Our brief was to unwind the changes and return the mansion to a single substantial home, exposing the best of its heritage features and adding a new contemporary layer. The existing features of the house were mostly intact, so we retained and restored the grand marble fireplaces, ornate Victorian cornices, arches and decorative ceilings. Where new design layers were added, we aimed to create a language that complimented the heritage detailing, yet was distinctly new. Creating an interesting harmony between old and new.
Careful planning was critical to achieving just the right balance and flow. We created a new internal staircase to replace the two added to the building externally for the apartments. This transformed the entrance into the new heart of the home, an anchor point from which all other spaces flow. Connecting internal spaces to the front and rear gardens created the perfect backdrop for a modern family who entertain large groups of family and friends. The kitchen, dining and living areas now open and spill into the garden.
The design detailing and material selections were made to honour the rich layered history of the building. We selected natural timber veneers, patterned and textured marble and stone, hard plaster, and steel. The new marble mosaic floor in the entrance creates a grand statement upon arrival, an indication of exciting things to come. While a new fireplace designed for the living room references the ornate detailing of the existing fireplaces in a contemporary way.
Technology was seamlessly integrated throughout the house. A television was hidden behind an artwork in the living space, a projector was integrated into a custom coffee table, and all other services are fully automated. It’s a thoroughly high-tech home designed quietly with details that will serve as reference to the significant building that is now ready to move forward with grace, style and comfort for the next 100 years.
