A scheme of simplicity and elegance, this minimalist palette is warmed by timbers and the greenery of the home’s gardens.
When architect John Deuchrass’s clients Petrea and Alan presented him with a battleaxe-shaped site set three lots back from the street, he welcomed the challenge. It helped that the couple, who have three young boys, were extremely flexible and open-minded toward his suggestions. John’s resulting design resolved the absence of views and lack of privacy by wrapping the new two-storey house around a courtyard. “We worked with the concept that no part of the home was ‘unseen’,” explains the director of JDA Studio Architects. “So at ground level, the kitchen, dining and living areas all have direct views through to the courtyard and pool via full-height sliding glass doors.”
The kitchen in particular benefits from a strong connection to the outdoors, and the flow between inside and out is seamless. It makes for a bright, breezy and ultimately relaxed setting that doesn’t scream out that it’s a kitchen. John’s admiration for the minimalist work of John Pawson is evident in the pared-back design, which boasts a centrally positioned marble-top island bench and American oak veneer joinery. Polished concrete flooring complements the sparseness and the scheme’s clean lines really do instil a sense of calm. There’s rationalism at play – minus the forced rigidity.
“I regarded the interior as a canvas upon which we wanted to express some detailing as well, so the kitchen and ensuite feature linear timber pull handles that have become the visually intriguing parts of the overall design,” says John. The home’s ground level ensuite is the scheme’s most innovative expression in the way it connects with the main bedroom. John took inspiration from contemporary hotel design and so, while the “adults’ zone” has a high-end aesthetic, it’s still soft and welcoming.
A custom oak veneer low-height headboard anchors the bed in the middle of the space, while, beyond it, double sliding cavity doors ensure the ensuite opens up to become part of the bedroom. The configuration is practical and accessible as well as being visually pleasing, with a symmetry that’s in keeping with the rest of the home’s minimalist stylings. Like the kitchen, this zone flows effortlessly into the courtyard, where the lush greenery cleverly adds another layer to the simple material and colour palettes. John has created a genuine retreat for Petrea, Alan and their children through an elegant scheme that looks inward, providing the family with a modern space in which they can comfortably live and grow.
Kitchen products
Internal walls: Dulux ‘Lexion Quarter’; American oak quarter cut timber veneer wall panelling by Briggs Veneers
Flooring: Polished concrete; Tongue n Groove timber flooring
Joinery: Cararra Goia marble island benchtop from Artedomus; Maximum porcelain panel benchtop and splashback in ‘Ice’ from Artedomus; American oak quarter-cut timber veneer cupboards and shelving; custom solid oak handles by CRS Joinery
Lighting: Delta Light Spy Clip in ‘Black’ from Inlite; Bola Disc pendant light in ‘Brass’
Sinks and tapware: Astra Walker tapware; Barazza Cubo undermount sink from Abey
Appliances: Fisher and Paykel integrated fridge, freezer, rangehood and dishwasher; Fisher and Paykel induction cooktop and oven; Vintec bar fridge
Other: SBW Halo High Stool in ‘Oak’; custom solid oak timber veneer airconditioning grilles
Bathroom products
Internal walls: Inax Yuhi border tile from Artedomus; Dulux ‘Lexicon Quarter’; white subway tile from Tiles by Kate
Flooring: Polished concrete (ensuite); Fiandre White Fjord porcelain from Artedomus; Tongue n Groove timber flooring in ‘Oslo’
Joinery: Cararra Goia marble vanity and splashback from Artedomus; American oak quartercut timber veneer joinery and custom mirror frames by Briggs Veneer; custom solid oak handles by CRS Joinery
Lighting: Contemporary Luminous Orb wall light from Lighting Collective
Tapware and fittings: Astra Walker tapware, shower arm, shower rose, toilet holder, floor-mounted bath spout, bottle trap and click-clack waste in ‘Brushed Platinum’
Sanitaryware: Villeroy and Boch Architectura undermount basin; Kaldewei Classic Duo freestanding bath; Astra Walker toilet and flushplate, wall-mounted basin and Pura Round undermount sink