Local Heroes: Florence Street by KADA
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
Local Heroes: Gallery House by Craig Steere Architects
{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
May Lust List
I thought I'd do a small post on a couple of designs and products that I am totally lusting after right now. I've been on a self-imposed homewares embargo (mainly so I can have some fun once we are in the new house, and also, like I said, no paid work = no spare mula!) so here are a few things that would be added-to-cart asap in any other circumstance… well, maybe with a lotto win, but one can dream. Or I can just live vicariously through any of you lucky people who happen to purchase up after seeing this.
{A Cutipol Mezzo cutlery set}
{An Elise Raspanti Art Series Kip & Co beanbag!}
{Blue Heaven LED Neon artwork (or any of their ice creams) by Electric Confetti}
{Sierra weave Armadillo & Co rug in Pumice has been on my list since I felt it at a trade fair a few years ago. Sooo soft and luxurious!}
{Love this Sketch Inc for Lucie Kaas Thief Wall Hook by Urbaani, available at Top3. Becky Kemp's Kokeshi Dolls are also fantastic - check out her insta @sketchinc to see some of her amazing work}
{The impressively multi-functional Woodieful chair/table/storage/bucket from new start-up Woodieful in Slovenia. I love adaptable 'slashie' furniture! It is available through their Kickstarter campaign here, although you better hurry - only 9 days to go. And yes, they do ship to Australia!}
{These Dita stools from Grazia & Co, seen here in the stunning Port Phillip Bay penthouse apartment by We Are Huntly. Photo by Brooke Holm}
{A matte black Anthracite finish Smeg fridge, because why not}
Local Heroes: Marimekko House by Ariane Prevost
This stunning multi-material home in Perth suburb of Mosman Park is by the outrageously talented Ariane Prevost. Architect's designing and constructing for themselves (with of course plenty of time, patience, money, attention to detail, great trades and an agreeable partner) can result in the most amazing homes! Her abstract use of seemingly mundane materials comes together in an exciting collection of interweaving spaces. And how great is that kitchen?! A simple palette of colours taken from the raw materials and textures of the building, layered with artwork and those amazing Marimekko fabric covered soft furnishings. These fabrics and patterns inspired the enveloping cor-ten screens that give the house its name.
{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