Curvaceous welcome

Designed by Andrew Bartholomeusz, Saaj Design

From the architect:

• The main bedroom and ensuite suite was located at the rear of the Beach Road property for acoustic reasons.
• Despite an open plan suite, a sense of privacy and enclosure for each activity was created without the need to physically close off into separate rooms. All are experienced as part of a journey and are discovered/revealed behind walls and doors.
• Curved walls and ceilings draw one through the space seamlessly, enabling a grand overall suite experience. Variations in flooring materials and shapes create the demarcation of the spaces.

• The bed is tucked away at the end of the sweep path, anchored on the wall at the end of the curved ceiling. This creates a cocoon effect – when lying in bed the view expands and sweeps around to the bath alcove and ensuite.
• Solid timber linings to both the interior and exterior of the curved sauna evoke the contained warmth one experiences from a sauna. This was intentionally located here, adjacent the shower enclosure. From both the shower and sauna the owners can enjoy a distant view to the bay. The sauna receiving a recessed, raised view through the glass partition between the sauna and shower from the sauna seat, while the shower's occupant experiences this view the other way from a standing position. Both areas maintaining privacy from neighbours through the composition of the window reveal.

• The bath alcove was designed like an intimate cocoon to relax in and at the same time provides a visual sculpture statement to enjoy upon entry to the suite. A space that might have been otherwise unusable, became special, sculptural and inviting.
• The play of bouncing natural light into spaces during the day and placement of artificial light for the theatrics of the evening were both considered. Long, curved, fabric curtains have been recessed into ceilings and walls to add to the theatrical experience.
• The connection to the WIR utilises the residual space for plentiful lineal metres of robe storage while also providing the ability to be closed off from bath / ensuite steam yet visually connected through the use of mirrors and vista lines. A highlight window and shaftless skylight provide indirect natural light.
• Elegant and striking materials in soft earthy/coastal tones were selected – both practical and visually pleasing.

Designed by: Andrew Bartholomeusz, Saaj Design

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Dave Kulesza