The second floor of the new extension sits wedged between its neighbours on either side
“Fortunately, there are a lot of recreation facilities in the inner north of Melbourne, so this site didn’t necessarily need a big backyard,” says architect Paul Gardiner of this project; a renovation set on a 204 sqm sliver of land in Brunswick, wedged between buildings on either side.
The home’s new timber and concrete clad extensionThe home is nestled between neighbours
While close to cafes, transport and parks, the site is small, long and narrow with a childcare centre on one side, and a two-storey large red brick home on the other. “Due to these neighbours, the house felt quite crammed in on both sides. The site still held opportunity, though the original building was in a very poor state,” says Paul.
Kitchen
The original home consisted of two rooms at the front with a kitchen, living and dining area at the back. “The back of the house consisted of a typical lean-to extension,” says Paul who retained the very front part of the house, despite there being no heritage overlay on the site.
“Keeping the front of the house, along with being a more sustainable approach, felt like a more sensitive response to the street frontage. Numerous heritage facades in the area have been lost as new developments replace the traditional style single dwellings,” says Paul.
The home has a small courtyard in the centre
A central courtyard now sits at the rear of the home, allowing northern light into the ground-level living areas that include a kitchen, living, dining, bathroom, laundry and study nook. “Large, east-facing windows ensure the passage through the house, that connects the old and new areas, is full of natural light,” says Paul.
Hydrotherm radiators ensure the home stays warm in winter
The home’s colour scheme was developed around its connection to the outdoors and is intentionally neutral and pared back, allowing future owners to put their stamp on it.
EnsuiteMaster bedroom
“We wanted to create spaces that were enjoyable, light and interesting, allowing anyone to be able to come in and incorporate their own taste,” says David, referencing the home’s rental status. Coloured tiles provide a splash of colour in both the kitchen and bathroom – a nice complement to the light wood tones that feature throughout.
“It redefines what a ‘beach house’ can be, in its aesthetics, function and context,” says this home’s architect Luke Fry. And yes, it certainly does! There’s nothing old-school about this beach pad – it’s a clean-lined formation of raw concrete and exposed brick located on the Bellarine Peninsula, on Victoria’s surf coast.
Home to a retired couple, originally from Melbourne, and their black Labradoodle, the home subtly references Palm Springs’ mid-century modernism while challenging the idea of a coastal home. “Masculine neutral tones were part of the client brief and we pushed that to the next level. We kept it very simple with concrete, brick, stone, timber, steel and glass. It will look as good in 100 years as it does today,” says Luke.
Kitchen
“The initial brief was for a low maintenance house, zoned living spaces and the use of exposed concrete which is a love of the clients and mine!” says Luke. The ground floor is the daily living space while the first floor features a separate zone for when guests come to stay – the owners have three adult children and four grandchildren living in Melbourne.
Living room
Situated inside a golf course housing estate, the brand-new build has uninterrupted views across nearby wetlands and sand dunes. “The orientation of the house maximises solar gain and protects from cold prevailing winds. High levels of insulation and high-quality materials means the house performs very well and will stand the test of time,” says Luke. The private home sits at the end of a cul de sac and, once inside, there’s not a building in sight.
BedroomBathroom
As for notable features, Luke points out the Japanese inspired charred timber battens that clad the outside of the home. “The profile was custom designed by me in collaboration with Eco Timber,” says Luke. That finish is emblematic of the architect’s general approach to design – he’s a big fan of simple shapes and layered texture in creating a cohesive whole.
Charred timber battens clad the entry of the home
“Our projects are simple in their form, highly functional and detailed to a level which set them apart. We refer to our projects having a refined simplicity and being layered in texture. We achieve this through emphasising both architecture and interior design equally.”
Nestled in the historic Perth suburb of East Fremantle, this heritage-listed workers’ cottage was transformed into a modern family home with the addition of a super modern extension. Nero Marquina marble, concrete floors and gloss black timber stand in contrast to original home’s raw, matte finishes. The project was the winner of the “Best in State” award at the 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards.
The heritage listed original cottage forms the front of the abodeNew red bricks to the extension (right) echo the heritage red bricks from the original home (left)
“The brief called for a modern working family home; to be respectful of the much-adored cottage yet provide additions that are functional and exciting. The owners loved the character of the area, but they also wanted something very modern, that had a luxury hotel feel at the same time,” says the project’s architect Simone Robeson of Robeson Architects.
An original fireplace is complemented by new joinery and artworkA small site, sight lines from the entry to the courtyard are key in creating a sense of spaciousness
The original cottage was left largely intact save for the insertion of skylights to the hallway and the reinstatement of the original bullnose verandah. Most of the changes occurred at the rear of the home where a kitchen, courtyard, office, garage and upper floor bedroom and ensuite were added to the home.
Bathroom
Sitting on just 228 square metres, some creative design solutions were hatched to make the home fit for family use – the kitchen island being one of the more notable. “The kitchen island bench is an example of working with the small house footprint. Since there was no room for a separate dining table, we designed a table that can be used as an extension to the island bench. When used as a table it can be pulled to the side and used with the window seat,” says Simone.
The kitchen island bench features a movable table that allows for flexible use of space
Another aspect that increases the sense of space in the home is the flooring – the kitchen’s internal floor runs seamlessly to the external courtyard. “The flush threshold makes the kitchen and courtyard feel like one big open space,” says Simone.
The external courtyard connects the old and new parts of the home
The design brief also emphasised the importance of creating flexible spaces. Due to the mixed-use zoning of the site (one side sits on historic George St), the extension also includes a self-contained office and bedroom that can be leased should the owner desire.
The self-contained office leads to an upstairs bedroomEnsuite
The home has a magnificent outdoor bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
We’ve featured this fabulous Noosa home before but today we’re taking a more in-depth tour of its resort-style, award-winning bathrooms. “They have the vibe of a luxury hotel – I wanted each bathroom to be a place to unwind after a busy day,” says the home’s architect Sarah Waller.
The chic, monochrome spaces complement the home’s minimalist design while connecting seamlessly with the outdoors – the most notable is the master bathroom which is a covetable indoor/outdoor space.
The home’s dreamy outdoor bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
We caught up with the architect recently to get the inside skinny on how to create a sanctuary style bathroom – here are Sarah’s top eight design tips.
Planning
As with anything related to designing and building a home, planning is key for wet areas. “Be thorough when planning your bathroom layout. It’s a small space so carefully consider lighting, ventilation, windows, the placement of fittings and the colour palette,” says Sarah.
Simple palette
“Keep the colour palette simple. Bathrooms are usually quite small, intense spaces and busy colours are too overwhelming on the eye and can create an unwelcoming space. Look to black and white to provide clean lines,” says Sarah.
With a whopping five bathrooms in this home, Sarah made them different but complementary. All of them boast black and white colour schemes that have a unifying effect overall.
Storage
“Storage, storage and more storage. Everything should be hidden away in concealed storage for a clean line of vision,” says Sarah and we couldn’t agree more. From mirrored medicine cupboards to vanity drawers designed around plumbing, you can never have enough space to store toiletries and make-up.
Image: Photopia Studio
Timeless (but not boring!) fixtures and fittings
“Choose classic styles for longevity. Select fittings that are classic in style and high in quality,” says Sarah who is wary of trends in the bathroom – especially when it comes to tiling. “When selecting bathroom tiles remember you have to live with them for the next ten years so be wary of trends. It’s not easy to retile a whole bathroom,” says Sarah.
This shower features the Methven Aurajet Aio rail shower in matte black. Image: Michelle Clark
Create space “The more floor space you have, the larger a bathroom will feel. Anything you can keep off the floor is a design win. Look to floating vanities, wall-hung toilets and concealed cupboards. Adding storage behind mirrored cabinets is ideal,” says Sarah echoing our sentiments above.
A wall hung vanity increases the feeling of space in this bathroom. Image: Paul Smith
Heating
While our warm weather is envied across the globe, it can also get rather cold in Australia which is why you may like to consider bathroom heating. “Underfloor heating is amazing in bathrooms and takes the edge off walking on cold tiles,” says Sarah. Overhead heat lamps and heated towel rails are some other great options too.
Lighting
From task to mood and natural lighting, Sarah argues that lighting is key when it comes to creating a practical yet luxe bathroom sanctuary. “Lighting is important as we tend to use bathrooms at night. Make sure your space has mood lighting for enjoying a relaxing bath, as well as task lighting for doing things like your make-up. Windows are energy efficient and provide natural lighting throughout the day,” says Sarah.
Pendants provide mood lighting in this bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
Accessories “Matching accessories complete the look. Choose items such as towels, soap dispensers and decorative pieces that complement your colour palette. They will tie the whole look together.”
The inaugural Design Files Design Awards were handed out last week with Matt Woods Design taking out the ‘Interior Design’ award for its beautiful Sydney apartment project ‘Perfect Storm’. Dubbed the “concrete bunker” due to its deliberate use of rendered finishes (the design was inspired by Brutalism), the loft space still feels homely through the use of timber, brass, curves and some rather spectacular joinery.
The mezzanine bedroom sits above the kitchen below
A warehouse conversion in inner-city Camperdown, the apartment is home to a couple of design professionals who were seeking a minimalist lifestyle with an interior to match. The owners sought to create a clutter-free space while celebrating the history of Camperdown’s industrial heritage, all while not falling into warehouse-conversion design tropes.
Bathroom
The open-plan apartment features a mezzanine bedroom that overlooks the living room and terrace. Double-height glazing ensures the apartment is light-filled and provides a nice contrast for its dark and brooding finishes. The curved ceilings are a unique and fascinating detail too.
The loft bedroom features stunning timber joinery that highlights the curved ceiling
The custom kitchen features more than a passing reference to Mid-Century design –American Oak joinery combines with brass accents and statement lighting. Complementary geometric forms can be seen in the nearby lounge area – tan and teal blue sofas punctuate the apartment’s otherwise muted palette.
And while you could say that concrete elements are the defining feature of the home, very little cement was used in its creation. The concrete finish on the walls was achieved with a Porter’s Paint French Wash and the more ‘solid’ concrete elements were created using light-weight Glass Reinforced Cement (CRG).
The lounge room looks onto the terrace
Eschewing the typical Sydney aesthetic (ie natural, coastal and light/bright elements), the apartment was no doubt recognised due to its stylish and singular approach. Restrained and resolved, it’s easy to see why this project was singled out (from literally hundreds of entries) to take out the esteemed prize.
Bricks really do seem to be having a moment. After decades of rendering over them, suddenly there they are, in all their exposed glory. And when it comes to this Sydney coastal home, designed by Renato D’Ettorre Architects, there’s no denying that bricks are the star of the show.
“This house embodies the spirit of seaside living in response to a magical site on the ocean, and a steep rocky coastline with an ideal north-east aspect,” says Renato of the home that, rather than opting for a ‘look at me’ aesthetic uses layered materials to an understated end. Key elements of the design brief include a space for the children to socialise, a cellar, music room and small gym – all of which feature in the abode that is home to a busy young family of five.
What a view!Pool
“It would have been easy to treat the ocean as the only design influence but that would have been one-dimensional,” says Renato who found unlikely inspiration in the Italian countryside, of all places. It was on a visit to his Italian home in 2010 that the architect spotted a hay barn that was wrapped in perforated terracotta bricks that allowed air to pass through, yet kept the hay dry within. “The simplicity of the rectangular shaped barn in an open field left an indelible memory which became the conceptual basis for this house,” says Renato.
When it came to sourcing the right material with which to create his vision, Renato looked to PGH Bricks who devised a bespoke brick solution. The unique bricks are made of light terracotta clay and feature a clear, brilliant white glaze on the reverse, designed to blend seamlessly with the white painted brick walls that form the exterior. “The glaze is designed to scintillate under sunlight, just as the ocean scintillates in morning sunlight,” says Renato.
Understated: The house from the street
As for other challenges, excavating the site turned up more sandstone than had been initially anticipated. “This instigated a floor plan re-design to bring the natural beauty of the sandstone into the interior and to benefit from the sandstone’s cooling properties in the summer months,” says Renato of the design feature that is no doubt one of the key talking-points of the home.
The cellar is nestled beside great swathes of sandstone
Some of Sydney’s most interesting buildings will be open to the public in early November, as part of the Sydney Open 2019 program, organised by Sydney Living Museums. From an inner-city Masonic lodge to a former tea warehouse and the magnificent Great Synagogue, the weekend event will give architecture and interior design lovers unprecedented access to over 80 unique buildings.
The Great Synagogue is one of the buildings that will be open to the public
“Sydney Open has been running since 1997, allowing people to explore, discover and learn about more than 450 of the city’s most significant and stunning architectural gems. This year we have curated an even more exciting program with no end of inspiring architecture, art and history to discover,” says Adam Lindsay, executive director of Sydney Living Museums.
There are fabulous spaces to discover including the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel & Masonic Club which was once the tallest building in the city. Visitors will be able to discover its many original features including its secret stone mason symbols.
Castlereagh Boutique Hotel NSW Masonic Club
Visitors to the City Tattersalls Club will be able to find a hidden bank vault with safety deposit boxes that have remained unopened for decades. If only the walls could talk!
City Tattersalls Club. Photo: Penelope Beveridge
The seven-storey Bushells Building was once a large tea manufacturing site and a visit there will give plenty of insight into what it used to be like. You can trace the progressive tea blending and packaging methods on display including the original packing slide, lift shafts and timber structure that has been incorporated into a modern office space.
Bushells building
Lovers of Victorian Gothic architecture will love accessing the Genesian Theatre at St John’s Church – it has a series of early Australian stained-glass panels that are particularly beautiful. Visitors can also enjoy a backstage tour with the theatre historian and archivist.
Genesian Theatre Company
A couple of popular buildings will be opened again this year including International Towers at Barangaroo (its views span the Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour Bridge) and 50 Martin Place – complete with Beaux-Arts façade, this award-winning modern office space has a striking steel framed glass dome that offers unique city views.
50 Martin Place. Photo: Peter Bennetts
The Great Synagogue returns too – it’s the oldest surviving and arguably the most beautiful synagogue in Australia. Visitors will be privileged to take in its grand Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic detailing.
You can check out the amazing views from International Towers Barangaroo
Originally built in 1936, this two storey Art Deco home was beautifully renovated recently for its inhabitants who have lived in it for the last 25 years.
“Our clients raised their family in this home without any modifications over that time, but the house needed to reflect the way they live today which has changed over time. They now have adult children coming and going,” says the project’s architect Luke Fry of the home that is located in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda East.
Backyard. New square structures are offset by the home’s original curves and triangular shapes.Bedroom
First up, the family wanted to improve upon the dark and dysfunctional spaces in the home; primarily the ground floor kitchen and dining areas. The result includes a gorgeous kitchen that is a standout space in the home – Blackwood timber joinery complements the original blackwood timber panelling found throughout the original abode. Sirius natural stone in black, brass tap ware and Japanese tiles are just some of the details that elevate this space.
The stunning new kitchen features layers of textureThe kitchen takes its timber cues from the home’s original staircase
Another key part of the renovation brief, the family wanted to open up the rear of the home to the outdoors. Luke’s solution to this was to create a concrete deck that is accessed via a very elegant set of square steel windows complete with Art Deco inspired decorative glazing.
DiningBespoke glass door detailing
Sympathetic to the original home, the renovation certainly has a timeless quality about it, and this was achieved in part through a clever selection of finishes. “The use of light and dark materials creates moody spaces that you’d expect to find in a home of this era,” says Luke.
Bathroom
“The execution of this home sets a precedent for how best to renovate and prolong the life of a period home without an excessive cost or extensive demolition.”
The old and new parts of the home are connected via glass hallways
We’re big fans of Austin Maynard Architects and their latest project further cements the firm’s place as one of the most innovative in Australia. Having already won two significant awards (the prestigious Canberra Medallion and Gene Willsford awards), Canberra’s ‘Empire House’ is also a finalist in the upcoming Design Files Awards.
Designed in opposition to the current trend (to build swiftly and cheaply), this home is a relatively small, bespoke home filled with unique features and beautiful architectural detail and craftsmanship. A post-war bungalow, Austin Maynard Architects decided to preserve the original cottage and add a sympathetic extension instead of heading down the McMansion route.
The original cottage is connected to the master bedroom pavilion via a glass hallway
“Empire House is an exercise in considered intervention and restraint. It would have been easier, and a lot less fun, to demolish and start again. The aim was to retain as much of the existing character of the site as possible and avoid the common trend of knocking down or adding a dominant, unsympathetic addition,” says the firm.
The extension houses a new timber-clad kitchen
Owned by a couple of well-travelled professionals, who occupy it with their teenage daughter, the family wanted a long-term family home that would catch the sun and Austin Maynard Architects added two light-filled pavilions (with kitchen, dining, bedroom and ensuite) with this in mind.
Dining
The kitchen/dining and living spaces are now located in what was the old garden and the new design has a much better connection with the outdoors. “We opened up to the outdoors and celebrated the exterior, giving clarity and creating a discussion between the old and the new,” says the firm.
Period features were retained in the original part of the home
As for the original part of the home, the original hearth and fireplace in the living room were retained, along with light fittings, windows, timber picture rails and skirtings. The kitchen was relocated from the old part to one of the new pavilions and the other pavilion houses the master bedroom and ensuite. The pavilions are connected to the old house via transparent glass-lined hallways.
BathroomBathroom
One of the most striking features of the renovation are the shingles that clad the new pavilions – made from Colorbond (in Surfmist), each one was handmade and hand-fixed. “They form a snakeskin-like covering that merges roof and wall in one surface, contrasting with the white rendered brick of the old part of the house,” says the firm of the unique feature.
The old and new parts of the home are connected via glass hallways
The timber-battened pantry hides structural support for the second floor too
From arched mirrors to rounded furniture shapes and arched hallways, there’s no doubt that curves are trending which is why this unique Sydney renovation piqued our interest. Located in Balgowlah Heights on the Northern Beaches, this 1980’s era family home was overhauled recently and now sports a new extension, granny flat and pool area characterised by a rather sensuous series of curves – a design choice that was both practical and aesthetic.
The kitchen looking into the dining room
“The original renovation was horribly constructed, dark and compartmentalised. It’s not uncommon in homes that people are looking to renovate but this one had it all!” says the project’s architect Adam Hobbs of Hobbs Jamieson who replaced the rabbit warren of rooms with a series of curved, open-plan spaces that allow the light and breezes to permeate.
“We were asked to open up the space, make it more contemporary and employ a classic, natural colour palette. And although it’s a new structure, the same brief applied to the granny flat,” says Adam.
Living roomPowder room
Home to a professional couple with primary school aged twin daughters, the granny flat was added with a view to future-proof the home. “It’s for when the children are teenagers, but in the short term it acts as a second living space associated with the pool so the owners can entertain – like a pool house concept I guess,” says Adam of the new building that opens onto the pool area and sports a bar area and covered cabana space too.
Granny flat
And when it comes to showcasing the curves, the kitchen is a rather show-stopping space. “The kitchen was a rare venture for us with curves, but it made sense given it allows smooth circulation through the house, it opens up and connects the spaces and it adds a real opulence to the space,” says Adam.
The timber-battened pantry hides structural support for the second floor tooBeautiful bespoke curved joinery features throughout the kitchen
Clad with bespoke Blackbutt timber battens, the pantry hides structural support for the upper level while acting as a device to separate the living areas. It’s also been designed in such a way that sight lines are maintained through the home. “We are really proud of the way we worked with the curves. The whole feel of the home’s living areas was completely changed by them.”
The view from the back deck takes in the new granny flat and refurbished pool
When it comes to architectural trends these days, have you ever found yourself a little confused as to what exactly represents ‘modern’ design? While Hamptons, Country and French Colonial styles have clear definitions, the term ‘modern’ often seems to be a catch-all phrase for everything else that defies clear categorisation – am I right? To help us break down just what constitutes modern design, we spoke to architect and James Hardie ambassador Joe Snell recently for his take on the whole perplexing issue.
“Generally speaking, the modern trend features clean lines, confident shapes and minimal ornamentation. It is rooted in the works of visionaries such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto, and out of institutions like the Bauhaus,” says Joe, who has identified five current contemporary home styles that fall into the ‘modern’ category. He warns though that it’s important to know the difference between them to make your preferred version of ‘modern’ work.
Mid-Century Modernism Mid-Century Modernism has its roots in America in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s and is epitomised by architect Phillip Johnson’s influential Glass House. “This style is all about being connected to nature by using large expanses of glass and revealed structure, creating buildings that have simple silhouettes that are very aware of their surroundings,” says Joe. Exposed steel beams and cladding boards are key to achieving this enduringly stylish look.
Immersed in nature, this home really captures the spirit of Mid-Century Modernism
Minimalism A very popular style of late, it could be argued that the pared-back Minimalist design philosophy is the opposite of the more outward looking Mid-Century Modernism. “While it ostensibly uses the same pared back design, the focus is more on looking within, and being at peace with oneself. The Minimalism school of thought aims to remove distractions and has become popular in Japan for its alignment with the Zen philosophy of mindfulness and tranquillity,” says Joe.
To achieve this aesthetic, the aim is to minimise joins and lines by using concrete floors and large panel cladding alongside huge expanses of glass.
This Melbourne home exemplifies Minimalist design principles
Mixed Materials The Mixed Material trend emerged out of desire to avoid the bland Truman Show style streetscapes of old – it’s a popular device used to add variety to the look of a home (while reducing the blandness of rows of identical homes) but it can be a difficult mix to get right.
The Mixed Materials look
“There are lots of elements to balance, so over-complication can be an issue here,” says Joe who recommends choosing one theme and running with it. Whether it’s making your entrance the hero or defining your garage with a contrasting material, less can be more with this style.
Mixed Materials
“I like to think of homes as a play between heavy and light components. Minimalism and Mid-Century often focus primarily on the repetition of a limited palette of materials across the whole home. Mixed Materials can go either way, I generally suggest working with heavier materials such as masonry and brick at the base and graduate to lighter profiles as you go up,” says Joe.
This home taps into both the Scandi Barn and Mixed Materials categories
Modern Coastal With most of us living on the coast, it’s not surprising that the Modern Coastal look has become a popular one in Australia. “While the on-trend Hamptons style incorporates beautiful detailing with eave returns, balustrading and more, the modern version remains simple and clean. The large expanses of macro detailing and clean shapes remain, but there is also a lean toward embodying the coast which his done through the use of blues, greys and warm wooden tones,” says Joe who recommends the James Hardie Linea Weatherboards to create this look.
“It creates similar shadow lines to timber boards but, like all premium fibre cement cladding, stands up to the Aussie elements as it is resistant to flaking, warping or swelling and damage from moisture which minimises maintenance,” says Joe.
This Modern Coastal style home is located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula
Scandi Barn With its combination of weatherboards and clean lines, the Scandinavian Barn is a popular one in large part because it marries contemporary and traditional design so beautifully. Typified by steep, pitched rooves (a necessity to stop snow gathering throughout Scandinavian winters), countless homes have been designed in this style of late and often in a dark charcoal hue rather than the traditional Scandi-blonde wood tones.
Scandi Barn
“While many may think of light and bright colour palates for Scandi Barns, they also have the potential for dark and brooding exteriors in greys and blacks with minimal window use. The basic tenants of the movement lend themselves to modern styles and include hooded windows and a strong diagrammatic house shape,” says Joe.
While the gorgeous front of this South Yarra home was built in the early 1900’s, the rear sported a fairly uninspiring 1970’s extension before architect Andrew Child transformed it recently for a pair of stylish empty-nesters. “The home was being rented out to students when the owners bought it,” says Andrew who, as part of the project, renovated the original part of the home too; and all on a fairly tight budget.
Front elevation
“The front of the home was and is a beautiful old period home with lovely high ceilings, but the back was logical and structurally sound but pretty prosaic,” says Andrew. The most dramatic part of the renovation involved removing an upstairs bedroom to create a void above the downstairs rear dining space.
The new dining space is now filled with light
“Removing the bedroom created a double height dining space below and is a new focal point for the home. It has created drama and also opened the living areas to the sky and the trees of the rear yard and surrounding properties,” says Andrew. And while reducing the home’s bedroom number might sound a little crazy, the original ‘student’ home was comprised of six rooms – surplus to the owners’ requirements.
A new study nook now overlooks the voidAn Ariho Miyake ‘Kepler’ pendant lamp hangs above the dining table
The new kitchen is housed in the old rear extension too, but it’s been completely modernised with a mix of American oak veneer and black joinery. The kitchen window was redesigned and now features a unique ‘box’ design.
“There was already a window in that spot but instead of just replacing it we designed an aluminium box that projects out and provides a bay window. It’s openable and can act as a servery,” says Andrew who replaced all of the extension’s original wooden window frames with new black aluminium versions.
The kitchen’s new multi-functional box window
Another significant part of the renovation saw two of the original rooms at the front of the home combined with one half now housing a large and interesting ensuite.
Original sash windows feature in the ensuite
“We wanted to keep the sense of the Victorian room, high ceilings and skirting boards, while integrating a toilet, shower and vanity,” says Andrew who designed a wall inside the ensuite that hides the shower and toilet behind. “We kept the wall low so that when you walk in you can still feel the old vibe,” says Andrew. A skylight was also installed to light up the room.
The ensuite is divided by a wall that conceals the toilet and shower behindThe ensuite is accessed via a ‘secret’ concealed door that looks like part of the master bedroom wall
Nestled in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Williamstown, this home was purchased several years ago as a ‘forever home’ for its inhabitants – a family of five including two teenage girls and their dog Lucky. The original double-fronted Victorian home had a 1990’s addition at the rear which no longer met the needs of the family, which is where architect Sandi Kuzman came in to design a Mid Century-inspired extension at the back.
Living room
“With the girls growing up, the house needed to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the changing needs of the family and to better reflect their lifestyle,” says Sandi. The original addition lacked spatial connections, had minimal natural light, poor heating and cooling and virtually no connection to the rear garden.
The main living area is now connected with the rear garden
“The brief for this project was to bring in more natural light, make the communal spaces more liveable and connected, create a strong relationship between the house and garden, provide an environmentally responsive home and maintain the heritage features of the original house,” says Sandi who was also tasked with indulging the owners’ love of Mid Century Modernism. Quite the tick list!
The back of the home as seen from the garden
The new extension features a living room, TV den, dining room, kitchen with butler’s pantry and indoor/outdoor deck and the main aim was to connect and blur the boundaries between old and new, inside and out. Sandi developed a concept of ‘frames’ to this end.
“The design is all about framing spaces and views, both internally and externally. Externally, simple black forms frame the much-loved old pear tree and an opening to the sky above. The window seat and timber battened deck are treated likewise, as the viewer looks from the outside in, and from the inside out.”
The den features a double fronted fireplace that services the room behind and offers views all the way through to the backyardA custom day bed provides a place to relax in the den
One of the most frequented spots in the house is the dining room window seat – itself another frame that serves a variety of uses for the family. “It’s a quiet reading nook, a spill out space at parties, a platform to catch the morning sun, a stage for their children’s performances, a debriefing station at the end of the day, and if that’s not enough it’s also a handy storage space!”
Dining room window seat. A pear tree is framed in the distance.
The black kitchen sits within the living spaces but it’s a standout element in its own right – the concealed butler’s pantry forms a pod in the centre of the home. “The owner loves to cook and enjoys her daughters getting involved around the island bench. The cooktop is front and centre with a view to the garden too,” says Sandi.
KitchenWalk-in butler’s pantry
The home’s materials are on the raw, minimal side with Australian hardwood timbers and veneers combined with white plasterboard, matte black cabinetry, vertical subway tiles, soft grey stone benchtops, custom black steel details and expanses of glass rounding out the mix.
Bathroom
And as for Sandi’s proudest design moment, she is very happy with the way the home has fostered a variety of connections for its owners. “Connections between internal spaces, between inside and outside, between old and new, between inhabitants, and between client and architect. We still catch up for a glass of wine from time to time.”
The latest architecture and interior design awards to be handed down, the 2019 Houses Awards feature an array of phenomenal Australian talent across a variety of projects including a Daylesford farm, a converted inner-Sydney power station and a super compact Hobart apartment. With many categories, we’ve selected a few of our favourite projects for you today.
Australian House of the year Designed by Partners Hill, ‘Daylesford Longhouse’ combines a farm building, greenhouse and new business setup all within a 100 metre long shed — a unique project indeed! The large industrial building belies the gorgeous detail within that includes a lush internal garden.
Daylesford Longhouse. Photo by Rory Gardiner
The shed’s internal garden features a roof that can be opened according to the weather and the home’s intimate bedrooms feature beautiful landscape views. The home also took out the ‘New house over 200 square metres’ award.
Daylesford Longhouse houses a lush internal garden. Photo by Rory GardinerViews from the bathroom inside Daylesford Longhouse. Photo by Rory Gardiner
New house under 200 square metres Designed by Peter Stutchbury Architecture, Bay Guarella House is located within a eucalyptus forest with views to Guerrilla Bay on the New South Wales south coast. It’s also a shared holiday home between friends and the judges loved the way in which it allows its inhabitants to truly immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape.
Guerrilla Bay House. Photo by Michael Nicholson
House alteration and addition over 200 square metres (joint winner) This category is unique in that it was awarded to two projects — Teneriffe House by Vokes and Peters and Brisbane Riverbank House by Owen Architecture.
Teneriffe House is not your typical Queenslander. Photo by Christopher Frederick Jones
A renovation and extension to a 1909 Brisbane Queenslander, Teneriffe House shows just how creative you can be with white and the end result is “delightfully sculptural and elegantly crafted” according to the jury. A triumph of indoor/outdoor living, the home features several lawn platforms and concrete arches that echo the home’s original internal timber ones. “It’s easy to imagine garden parties here” said the jurors. Yes, indeed.
Teneriffe House. Photo by Christopher Frederick JonesTeneriffe House. Photo by Christopher Frederick Jones
The joint winner, Owen Architecture’s Brisbane Riverbank House is an addition to an existing 1930’s home for a car collector who wanted a home for family and friends to enjoy. The house features large courtyards that overlook the river and take in the surrounding bush – the use of brick and terracotta references the adjacent landscape.
Brisbane Riverbank House. Photo by Simon DevittBrisbane Riverbank House. Photo by Simon Devitt
House alteration and addition under 200 square metres Designed by Sydney’s Tribe Studio, ‘House in Darlinghurst’ saw the site of a former electrical substation (built in the 1930’s) transformed into a new three bedroom home with leafy rooftop views.
‘House in Darlinghurst’ is a repurposed electrical substation. Photo by Katherine Lu‘House in Darlinghurst’ interior. Photo by Katherine Lu
Originally built in the 1930’s, the compact 50 square metre site is located in what was once a slum and red light district. It now boasts a spacious rooftop pool terrace surrounded by Venetian glass bricks described by the architect as a “wild extravagance.”
The rooftop pool is surrounded by Venetian glass bricks. Photo by Katherine Lu
Apartment or unit Hobart based architects Liz and Alex were honoured for their work in using plywood to transform a tiny 1970’s bedsit (it’s just 26 square metres!) into something that looks and feels spacious. The home features a fold-away kitchen, bathroom and bed that conceals domesticity and allows for flexibility within the tiny footprint. The space can be reconfigured to suit a couple or a party of 10!
Photo by Sean Fennessy
The renovation includes a place for everything and the jury said that the most powerful aspect of the design is the way the space feels almost gallery-like when packed away which is impressive given the project’s size constraints.
BEFORE. Photo by Sean FennessyAFTER. Photo by Sean Fennessy
Designed by architect David Boyle, ‘Five Gardens House’ was the overall winner of the recent New South Wales Architecture Awards’ Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) category and, with its undulating Sydney waterside location and design that drinks in the beautiful landscape, it’s easy to see why.
Front elevation. The opposite of ostentatious, the home really blends into the landscape.
Something about this home really strikes us as different. Perhaps it’s because, unlike a brand-new build, the project involved the modification and extension of an existing home – a process that often elicits interesting outcomes. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? And invent the architect did; Five Gardens House is a 1950’s suburban modernist house transformed into a vast collection of spaces and whimsical garden platforms.
KitchenLiving area
Perched atop a headland in Sydney’s Middle Harbour, the house treats the landscape as the star – surrounding the home is a gorgeous mix of bushland, rock outcrops and water. Perhaps the highlight of the tri-level home, the home even reaches out into its environment and wraps around a eucalyptus tree in the back yard.
The home wraps around a large eucalyptus tree
The project’s name references the five gardens that surround the home – the new rooftop garden, the three existing gardens and the new aspect that takes in the fifth garden; a knoll. The home’s new rooftop garden sits on an elevated perch that projects from the abode’s original footprint and floats high above the site on delicate steel loops.
Rooftop garden
Internal and external stairs create a spiral circulation system connecting all of the levels and gardens while raw, robust materials complement the landscape. No doubt fabulous spaces to inhabit, the arched ceilings float above the living areas and capture the tree canopies of the adjacent reserve down to the harbour below.
Lounge room
I suspect you’d quickly forget you were living in the city inside these rooms. The ultimate in Australian indoor/outdoor living, this one-off home truly brings the outside in.
With more than 500 entries across 12 award categories, the inaugural Design Files Design Awards have launched with aplomb and today we are bringing you some of the amazing shortlisted projects. Designed to recognise the best of Australian design, the awards are a little different to most given that they not only recognise our most talented architects and interior designers but furniture designers, craft practitioners, floral designers, textile designers, stylists and art directors too.
Looking at this shortlist, I think it would be safe to say that these highly sophisticated projects could compete on the world stage.
“There’s just an incredible breadth of creative work in the mix. These shortlists provide a succinct snapshot of the immense talent across Australia right now,” says The Design Files’ Lucy Feagins. And while there are some inspiring entries across all of the categories, today we’re bring you a round-up of the best shortlisted projects in the interior design category.
Shortlisted: ‘Sarah Cosentino and Felicity Slattery’s ‘Portsea Beach House’
“Interior design is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most dynamic design disciplines. Clever, unique and considered interiors are transformative, and contribute to a cultural identity which is uniquely Australian,” says Lucy of the interior design category that is judged across five distinct areas – originality, visual appeal, craftsmanship, functionality, sustainability and visionary thinking. Extra points will be awarded to projects with pro bono or community focussed outcomes, and/or projects limited by an unusually tiny budget.
I love that seamless curved detailing in Matt Woods Design’s ‘Perfect Storm’ project
Kate Challis’ ‘The Gertrude Project’ is a highly individual family home that blurs the distinction between art and design. The designer’s own residence, the project is heavily influenced by her love of art and draws upon the works of two prominent Australian female artists who both had a passion for native flora and fauna; Margaret Preston and Valerie Sparks.
Shortlisted: Kate Challis’ ‘The Gertrude Project’Shortlisted: Kate Challis’ ‘The Gertrude Project’
Not your typical country house, Chelsea Hing’s ‘Yarra Valley House’ has a beautiful colour palette inspired by its location. The designer drew on the ghost greys of the surrounding eucalyptus trees, the washed out greens of the grapevines, the terracotta blush of the soil and the blackened bark of the trees. Rich terracotta’s, saddle tan leathers, polished plaster, slate, cedar and sandblasted timber combine to create the stunning home.
Shortlisted: Chelsea Hing’s ‘Yarra Valley House’Chelsea Hing’s ‘Yarra Valley House’
Georgina Jeffries’ ‘The Victorian’ is home to an Aussie and his American wife who recently relocated from New York. An old inner-city Victorian terrace, Georgina reconfigured the floor plan, reconditioned the old and introduced touches of the new to create a delightful series of spaces.
A celebration of colour, Mardi Doherty’s ‘St Kilda Residence’ is a revamped 1920’s Californian Bungalow with a twist. One of the statement spaces is a bold red room, and there’s plenty of robust and daring materials used throughout including black steel, oversized terrazzo, marble, Corian, fluted glass and mosaic tiles.
The interior design category judges David Flack, Yasmine Ghoniem (Amber Road), and Adriana Hanna (Kennedy Nolan) have their work cut out for them before the winners are announced on Thursday September 19th in Melbourne.
Located 100 metres from the beach in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Swanbourne, this colourful family abode ‘LittleBIG’ is home to two doctors and their blended family that includes five children.
Lounge, dining & kitchen
“Three years ago, we were interviewed by an amazing determined young doctor and mum holding her and her husband’s new baby (number four) along with a folio of images with a mid-century vibe and a clearly defined design brief. They wanted something robust and flexible and built to a modest budget and tight schedule!” says the home’s architect Suzanne Hunt who recently won a commendation for the home in the ‘Interior Architecture’ category of the 2019 WA Architecture Awards.
Kitchen
With more than a casual nod to mid-century design, the home embraces individuality, colour and lovely connection to the garden.“Our clients’ brief was for a modest, flexible forever family home that would be beautiful and still robust enough to accommodate her busy family of five young children, two working parents that couldn’t use a drill, a menagerie of animals, and most importantly her love of colour, vintage second hand furniture and ceramics,” says Suzanne.
Lounge roomEntry
“The interior and exterior materiality palette for LittleBIG was designed for loads of kids and their friends who, let’s face it, have no respect for delicate architecture and interior design and their parents who have no interest in maintenance. Sustainability, low maintenance, minimalism, colour and a playful feel were the key design drivers,” says Suzanne.
So much colour!Child’s bedroom
“Integrating their collections from life so far was also a priority as was integrating the owners’ continuingly growing collections. The owner has a wonderful eye for reimagining and a very handy knack for finding the most amazing furniture and fittings online. I look and find nothing!” says Suzanne.
Master bedroomBackyard
Built on an 845 square metre wedge-shaped site, the home sits uncomfortably between six large houses in a small cul-de-sac which provided a challenge for Suzanne. “We had to think outside the box but the home takes advantage of the many positives of its location including strong early sea breezes, long distance views and the sound of the waves crashing on the sand,” says Suzanne who took care to maximise every square inch of the property for the large family.
Green and blue glazing is separated by panels of taupe and chocolate brick
As for her favourite part of the project, Suzanne loved working with a client that was realistic with regard to budget and the site’s specific constraints. “My client realised it would require some compromises with materiality and area – there’s no wasted space, modest bedrooms, shared kids’ bathrooms and more durable teak-look Laminex rather than veneer. The house is above all else a beautiful and functional family home.”
Large and beautiful rock features in the lounge room
Shortlisted in the recently announced 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards and designed by Melbourne’s Splinter Society Architecture, ‘Cornerstone House’ was literally built out of the rubble. A truly unique family home, it’s located in Northcote and caught our eye due to its fabulous, original use of stone.
Large, beautiful stone features in the lounge room
Housed on a site with a problematic soil condition (it was littered with rock and sits on an old lava flow belt), the home’s build began with the placement of large quarried rocks and ended with hand-crafted details and plenty of new stone throughout. I love how the architects took inspiration from the original site and amazingly, several six-tonne stone blocks were craned in to create the home too.
The kitchen. The bedrooms are located on the upper floor.Bathroom
Rocks aside, slender blackened steel and timber feature too, creating a playful vibe that alternates between hard and soft. And with a largely black colour palette (there are some lovely teal flourishes), the overall vibe is one of elegant masculinity.
The beautiful stone clad fireplaceLarge blocks of stone can be seen from the street too
And while the owners of the large family home (it sits on 800 square metres) wanted it to be robust, low-maintenance and private, they also wanted it to have a wow factor too – particularly when entertaining. I’d say that was achieved! The pool area alone would be an amazing place to host a party.
Pool areaAlfresco
The statement living and dining spaces sit within a central green and stone paved landscape, protected by a floating, curved roof above that allows glimpses to the surrounding trees.
The dining area has a leafy outlook
The home’s monochrome palette is broken up by raw textured plaster that grabs the light in the day and illuminates at night when the home is in party mode – entertaining is key remember! Timber accents, fabric panels and red toned metallic and glazed finishes round out the material selections.
