When est spoke with Viabizzuno founder and creative director Mario Nanni, he said light is a fundamental part of architecture, so it’s essential to design the right light. “My lighting solutions are not the result of market research nor a fleeting trend; my ambition is to resolve specific design situations and meet each necessity.” In this Nine to Know, we explore architectural lighting’s role in the bathroom through nine examples that follow Mario Nanni’s philosophy.
To ensure compliance with Australian standards and adherence to IP ratings and zoning requirements in the bathroom, est recommends consulting a design professional and an authorised electrician.
While we associate natural light with the outdoors, outdoor lighting creates the opportunity to experience spaces such as a courtyard or alfresco area when the sun does down. Also providing safe access to our homes, outdoor lighting’s functional purpose, durability, and aesthetic deserve equal consideration.
Australian architectural and technical lighting frontrunners Euroluce set the standard for what can be achieved when illuminating our outdoor areas. Flos is a renowned outdoor lighting brand retailed at Euroluce, which seek to reflect the same calibre and quality as what you’ll find indoors. For their outdoor range, Flos has collaborated with some of the world’s most acclaimed architects and designers such as Pierro Lissoni, Michael Anastassiades and Vincent Van Duysen.
Fundamentally, Flos follow a philosophy of ‘human-centred’ lighting design, which sees them challenge the status quo on technology and question how lighting can enhance physical and emotional wellbeing. Equally, sustainability goes hand-in-hand with their approach, selecting materials and following processes that minimise environmental impact.
In this feature we’re focusing on standout examples from nine different categories of outdoor lighting available at Euroluce, primarily by Flos; inground, floor, table, wall-recessed, wall surface, bollards, ceiling, projectors and pole tops.
Upon entry, the Pearl Beach House immediately feels immersed in nature, away from the hustle of nearby Pearl Beach village. Encased in a concrete structure, with a high elevation echoing the surrounding forest canopy, Pearl Beach House takes the homeowners on a surprising journey into the bush.
Strategically located windows frame views of the Burrawang scrubby woodland, rainforest species and ancient grass trees, gently swaying and changing, like moving art. Perforated brickwork captures snippets of blue skies and bush while creating ‘shadow play’ as the sun moves throughout the day. Outside, a mix of open-air and covered spaces offers protection from the elements as well as private spaces to bask in the warm sunshine.
At street-view, it appears to be your typical terrace home. And yet what’s hidden behind is a modern, spacious, open-plan extension of architectural elegance. Come inside and explore the beauty and interest that is Strawberry House.
Home to a family of 3 plus 2 beloved labradoodles, Strawberry House was a unique project with many twists and turns.
“Located in an inner-city suburb of Sydney, the original property was a small, cramped 4 bedroom house,” explains lead architect Clinton Cole from CplusC Architectural Workshop.
“It was made up of 2 interconnecting terraces, purchased by the owners in the 1980s. It sits tucked amongst the other terrace homes and backs onto a quiet laneway.
The home owners had outgrown the original configuration which they found non-conducive to their lifestyle in retirement. They came to us with a brief which was simple in nature but difficult in design.
“The owners wanted to create a bespoke home, but retain the original features of the front façade. They loved the 2 united terraces, allowing more natural light and ventilation into the narrow, dark and cramped house.
“Furthermore, they requested an internal lift to allow access between levels, a built-in dog-washing station and the retention and restoration of the original backyard ‘dunny’.”
Christened Strawberry House, thanks to a tree planted 40 years ago, it proved to be quite the challenge during this project!
“The name Strawberry House derives from the original Irish strawberry tree, planted by our clients about 40 years ago. They planted it in the backyard when they first purchased the houses.
“It’s actually considered a noxious weed in most of the country… but not in the city of Sydney. It was a bit problematic for us as its location was dead centre of the two properties. This restricted any rear lane development on the properties and forced the design of the home away from the tree.
“Although it was an unfortunate situation, it was central to informing a positive achievement in the creation of our clients forever home, with the Irish strawberry tree being central in its location.”
With its breezy, open plan design, Strawberry House continues to surprise with unique features such as the linear beam lighting.
“The new design is a tri-level home. The ground level has a significant home workshop, designed to house our clients extensive collection of hobby and craft equipment,” explains Clinton.
“The doggy-door is an interesting feature which the we (and the owners beloved dogs) really love! It’s nestled in the gorgeous pivot door, made from western red cedar.
“The double internal courtyard is pretty special too. One is open to the sky, the other covered by translucent roofing. They flood the house with light, fresh air, and create a connection to landscaping, regardless of the weather.
“When it came to lighting the main living space, we wanted to avoid the overuse of downlights. In consultation with lighting experts, we were able to create a warm sense of ambient lighting in the kitchen. The result was an LED-strip lighting scheme, integrated into the linear beams.
“These lights have been optimised to suit the angled ceiling and reflect diffused light off the timber ceiling to evenly light the open living and kitchen space.”
Keeping the traditional façade was an important factor to the Strawberry House renovation.
“To impeccably restore the front façade, we engaged with rare, specialist traditional trades. These specialist trades are quite hard to find as we use traditional building methods less and less.
“The project included full restoration of the traditional counterweight double hung windows. Also, the exposure of the original dry-pressed brickwork and re-establishment of the original cast iron fence and entryway gates.
“Unfortunately, these cast iron fences are often ripped out and replaced with aluminium replicas. This is solely based on architects and builders not having access or relationships with these specialist trades people. It’s such a shame to lose such beautiful traditions on our homes.
“There’s another hidden feature which you may not expect in a traditional-looking townhouse. We installed 10kWh solar panels and 52kWh battery storage. This means the electrical meter runs in reverse to such an extent that the electricity provider disconnects the input to the grid. Our clients pay no bills!”
We loved taking a look around the wonderfully unique Strawberry House. To view more projects from CplusC Architectural Workshop, be sure to check out their website. You can also keep up to date by following their Instagram page.
Ha Architecture update a 19th Century Edwardian home in Melbourne, with a functional and considered approach to design and space.
Ha Architecture principal architect Nick Harding understands the challenges of small space living. He knows what to conceal and what to reveal to achieve a space-efficient floor plan – creating a functional and sustainable home that’s warm and relaxed.
View from the dining room to the outdoor window seat; perfect for catching the warm morning sun.
Testament to its 19th-century beginnings, Bianco House, evolved from a single-storey, weatherboard home, modest in size yet abundant in character. The Edwardian, with its trademark ornate ceilings and delicate fretwork, had previously undergone a partial update. The front rooms were modernised with a Nordic touch; lime-washed baltic pine underfoot and interiors adorned with a white-on-white palette.
The client brief was to create a double-storey renovation to the rear, including a new kitchen and dining area, plus an ensuite bedroom with a walk-in robe above – not a straightforward endeavour considering the block is only seven metres wide. This, combined with irregularities of neighbouring properties, plus a northwest rear orientation, requiring a balance of sun and shade, provided a meticulous task for the chosen designer.
Ha Architecture responded with their signature approach: redefining the ‘constraints’ as opportunities to create unique architectural moments. “With small footprint living, being selective with space is fundamental, ” Ha Architecture principal Nick Harding says. “The key is to tip spacial generously where it is needed most, such as the primary habitable areas; kitchen and dining, while consolidating secondary spaces; bedrooms and bathrooms.” As a result, Ha Architecture redefined the partially renovated Edwardian into one harmonious home by incorporating secret doors, cabinetry integration, and clever geometry.
“Providing everything is ergonomically resolved, you can unlock amazing architectural opportunities within small spaces.”
– Nick Harding
Concealed hallway doors cleverly disguise a laundry complete with high-performance Fisher & Paykel white goods.
The contrasting entrance from old to new, featuring a 30-degree roofline, creates visual interest.
In line with the owner’s brief, Ha Architecture continued the clean, Scandinavian aesthetic from the front of the home throughout the new addition, playing with textural whites and timber to add earthen warmth. A geometric entrance with a 30-degree roof line marries the existing home to the new addition, providing contrast and intrigue.
Ha Architecture specified Fisher & Paykel appliances for their energy efficiency and integration in the kitchen. The design team cleverly tucked necessities, including a pantry and an integrated refrigerator, away inside the staircase void. At the same time, the Double Dishdrawer dishwasher is neatly integrated behind the rear under-counter cabinetry and the rangehood disguised through above-counter shelving.
Interesting to note in the stairway is a towering double-storey void with skylight, allowing a previously confined space to feel generous and elevated. An external prototype louvre system over the skylight also provides evolving ‘shadow play’ throughout the day. “We were fastidious with all external glass windows to either protect or provide external sunshine,” Nick says. “The skylight, in particular, was designed precisely for sun paths, inviting maximum winter light and warmth when you want it while providing shade in summer when it’s too warm,” he adds.
The 21st Century redesign of Bianco House by Ha Architecture showcases how big dreams can be achieved within small spaces. It’s the realisation of a new family home that is both practical in its function, yet inviting and aesthetically pleasing.
Explore Fisher & Paykel integrated appliances in the est living Product Library here.
The main downstairs bathroom tying in the kitchen mosaic tile features ambient early morning sunshine.
The canopy above the rear doors provides material protection and sunshade. “The back end of the house was at risk of overshadowing the neighbour’s courtyard, so to mitigate that, the roof was cleverly tapered down as low as possible to that side boundary,” Nick says.
“The extension’s vertical white cladding sets off the horizontal white weatherboard of the old home. In form and materials, it suggests a neo-Gothic, outback aesthetic that draws the eye but never jars,” Nick says.
dishwasher
