Inside out

This suite in a resort-style estate breaks away from tradition to integrate the bathroom and bedroom in one large open-plan space

view of the tiled bath surround and timber bathroom, countertop, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, laminate flooring, sink, tile, wood, wood flooring, gray, red — view of the tiled bath surround and timber steps

view of the bathroom featuring tiled flooring, glased bathroom, bathroom sink, countertop, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, sink, tap, tile, gray, black

view of the glass walled shower room featuring bathroom, bathroom accessory, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, room, gray

view of the bathroom featuring tiled flooring, glased architecture, bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, gray

view of the bathroom featuring tiled flooring, glased architecture, bathroom, daylighting, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, tile, gray

view of the open master bathroom featuing elevated architecture, bathroom, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, floor, interior design, kitchen, room, sink, gray, black

view of the tiled bath surround and timber bathroom, countertop, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, laminate flooring, sink, tile, wall, wood, wood flooring, gray, black

view of the bathroom featuring tiled flooring, glased architecture, bathroom, cabinetry, countertop, interior design, kitchen, sink, gray

If there's one room that has traditionally taken a back seat in the house, it's the bathroom. Frequently built away from the sun and views, bathrooms are usually conceived as private spaces. This master suite turns that concept inside out, bringing the bathroom into the bedroom and making it the centre of attention.

Architect Mason Cowle says the suite is one of a number of similar bathrooms designed for a group of high-end houses in a prestigious, resort-style estate overlooking the sea.

"The developer wanted something a bit different to the average, suburban house," he says. "As these houses are very narrow, the overall design needed to make an impact. It also had to reflect the resort setting. For this reason, we chose to bring the bathroom into the bedroom with a very open, flowing design."

A key feature of the suite is a large, elevated tub that sits behind the headboard. To provide a degree of visual and practical separation between the two areas, there is a half-wall with a solid timber benchtop.

"Elevating the tub was a way to connect the bathroom to the view," says Cowle. "It also meant we could incorporate a luxurious deep tub."

The tiled tub surround extends to form a vanity that accommodates two basins. Suspended mirrors appear to float above the vanity, while a timber-lined niche below provides open storage. Further storage is provided by cabinetry opposite the basins. This end of the bathroom also features a double shower.