Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol.18 No.4 i Home Design

If your architect or designer isn’t offering you environmentally sustainable design and building solutions, I suggest you go elsewhere Recently, I attended the SEE Sustainable Experience exhibition in Brisbane. It was the launch of what is set to be an annual event, and one which I believe is the must-see building event of the coming years. Arriving at the Brisbane Showgrounds and entering the marquee, I found I was among many colleagues I know from the building and design industry. I had planned to attend all the seminars and visit all the stands, but by the end of day one, I had managed only four stands and one seminar. Such was the buzz among colleagues, I ended up spending more time talking to them about the exciting developments in the…

Collingwood-based design trio Andrew Boddington, Josep Vallhonrat and Richard Fanale are AJAR — a niche business established in 2012 that brings Spanish furniture to Australian shores. Eighty per cent of AJAR’s products are new to the Australian market, with the company offering more than 15 brands to design connoisseurs who just can’t get enough. AJAR directors Josep, Richard and Andrew come from varying backgrounds. Andrew and Richard are both interior designers, while Josep is a Spanish-born and -trained architect. “I got into the design industry because I have always been fascinated about how to materialise one’s creativity into something tangible,” says Josep. “I did my studies at the ETSAV University in Barcelona, Spain. I would say I became a designer when I had the skills to materialise my ideas and…

The Palm Springs look is renowned for its style and glamour, usually with indoor spaces transitioning seamlessly with spacious poolside areas ready for entertaining. This style is all about modern accents working alongside vintage finds — so mix it up and have fun.…

AB CONCEPT — HONG KONG Design firm AB Concept has opened the doors to its newly renovated workspace and studio in Hong Kong’s vibrant Causeway District. The co-founder of AB Concept, Ed Ng, has dubbed the new space a “concrete manifestation” of the design firm’s visions, values and culture. The need arose for a platform that reflected the calibre of the designers and afforded them the means to perform to the best of their ability. A spacious foyer boasts an eclectic collection of vintage furniture, artwork and design pieces from across the world. The space has been thoughtfully designed to inspire the imaginations and nurture the talent of the designers and creative talents of AB Concept. abconcept.net LUMP SCULPTURE STUDIO — ABBOTSFORD, VIC Renowned for its stunning range of unique…

we love THE WINDOWS OF THE STRUCTURE, WHICH ADD A CONTEMPORARY LOOK TO THE BUILDING When it comes to Surry Hills, there is a serious shortage of housing to meet the endless demand of those who wish to live in a suburb that has it all — designer stores, cafés, bars and the general buzz associated with the inner-city location. Originally built in the 1920s, The Austin was transformed from a dilapidated structure into a dwelling whose apartments were snapped up in no time at all. As expected, the original building required extensive work, with a big focus on maintaining the heritage feel. “Sections of the concrete and render had fallen away from the façade, so the reinforcing was exposed to the weather and the rust was staining the walls,”…

Perched on the peninsula of Turkey, the quaint city of Bodrum is perhaps one of the least likely places you’d discover the influences of big city meccas. But the Y House from Ofist is a melting pot of modern style that’s a worthy competitor to the water views and endless blue sky the region boasts. For designers Yasemin Arpac and Sabahattin Emir, their design vision revolved around establishing balance, with the duo seeking to “create a house that was harmonious with the local culture and geographical context”. Located within the Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum, the Y House is unique to the residences and embraces local and international influences. These contribute to the homely nature of the property and mark it as an ideal getaway complete with the comforts you would…

The Mediterranean way of living is highly desirable, indeed — relaxed summer days or nights spent outside with good food, fine wine and close family and friends. It’s enough to make you want to pack up and move to a secluded part of Italy, but for this fortunate couple, their Mediterranean-style villa is right here in Australia, and is the site of many fabulous outdoor parties. The enviable 10-acre block of virgin land where they chose to build their new home is at Possum Hill near Possum Creek, just a threeminute drive to Bangalow and a 10-minute drive to the popular holiday town of Byron Bay. Following their move from Sydney, they enlisted local builder Andrew Priestley of Byron Bay’s Priestley Building to create an indoor–outdoor living space to capture…

This year, the New South Wales Architecture Awards were inundated with remarkable candidates across the 10 categories, including our favourites, Residential Architecture — Houses (Alterations and Additions) and Sustainable Architecture. Of the 170-plus entries, 79 projects were shortlisted and the winners announced at Sydney’s Town Hall. Individual contributions to the architecture industry were also recognised on the night. The Marion Mahony Griffin Prize recognises the significant contribution of women to architecture, while the David Lindner Prize is awarded to a graduate or emerging architect. New South Wales Chapter President Shaun Carter of Carterwilliamson Architects believes the shortlisted architects highlighted the diversity of design happening across the state and the skill of the architects in making these designs a reality. “I believe the standard of architecture within New South Wales is…

They say living by the water is good for your soul, providing a wash of inspiration or perhaps relief from the dilemmas life tends to throw our way. But with the privilege of utilising serenity on tap comes the responsibility of creating a home that is on par with such fluidity and peace. Principal of Manolev Associates, Kiril Manolev, designed the concept of the Gladesville, Sydney home, which was previously a double-brick two-storey property. Comprising 714sqm, the parallelogram-shaped house terminates at the waterfront and boasts a private jetty, pontoon, timber ramp and boat shed. For a couple in their 50s living with two 20-something sons, it was time to upgrade the family home to a space that caters for the duo’s near future as empty nesters. “They had been living…

The neighbourhood has experienced an influx of yuppies and trend-seekers ... ultimately creating an on-trend, desirable and upscale area The NoLIta (North of Little Italy) borough of New York is a trendy location that’s a far cry from the name it’s spawned from. Once a place filled with Italian-American immigrants, the neighbourhood has experienced an influx of yuppies and trend-seekers who have prompted the opening of restaurants, cafés and shops, ultimately creating an on-trend, desirable and upscale area. Interior designer Piero Manara from design firm Casamanara is responsible for the revamp of the property, which was in dire need of some TLC. Previously owned by Italian actress/singer Romina Power, the space was a “disaster” and “hadn’t been renovated since the ’70s”, according to Piero. Add to that a personal relationship…

Recalling the style of French homes hundreds of years ago, the presence of gold sets the high-end atmosphere of the entire apartment, complementing the subtle use of colours throughout Using the City of Light as a neverending beam of inspiration, Gerard Faivre calls on the necessities of Parisian style to convert uninspiring spaces into homes that brim with character and charm. Located in an iconic Haussmannian building established in 1860, the apartment takes up the majority of the fourth floor and makes the most of views featuring the American Cathedral and the luxury residence of couturier Leonard, too. Sitting on the iconic Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, the residence has always attracted a prestigious clientele, and from the restored luxe interiors to the attention to detail, it’s obvious why. To…

“The owner wanted this master ensuite bathroom to have a timeless feel and an ambience that was warm and welcoming after a long day. We used a combination of contemporary, streamlined finishes with items that hinted at a time gone by. A bold, monochrome colour scheme immediately draws your attention when entering the room, with the open structure of the vanity unit softening the space. The floor gives the bathroom amazing visual depth, with its shining black surface shot through with veins of white. The gleaming nickel accents complement the contrasting hues and add an element of luxury to the room. In such an open-plan space, privacy must be carefully considered. We included a sliding glass door, with the centre section frosted white, which provides privacy to the shower and…

MODERN GET THE LOOK • Clean, horizontal lines • Minimal handles • No detailing on doors or benchtops • Push-to-open cupboards • Ample storage • Backlit marble • LED strip lighting “MODERN, CLEAN LINES ARE CREATED USING SHADOW HANDLES, FLAT DOORS AND NEUTRAL COLOURS” — PHIL O’BRIEN DANISH GET THE LOOK • Pared-back colour scheme with neutral tones • Natural materials • Timber-look cabinets • Simple design HAMPTONS GET THE LOOK • Marble benchtop • White, detailed profile doors • Traditional Victorian taps in polished nickel • Dark-stained timber flooring • Pendant lighting “HAMPTONS IS ALL ABOUT TRADITION, DETAIL AND SEA-SIDE LIVING” — VAGN MADSEN, DAN KITCHENS TRANSITIONAL GET THE LOOK • Traditional-style handles • Painted Shaker profile to the front • Marble benchtop • Stainless-steel appliances • White subw…

After a proposed two-year stint living in America turned into 12 years for Sandra Delaney and Scott Wilson, they finally returned to Sydney and their former neighbourhood in the trendy Inner West. Having spent the past two years in the States living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, they were keen to find a character-filled, warehouse property which they could turn into their Sydney home. On one of Sandra’s regular visits back to Australia, she found the ideal property. It was a large, spacious former industrial building which had been converted into a home some years previously. There was a spacious — by inner-city standards — courtyard that had been planted out with lots of trees and greenery by the former owners to make it an oasis of green…

Year after year, builders and designers within Sydney’s Hills Shire have continued to make their district one of the most desirable places to live. Many young families — and couples nearing retirement — pack up their bags and choose to swap the hassles of inner-city living for the wide roads, open spaces and large lots that go hand in hand with life in the suburbs. Earlier this year, the mayor of The Hills Shire Council spoke at the 21st annual Hills Building and Design Awards about the challenges faced by the council and industry as the demands of the housing industry shift. As the inner-city suburbs of Sydney become increasingly overpopulated, the pull of the suburbs is harder to resist. The Hills Shire is starting to recognise large lots can’t…

Residential Category Project Colour House Design Ande Bunbury Architects Colour House focuses on small and sustainable living. It creates practical and functional spaces using beautiful green interiors. In this project, materials and finishes were selected for durability, low toxicity and local providence. Office Category Project Schneider Electric Design Futurespace This project presented the opportunity for Schneider Electric to demonstrate to its peers and the business community a commitment to ecologically sustainable development initiatives associated with the design, fit-out and use of a corporate head office environment. Forest Stewardship Council timber and furniture approved by the Green Building Council of Australia were used throughout. Education Category Project Katoomba Library Design CK Design International This project is an example of innovative and excellent design practise as it proposes new ways of working…

Alas — it has become impossible for me to turn on the TV. No, I don’t have RSI. Nor have I lost my limbs in a tragic accident. My sadly neglected remote gathers dust due to a growing malaise, which I recently discovered has an actual name — technophobia! An abnormal fear of, or effect of, technology. In my case, the abnormal fear relates to the proliferation of DIY renovation programs. Turn on a TV, be it free to air or pay, and it’s a sure bet you can find a renovation show of some description on offer. The more sensational are populated with a cast of carefully selected character types whose renovation journey is deliberately imbued with as much manufactured drama as possible. I can’t help thinking that if…

William and his partner have taken advantage of the neutral colour palette to let their art collection take centre stage William Smart and his company Smart Design Studio are the brains behind The Heritage, a North Sydney apartment complex that sits proudly behind four Federation houses. The 24-apartment block offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, but best of all, simplicity rules when it comes to design, with owners given the ability to create a home doused with their signature style. “There were four heritage-listed houses here, ranging from good condition to completely dilapidated,” says William. “They read as a pair of two-storey narrow houses and a pair of single-storey houses on the south. They each had backyards that ran up to the sandstone cliff in their backyard at Harnett Street.”…

Splitting her time between New York and London, Rebekah Caudwell’s stomping ground encompasses two of the most cultural cities in the world. With such a range of diversity at her fingertips, the interior whiz has opted to inject a colourfilled palette into her London townhouse that was essentially a blank canvas — what more could an artist want? “The house is a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in Bloomsbury, London,” says Rebekah. “It was reverted by a developer from commercial to residential use when we bought it, but the developer had created a plain taupe box. It’s great to take on a project where all the construction has been done for you, so it’s more of a decorating job.” Without the constant headaches, stress and general mayhem that comes with renovating…

COLOUR ME HAPPY Through the playful combination of bold colours and graphic prints, transform your home into a space full of life and creativity LESS IS MORE Liberate the space in your home with classic minimalist furnishings and contemporary aesthetics RUSTIC RETREAT Add earthy and fresh vibes to your home by balancing coastal simplicity with rustic finesse FRENCH FLAIR Adorn your home with elegance and timeless decor…

we love THE STYLISH FLOOR-TO-CEILING WALL PANELLING “This stunning kitchen design is the perfect balance of practicality and aesthetics. The owners wanted a modern and streamlined space that was well equipped with storage. Visually, this kitchen had to look finished and refined and act as an impressive feature of the home. Passageways to neighbouring rooms were hidden as much as possible, and stylishly laminated floor-to-ceiling panelling and sliding doors were incorporated to visually increase the size of the kitchen. The panelling and doors make what would have been a small kitchen space look large, and the wall panelling integrates the room with the dining space. The standout feature of this kitchen is the beautiful Caesarstone island bench,with a special feature top providing space for entertaining. The light and dark tones…

DANISH INSPIRED Simplicity and elegance with a natural backbone, timber accents and clean colours are a classic combination FRESH & NEW Look to the future with innovative and space-saving ideas HAMPTONS 101 Fill your home with holiday vibes featuring soft textures and shades of white RETRO CHIC Balance the best of both worlds with traditional and modern style…

DINE UNDER THE STARS Delight your design taste buds with a modern outdoor dining area LIGHTEN UP Brighten up your garden with these must-haves FEELING SHADY Shading solutions for your outdoor space ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS The wal ls of your house are no longer a barrier - take your tech outside…

LIFE INSTYLE @ ROYAL HALL OF INDUSTRIES, MOORE PARK RURAL, COASTAL, CHIC BY ADBRI MASONRY @ THE PAVILION RESTAURANT, SYDNEY FANULI MELBOURNE SHOWROOM LAUNCH PARTY @ CHAPEL STREET, SOUTH YARRA 2015 HILLS BUILDING & DESIGN AWARDS GALA DINNER @CURZON HALL, MARSFIELD…