Spiritual essence

Designed by Rob Nerlich & Kate McMahon, mcmahon and nerlich

From the architects:

This master suite is more than a private sanctuary; it is an immersive experience where architecture, memory, and material intertwine to create a space of soulful retreat. 

The ensuite bathroom, set at the end of a curated spatial sequence that begins in the bedroom and flows through the robe, invites stillness and contemplation while maintaining a strong connection to place and personal narrative.

The bathroom reimagines the conventional ensuite by forging an emotive link between daily rituals and nature. 

A full-length skylight, framing the ceiling above the curved shower, allows natural light to spill through – inviting the user to bathe in a prism of sky, shadow, and warmth. 

The shower itself is softly curved, embracing the bather and providing both privacy and a sense of architectural embrace. 

The robe offers minimalist detailing, a calming counterpoint to the richly textured palette of the bedroom and bathroom.

Throughout the suite, layers of deep green hues flow from walls to joinery, anchoring the interiors in the verdant rhythms of the surrounding garden. 

These colours aren’t simply aesthetic – they resonate with the owners’ decades spent living across New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia, particularly Hong Kong, and their rich collection of artefacts and artworks. 

The deeply saturated tones offer a backdrop for their sculptural ceramics and beloved artworks, including Jan Vogelpoel’s 'In Cahoots' sculpture, which adds a playful, contemplative note.

A built-in window seat is positioned to contemplate the lush outdoor landscape. 

From this vantage, the suite becomes a sanctuary for the soul – inspired by the Maori concept of Wairua, the spiritual essence of all beings. 

The viewlines back through the robe and into the bedroom emphasise the spatial layering that defines the wider home's design language.

Every surface and texture has been selected for sensory depth – from the nuanced tiles in the bathroom to the softness of a bespoke Jenny Jones rug underfoot, the suite balances richness with restraint. 

Custom joinery curves elevate the room's tactility while hidden tracks contribute to its minimalist appeal.

The suite captures the owners’ desire for a home that reflects their journeys, honours their heritage, and fosters tranquillity. 

The bathroom is not isolated from the rest of the home, it is integral to the narrative. 

This bedroom suite is sculptural, sustainable, and spiritual in equal measure – a celebration of personal artefacts, sensory richness, and architectural care.

Story by: Trendsideas