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Concealed bathroom includes a wall of colourful handmade mosaic tiles

No windows? No problem! Such was the case in this vault-like bathroom that counts the graceful movement of light from skylights as a feature

​​​​​​​Lying in the freestanding tub watching clouds pass architecture, bathroom, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, tap, tile, wall, freestanding bath, Day Bukh Architcture
​​​​​​​Lying in the freestanding tub watching clouds pass overhead provides a relaxing escape for the owners in this windowless and, to an extent, hidden bathing space.

No, not a scene from a Harry Potter tale, but this bathroom by architect Matthew Day does indeed take on the magic of a secret chamber.

“The bathroom was conceived as a vault or secret chamber – the room has no windows and is only accessed via the upstairs bedrooms,” says Day. “Natural light comes in from curved skylights in the vaulted ceiling, which further enhances the sense of being in a hidden vault.

“For the wider aesthetic, the owners wanted a strong element of artisanal craftsmanship as opposed to a sterile, machined look. This led to the idea of a feature wall of handmade tiles.”


​​​​​​​Inspired by leaf forms and colours of eucalyptus architecture, bathroom, ceramic, floor, flooring, interior design, tile, wall, gray, white, mosaic, Day Bukh Architects
​​​​​​​Inspired by leaf forms and colours of eucalyptus trees, this feature wall – crafted in handmade mosaic tiles by the owner – forms a dramatic accent at one end of this sculptural bathroom. The curves of the freestanding tub echo the spirit of the vaulted ceiling overhead.

The tiles were inspired by eucalyptus trees in the area and were created by the owner, working with Bruce Rowe from Anchor Ceramics.

Handcrafted walnut joinery was introduced to soften the space and provide something warm to the touch. Plus, the wood’s deep red-brown colour complements the tilework.

“The curving lines of the tub connect with the curvaceous ceiling, while the floor-mounted bath spout accentuates the action of the water flowing into the bath – which, in turn, bounces reflections off the mosaic tiles. The movement of water is another natural feature in the design.”

Credit list

Architect
Matt Day, Day Bukh Architects
Vanity and cabinetry
American Walnut in clear lacquer
Basin mixer
Zucchetti Pan, wall-mounted
Bath tapware
Parisi Tondo hand-held shower mixer; Zucchetti Pan floor-mounted bath spout
Toilet
WC Parisienvy Mk11 concealed cistern, wall-hung
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Highly Commended
Vanity and cabinetry design
Aidan Morris Timber Furniture and Interiors
Basin
Countertop glazed ceramic basin by Anchor Ceramics
Bath
Parisi Onda
Shower fittings
Parisi Tondo wall-mounted shower arm; Parisi Tondo shower head; Zucchetti Pan mixer
Towel rail
American walnut with clear lacquer, custom design by Chris Colwell

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Katherine Lu

02 Feb, 2019

Home kitchen bathroom commercial design


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