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Natural Materiality – Andrews Place II by Milieu Creative
Designed to reflect the calm, laidback ambience of beachside Cottesloe in Perth, Andrews Place II is a sanctuary that adapts to the needs of a busy young family and connects them constantly to the outdoors. Milieu Creative’s clean, uncomplicated design aesthetic embodies natural textures, including Eco Outdoor’s Chambon travertine underfoot.
Located in the serene beachside suburb of Cottesloe in Perth, Andrews Place II possesses a strong sense of connection to place, echoing the client’s experience of connecting to the land growing up on a Western Australian sheep farm. Architect Milieu Creative was briefed to create a residential sanctuary that would adapt to the demands of busy family life and would coax family members outdoors with a sublime combination of framed views and a centrally positioned outdoor entertainment space, along with a pool and outdoor shower. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly within the clean, simple lines of the residence, where a natural material palette is amplified by the abundance of natural light, courtesy of the home’s south-west aspect.
Those exactingly curated natural materials are integral to the home’s sense of timeless artistry and connection to place. “We wanted to re-create the experience of farm living underfoot to reflect the client’s connection to regional WA,” says Davina Bester, Managing Director at Milieu Creative. Eco Outdoor’s Chambon travertine flooring was the ideal response, and is a unifying feature, bridging the divide between indoors and outdoors. “The Chambon flows throughout, blurring the lines between interior and exterior and encouraging people to take off their shoes to experience its robust tactility.” It contributes to the home’s sense of unity, where rooms naturally extend into one another, fostering a fluid transition between various living areas.
The travertine’s subtle colour forms the base of a soothing, neutral palette and has a textural richness that will develop with time. “The quality of the product amplifies the feeling of timelessness and solidity,” says Davina. “It provides a strong foundation to ground the rest of the home.” That palette also incorporates rammed earth (which forms a wall that rises from the entrance to the first floor, creating a kind of central spine), cedar, walnut and quartzite that are cleverly layered throughout the spaces, creating a holistic experience. Combined, these elements amplify the sense of calm that pervades the home’s design.
The outdoor spaces are integral to what makes Andrews Place II a haven for this growing family. Eco Outdoor furniture sits in harmony with the surrounds while enhancing the spaces’ functionality. “Responding to the WA climate and the client’s focus on outdoor living, we punctuated these spaces with the Burleigh daybed and Bronte dining table,” says Davina. “Their teak construction allows them to weather beautifully while withstanding the elements.” With its clean lines and generous proportions, the Burleigh daybed translates natural materiality into a luxurious seating experience. The Bronte dining table – in teak and galvanised steel – is designed to maximise the comfort of eating outdoors. “Each piece adds to the feel of resort-style living.”
Clean-lined, lean, sun-filled and with a light environmental footprint, Andrews Place II delivers the architectural vision of Milieu Creative: a robust retreat overflowing with organic influences that create a holistic union. Utilising natural materials from Eco Outdoor – considered extensions of the Cottesloe landscape – the home allows its occupants to live in active appreciation of the nature on their doorstep.
