{The James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs, Front facade}

With the kitchen, I wasn't aiming to do anything new or innovative. I wanted timeless and simple. A canvas devoid of colour so it could be injected by way of homewares and appliances and food and family. I guess I never strayed far from what I had always wanted, even showing this colour palette (or lack thereof) in previous posts, such as the Monochrome Kitchen. Cabinetry either flows through to the ceiling or is capped by bulkheads, to reduce surfaces that dust could collect on, reducing potential allergens.

{Monochrome kitchen of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs. Image by Dion Robeson.}

Passive solar design principles were utilised where possible within the council and R-codes on a small rear battle-axe block. Large north-facing windows and doors allow winter sun to penetrate and store heat in the thermal mass of the polished concrete floor. The polished concrete floor was high on my list of features that I really wanted in this house - surprisingly, planning for this quite early on in the design process kept the cost quite comparable with alternative floor coverings.

{Open-plan living space of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs. Image by Dion Robeson.}

Insulated cavity brick construction helps contain winter heat. Cross-ventilation allows excess heat to be dissipated in summer. A SolarStar solar-powered thermostat-controlled roof cavity ventilation system also rids the building of excess heat when needed. In the two years of occupancy, no active heating or cooling has been necessary except for the Big Ass ceiling fans (their name, as well as description!)

Solatubes with integrated PV (photo-voltaic solar panel) LED day and night lighting is used in conjunction with natural daylight and low-energy lighting elsewhere. Low VOC (Volatile organic compound) paints and carpets are used throughout to reduce sick-building syndrome (off-gassing). PV's sufficiently power the house with a larger inverter for future-proofing. East/west openings were minimised and treated with Low-E glazing where unavoidable, as well as awning shading.

{Kitchen details of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs. Image by Dion Robeson.}


{Laundry details of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs. Image by Dion Robeson.}

The bathrooms features hobless showers for accessibility. The glass above the half-height wall allows light to penetrate fully into the bathroom to reduce mould build up.

{Master ensuite details of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs. Image by Dion Robeson.}

Curtains and blinds are opened and closed to allow optimal light and heat inside, which is also aided by deciduous vine plantings on the north for additional summer shading of openings. While we wait for the grape vine to grow, we use a combination of shade sails and a passionfruit vine that we trim back in winter to allow more sun through. In the mean time, we are drowning in fat juicy passionfruit and the kids adore it!

The garden also considered sustainable design elements in the use of reclaimed breeze blocks for the entry, edible garden courtyard and native or self-sown water-wise planting. Indoor plants are used for improved indoor air quality and visual calm.

{North-facing, rear exterior of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs.}


{North-facing, rear exterior of the James Street Residence, by Romona Sandon Designs.}

As a sustainable designer, I see it's discrepancies and the details that could have been improved, with time, money and less council limitations.

As an architect, I see the features that I could have amplified and where I wish our money could have stretched to.

As the client, it is perfect. It is the perfect design for how my family and I live, our budget at this stage of our life, and the place and site that we built it on. It is our home and I'm proud of it.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bathroom,Bedroom,Brick,Dining Room,Energy Efficient,Flooring,Furniture,Grey,Interiors,Kitchen,Laundry,Lighting,Local,Monochrome,Perth,Sustainability,Residential Design,White,Sustainable House Day

{Complementary materiality of off-white render, stone, timber and zinc cladding}



{How beautiful is that pergola?!}



{Classic but contemporary frontage in Nedlands}



{Crossing linear elements continue with steel balustrade and stone stairs}



{Visual and physical connection between outside and in}



{I love a clean monochrome kitchen. It gives a great base to personalise with homely touches later}



{Simple palette and colour scheme continue through into wet areas}



{Overlapping linear elements give aesthetic cohesion}



{That ceiling is amazing! I would not have enjoyed drawing up those details, but what a result!}



{A touch of warmth to the monochromatic palette, with timber floor insert}



{Sculptural Frangipani trees create organic silhouettes against the linear}



{Ceiling and pergola structures linking the pavilion and courtyard spaces}



{Visually striking linear elements, that would be amazing to take in from the pool, day or night}

I feel the need to point out that while passive solar design principles have been applied with siting, material selection and active tech, the 6 star energy rating achieved is the NCC (National Construction Code) minimum, since this rating system goes up to 10 stars. Just keep this in mind, when designing or building your next home - time spent aiming for a higher rating early on will save you time and money later on.

Regardless of this small point, this house is a beautiful example of contemporary residential architecture and looks like it would be a joy to live in.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bathroom,Black,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Local,Monochrome,Perth,White,Residential Design

{The dark roof form helps blend the house into the bush landscape}



{Contrasting smooth cool concrete floors and natural grey block walls with warm continuous blackbutt plywood Armourpanel surfaces by Big River}



{Dark picture frame windows are recessed to create deep plywood window seats for soaking up the surrounds}



{Bedroom with Armourpanel plywood storage doubling as deep window seat}



{Open kitchen kept simple with concrete and dark timbers}



{Space furniture in this living space retains the view as the hero}



{Opening to the bush beyond}



{Insitu concrete step doubles as seat and storage}



{Custom plywood joinery doubles as seating and storage, minimising need for additional furniture}



{Smooth concrete floors flow to outdoor spaces}



{Robust form to lower terrain}

Images courtesy of Kerstin Thompson Architects and photographed by Trevor Mein.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bedroom,Brick,Concrete,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Timber,Plywood,Residential Design

{Loving those brick steps taking their time meandering up to the new level}



{Open-wide. Come inside}



{Who doesn't want a naked room like this, kept simple with a burgundy Persian and two chatting Eames birds}



{Open to reveal the internal glow}



{Closed to weather, allowing privacy and comfort as required}












{Filtered light and screened privacy without feeling boxed in}



{Open room with custom in-built joinery for storage and seating}



{Exploded axonometric of addition}

All images are from Philip Stejskal Architecture with Photography by Bo Wong.

Share your thoughts? Can you picture living in a space like this?

xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Brick,Interiors,Perth,Addition,Timber,Local,Residential Design

I love how the home has fun elements scattered throughout, in the form of bright sunny pops of colour or embossed brickwork space-invaders. How could you not be happy in this house?

For more information on the Florence St project visit Klopper & Davis Architects.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Brick,Concrete,Interiors,Kitchen,Local,Perth,White,Colour,Residential Design

{To the street, Lake House takes the form of a timber box elevated on the bold box of rammed-concrete. LVL fins provided added privacy as well as character}



{Structural rammed concrete walls are left revealed as a raw, textural backdrop for kitchen and living spaces. Ply wrapped cabinetry adds warmth and the appearance of integrated furniture}



{The compact living space extends into the adjacent north-facing courtyard for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Loving all those honest materials and textures! Artwork: Shirley Purdie, Nnideudia, 1994}



{Colour-filled perforations in the plywood screens act as both an artwork and visual privacy, sun-shading and temperature control}



{Sunlight passing through the plywood screens, which feature a pattern created by artist Pamela Gaunt, casts vibrant patterns across the concrete floors and white walls. Screens are CNC routed with pebble-shaped penetrations filled with coloured acrylic}



{Instead of wasting valuable site space with driveways and garage, circulation spaces are edged with lush native and subtropical planting}



{Lake House documentation by Jonathan Lake Architects. Image source}

For more information on this project, visit Jonathan Lake Architects. Images by Robert Frith.

xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Concrete,Interiors,Perth,Timber,Local,Plywood,Residential Design

{Cor-ten Marimekko-inspired cut screens to the front facade allowing privacy to this open-planned home. Image by Heather Robbins of Red Images Fine Photography via House Nerd (an awesome Perth blog you should also check out!)}



{Brick herringbone floors throughout internal spaces allow seamless blending to exterior zones. Image by Angelita Bonetti}



{That stunningly detailed monochrome kitchen! Image by Red Images}



{Creative use of typically common materials adds interest and worth beyond the actual costs}



{Love that monochrome, tetrus-like joinery patterning. Working closely with cabinet makers and joiners resulting in stunning outcomes}



{Massive front door with handle made from a piece of old bridge timber. Image by Red Images}



{That monochrome Marimekko fabric! Image by Red Images}



{Open facade and spaces blurs the line between inside and out. Image by Bo Wong}



{Landscaped roof terrace with screens from reclaimed roofing timbers}



{Deciduous grape-vine pergolas for summer shade allowing winter sun penetration}



{Roof terrace at a later date, with succulents and vines now fully established and so lush. Image by Red Images}



{Trailing concrete steps through lush succulents. Image by Red Images}



{Blurring the divide between outside and in. Image by Red Images}

It must be amazing to live in such an open and flowing home, although I must admit that my severely-mosquito-attracting skin does shudder just a little. Might just have to plant a little extra Lavender, Spearmint and Lemongrass around.

Hope you enjoyed!


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Designer,Fabrics,Garden,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Local,Perth,Reclaimed,Monochrome,Residential Design

{The stunning triangular form juts out with supercool artwork below at street level by Robert Jenkins (@theblackmountains). So recognisable to me now that we have a wall of his around the corner in Bassendean, and you may have seen me go a little insta-happy over}



{This was one of the first images that made me fall for the place. Of course those who know me, know my tendency towards black, white and grey, but it also has all my other loves - big white kitchen, contrasting black frames, deep polished concrete flooring, minimal timber accents, big snuggly Jardan grey wool couch, indoor potted sculptural Dracaena, statement linear ceiling lighting, even the furry throw - my god Simone, you can do no wrong in my eyes! In fact, if I plonked my gorgeous tan fur-baby on that rug, the picture would be complete}



{Brutal black kitchen island wrapped in electric-veined Nero Marquita marble adds drama to the monochromatic space}



{Just a beautiful kitchen in blocked monochrome, and I love that massive projected north-facing window, done in one-way glass boxed out in steel for privacy}



{Extending the black-framed picture window to the heavens with a waterfall skylight}



{Sharp-edged deck space making the most of a difficult site and adding a bit of drama to Vincent Street}



{Clean gallery feel to the downstairs office softened by multiple but complementary textures and material finishes, like the burnished concrete floor, blackened LVL stair treads and black steel}



{Simple but inspiring void spaces and linear movement}



{Clean and minimal bathroom in continuous matt charcoal tile with clever hidden storage. Love the concrete bathroom floor, but I'm unable to convince my husband that I won't snap my other leg if we have that}



{You know it's good when even the dunny makes you go Oooo}



{Detail of the cool mural work at Vincent street level by Robert Jenkins}



{Image by Dion Photography}



{Image by Dion Photography}

All images are from Robeson Architects (big thanks Simone) and Dion Photography. If my house turns out even half as nice, I'll be wanting some shots done by those guys. Simply brilliant!

Doesn't it make you proud to have some lovely architecture in Perth (and Australia)? What are your thoughts on this place?

I'm hoping to showcase a bunch of other local talented architects and their projects soon, so feel free to let me know if there are any that stand out to you.

Hope you enjoyed!


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bathroom,Black,Concrete,Grey,Indoor Plants,Interiors,Kitchen,Local,Marble,Perth,Stairs,White,Residential Design

{This dining room is composed of the perfect balance of bright white, raw concrete and moody black accents. Although these Serge Mouille lamps seem to be everywhere at the moment, you can't deny that they have a massive impact with their insectoid arms reaching into the space as few other lighting forms can}



{Modern luxe with heritage charm in the bathroom. Marble with burnished brass, shadowed iron and bright white}



{In love with this black-edged panel diving wall - the perfect simple, graphic bedhead. Not to mention that black AJ table lamp, always on the top of my bedside/office table lamp wish-list!}



{Dark and moody ensuite, a perfect retreat}



{Gilded patina underfoot and overhead pick up warm elements in the artwork, acting as a respite from other cool spaces in the home}



{I love the beautiful blank canvas of monochromatic materials and textures, allowing a stunning collection of artwork to stand out, with classic modern furniture and lighting}

Images by Sharrin Rees.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Art,Australian Design,Awards,Bathroom,Bedroom,Decorating,Interiors,Lighting,Sydney

{The coolest Vietnamese Restaurant in Smith St, Collingwood, Phamily Kitchen by Matthew Van Kooy won the Commercial Interior Public Space and Hospitality Award. I'm loving those tiles and I have those pot plants! Photo by Dan Aulsebrook}

Tags: Architecture,Awards,Australian Design,Colour,Design,Dulux,Commercial,Interiors,Hospitality,Public

{Get your geek on with these supercool Space invaders in the Florence St House by Klopper & Davis Architects, in West Perth, Australia}

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Brick,Concrete,Grey,Pattern,Perth,Melbourne,Reclaimed,Recyclable,White

{Loved this even before I saw it was Greg Natale’s work - should have guess that from the pattern and mouldings but I always end up loving his style}



{Striking Kitchen in 33 Mackenzie Street Tower Melbourne By Elenberg Fraser}

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Black,Decorating,Designer,Greg Natale,Grey,Interiors,Kitchen,Kitchenware,Pattern,White

{Carla and Ben’s House, 128A Roseberry St, Bedford WA}

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Australiana,Competitions,Energy Efficient,Flora,FSC,Garden,Green,Innovation,Interiors,Local,Perth,Recyclable,Refurbish,Sustainability,Technology,Upcycling,Water-Efficiency

{Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}

Tags: Architecture,Art,Australian Design,Chairs,Colour,Cushions,Decorating,Designer,Fabrics,Furniture,Grey,Homewares,Interiors,Kitchen,Kitchenware,Lighting,Office,Pattern,Products,Products-n-pics,Recyclable,Stools,Sustainability,Tables,Textile,White,Black

{Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects}

Tags: Architecture,Concrete,Australian Design,Bathroom,Chairs,Clock,Homewares,Interiors,Jewellery,Kitchen,Kitchenware,Lighting,Melbourne,Products,Products-n-pics,DIY,Styling,Perth,Grey

{Yangon, former capital of Myanmar}

Tags: Travel,Photography,Architecture,Asia,Colour,Food,People,Pattern,Flora,Religious and Monumental,Fauna

xo Mo

Tags: Travel,Asia,Architecture,Photography,Flora,Fauna

{The Florafelt F12 Greenwall growing panel by Fytogreen Australia as used in Kim & Matt's outdoor space on The Block Sky High 2013. The panels are made from 100% recycled PET plastic felt and are available from The Block Shop}

Tags: Sustainability,Products,Green wall,Interiors,Australian Design,Garden,DIY,Kitchen,Architecture,Flora,Products-n-pics,Australiana,Decorating,Designer,Green,Homewares,Landscape,Lighting

xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Interiors,Innovation,Sustainability,Technology,Kitchen,Bathroom,DIY,Bedroom,Renovation

{Pantone’s limited Edition Mug and iPhone5 cover in Emerald}


{Dulux’s Empower Palette - Image styled by Bree Leech featuring Dulux Liberty, Bahaman Bliss and Misty Blue}


{Florence Broadhurst Peacock Feathers & Shadow Floral wallpapers from Signature Prints}


{Night Bird by Catherine Martin, Bansyu by Akira Isogawa, both at Designer Rugs}


{Emerald vintage Florence Knoll & Charles Eames furniture. Interiors by Doug & Gene Meyer.}


{Jonathan Adler Needlepoint pillows}


{Husque Bowl Macadamia Nut in Green}


{South Beach by Greg Natale, Jewel by Dinosaur Designs, both at Designer Rugs}


{Bianca Malachite Box by Ralph Lauren Home}


{Martinique Beverley Hills wallpaper; Catherine Martin for Mokum Imperial Pheasant in Emerald}


{Emerald accents. Interiors by Charm Home Design}


{Interiors by Diamond Baratta. Image via House of Turquoise}

{Interiors by Greg Natale, featuring his South Beach rug}


{Pont Max Juvenal, Aix en Provence, 2008. Patrick Blanc}

Of course I couldn’t resist throwing a green-walled building in there. You can see a few more on my previous post, Vertical Green. I am hoping to do another post on green walls this year, since the last one didn’t even scratch the surface of the beauty that is out there.

These bright emerald visuals make me giddy. Yes, I’ll admit some of them are straying more into teal and turquoise territory, but that is the beauty of perception - maybe your eyes will see a whole different picture. I hope you enjoyed this quick (and a little lazy) post. Until next time.

xo Romona

Tags: Colour,Interiors,Products,Designer,Pantone,Styling,Products-n-pics,Fabrics,Green wall,Architecture,Art,Garden,Jewellery,Textile,Furniture,Green

{Quai Branly Museum, Paris, 2005. Architect Jean Nouvel. Greenwall Patrick Blanc}

{Our own piece of Patrick Blanc at the Shot Tower, Melbourne Central, 2008}

{One Central Park West, Sydney. Architect Jean Nouvel, Patrick Blanc. Due 2013}

I love that green walls have become a prevalent cafe and commercial decoration, and that most will now try and incorporate some functionality into it, with herbs and indoor veggies. Its great to see the new ways people can develop this old idea. I like this alternative to the usual terracotta and unpainted reo mesh of the signature Vertical Garden by Joost Bakker (as seen at Grand Designs). The simple white pots and white mesh offset wonderfully against the uniform dark succulents. Maybe it is just refreshing not to see the terracotta pots again. I think it’s like a popular song on the radio - you hear it so often that you can’t tell anymore if you love it or hate it, but still find yourself singing along.

{Vertical Garden by Joost Bakker for Schiavello}

This smooth sculptural wall with rounded inserts for potted herbs suits the modern bright-white kitchen. Talk about easy access and great smells. I would love this in my house.

{Edible Herb garden wall complements this modern white kitchen. Source}

The simple draped Porthos between nine white pots on wall-mounted floating shelves are used to break up this double-height common wall in a warehouse conversion in Brisbane.

{Minimalist Vertical Garden by Lushe Urban Greening}

I couldn’t leave out the bright entry space to Fujitsu’s 6-star Green Star Docklands office (yes, mainly because it was worked on by yours truly while at Woodhead). The original designs did include using black mondo grass and having a dramatic monotone effect with the black glass walls, emphasising the Fujitsu red. I believe the black mondo didn’t survive too well so the bio-wall is now more in keeping with the bright greens of most green walls, but is still quite effective. The bio-filtration system used was designed by Umow Lai who worked with Woodhead on the project. The ground level foyer of the Gauge in Docklands, Victoria also sports an impressive green wall by The Greenwall Company

{Fujitsu Head Office, The Gauge, Docklands by Woodhead}

{Just a section of the massive foyer green wall, The Gauge, Docklands by The Greenwall Company}

There are more than a few products popping up that can be used for DIY green walls at home, ranging from the cheap and simple to the complex and often quite pricey. A few options are pictured below (or just type green wall or vertical garden into Youtube and go nuts!)

{Gro-Wall Vertical Garden System}


{Greenwall Australia’s Vertigro Home or Pro}


{Wallgarden’s DIY Vertical Garden, also available at Lushe}

Urbio Urban Vertical Garden is another Kickstarter project (like the previously blogged about LIFX globe). I love the simple design and the adaptability of this product. Swap out the plants for some magazines or books if they need a little outside time in the sunshine.

{Urbio Urban Vertical Garden on Kickstarter}

There are so many benefits to using green walls in design, including but not limited to:

▪ Improved air quality and reduction of odours; ▪ Improved well-being with the visual link to nature and the outdoors; ▪ Visual aesthetic of a living decoration; ▪ Supply of fresh, edible produce - herbs, fruit, vegetables, flowers; ▪ Protection from wind, heat and light; ▪ Thermal Insulation and shading; ▪ Noise buffering; and more I am sure.

Tags: Sustainability,Products,Green wall,Interiors,Australian Design,Garden,Patrick Blanc,DIY,Kitchen,Architecture