Image Credit : Rachel Dere
Project Overview
This new interior project was born from a couple who live and breathe 'coolness'. Both nearing retirement, the couple wanted to create a home that left a mark and legacy. With a love of music, books, fine wine, family and friends - the creative direction was clear - bring St Kilda to Beaumaris, but capture the essence of both. Add to the fact that the owner was a builder, no challenge was too tough - and with that in mind, our design captured the couple's imagination and results in a space that is inviting for all.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Harry Nguyen - Designer
Project Brief
Whilst located on a sleepy street, they wanted to make sure that their dwelling reflected their outgoing and worldly personalities, catering for entertaining their family and friends.
Other than the specialised trades such as electrical, and plumbing, all works were to be done by one person with only minimal assistance from friends. Everything in the house; from walls, windows and ceilings, down to flooring, joinery and fixtures, we executed by the client himself.
We were very lucky to be able to spend a lot of hours getting to know our clients. They shared their hospitality with us, and we took onboard the stories they told about their life adventures. Together we discussed construction methods, fine details and applications of surfaces to ensure practical and manageable solutions. Our client's hands on approach turned out to be a blessing for the project, as he was happy to dedicate more hours in refining details and perfecting the quality of their home.
Project Innovation/Need
The biggest inspiration for the project derived from our visit to the clients’ favourite hangout, which suggested an industrial aesthetic paired with unusual use of materials. We designed the space with a layered effect which we achieved through the application of artwork/photos, and use of patterns that resonated with client.
A breathtaking minimalist staircase is beautifully accentuated by a timber clad feature wall. The entry void and volumes of natural light shining through the glazed facade, it sets the tone for the design of the house.
The kitchen with its continuous bench leading into the butler's pantry, and each utility carefully rationalised, is not only incredibly practical but is unique in design.
Worthy of a mention is the alfresco and the pool area. Compact in size, its striking graffiti artwork provided a visual relief, reminiscent of the urban scape of their beloved St Kilda.
This project is a win for us, no matter which awards we enter. To work with such great open-minded and progressive clients, with a clear brief and unlimited imagination (but not budget), we were able to create a space that you want to come back to, and enjoy a friendly bottle of red, listen to Nick Cave and share travel stories.
Design Challenge
The challenge was that we were engaged for the project when the frame was already up, and lock up stage was weeks away. Having a framework already in place, we were impressed by the spatial arrangement, giving us freedom of play with the space.
Being restricted by an envelop is not uncommon to interior designers, and so with a few internal tweaks that didn't affect the sound structure, we were able to navigate a design that met the vision and created a space that was
striking, yet homely.
Sustainability
Everything in this house was built to last, breaking the trend of cheap and quick makeovers that require constant upkeep. Almost every component was manufactured on site, or in Melbourne which greatly minimised the carbon
footprint associated with shipments. In addition, sustainably sourced natural timbers were used throughout.
Interior Design - Residential
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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