Image Credit : SpaceCraft (Thomas Salomon)
Project Overview
A newly built lakefront house in north-west Victoria has been turned into a dream family oasis. Here, elegant design opens the door to life by the water. Wholly sympathetic to its surrounding, this refined residence melds functionality, comfort and liveability.
The clients had a long history with the existing home and site, having already enjoyed it as a holiday retreat with extended family and friends over the years. They wanted to distil these memories into the new build while elevating the residence to a sophisticated place they could one day retire to. Maximising the ability to accommodate and host large groups was therefore a key consideration when designing the residence. What also became apparent was that the couple needed both their wishes met and incorporated by the design interpreting the wife’s feminine side while subtly referencing the husband’s masculine taste.
The interiors needed a design that yielded the peaceful nature of the location. Taking cues from lake house design, where the surrounding environment informs the built form and interiors, the selection of materials naturally followed. The simplicity of the palette allowed the focus to be on the resilience and practicality of each element.
Alter Space has designed the Lake Boga Residence to meet the client’s aspirations, creating a comfortable, timeless interior which is finely balanced between connecting to the land and facilitating the owner’s lifestyle.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Interior Design & Furnishing - Alter Space Interiors
Building Design - EDG.space
Construction - Ash Roberts Homes
Photoshoot Styling - Arch Melbourne
Photography - SpaceCraft (Thomas Salomon)
Project Brief
The brief focused on hosting and accommodating the client’s extended family, while also having a luxurious space to entertain friends and enjoy on their own. The clients were very keen to integrate technology, given their approaching retirement.
Alter Space reworked several aspects of the floor plan layout to ensure the zoning and traffic flow was most efficient. Placement of windows and doorways, together with ceiling heights were also adjusted to optimise light, joinery design and window treatments.
The ground floor was zoned for guests to be comfortably hosted, consisting of two guest bedrooms with their own bathrooms, study areas and ample storage for clothing and linen. A murphy bed is concealed in custom joinery in the dedicated rumpus area for the grandkids. The entire first floor was designed as an elegant self-contained couple's retreat. A fully equipped kitchenette caters for a drink on the balcony while the adjacent study space accommodates working from home.
Given their focus on entertaining, the efficiency of having ZIP-taps in both the butler's pantry and upstairs kitchenette was a must. The bar features a commercial ice-making machine and wine fridges ensuring cool drinks are always on hand. Motorised window treatments were specified, as was a drying cabinet to assist with the extra washing that ensues.
The result sees an elevated interior not only visually but exceptional in meeting all requirements for this vibrant family to cherish and fill with boisterous gatherings anew.
Project Innovation/Need
The building and landscape were undeniably linked in this project. The location celebrated a slower pace of life, while the owners’ vibrant lifestyle propelled the design intent to meet those functional demands. By incorporating elements of the surrounding environment into the design the outcome has been a successful creation of a cutting-edge interior that reflects the land in which it resides.
The concept was developed and inspired by lakeside getaways, with pastel-hued horizons, sandy textures, and softer, nuanced tones. Alter Space selected the exterior brick type and colours down to every detail of the interior with the landscape in mind to ensure the connection was made. The colour palette is composed of soft cream tones, light browns, gold and hints of aged iron.
Beautifully honed Taj Mahal quartzite, selected for its durability and connection to the nearby Murray River, is featured throughout the kitchen, butler's pantry and living area. Sand, clay and salt define the geology of the river, which informed much of the colour selection. Similarly, the powder-room wallpaper imitates the weeping gums along the banks of the river.
Light materials and finishes used throughout the communal spaces, with fewer furniture pieces in large scale, allow the interior to seamlessly connect with the surrounding landscape, anchored by the living room picture window providing spectacular views of the lake.
Design Challenge
Engaged in February 2021 with the slab already poured, there were increasing design challenges faced due to the pandemic, the regional proximity and plans having been finalised.
The timeframe increased, with delays in materials, compounded by the nature of building in a regional location. Although it became a complex task to maintain some of the specified materials, as those available locally became the most efficient choice, Alter Space continued to oversee any substitution to conserve the conceptual integrity of the project, making sure it was executed to the highest standard and reflected the concept.
Communication with the client and suppliers had to be done remotely, which imposed another obstacle to overcome in the fast-evolving procedural changes. Alter Space had to develop a very good working relationship with the builder to ensure the design intent stayed true to the concept and technical drawings, with frequent communication over video calls, text messages and emails. The builder’s approach was outstanding and without his full collaboration, the project wouldn’t have been the success it is.
Lastly, selections of soft furnishings, furniture, and fittings, during the final stages of the project, were tremendously impacted by stock availability and delivery delays not only due to the pandemic but more recent floods in the area, blocking access from Melbourne for weeks. Alter Space was able to positively navigate through all challenges and the outcome has been truly rewarding.
Sustainability
Due to the geographical location of the project and to the client’s connection with the local community, we maximised sourcing of materials and services from the nearby city of Swan Hill. In doing so, we were able to promote local regional businesses, shorten our supply chain and reduce carbon emissions. Apart from material selections, elements such as water consumption, power efficiency and cross ventilation were considered due to their sustainability impact.
The design considered passive heating and cooling elements, utilising natural air-flow and light as much as possible. The layout of the living areas and sleeping zones were well considered and altered from the original home. The orientation of the living area glazing was specifically considered, together with the choice of window treatment to enhance the overall energy efficiency and comfort. Everyday home appliances were chosen not only to cater to the client but for their energy efficiency and quality. The durability and longevity of all elements of the design were key to ensure there would be no need for replacement in the years to come. The result is a modern Australian home with a striking interior, integrated natural light and empathetic to its environment.
Interior Design - Residential
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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