When invited to inspect this incredible Sydney waterfront home our first thoughts where WOW what an amazing home what came after that was mixed feelings. Can we really work on a home that has just been finished and never lived in? design and built by a Australian Icon in Architecture? Should we run for the hills or tackle this head on.....This was a project we could not turn down.
Located in Sydney’s most exclusive suburb of Vaucluse with unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour skyline lies a $47m beauty. Designed by renowned architect Peter Stutchbury, the home had never been lived in and had sat idle for two years. The new owners of this luxurious home where a high profile couple and their two children and they required a well designed functional family space with heart to suit their taste and needs.
Whilst a budget was not defined, the pressure to deliver an outstanding design was intense. Working on a project delivered by an iconic Australian architect in which we admire greatly filled us with honour and doubt in our abilities.
The lead was 8th in a long line of friends and the clients desired design and product excellence with every product and detail.
The space was vast, yet barricaded by obtrusive cabinetry that block incredible views and darkened the spaces available.
Kitchen Space
Constraints
•Concrete Structure
•Large void over Kitchen
•Iconic Australian architect
•Pressure of a long line of friends
•The home was based on 2400mm concrete grid, so lines had to match
•Existing materials limited selections
Must Haves
•Design Excellence
•Make sense of the space through functional design
•Cater for large and regular gatherings
•Make the new design rest inside this incredible structure
The focus was to create a functional design that utilised the large floor space. Whilst there was a scullery in place in the original kitchen, it was blocked by cabinetry increasing the travel distance and reducing the functionality of the spaces. The scullery and kitchen almost became separate spaces rather than connected functional zones. Creating an opening on the north side of the kitchen that opened directly onto the barbecue and outdoor entertaining area provided excellent access from the kitchen and the scullery to the barbecue.
A continuous line was developed by closing the void in the ceiling, which also rectified lighting issues and positively impacted the master suite above. The new ceiling gave the kitchen visual appeal as the eye now rests in the space instead of being drawn to the incredibly high ceilings visually making a “room”.
The design now resembles a piece of furniture rather than a working kitchen. Up-lighting installed above the overhead and tall cabinets illuminate the walls and ceiling above, providing reflected light without interfering with the harbor view at night. (Direct lighting onto the glass would turn the glass into a mirror).
To accommodate frequent entertainers, work zones were multiplied. Direct landing spaces beside and behind all appliances were designed, so that many people could work in the space at once without impeding on each other.
The designers choice to create one opening and close the ceiling void, along with a refined space that complimented the transitions between multiple zones completely transformed the space. The real highlight for the designer is that this new space has become a tribute to the original architecture.
The Parents Retreat
Brief
•Design excellence
•Increase bedroom space
•Dressing room and plenty of shoe storage
•Make the master suite feel like a luxurious place to be rather than a room of cabinets
•Make it feel as though the new design paid homage to the architecture, as though it had always been there
Constraints
•Concrete Structure
•Iconic Australian architect
•Pressure of a long line of friends
•The home was based on 2400mm concrete grid, so lines had to match
•Existing materials limited selections
•The layout limited possibilities
When working with incredible views there are two rules; Firstly, don’t try to compete with it and second, use it. The view is an ever changing piece of art that can enhance any room and lifestyle.
The detail of this home is the most detailed structure the designer has ever worked with, there may never be another the same, so the pressure to perform was immense. It was evident the floor space was underutilised and could be improved.
Located below the master suite was the kitchen with a huge void in the ceiling. The designer chose to fill the void as the home had 10 meter high ceilings. Closing the void allowed extra space to be used in the master suite and strategically positioned windows opened the space. The bedroom could be relocated front and centre to take in the harbor views. The space where the bedroom once was transformed into a dressing and make up room with its very own ‘shoedrobe’.
Wardrobes were situated on either side of the new bedroom and a glass fronted wardrobe was placed outside the bathroom to display designer clothes. A central island stored folded items, hanging pants and accessories whilst also housing all of the heating and air conditioning through the kickboard. The height of the unit was determined to be functional for suitcases to be packed on top as the client is a frequent traveler.
Sliding ribbed glass doors were installed to divide the bedroom from the dresser and bathroom. The doors prevent the transfer of noise in the mornings whilst allowing glimpses of the habour views.
The bones of the bathroom were good so the designer created a new vanity that was in line with the quality of the home. The tiles and fixtures were updated to elevate the space to a more sophisticated interior design.
It is only on close inspection that you can see the perfection in this home; all lines meet, there is not a single painted wall and all edges are brass. A completely bespoke home.
Before / 3D CAD / After
Our 3D CAD work is all done in Studio, we believe by delivering you a clear vision of what the project will look like it provides the project the confidence it needs to move forward and deliver a wonderful result.
Below is a series of Before/CAD/After shots
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| Before Image |
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| 3D CAD Image |
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| AFTER |
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| 3D CAD Image |
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| Completed Installation |
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| 3D CAD Image |
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| Completed Installation |
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| Before Shot - Parents Retreat |
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| After Shot - Parents Retreat |
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| Before Shot - Parents Retreat |
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| After Shot - Parents Retreat |
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| 3D CAD - Parents Retreat |
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| 3D CAD - Parents Retreat |
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| After Shot - Parents Retreat |
