Elevated experience

Designed by Jack Fugaro, Jack Fugaro Architect

From the architect:

This master suite focusses on the more intimate spaces within an existing 1980s residence in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Toorak. 

Original floor plan

The original floor plate of the master suite had the main rooms completely separate divided by smaller door openings and rooms.

However, as part of this there were small, under-utilised darker spaces that lacked in natural light and ventilation. 

The revised floor plan

The external envelope and walls of the master suite essentially remained as they were before the reimagined retreat. 

However the existing smoked glass blade louvre façade was replaced with new finishes – thus highlighting the master suite and dressing room. 

The main bedroom was flipped in location while the bathroom remained in its original location but was elevated above ground to heighten the bathhouse experience. 

The entry to the bathroom was completely opened up to allow a better flow of spaces and to connect the wet rooms to the main bedroom and dressing room – in addition, the shower zone was lengthened.

Main dressing room opened up as a full space

Originally the his and hers wardrobes had been two separate spaces, the idea of combining these spaces into one allowed for better circulation within the dressing zone and elevated the drama of the 'grand dressing glam space'.  

A bespoke island was introduced for the finer items, while the dressing room's custom joinery was treated as part of the bespoke sculptural furniture pieces in the wider home. 

Master ensuite – bathing experience raised on high

The original bath had also been elevated, although set within the floor space below the floor surface. 

This also created a multi-tiered look for the bathing space – again a look you might see in a luxurious bath house – plus, the multi level spaces allowed for a visual transition between the bathroom and bedroom spaces.

A secondary lower level vanity adjoining the main bedroom was positioned to allow ease of location without the need to move through the elevated bathhouse's terraced levels without having to negotiate steps during the late night.

Materiality and design that spells glamour

A pared back and refined material palette layered with sophisticated detailing through these spaces accentuates the glamour of the home's bygone 80s era.

The diamond coffered ceiling above the bath was an original element that was kept, this notion is found through the residence and on the facade. 

To highlight the glamour of the ceiling's 'straigh-lined' halo, a stone flooring border band of similar ilk was introduced around the base of the bath. 

Brass detailing and tapware were features found through the original home and we decided to keep this theme in the master suite, too, adding to the drama of the 80s era where brass and gold accents  was always predominant in the glam style. 

The custom Ross Gardam lighting with textured and reeded glass added to this idea.

The big picture

The elevated and lower platforms within the master suite were essential in highlighting the 'glam' theme. 

This allowed each of the breakout spaces to be on show thus enhancing the 80s design drama. 

Bordered floor tiling patterns to elevated bathhouse, lower dressing room and vanity areas added for a more refined experience – again playing on the cues of the 80s glam style opulent notion. 

Pared back veined tundra marble floor and walls accented with the more metallic brass pieces further this effect.

Crowning glory

Last but certainly not least there are the ceilings.

Bold opulence with theatrical glam was even further enhanced by the fluted vaulted ceilings – highlighted with concealed lighting at the perimeters. 

The introduction of these eye-catching ceilings was yet another way to define each of the spaces and create drama.

Let there be life!

The brief had been to inject new life into the home's private retreat areas – being the main bedroom quarters, private bath house and dressing room. 

This contemporary reimagined collection of private spaces successfully met the brief with refined detailing respecting the original interiors and architecture.

Story by: Trendsideas