Urban Sophisticate

Urban dwelling established in an upmarket subdivision for a young family.  The design intention was to focus on the dwelling and those that live in this space, not concentrating on your typical sub-division. Given the elevated nature of the site and its primary view being to the south-west, it was designed to turn its back on this street scape and prevailing winter weather. This beautifully crafted home is concentrated around an entry courtyard, with the main entrance purposely hidden behind a black cedar wall for protection from the weather, which provides an element of mystic to the residence. Guests are greeted with a full-length gazed wall which offers both a connection and interaction with the internal space beyond, without reducing the resident’s privacy as they move throughout the home. The primary focus is on the living areas facing north, with large portions of glazing collecting winter sun. Contrasting cedar cladding was used to identify the different forms of the building; a black clad core component housing the home theatre, three bedrooms and two bathrooms with the two lighter brown cedar structures home to the living and three car garaging. The kitchen is a wonderfully designed compact, central communal space that interacts between the adjacent covered deck and central dining room. It was intended that the main presence of the kitchen was in the middle of the living area, providing an element of simple clean aesthetics while still offering a functional family space. The bathroom and ensuite are a beautiful combination of texture, colour and practical compact spaces. The cabinetry in the ensuite is integrated with the back to wall toilet and in-wall cistern creating a long seamless flow with his and her basins.  The clever recessed LED lighting behind the mirror gives it a backlit a floating effect while still being very practical.