Family Ties

Drawn to an unrenovated 1970s home she spotted online, Zuster co-founder Fleur Sibbel soon discovered a special reason for the connection.

“WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE THE HOME’S BEAUTIFUL TIMBER PANELLING AND SIGNATURE SIBBEL DESIGN FEATURES.” Fleur Sibbel, owner

Fleur Sibbel, co-owner and managing director of furniture company Zuster, first saw this house late one night when she was scrolling through real estate listings online. Curious, she made an appointment for a viewing which confirmed her suspicions: the 1970s house was originally built by her father, Meyer, part of a family of builders who migrated to Australia from Holland after World War II. Sibbel Builders was renowned for its high level of workmanship and forward-thinking ideas, such as siting homes with a northerly aspect, installing concrete slabs with hydronic heating and limiting excavation in order to preserve sites as much as possible. Indeed, Heritage Victoria acknowledged the company as being ahead of its time in terms of environmentally friendly building.

“When I first saw the house online I suspected it may have been one of Dad’s projects – all Sibbel houses had signature features with consistent elements: rectangular door handles, crown-cut timber, flat roofs, timber-clad walls and handcrafted built-in furniture,” says Fleur. “The original owners of this particular house sold it to a family that had plans to demolish it and build a McMansion, but things didn’t pan out for them – luckily for us! It was just so timeless and had glass looking out all across the north.”

Fleur and her family – partner Simon Ansell, children Chloe, 23, Willem, 18, Gracie, 11, and Harvey the cockapoo – moved into the home in 2016 and renovations got underway the following year. “We lived in the house throughout and just room-hopped as we went. It was really important to be on site every day,” says Fleur. All through the process, she worked closely with her sister Wilhelmina, co-founder and creative director of Zuster, and her father.

Originally, access to the house involved walking through the carport. Now, a new entry consists of a vestibule followed by double sliding doors that open into a generous arrivals area. Sliding doors are a feature throughout the house so certain areas can be closed off to contain heat or cooling. When they are all open at the same time, there is a line of sight from the front all the

Simon Ansell and Fleur Sibbel outside their striking home. The facade was reclad and repainted Dulux Black. Landscaping by Blac Design.

Marble door handle, Contour storage unit, Halo mirror and Warrior Women sculpture, all Zuster. Bell table lamp by Tom Dixon, available from Living Edge. Fornasetti candle, Mecca Cosmetica. Flowers by Flowers Vasette. Artwork by Gary Heery (reflected in mirror). OPPOSITE Artwork by Matthew Johnson from Olsen Gallery. Axolight ‘Alysoid’ pendant light, Mondo Luce. Embellish table, Zuster. Tallria rug, The Rug Collection. Flowers by Flowers Vasette. Tank vase by Tom Dixon, Living Edge. Orbit tray, Mr Pinchy & Co.

“I have collected a lot of art over the years and bought even more since we finished [renovating this house],” says Fleur. “The bright artworks bring a pop of colour to a modern, moody space.” Artwork by Sue Beyer from Studio Gallery. Tapestry buffet, Zuster. Vases, Greg Natale. The timber panelling is original to the house. Through the doorway is the dining room, where furnishings include an Embellish dining table, Husk dining chairs, and Halo wine cabinets, all from Zuster. Pendant light, Porcelain Bear. Astoria Jewel carpet from Tsar Carpets. The artwork in the family room beyond is Andy Harwood.

Fleur in the kitchen. Her dress is by Zimmermann, one of her all-time favourite fashion labels. The timber panelling on the ceiling is original. The benchtops are Zimbabwean granite; Oliveri ‘Vilo’ mixer tap from Reece. On the floor, slate tiles were replaced with Valantino terrazzo tiles from San Marco Ceramics for contrast. OPPOSITE TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT The cosy family room features an Embellish TV cabinet, Cloud marble coffee table, Sabrina modular sofa, and Duyfken console, all Zuster. Melt table lamp by Tom Dixon, Living Edge. Artworks by Andy Harwood from Studio Gallery (bottom) and Nunzio Miano (through doorway). Grasscloth wallpaper by Elitis. OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT An artwork by Nunzio Miano from Curatorial+Co stars in the dining room. Dining table and chairs, Zuster. Pendant light, Porcelain Bear.