Stickybeak of the Week: A Home Fit for Multi-Generational Guests
Despite the challenge of an extensive brief, this new home meets every expectation, for family and visitors alike
Pia Sinha
21 March 2018
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former Chief Copy Editor of GoodHomes, India Magazine. I write professionally about design and decor. Personally too, I am a big fan of design that marries functionality with elegance. At home, I use a combination of striking patterns, colourful prints and natural materials for some chutzpah and cheer!
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former Chief Copy Editor of GoodHomes, India Magazine.... More
Once their youngest had moved out of home, Martin and Melanie Forer knew it was time to move from their large family property. When an agent called them about a not-yet-listed single-storey brick structure on a 235.7 square metre lot in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, they were quick to make an offer. Although the home came with DA approval for a new terrace-style house, matching the character houses in the area, it wasn’t the dream home they had in mind. Desiring a space of their own, they approached LGDesign to restart the design process.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Martin and Melanie Forer
Location: Woollahra, NSW
Size: 235.7 square metres: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a powder room, art studio and ensuite
Designer: LGDesign
Builder: Leon Skovron
Landscape: Growing Rooms
Despite downsizing, the Forers gave Lisa Goddard, director and principal designer of LGDesign, an extensive brief. They wanted a generously sized home that embraced an open-plan ground floor, and an entertainment area.
Aside from general inclusions, the Forers requested a master bedroom with an ensuite, a second bedroom with an attached bathroom for Melanie’s parents, who frequently visit from interstate, a bedroom and nearby informal play area for their grandchildren, as well as a study and plunge pool.
To top it off they also stipulated upgrading from a single to a double garage, with the development of an art studio and ensuite above for passionate artist, Melanie.
Who lives here: Martin and Melanie Forer
Location: Woollahra, NSW
Size: 235.7 square metres: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a powder room, art studio and ensuite
Designer: LGDesign
Builder: Leon Skovron
Landscape: Growing Rooms
Despite downsizing, the Forers gave Lisa Goddard, director and principal designer of LGDesign, an extensive brief. They wanted a generously sized home that embraced an open-plan ground floor, and an entertainment area.
Aside from general inclusions, the Forers requested a master bedroom with an ensuite, a second bedroom with an attached bathroom for Melanie’s parents, who frequently visit from interstate, a bedroom and nearby informal play area for their grandchildren, as well as a study and plunge pool.
To top it off they also stipulated upgrading from a single to a double garage, with the development of an art studio and ensuite above for passionate artist, Melanie.
Taking these requirements on board, Goddard designed an entirely new plan, including interiors and finishes, for the family. Fourteen months of approvals and building later, the Forers’ luxurious contemporary terrace was ready to welcome them home.
From the outside, the home takes its stylistic cues from the terrace houses that are predominant in the area.
From the outside, the home takes its stylistic cues from the terrace houses that are predominant in the area.
As guests enter the property through the front courtyard, they encounter a handcrafted stone wall behind a series of planter boxes. The stone wall uses a combination of Alpine loose stonewalling and Howqua walling free form by Eco Outdoor.
This is repeated around the fireplace in the living area and again as the backdrop for the plunge pool.
The ground floor plan
The home has a wide, open-plan living area across the ground floor. From the front entrance, the floor plan unfolds to reveal a lounge, a dining area, and a kitchen and living space that open onto a pool and second courtyard.
Goddard used soft linen for all the upholstery fabric in the lounge room, sourced from MCM House.
Goddard used soft linen for all the upholstery fabric in the lounge room, sourced from MCM House.
Goddard chose neutral tones for the home, in order to evoke a natural feel. These hues are further enhanced by a palette of raw materials, including galvanised-steel windows and balustrades, timber floors, beams and decking as well as recycled-timber posts.
This subtle backdrop works to accentuate the art, furniture and sculptural objects displayed in the house.
This subtle backdrop works to accentuate the art, furniture and sculptural objects displayed in the house.
The dining area’s outstanding features include a six-metre green wall extending down its length on one side and a large painting, lit from above, on the opposite side.
The dining area features a French zinc farmhouse table from Parterre.
The dining area features a French zinc farmhouse table from Parterre.
The green wall as seen from the dining room
The powder room is located on the ground floor, beneath the staircase. There is a small skylight recessed above the ceiling line here, which brings light into this spa-like space.
Open pendant light frames by Opinion Ciatti, sourced from Space Furniture, add interest to the space without being obtrusive.
The antique-style wooden bar stools made of Baltic pine are from Fossil Vintage in Byron Bay.
The antique-style wooden bar stools made of Baltic pine are from Fossil Vintage in Byron Bay.
The indoors melt into the outdoors via 2.8 metre floor-to-ceiling steel-framed doors that run off the kitchen and living area.
Here, polished-concrete benchtops combine with handmade splashback tiles to create a laid-back yet textural aesthetic.
Here, polished-concrete benchtops combine with handmade splashback tiles to create a laid-back yet textural aesthetic.
The plunge pool and built-in barbecue area extend off the kitchen and living areas.
Across from the pool is the double garage with the art studio and ensuite above.
Across from the pool is the double garage with the art studio and ensuite above.
The first-floor plan
Upstairs are two bedrooms, the master with an ensuite and the second, where Melanie’s parents often stay, with a full bathroom. The study and a laundry area are also on this floor.
A third bedroom and ensuite are in the attic, which primarily functions as a space for the Forers’ grandchildren to play and sleep in.
A third bedroom and ensuite are in the attic, which primarily functions as a space for the Forers’ grandchildren to play and sleep in.
The master bedroom on the first floor flows into an ensuite, without doors separating the spaces.
Both the floor and wall tiles are tumbled and washed Castro limestone from Onsite Supply & Design. The bath is from Candana.
Both the floor and wall tiles are tumbled and washed Castro limestone from Onsite Supply & Design. The bath is from Candana.
Cleverly positioned skylights feed in sunlight during the day, bathing the indoors in natural light.
The attic level
The Forers have nothing but praise for Goddard’s work. “The house complements our lifestyle and we are amazed by how it fulfils our needs through all the seasonal changes,” says Melanie.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Take a look at last week’s Stickybeak of the Week: A Beach Bungalow Gets a Makeover
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Take a look at last week’s Stickybeak of the Week: A Beach Bungalow Gets a Makeover
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What a lovely home!
Beautiful artistic stylish spacious inviting !
Love the entry!