About Space

Creative thinking and flexible features are the keys to success at this east-Sydney home.

Looking at this ultra-contemporary family home in Sydney’s sought-after eastern suburbs, it is almost inconceivable to think that it was built in the 1960s. Previous owners modernised the house in the 1990s with the help of architects PopovBass and, when the house sold a couple of years ago, the firm was called upon again to reconfigure the home for its new occupants. Top of the owners’ brief was creating a sanctuary for their family of adult children and improving the connection between indoors and out. Specifically, they requested a flexible living space that could be opened up or closed off for use as a media room, and formalaswellasinformaldiningareas.Apoolandbarbecueareawerealsotobeincluded.

The architects reconfigured the interior to create a sequence of multi-use spaces that utilise pivoting and sliding doors and screens to great effect. These elements, crafted in European oak, serve a decorative as well as a functional purpose.

Flexibility of usage is a popular request from clients, says Brian Bass, co-director of PopovBass. “An open-plan home doesn’t necessarily serve a variety of uses well. And to permanently divide a home into compartments discourages the casual use of these spaces for other functions.”

As well as reworking the interior, a second storey was added to accommodate the four bedrooms the owners required. This extension also provided the opportunity for the design flourish – a double-height living space – that is the focal point of the home. Facing the pool and capturing tranquil views of the sky and garden, this is where the family congregates. “The morning light comes through the tall windows and is reflected into the space by the gentle curve on the ceiling at the back of the room,” says Brian.

THE MAIN LIVING AREA IS DIVIDED WITH SLIDING AND PIVOT DOORS TO PROVIDE SEPARATION AND CONTAIN NOISE SO THE FAMILY MEMBERS CAN COMFORTABLY DO THEIR OWN THING.

THIS HOME IS AN ELEGANT EXAMPLE OF THE WAY OPEN-PLAN AND DISCRETE SPACES CAN SUCCESSFULLY CO EXIST TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF THE INHABITANTS.

Adjacent to this space are the kitchen and dining areas, which lead into a media room that can be closed off with sliding timber doors to prevent noise travelling to other parts of the house. With the doors open, these living areas become one large space, connecting the front of the house to the rear garden and pool – an ideal set-up for entertaining.

The formal dining area is fitted with large timber pivot doors which create a screening effect that delivers visual connection to the other living areas when open. When closed, the doors become a textural feature wall that promotes a warm atmosphere.

Partial screening is also used elsewhere in the home. The corridor adjacent to the living room connects a bedroom and study area and incorporates an aquarium that is visible from both sides, providing a backdrop to the living room and a point of interest as people proceed down the corridor. Upstairs in the main bedroom and bathroom, timber panels provide privacy and sun control.

In keeping with the aesthetics of the architecture, the interior design is cool and contemporary. The starting point for the colour palette was the dominant material – the grey stone of the living room floors. To add depth, light and mid-grey stone were incorporated in the floors elsewhere. European oak was selected for the joinery and doors to impart tactility and warmth in the space.

Walls are painted Dulux Natural White throughout, which creates a backdrop that catches the light and highlights the stone and timber detailing. The furniture, a mix of contemporary European designs in neutral tones is a beautiful complement. Colourful works by well-known Australian artists such as Matthew Johnson and Stephen Ormandy provide punch and personality.

While the renovations were substantial, the major hurdle was the construction of the pool. “Being at the rear of the house and with limited access it was definitely a challenge,” says Brian. However, the well-established trees on the perimeter were unscathed during the building work and now offer luxuriant and private screening for the property.

The multifunctional home is an elegant example of how open-plan and discrete spaces can successfully coexist, enhancing the lives of the inhabitants. While Brian nominates the cantilevered stone and timber kitchen bench as one of his favourite features, he also loves the drama of the double-height living space, which is the focal point in this very liveable, contemporary home. PopovBass Architects, Surry Hills, NSW; (02) 9955 5604 or popovbass.com.au.

LIVING Francesco Binfaré for Edra ‘Standard’ sofa and Moooi ‘Prop Light’ double pendant light, Space. Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti ‘Huber’ coffee table, Knoll ‘Platner’ easy chair and side table, all Dedece. Pezzato Pebble rug, Tappeti. Horizon Cantilever 700 gas fireplace, Jetmaster. Curtains, Exquisite Solutions.

KITCHEN/DINING Above and right B&B Italia ‘Alex’ dining table and ‘Jens’ chairs, Space. Rimadesio ‘Alambra’ low cabinet, available from Pure Interiors. Kitchen design by Valcucine. Dazzling Blue Quartzite benchtops and marble flooring, Casvino Stone. Lapalma ‘Lem’ stools. LIVING Francesco Binfaré for Edra ‘Standard’ sofa and Moooi ‘Prop Light’ double pendant light, Space. Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti ‘Huber’ coffee table, Knoll ‘Platner’ easy chair and side table, Dedece. Horizon Cantilever 700 gas fireplace, Jetmaster. Elba marble fire surround and bench, Casvino Stone. Bronze sculpture by Morgan Shimeld. Beosound Shape wall-mounted speakers, Bang & Olufsen. European-oak joinery by It’s Design (throughout). Pezzato Pebble rug, Tappeti.

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FORMAL DINING Above Ceccotti Collezioni ‘Seven Miles’ dining table, ‘Teresa’ chairs and ‘Neverfull’ low sideboard. Artwork by Matthew Johnson. MEDIA ROOM Left and opposite B&B Italia ‘Edouard’ sofa, ‘Harbor’ armchairs, ‘Tabour’ ottoman and ‘Maru’ coffee table, all Space. ‘Urban’ floor lamp by VeniceM. Etched Floral wall surface, Casvino Stone.

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BATHROOM This page and opposite bottom, left and right Freestanding bath, Victoria+Albert. Undercounter basins, Duravit. Hansgrohe tapware. Effegibi sauna, Rogerseller. MAIN BEDROOM Flexform ‘Newbridge’ bed, Fanuli. Rodolfo Dordoni ‘Kitaj’ small table, Dedece. B&B Italia ‘Landscape 05’ chaise by Jeffrey Bernett, Space. Bocci ‘21 Series’ lights, Hub Furniture. Supertuft Escape velour carpet in Slap. Artwork by Stephen Ormandy.

POOL AREA LouvreTec roof, Vanguard Blinds. Doors and openers, B&D. Metalwork, North Shore Fabrication. Cladding, Sculptform. Landscape design by Secret Gardens. Landscaping by Mahony Group. Pool tiles and coping, Casvino Stone. Pool by Contemporary Pools. For Where to Buy, see page 176.