Sculptural escape

Designed by Mark Gacesa, Ultraspace

From the designer:

Originally conceived as a bachelor pad with the hope of a future family home for a young businessman, this project evolved organically during the design process to accommodate a new chapter in the homeowner’s life. 

When the owner announced plans to marry, the brief transitioned into creating a sophisticated yet adaptable family abode – balancing individuality, durability, and long-term liveability.

The home/setting

The home itself explores a refined industrial language – bold yet inviting, robust yet elegant. 

The design is grounded in a 'detail-filled minimalism', where every element is purposeful and expressive. 

Conceived as a gallery-like residence, the home not only showcases curated art but is itself an immersive architectural statement and piece of art.

Master suite design – goals, objectives & solutions

The objective for the master suite was to create a private sanctuary that seamlessly combined luxury, functionality and immersive architectural expression while maintaining a strong connection to the residence's contemporary industrial design language. 

The design sought to deliver an experience comparable to that of an exclusive six-star resort, while integrating the owner's desire for comfort, convenience and concealed discovery.

Secret sanctuary – concealed pivot door entry

A key design goal was to continue the home's narrative of hidden spaces and unexpected moments. 

The hidden entrance transforms arrival into an experience, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity and discovery that defines the residence.

Upon entering the suite, the design immediately capitalises on expansive waterway views while surrounding occupants with a rich palette of illuminated concrete, textured wall finishes and custom-crafted furnishings. 

The objective was to balance the rawness of the architectural concrete structure with warmth, texture and refined detailing, creating a space that feels both dramatic and inviting.

Bespoke bed suite as sculptural element

Central to the design solution is the bespoke bed suite and feature bed wall, conceived as a sculptural architectural element rather than a conventional piece of furniture. 

Floor-to-ceiling oversized matte-black scalloped tiles create a powerful visual anchor that is repeated throughout the residence and master ensuite, establishing continuity between spaces. 

To maintain an uninterrupted aesthetic, the bedhead has been seamlessly integrated into the tiled wall through the use of ultra-low-profile dense rubber and leather upholstery, colour-matched to the tiles. 

This solution delivers comfort without compromising the purity of the design.

A further objective was to maximise visual interest while maintaining clean architectural lines. 

This was achieved through the incorporation of a mirror-backed display niche framed in Corian, creating the illusion of a horizontal gun-slot window with water views while providing both functionality and visual depth.

Ribbed detailing a recurring design motif

Ribbed detailing applied to the cantilevered bedside tables and bed frame reinforces a recurring design motif found throughout the home and strengthens the relationship between furniture and architecture.

The suite was also designed to function as a self-contained retreat. 

To achieve this, a comprehensive range of integrated amenities was incorporated, including refrigeration, tea and coffee facilities, a Zip tap system, concealed retractable television, surround sound and motorised window treatments. 

These inclusions ensure everyday convenience without detracting from the minimalist aesthetic.

Privacy and connection to the surrounding landscape were carefully balanced throughout the design. 

Corner viewing window boasts switch-film technology

The integration of electronically controlled switch-film technology enables the glass to transition instantly from transparent to opaque, allowing users to tailor the atmosphere and level of privacy according to their needs.

The walk-through dressing room is designed to provide exceptional storage capacity while maintaining a luxurious boutique-like experience. 

Positioned strategically between the bedroom and ensuite, the space incorporates extensive hanging storage, shoe display systems, generous drawer capacity and oversized glazed display drawers for accessories, creating a highly functional yet visually refined environment.

Master ensuite – a destination space in its own right

The ensuite design objective was to elevate everyday rituals through a highly immersive and sculptural environment that continues the home's artistic industrial aesthetic. 

A dramatic illuminated feature wall comprising of the same oversized matte-black scalloped tiles, with a matte black ceiling bulkhead and reflected matte black floor design, establishes a striking focal point centred around the matte black freestanding bath with multi-filler. 

The oversized 1500mm porcelain Ceppo tiles, used throughout the home, creates a simultaneous feeling of extreme opulence and comfort.

A seamless custom-designed Corian vanity featuring the 'UltraPop' semi-recessed basins (designed by Ultraspace) and integrated three-dimensional ribbed detail – further reinforce the wider residence's design language. 

Inspired by the edge detailing of the home's exposed concrete slabs, this motif is repeated across Corian elements throughout the residence, creating a cohesive design thread that links architecture, joinery and furnishings.

Natural light and privacy were equally prioritised within the ensuite. 

Milk frosted horizontal slot windows positioned above and below the full-width mirrored cabinet maximise daylight penetration while maintaining discretion during use. 

Additional full-height storage cupboards at either end of the vanity ensure practical requirements are accommodated without compromising visual simplicity.

The oversized shower was designed to provide a luxurious spa-like experience, incorporating a full-length seating ledge, ambient mood lighting, oversized rain shower, hand shower and integrated audio connectivity. 

The adjoining private lavatory is discreetly concealed behind the feature bath wall, ensuring both functionality and privacy while preserving the visual integrity of the overall space.

Conclusion

Through the integration of bespoke detailing, innovative technology, sculptural forms and uninterrupted material continuity, this master suite design becomes a private retreat that is both visually compelling and deeply experiential.

The result is a master suite that not only complements the architectural vision of the home but elevates it, delivering a truly memorable and immersive living experience.

Story by: Trendsideas