Nature and natural light flood this bathroom makeover

Bathroom design often pursues a feeling of serenity, but the job is made easier when the space already shares a strong connection with nature. Such was the case with this transformed master ensuite by designer Darren James.

“Most of the existing ensuite was completely reconfigured and reconstructed. However, the angular ceiling plane and glass atrium were both retained as stand out design features in the space,” says James.

“We did alter the atrium slightly – changing from a six-panel gridded glass fenestration to a seamless column of three glass pieces with a dark powder-coated frame work and a new set of louvres, to increase the airflow into the space."

The original bathroom had included heavy, built-in elements, and the owners wanted to replace that look with a lighter, more seamless flow and aesthetic.

Catering for two, the ensuite’s long open walk in shower has two showerheads, while on the other side of the blade wall, the cantilevered vanity has double his and hers basins.

Natural materials feature strongly in a room that is already so connected with the verdant world just beyond the windows. 

The leading surface is large-format porcelain sheeting with the look of veined marble. This exotic surface is complemented by wood accents and fixtures in an Aged Iron finish. 

These materials also connect back to other finishes in the home. For example, the custom-designed dressing table is in solid walnut, adding warmth to the design and referencing the bedroom’s timber joinery.

In a pared back bathroom design, achieving sufficient storage is often tricky. Here, Darren James gained adequate storage by recessing the mirror cabinets back into the dense blade wall, avoiding the need for drawers below the vanity.

Another request from the homeowners was to have privacy for the bathroom toilet without it being actually built behind any walls.

“To achieve this, we designed a custom metal frame, powder-coated matt black, with a frosted grey laminated glass in keeping with the black highlights throughout the home.”

This discreetly screened the toilet cubicle from the rest of the space, while allowing the occupant filtered views of the atrium windows.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Toby Scott