There is this tendency (especially in modern Australian design) to compose incredibly stylish yet sensual homes combining organic materials like – wood, brick, stone, and concrete while framing them in black metal structures and elements. Taking their cue from the subtropical architecture, the creators of the house opened the premises and gave them an abundant and free connection with the surrounding gardens (landscaped by Dan Deshon Landscaping) and dialog with the natural elements: plants, water, and sky.
This elegant combination of modern, even industrial, and natural and organic is one of the best achievements of contemporary home design. The spicing up of the decor composition with ethnic or vernacular elements is only a bonus. This project by Justin Humphrey Architects is yet another attention-worthy example of that eclectic trend – let’s explore the dynamic and stylish combinations closer.
Carefully composing a series of sculptured courtyards and semi-opened spaces, the designers used the alternation of robust concrete and black metal with warmer timber and organic materials compositions to create a home with dynamic and rich hart. Blurring the borders between outside and inside using large openings and free space configurations, the architects gave the materials’ sequence a role of a function divider.
Employing some hot and modern trends and artistic choices, like the open space flow between the master bedroom and bathroom premises- separated only by elegant wooden beams and half constructs – or the prevailing of black in the color palette, the architects gave an intriguing and flexible character to the home. Following the owners’ desire for a strong connection with the surrounding elements; water, light, plant life – the creator used modern, open garden room as the first threshold between the private and the public areas, softening the transition.
The interior composition of this design project – called Cove House corresponds with the dynamic materials selection and spatial arrangement of the architectural idea. Under a single flat roof, an alternation of modern concrete structure and warmer, organic timber is framed by dynamic metals and spiced up by tribal art. The furniture selection is also a mixture of modern, classic, and rural. Tribal textile and art objects decorate the open premises giving them identity and exotic touch.
Custom-made structures (usually entwining trendy black surfaces and wooden elements), designers’ lamps, and memorable decor insertions are arranged in the dynamic sequence of open premises together with an abundance of art elements and structural dynamics. And that is not all; sustainability and passive design were also guiding principles for the creation of this home. Justin Humphrey Architects has created a home rich in tactile elements that embrace passive design principles. Photos by Andy MacPherson Studio;
