Combined shower and bath zone with skylight deal with modest space

When creating your own bathroom, including a magical element is always a plus. Something as simple as introducing a skylight over a shower can evoke a sense of pampering and well being, as in this master suite by architect Rob Nerlich.

As part of an upstairs addition to the home, the owners wanted their new bathroom to offer a meditative yet bright master-suite oasis they could retreat to after a busy day, says Nerlich.

“Setback requirements meant the new level had to step back from the ground floor walls to avoid over-shadowing neighbouring homes. So, for the master suite, we angled the exterior walls back – maximising sun for neighbours while retaining optimum floorspace in the ensuite and bedroom. Lastly, we added the skylight to wash light down the interior walls.”

Detailing was kept minimal on the ceilings and walls, with full-height sheers filtering light.

The material palette includes custom honey-coloured timber joinery on the bedheads and floating side tables, which reconcile the raking walls and add a sense of generosity to the space.

A velvety-grey wool carpet softens the timber hues and flows in to the walk-in-robe

“The long walk-in-robe straddles the existing and new areas of the home, transitioning to a lower ceiling height,” Nerlich says. “Here, the dark-brown joinery includes a mix of cubicles and soft-close drawers of various heights.”

A louvre window in this room brings in ample natural light while the cabinetry element beneath acts as both a dresser and display space.

And from the same corner of the bedroom, another door opens to the master ensuite with its striking honeycomb-stone mosaic feature wall.

“The cantilevered timber-veneer vanity has a warm-grey marble benchtop that adds warmth and richness to the space,” says the architect.

The ensuite transitions to a minimalist white bathing alcove, fronted by a simple glass screen and backed by a raking wall. Grouping the tub and shower in one wet zone addressed the issue of limited space in this ensuite. A high window adds treetop views and natural ventilation.

“The clear-glass skylight floods the alcove with light. Striking, simple and calming, it allows the owners to literally shower under the stars.”

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Dianne Snape