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Subtle textural elements and a dark palette give this bathroom a tranquil, meditative air

View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub. architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, estate, interior design, room, black, gray
View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub.

For a bathroom to be a private sanctuary sometimes it is necessary to turn away from bright sunlight and reflective surfaces. As this granite-walled bathroom shows, a dark palette of natural materials goes a long way towards creating a Zen-like retreat.

Architect Craig Webster of Monster Ideas Architects, says owner Matthew Hilan wanted this second bathroom to be a complete contrast to the bright, sunlit living areas and master suite on the upper level of the new house.

"He also liked the idea of a very open, meditative retreat with a private courtyard."


View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub. architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, floor, flooring, glass, home, interior design, room, tile, wall, black
View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub.

To this end, Webster lined the bathroom in charcoal granite, which creates a cool, cave-like space that works well in Queensland's hot climate. Large bifold doors open the room up to a private courtyard and tranquil water feature.

The sense of permanence and solidity is reinforced by deep niches that appear to be carved into the walls. The wall above the vanity turns at right angles to contain the cabinetry.

"The return brings the solid wall out into the room. But the cutout ensures it doesn't compromise the view out to the courtyard," says Webster. "We also mitred the corners of the granite to provide a more finished look.

View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub. architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, estate, interior design, room, black, gray
View of dark-toned bathroom with white tub.

"We wanted to offset the cabinetry so it wouldn't be typically symmetrical. A mirror above the basin goes right to the floor, which enhances the sense that the vanity is floating, an effect reinforced by an LED lighting strip between the top and the cabinets."

Rather that provide contrasting colours for visual interest, Webster used a narrow granite tiled strip to define the water zone. The strip runs beneath the freestanding tub and up a recessed niche in the shower.

Designed as a wet room, the shower also features a pebbled drain. The pebbles extend beneath the threshold to the courtyard, further reinforcing the Zen look.

Credit list

Builder
GMH Constructions
Floor tiles
Daugres Sandstone Nero from Metro Tiles
Vanity top
Stone Italia
Bathtub
Lanark Fusion
Shower fittings
Fantini Soho from Rogerseller
Toilet
Fowler Seido
Wall tiles
Andesit PN flamed granite
Doors
Vantage Aluminium
Cabinetry
Dulux Raku lacquer in semi-gloss finish
Basin
Caroma Leda Vasque
Taps
Tonic Motion from Rogerseller
Accessories
Cosmic Project from Rogerseller

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

11 May, 2011

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