Built-in furniture a ‘no-brainer’
It's not a new idea, but the latest crop of built-ins fit perfectly with modern lifestyles, writes Colleen Hawkes.
One of the strongest design trends for new houses borrows from an idea that’s been around for centuries. But modern built-in furniture is nothing like the painted mock-tudor examples we find in houses built in the 1920s. It owes a lot more to architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the Mid-century Modern movement.
Wright was very big on built-in furniture because he believed an architect was responsible for the ‘‘whole’’ house, and he didn’t want his work marred by furniture that didn’t work with the design. It was a way to control the design outcome – all to the benefit of the client who was paying for his talent.
That reasoning may still be a driver for the move towards built-in furniture. But space considerations are another key reason.
Built-in furniture also keeps things clean and tidy. And it works especially well in modern houses that reflect a Mid-century influence. Think plywood and timber-lined interiors and casual family living areas.
Bent Architecture recently designed an extension for a house in Melbourne that typifies the modern trend – it features a long window seat and a stone plinth that extends from the inside to the outside, creating additional seating outdoors.
Director Paul Porjazoski says such built-in furniture allows ‘‘a more immediate connection between our clients and the architecture of the spaces that we’ve created’’.
‘‘It also allows a cohesive approach to materials and finish, and makes the most of the spaces defined.’’
Architects and designers frequently specify built-ins for holiday homes. Christchurch architect Cymon Allfrey’s own crib in Hanmer is a good example. His award-winning house features a window seat and a TV platform that forms part of a sculptural fireplace surround and hearth. He also specified built-in bunk beds.