Master bathroom with glass shower wall, curvaceous tub, wenge vanity and clerestory windows

A two-storey house built on sloping terrain to optimise outlooks often has downstairs rooms situated in the shadow of the hillside. This can make it tricky to introduce sufficient natural light into these potentially darker spaces.

Such was the case with this bathroom, part of a first-floor master suite in a contemporary home designed by architect Mark Peters of Studio Dwell.

"The expansive bedroom faces outwards to spectacular river views, with the bathroom tucked in behind," Peters says. "I brought light into this rear space in several ways. Instead of separating the rooms completely, I bisected the suite with a 2.1m-high privacy wall. This allows light to filter across from the 2.7m-high bedroom into the bathroom. There is also a light court at the end of the bathroom that bathes the shower stall in sunlight while still retaining privacy for the owners."

Clerestory windows, a transparent shower wall and a long vanity mirror were other ways the light flow is optimised. Concealed diffused lights enhance the airy effect and enliven the room by night.

The elongated vanity is a feature within the pared-back space. Designed in two overlapping forms, this is a nod to the shape of the contemporary house. In addition, it accentuates the room's linear form.

"Given the clean-lined, minimalist look of the bathroom, adding textural interest was important," says Peters. "The large, smooth tiles and sleek wenge wood on the vanity are contrasted by the coarse concrete dividing wall."

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Marty Peters