A TREETOP BALCONY

that is a room of its own extends this family’s favourite place – the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, which occupies a full level of the house. “Most of daily life is spent here where there is an easy connection between the varied functions,” explains designer Anna Trefely of Esoteriko, who was briefed to lighten and ‘soften’ the contemporary concrete and steel structure via interior elements, and connect to the extraordinary vista in a polished yet relaxed manner with moments of colour. Each of the programs are distinct yet interrelated within the open plan, housed within a soaring 3.5-metre concrete soffit that frames a vista into the trees beyond. It’s anchored by the golden kitchen island, the heart of the home. The sinuous curves of this kidney-shaped, raw brass-clad kitchen island facilitate flow and playfully test the edges of the kitchen. It combines functions for prep, dining, servery and workspace. “We needed to affect the entire experience through inserted interior elements, customised to suit the brief and the client’s bespoke requirements. Elements needed to be appropriate in scale and responsive to the family’s daily rituals.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The kitchen island is over four metres long and looks more like a sculptural piece of furniture than joinery. We highlighted the island with a customised Ross Gardam pendant light and with its renewed golden brass finish, the object acts like something akin to a warm internal sun, reflecting light from all angles.” esoteriko.org