located in Melbourne, this café and deli has a distinctly European vibe. “Meant to evoke the narrow alleyways of Italy, the floor is paved in stone offcuts procured from various suppliers and painstakingly fitted to create a unique and textured warmth. The sandy stones set the tone for the space’s lovely earth-hued palette, creating a feel that is tactile and intimate,” say the judges.

Via Porta. Image: Sean Fennessey — Via Porta. Image: Sean Fennessy

Via Porta. Photo: Sean Fennessey — Via Porta. Image: Sean Fennessy

Best Hotel Design (joint winner): Drifthouse by Multiplicity (Port Fairy, VIC) & The Calile Hotel by Richards and Spence (Fortitude Valley, QLD)

We brought you the finalists in this category recently, and it comes as no surprise that the jury had a hard time choosing a winner.

Drifthouse is a small, boutique hotel in Victoria’s Port Fairy, and the property encompasses a double-storey Victorian bluestone house, an adjacent single-storey Edwardian home, and a newly built garden pavilion and reception centre. It’s a tricky mix that the designers got just right!

“This was one of the outstanding regional projects we saw this year, and we hope its marked ambition is a harbinger of things to come from Australia’s smaller communities,” say the judges.

We’re massive fans of Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel, and we’re not surprised to see it take out top honours. Something of an urban resort, its restrained colour palette and Insta-worthy interiors have already made it something of a modern Aussie icon. “The design works to conjure an impressive sense of luxe escapism, creating a resort atmosphere despite its intensely urban location,” say the judges.

The Calile Hotel. Image: Sean Fennessey — The Calile Hotel. Image: Sean Fennessy

For more on the Eat Drink Design Awards | New Art Series hotel ‘The Fantauzzo’ opens in Brisbane

Tags architecture, cafe design, cafes, design, eat-drink-design awards, hospitality design, hotel design, interior design, interiors, restaurant design, restaurants

Architecture Design Designers House Tours Interviews

Roof terrace outdoor solution for inner-city WA home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 1, 2019
No Comments on Roof terrace outdoor solution for inner-city WA home

Situated on a tiny 183 square metre block, in the inner-city Perth suburb of Mount Lawley, creative design solutions were top of mind when designing this gem of a home.

“We wanted to provide as much floor space as we could which meant the block didn’t have the typical ‘backyard’ outdoor space. In order to create a usable outdoor space, the idea of a roof terrace came about,” says the home’s architect and owner Paul Muggeridge, of its 42 square metre private roof terrace that overlooks the neighbouring rooftops and Perth city skyline.

Another key design constraint was making sure that enough light could penetrate the ground floor of the home, which is located in a laneway. “We wanted to walk in the front door and be flooded with natural light. This is evident in the 2.7 metre high glazed doors, the level one courtyard and the skylights washing light into the living spaces,” says Paul.

The availability of light also played heavily into the choices inside the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home – the staircase in particular. “We love the steel cantilevered staircase. Being able to see through each stair tread allows light to shine through from the skylight into the ground floor space,” says Paul.

Elsewhere, concrete was used to great effect, most notably on the floor and in the cantilevered concrete kitchen bench that, while housing lots of storage, makes a fabulous statement in the small living space. The living area also features large cavity slider doors that further open up the space and bring the outside in.

As for the colour palette, the largely monochromatic scheme is broken up with the occasional pop of colour – Nood Co concrete basins make a statement in the master ensuite and a deep blue feature wall has fabulous impact in the adjacent bedroom.

Master ensuite — Nood Co basins feature in the master ensuite

This home is open as part of the upcoming Open House Perth program that runs on November 16th and 17th, 2019.

Photography: Scott Horsburgh (external) and Scott Wright (internal) | Styling: Anna Flanders

For more on Open House Perth | Blended family’s colourful retro Perth abode

Tags architecture, design, house tour, interior design, interiors, perth, real home

Architecture Design Designers Interviews

Downsizers’ luxe yet low-maintenance Sydney townhouse

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 30, 2019
No Comments on Downsizers’ luxe yet low-maintenance Sydney townhouse

Another fabulous development by the team at Sydney’s FutureFlip, this expansive new townhouse is one of three that sit on a corner block in Caringbah South. Home to a downsizer couple, whose children have left home, this townhouse was chosen by its owners for its luxe yet low-maintenance credentials.

TileCloud‘s gorgeous Avalon Gloss square and subway pattern tiles adorn the kitchen island

“They wanted something that was easier to maintain than their five-bedroom home with a large backyard, but they still wanted lots of entertaining space and luxury finishes,” says the home’s designer Neil Hipwell, founding director of FutureFlip.

High-end finishes, such as tiger bronze tapware by Meir and ceramic matte tiles from Tilecloud are paired with exposed recycled brick to create a contemporary, coastal vibe.

Having come from a large family home, a sense of spaciousness, in the townhouse, was key. “Natural oak flooring and oversize, 3.3m floor to ceiling windows mean that this three-bedroom townhouse has an impressive sense of space and light throughout,” says Neil.

Each of the three townhouses was designed with a different look in mind – bohemian, minimal and coastal. This particular abode is the ‘coastal’ themed one and its interiors complement the home’s water views.

The rocky corner site certainly looks very different these days – it was previously home to a single level, fibro, dilapidated house. “It wasn’t easy to transform a rocky, difficult corner block into three luxury townhouses in a way that was both ecologically and economically efficient,” says Neil.

TileCloud's Avalon Gloss square and subway pattern tiles make a fabulous feature wall in the bathroom — TileCloud’s Avalon Gloss square and subway pattern tiles make a fabulous feature wall in the bathroom

The home’s new owners are very happy with their purchase – its neutral spaces providing plenty of scope for personal touches. “The townhouse is perfect for its owners who love to entertain and enjoy the finer things in life, without a lot of maintenance.”

Photography: Alexander Hoy

For more on FutureFlip | “Concrete bunker” Sydney apartment takes out top gong

Tags architecture, design, futureflip, interior design, interview, meir, meir tapware, real home, sydney, tilecloud

Architecture Design House Tours Interviews

Rammed earth, resort-style home on the VIC coast

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 29, 2019
No Comments on Rammed earth, resort-style home on the VIC coast

Located one block back from the coast on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this home provides quite a contrast to its neighbours – a ramshackle array of fibro holiday shacks. But the streetscape is slowly changing as more and more people make the sea change.

“Recent times have brought many more permanent residents, and the newer housing in the area has begun to reflect this with larger, often highly architecturally designed housing in a more modern style,” says the home’s designer Amy Hart, director of The Little Brick Studio.

But while the home stands out for its striking, modern design, its material palette ensures it blends with the landscape. “Rather than replicating the dated neighbouring homes, the dwelling successfully uses colour, texture and tonal elements to imitate the natural coastal surrounds,” says Amy. Mirroring the contrasting coastal tones of the sand and vegetation, rammed earth and charred timber cladding make for a timeless combination.

Home to a young family of four, this is the third home that Amy has designed for them and it merges their favourite aspects from the earlier projects. “We picked out the elements that they loved about their prior homes and melded them into their new dream home,” says Amy who explains that her clients’ needs have changed quite a bit since becoming new parents.

With a view to building a ‘forever’ family abode, versatile, future-proof spaces were high on the list, as well as a request for plenty of natural light, seamless indoor/outdoor transitions and large open plan living areas.

And given the home’s owners spend a lot of time holidaying in Queensland, a resort-feel was also a top design priority – a feel that is perhaps best embodied by the home’s pool which is visible from the main living space.

The home's gorgeous resort-style pool — The home’s gorgeous, resort-style pool

Even the home’s many textured and reflective surfaces were chosen to highlight the pool – the palette ensuring that the swimming area is the standout feature. “The reflections of the water, the shadows and light can be glimpsed throughout the house. They provide a hint of the coastal lifestyle the client loves so much.”

The pool can be accessed from the main bedroom too — The pool can be accessed from the main bedroom

Photography: Amorfo Photography

For more on The Little Brick Studio | Contemporary landscape paintings inspired by the Mornington Peninsula

Tags architecture, design, house tour, interior design, interiors, interview, mornington peninsula, real home

Architecture Design Designers House Tours

Green timber panels star in celebrated coastal home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 23, 2019
No Comments on Green timber panels star in celebrated coastal home

The inaugural Inside Out Brickworks Home of the Year awards took place last night with a stellar line-up of Aussie houses singled out for their design originality. And while it was another of Kennedy Nolan’s projects (Caroline House) that took out the top honour (Home of the Year 2019), we were rather taken with the firm’s beautifully arresting Sandy Point House which was highly commended in the ‘Best New Home Build’ category.

Sandy Point House — Two perfect circles evoke a ship’s portholes on the home’s exterior

The home’s stunning interior colour palette is one of its standout features – it uses a variety of green shades to stunning effect. “I adore the calmness of this space. The natural colour palette mirrors the existing landscape – it’s a real bushland house. And creating a protected courtyard means that indoor/outdoor living is seamless,” says the editor of Inside Out, Eliza O’Hare who was a judge in the awards.

Inspired by the home’s bushland setting, there’s green in many shades from sage to olive and many in between. “The colour palette is built around muted, natural tones found in the surrounding landscape and its intensity is varied to shift the atmosphere and mood as you move from room to room,” says Kennedy Nolan architect Adriana Hanna.

Located in the modest beachside Victorian hamlet of Sandy Point, this holiday home sits on a steep, sloping block. Built from timber that is suitable for the home’s bushfire prone setting, the exterior wood is designed to ‘grey off’ and become camouflaged within the environment. This is just another way that the home has been beautifully designed, specifically for its unique location.

Fellow judge Cameron Bruhn, Dean of Architecture at the University of Queensland, is full of praise for the project too and feels it more than fulfils the holiday home brief. “The home has the quintessential settings of a great holiday house and a robustness that will serve generations to come,” says Cameron.

It’s been a big year for Kennedy Nolan – the practice has taken out awards in the 2019 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards, the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards and the 2019 Australian Interior Design Awards too.

Inside Out Brickworks Home of the Year WINNERS:

Home of the Year 2019: Kennedy Nolan, Caroline Street
Best Use of Materials: BRICK: Renato D’Ettorre Architects, Gordons Bay House
Best Sustainable Project: Adam Kane, Yandoit Cabin
Best New Home Build: Renato D’Ettorre Architects, Gordons Bay House
Best Renovation: Ian Moore, Redfern Warehouse

Inside Out Brickworks Home of the Year HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Best New Home Build: Kennedy Nolan, Sandy Point House
Best Home Renovation: Bustle House, FMD Architects

Photography: Derek Swalwell

For more on Kennedy Nolan | Another green themed holiday home

Tags architecture, colour, design, inside out brickworks awards, inside out magazine, interiors, kennedy nolan, real home, victoria

Architecture Design Interviews

Former Wallabies rugby captain’s family dream home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 17, 2019
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Ten years ago, the former Wallabies rugby captain Stephen Moore bought a block of land, on a sought-after street, in the Brisbane suburb of Paddington. The real estate was left vacant for a decade, before Stephen and his family decided to put permanent roots down and build an architecturally designed family home on it recently.

Stephen Moore and family — Courtney and Stephen Moore with their three children

“I’ve lived in 12 different houses in the past decade. Now, with a family including three kids, this was the first opportunity I’ve had to design and build a house, with everything my wife and I wanted,” says Stephen of the home that was designed by the architect Tim Stewart and built by the construction company Graya.

Only 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, the new home boasts views of the city skyline, a three-storey staircase and unique brick arches constructed from PGH Bricks. The interior of the home has a clean, calm feel, courtesy of a medley of finishes – timber, stone and polished concrete – that reflect the family’s love of modern, yet warm, spaces.

“Personally, I’m a big fan of a natural look and feel, so on the inside of our home, we used polished concrete. We complemented it with timber, a light-neutral brick and spotted gum that gave us that earthy edge we were looking for,” says Stephen who selected Australian-made timber furniture to complement the interiors – much of which is yet to arrive. “We’re still waiting on some key pieces for our house. In hindsight, that’s something we should have ordered a little sooner!” says Stephen.

Used extensively throughout the home, another of its more notable construction materials is brick. Robust and low maintenance, it’s a great choice for a young family of five. “We don’t have to worry about dirty hand marks on the walls when the kids run up the stairs,” says Stephen’s wife Courtney Moore.

As for his thoughts on the designing and building experience, Stephen is resoundingly positive. “There’s something to be said about designing a home with, and for, the people you love most. After all this time, we’ve got a place we can call home – and that’s a really good feeling.”

The home's unique brick arches are a talking point — The home’s unique brick arches are a talking point

Photography: Mindi Cooke

For more on PGH Bricks & Pavers | Brisbane’s stunning Calile Hotel

Tags architecture, bricks, brisbane, design, graya construction, interior design, interiors, PGH Bricks & Pavers, real home