Stand alone

Visual continuity is a hallmark of almost all contemporary residential architecture. From the material palette to the colours and finishes, there is invariably a consistent theme that helps to reinforce the look.

For this modern house, which was designed by architects Andrew Gutteridge and Anne Sulinski of Arkhefield, a subdued selection of materials was made to form a backdrop to the main architectural drama being played out. The house, described by the architects as a contemporary version of a traditional Queenslander, has a distinctive, sloping roof element that wraps down one side. With high windows around the tops of the walls, the roof also appears to float above the house.

These features helped determine the look of the master bathroom. With just one geometric window facing the street, and a single band of clerestory glazing, there was a need for additional natural light from a skylight. A freestanding feature wall clad in green marble also ensures borrowed light penetrates the dressing room on the other side.

Other materials in the bathroom include a Corian cantilevered vanity, which echoes the look of the kitchen cabinetry. This is paired with a spotted gum dressing table that helps offset the simplicity of the white vanity and walls, and a sculptural Apaiser composite stone bathtub.

"The tub is positioned so the owners can enjoy an oblique view of a park across the street," says Sulinski. "The trapezoid-shaped window continues through the adjacent door to form a long, horizontal window in the bedroom. The angle of the window mirrors the shape of the roof, which wraps down to form the side wall in the dressing room. It's a composition that can be read easily from the exterior."

To retain a sleek, uncluttered look both inside and out steam from the shower is vented down through ducting in the tiled wall.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Scott Burrows