Australian House & Garden — June 2017

Bed

Bath

Wardrobe

Garage Workshop

Study

Studio

Laundry

Shower

Entry

Bath PantryStoreBath

Bed

Bed

Bed

Bath

Kitchenette

HOUSES HG

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN| 97

BACKYARDfrom leftAndrew, Lynne and Aaron enjoy the

warmth of the home’s northern orientation. With its back

turned to the road, all the significant rooms face the bush.

GUESTROOMA bright space to wake up in. For similar

timber bed, try Domayne. Linen, Pure Linen. Vase, Georg Jensen.

KITCHENETTEThis handy feature helps guests to make

themselves athome. Sink and tap, Sea of White. Eames chair,

Living Edge. Teapot, Georg Jensen. Cushions, Ultimo Interiors.

GUEST LIVINGDurable concrete flooring has been tinted

with Onyx 44 oxide from Concrete Colour Solutions. Sofa,

King Living. Cushion, Ultimo Interiors. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs.

GUEST BATHROOMMore high-contrast oak and black

elements ensures continuity. Basin, Rogerseller. Tap, Astra

Walker. Tiles, Surface Australia.For Where to Buy, see page 188.

‘My parents were drawn to the

idea of imperfection in nature and

howmaterialschangeovertime

• that’s how country houses are.’
  Aaron King, principal designer

<“My parents wanted a family home but a different take on it,” says Aaron,

interior architectandprincipal designer on the project. “The idea is that

you have somewhere to meet in the middle, but you can also get out of

each other’s hair if the grandchildren are running wild.”

The entrance is through a courtyard shielded by limestone columns; its

deck continues through the house and surrounds the main living area,

which juts out into the landscape. Here, the take on native trees and shrubs

through 3m-high glass doors sets the tone for the home. “We used natural

materials that referenced the bush and others that would blend into the

landscape,” says Aaron. “The spotted-gum deck at the front will silver off,

the cladding on the wings will fade to charcoal, and the Corten steel will

mellow to a taupey-purple. The whole building will soften with age.”

Inside, the couple were after a modern look, though not one coldly

minimal. “It’s a country house and we wanted to display objects, art, pots,

pans and bigger vases,” says Lynne. “We didn’t want it all sleek and hidden

away.” To cope with the dust, mud, kids and firewood coming in, Aaron

specified a “rural-proof” concrete floor and warmed it with American-oak

cabinetry. The end result was voted 2017 Best Country Home in the region’s

Master Builders-Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards. Andrew is well

aware of his home’s merits. “It doesn’t look perched, it’s nestled,” he says.

“It feels peaceful, comfortable and at one with the bush.” #

The Colour Royale Design Group,Perth and South West, WA;

0409 955 183 or http://www.thecolourroyale.com.

FEATURE PLANTS

ENTRANCE

Bower wattle

(Acacia cognata)

Cotton head

(Conostylis candicans)

BACKYARD

Viburnum

Sir Walter

buffalo grass

THE LAYOUT

Dining

Kitchen

Living