House of Chic
Timeless design, luminous spaces and exquisite furnishings introduce a dynamic, contemporary ambience to this family home in Woodlands.
BUILDING DESIGN Dorian Morelli • INTERIOR DESIGN Nickolas Gurtler • LANDSCAPE DESIGN Tristan Peirce • CONSTRUCTION Formview Building
PHOTOGRAPHY Timothy Kaye • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
Statuesque and classically stylish, this comfortable, evolving family home draws on American mid-century style and classic modernity.
A collaboration between interior designer Nickolas Gurtler and building designer Dorian Morelli, the project took over six years to complete and spans three levels. The garage, storage, mud room and wine cellar are in the basement. Open-plan living, balcony, bedrooms and a guest pod are on the next level, and the master suite and home theatre are above.
A pronounced use of white-rendered brickwork, aluminium frames and glass marks the front elevation. “I like homes that are streamlined and slick with clean lines,” says Dorian, who was challenged by the home’s inclined site. “I split the house and stepped it over the course of the site so all three storeys aren’t seen from the street; it allows the front elevation to be scaled down and appear minimal rather than bulky,” he explains.
Above the garage, Dorian designed a roof garden. Eventually its plants will cascade over the edge, softening the home’s austere lines. “Landscaping has become a large part of the architecture, whereas before it was often an afterthought,” he says. “In this instance, it will be integral to the home’s appearance.”
The home is entered from the side through a custom-reeded glass and steel front door that filters in light, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
"The owners wanted a fabulous house that is classical but not trend-driven," says Nickolas, who responded by giving them beautiful, eternally modern interiors that exude glamour.
The open-plan living space is vast, with a kitchen that is striking yet gentle with marble-strewn surfaces and a teak-battened ceiling. "The owners were unsure if they wanted natural stone but fell in love with this marble!" says Nickolas of the dolomite superwhite slabs sourced from Brazil's Bahia quarry that cover the island, benchtops and splashback. The stone's smoky tones inform the gentle French grey of the surrounding cabinetry. Hand-finished stainless steel wraps around the rangehood and is used for hardware on the pantry door.
A constant throughout the house is a discreet 45-degree curve that softens the architecture's lines, and the rangehood and custom stainless steel handles were the perfect spots to accentuate it. The kitchen connects to the outdoors through a striking circular window, an oculus that draws the exterior angled steel architecture into the space. Adjacent, a brushed nickel pendant light by Lost Profile Studio hovers above a bronze and oak dining table handcrafted by designer Jack Flanagan.
The family's living room, wrapped in warm, tactile Venetian plaster, feels luxurious but not precious. A striking check floor rug frames an astute combination of furniture by designers such as Mario Bellini and B&B Italia. Jardan's Lemmy sofa in military green is "slouchy, bean-baggy yet firm", says the designer. Its moveable modular design offers flexibility depending on the space's requirements.
The entertainment cabinet is made of Venetian plaster and teak, which complements the adjacent kitchen's timber-lined ceiling. Beneath it, Nickolas added strong diagonal shapes for visual interest.
The curvaceous staircase leading to the master suite is softly plastered, showcasing a bold sculptural artwork. A trio of wall sconces crafted from raw bronze and opal glass provide soft light.
A strong, simple palette in the bedroom creates a warm, intimate space for the owners that breathes in views over the treetops. Another large-scale checkerboard floor rug fills the space. "We wanted to include a subtle check print on every level," says Nickolas. "This one has a hand-done finish that feels just right for a bedroom."
The adjoining ensuite is almost entirely swathed in marble and includes a double shower and a freestanding bath surrounded by Jurassic marble. Fluted glass and black steel imbue strength and texture, and alabaster wall sconces and skylights draw in light and a leafy view.
"I love the drama a freestanding tub brings to a bathroom," says Nickolas. "It has a very indulgent sense of ritual." Behind the bath, a glass window covered in film glows while providing the space with privacy.
"During the two-day photo shoot of the home, I had the rare experience of watching the family living and moving around in these rooms," says the designer. "Seeing them using each space as we intended and in ways we hadn't imagined was just joy."
A custom-reeded glass and steel front door marks the home's entrance. The polished brass wall lights are by Atelier Areti, and the T 904 bench seat is by Gastone Rinaldi for Poltrona Frau. Originally designed as a transportable side table with handles, its cushions allow it to be used as a bench seat. Made of tubular metal and ash veneer, its cushions can be moved around to form various configurations.
Glamorous vertical custom stainless steel door handles feature 45-degree curves seen throughout the residence.
A striking circular window frames the home’s exterior steel-angled architecture.
In the living space is a Reuber Henning floor rug from Halcyon Lake, Jardan's Lemmy sofa, a Cassina leather chair and a marble coffee table.
Next to the bed is a bronze table lamp by Henry Wilson and side table by Merlino.
Inspired by luxury boutiques, the walk-in robe displays clothes with illuminated upright panels. A classic Knoll Platner stool is the perfect place to perch and apply makeup.
The ensuite cabinetry is crafted in Elba Marble and Polytec veneer, the aged iron tapware is by Brodware, and the wall sconce is by Kelly Wearstler from The Montauk Lighting Co.
The master ensuite is wrapped in Elba stone from CDK and includes a double shower and freestanding bath surrounded by Jurassic marble.
The theatre is off the master suite and is installed with LED lighting that shines upwards, creating a beautiful cinematic effect. Venetian plastered walls provide a gentle softness and carpet from Halcyon Lake and an Elba stone plinth add weight to the sumptuous space. The leather Togo chair is by Michel Ducaroy from Ligne Roset Perth, the smoky glass coffee table is by B&B Italia, and the aged brass light sconce by Henry Wilson.
A brushed chrome wall light cum sculpture by Lost Profile Studio sits at the end of a long glass corridor overlooking the pool and outdoor spaces.
At the rear, an existing frangipani punctuates the minimal pool and alfresco area, and glass doors and windows create a seamless connection with the indoors. Landscape design by Tristan Peirce.
A mature tree, new plantings and privacy blades soften the home’s white-rendered brickwork. Landscape design by Tristan Peirce.
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