Touch Of Zen
DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION + INTERIORS Bacic Group • IMAGERY Jody D’Arcy • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
A long curved concrete island benchtop has ample space for owners Karen and Jamie Byrde to cook. A strong minimal palette imbues strength and style.
Diiva Swivel Stool by grazia&co; Sphere Vase by 101 Copenhagen; Flow Bowl by FERM Living all from Loam.
Tasked with creating a 'non-beach' house and forever home for Karen Byrde and husband Jamie, interior designer Elvira Nuic from Bacic Group was guided by site and context. Her incisive eye lends a sense of joy to this new City Beach haven that embodies a minimal yet vivid contemporary spirit.
"The couple lived in a character cottage in Maylands and were after something modern," she tells Havenist. "They took a brave 180-degree move choosing a super-contemporary beach house!"
A brisk 900 metre walk from the beach and sited on just 220 square metres, the home is a pocket rocket packed with creative and exciting design solutions.
"We love the challenges a small block brings, from finding ways to maximise space to catching the best light," she says.
Sharing their designer's love for 'concrete and minimalism', the couple eschewed the classic whitewashed beach house aesthetic for something 'bold and edgier'. '‘Their brief was open, but natural light and brightness were of utmost importance," says Elvira. "The garden was also important, and we worked closely with Andrew Beck from Sustainable Garden Design on the landscaping. He is incredible."
Engineering out a column allows a sharp corner window to shine.
Landscaping, Sustainable Garden Design.
Lush greenery softens strict architectural lines.
Landscaping, Sustainable Garden Design.
An inbuilt concrete bench provides a spot to sit.
Landscaping, Sustainable Garden Design; Luca Cushion Rectangle in Khaki and Luca Cushion Square in Black both by Eadie Lifestyle
A paved and grassed area created for summer entertaining.
Summer Swivel Chair and Orbit Side Table by grazia&co; Ripple Carafe by FERM Living; Ripple Wine Glasses by FERM Living; landscaping, Sustainable Garden Design.
Elvira runs Bacic Group with her partner Drago Bacic a builder, and Anthony Bacic, an engineer. "Ten years ago, we decided to combine our skills and specialise in high-end residential construction. We're a one-stop shop, covering everything from design and engineering to construction and interiors.
For this project, maximising space was a priority for the team. "Our secret weapon is bWall, our exclusive insulated concrete walling system," she says. "We use it in place of double brick to create space. It's many times stronger and is thermally and acoustically superior."
Elvira says her team is 'obsessed with details.' "We pay attention to the things you can't see," she says. "For this project, we used bWall for the beautiful expansive corner windows. It meant columns weren't needed as the concrete acts as its beam. Ugly downpipes are concealed and cast into concrete walls. These are the details that can make or break a front elevation. It's what our clients love about our homes. They always look clean and sleek."
Elvira took a curatorial approach for the interior spaces, ensuring the materials and decorative pieces were positioned thoughtfully within the context of the broader surroundings. Robust materials like concrete and shapely furnishings lend an elegant sculptural element.
"After living in a period home, they wanted something modern, which meant letting go of many of their classic pieces," she says.
The curves of the benchtop soften the kitchen’s dramatic lines and palette.
Diiva Swivel Stool by grazia&co; Sphere Vase by 101 Copenhagen; Flow Bowl by FERM Living all from Loam.
The kitchen opens up to a dining space with connectivity achieved through palette and materials.
Sepal Dining Chairs by Wendelbo; Waka Round Dining Table by Tide Design; Arena Vase by Papaya; Diiva Swivel Stool by grazia&co all from Loam.
An airy, open-plan central space serves as the heart of the house, with all choices as practical as they are beautiful. On entering, you are greeted by a spacious kitchen featuring a 4-metre long curved concrete benchtop set against cabinetry crafted in sleek black laminate. A grey tinted mirror splashback bounces light around the space, and a discreet pantry hides beneath the stairs.
Adjacent, generous dining space is highlighted by a sculptural Alti pendant light that reflects the curve of the dining table and chairs beneath it. "One of the lovely design considerations are the sliding doors that open from this space to outdoors," she says. "We engineered out the column originally intended for the space for seamless transition and ease of flow."
Glass screens and floor-to-ceiling windows imbue interior spaces an airy feel while the raw, robust aesthetic creates interest.
Summer Swivel Chair and Orbit Side Table by grazia&co; Ripple Carafe by FERM Living; Ripple Wine Glasses by FERM Living all from Loam.
Art and a sculptural light fitting add flair to a pared-back dining zone.
Artwork, Mossenson Galleries, Subiaco; Sepal Dining Chairs by Wendelbo; Waka Round Dining Table by Tide Design; Arena Vase by Papaya all from Loam + pendant light, Alti Lighting.
On the left, a pod embraces the couple's living space. A nature-imbued sense of serenity flows through the light-flooded room that boasts 3.2 m ceilings. "This portion of the house is single-story, so we were lucky we were able to lift the ceiling here," she explains.
Curvaceous furniture softens the architecture’s austere lines.
Harvey Swivel Armchair and Harvey Ottoman by grazia&co; Sink Coffee Table by Jack Flanagan for OATH; Asko Rug by Linie Rugs; Stamp Bowl by Nude; Tuck Vase by FERM Living; Osaka Bowl by 101 Copenhagen; Fingal Sofa by Folio all from Loam.
The space is illuminated with natural light enhancing its earthy palette.
Harvey Swivel Armchair by grazia&co; Harvey Ottoman by grazia&co; Sink Coffee Table by Jack Flanagan for OATH; Asko Rug by Linie Rugs; Stamp Bowl by Nude; Tuck Vase by FERM Living; Osaka Bowl by 101 Copenhagen all from Loam.
A large window frames the outdoors providing a lush natural backdrop.
Harvey Swivel Armchair and Harvey Ottoman by grazia&co; Sink Coffee Table by Jack Flanagan for OATH; Asko Rug by Linie Rugs; Stamp Bowl by Nude; Tuck Vase by FERM Living; Osaka Bowl by 101 Copenhagen all from Loam.
Open layout and expanses of glass provide effortless sightlines from one space to another.
Harvey Swivel Armchair and Harvey Ottoman by grazia&co; Sink Coffee Table by Jack Flanagan for OATH; Asko Rug by Linie Rugs; Stamp Bowl by Nude; Tuck Vase by FERM Living; Osaka Bowl by 101 Copenhagen all from Loam.
A wall mounted pendant creates task lighting and an ambient glow at night.
Orla Bedside by grazia&co from Loam; Driade Roly Poly chair designed by Faye Toogood.
A bright yellow stool by British designer Faye Toogood adds a surprising accent to the outdoor shower.
Driade Roly Poly chair designed by Faye Toogood.
The master bedroom boasts a spacious walk-in robe and opens up to a gorgeous courtyard with an outdoor shower perfect for after the beach. The couple's main bathroom features a full-height window that opens up to the garden as well.
A monochromatic bathroom feels crisp and contemporary.
Navy and Cream Stripe Bath Towels & Bath Mat by Loom Towels.
Honed concrete floors are prevalent throughout.
Art and rustic furnishing provide an organic feel to the bedroom.
Kim Bench by De la Espada; ‘The Boulevard’ artwork by Josh Rodrigues
Lush plantings peer inside providing indoor-outdoor connection.
Kim Bench by De la Espada; ‘The Boulevard’ artwork by Josh Rodrigues; landscaping, Sustainable Garden Design
Art animates the home's neutral-tone spaces. In the bedroom, an abstract piece by artist Josh Rodriguez depicts The Boulevard in City Beach, providing a rich palette. "We worked closely with Loam on the furnishings, including their beautiful green bedlinen that ties in with the artwork and greenery outdoors. It's a very special space."
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