River Of Dreams In Perth, one couple built a home that is as family-friendly as it is sophisticated.
A prime Perth site called for a luxurious yet understated home, with sublime views and family functionality high on the wish list.
From its light and airy living spaces to prime views of the glistening Swan River and Perth skyline beyond, this dreamy home has been well worth the wait for its owners, Jessica and Mark. Mark bought the expansive 1800-square-metre parcel of land as a vacant block, smitten by the undeniably special location. “I was in my mid 20s when I bought the property,” says Mark, who works in the mining industry. “It was the view that attracted me to the site from the beginning. When Jessica and I married, we decided that this was the place we wanted to build a home for our future family.”
The couple, now parents to three young daughters, enlisted the expertise of building designer Alana John and interior designer Nicole Johnson of Alana John Design to devise the layout, fixtures and finishes for a spacious contemporary home. From the outset, the house – a custom build by Azure LuxuryHomes–wasconceivedwithagrowing family in mind.
“Alana and Nicole were heavily involved from day one, when we first sat down and conceptualised the project,” says Mark. “It was quite a process, beginning with
ITS LOOKS ARE UTTERLY SLEEK AND STYLISH, BUT THIS FAMILY HOME IS ANYTHING BUT PRECIOUS.
discussions about where our life was then and where we believed it was headed. Alana and Nicole’s input was significant, taking in everything from the outlook of the house to our preferred location for the bedrooms and the inclusion of a mud room – aspects we probably wouldn’t have thought about since we didn’t have kids at that point.”
To capture the best of both the beautiful setting and the abundant WA sunshine, Alana suggested something a bit out of the box: a ‘back to front’ floor plan, with the pool, alfresco entertaining and main living spaces positioned on the street (and river) side of the north-facing site. The upper level is dedicated to the bedrooms and study, while the lowest level comprises storage and an additional chill-out zone. “It’s all about utilising the best part of the block and maximising enjoyment of the views,” says Mark. Ever-mindful of the family-home focus, Alana also included a large expanse of level lawn out the back for the children to play.
A roof top garden offers additional outdoor space for the family to enjoy. It’s much loved by all, but making it happen presented quite a challenge, says Alana. “It sits directly above the sunken lounge so getting the waterproofing right was essential, as was a structure that could support the sheer weight of the planter. Our builder was just amazing .”
There were other structural factors to consider too. “Being so close to the river, we were conscious of the water level and needed to take this into account when excavating the lower level, which is entirely below ground,” says Alana.
A vision of contemporary style and liveability with expanses of glass drawing in the dress-circle vistas, the luminous home is a consummate host throughout the seasons. “We love having family and friends over,” says Mark. “We have underfloor heating, reverse-cycle airconditioning and double-glazing, so it’ s a very comfortable place to be all year round.”
Certainly, the restrained palette of crisp white walls, dark timber and softly toned stone rightfully allow the spectacular setting to be the hero. “In keeping with the straight lines and simplicity of the architecture, we went for relatively neutral and timeless finishes,” says Mark.
Alana concurs. “The materials palette was selected to enhance the modern lines of the home and play background to the gorgeous surrounding landscape. There are so many special spaces in this home, from the magnificent timber and bronzed-metal front door to the commercial-style kitchen, where there are three benches to make prep work a whole lot easier when Jessica and Mark are entertaining a crowd.”
For Alana and Nicole, the project proved a true joy from go to woah. “We had the ideal homeowner and construction team,” says Alana. “Mark and Jessica had total trust in our creative vision and the builders executed it perfectly. We are all so very proud of the end result, and we know beautiful memories will be created in this home.”
Alana John Design, Perth, WA; 0438 877 207 or alanajohndesign.com.au. Azure Luxury Homes, Mount Hawthorn, WA; (08) 6444 9930 or azureluxuryhomes.com.au.