Warmly Layered – Elysium by Nickolas Gurtler Office
Overlaying a humanistic approach, the interior spaces of Elysium are given an enrichment through layering textures and variation to create a comfortable and connective family home. Nickolas Gurtler Office breaks down the existing scale of the structure to integrate more intimate moments and combines contrasting and complementary tones throughout.
The bringing together of heritage and modern elements gives Elysium a characterful identity. A combination of textures and finishes adds depth to the otherwise large and imposing spaces of the original home, embedding a more connected sensibility throughout. In reconfiguring the established home, Nickolas Gurtler Office brought an elevation to the spaces with plush and tactile touchpoints. Through crafting sculptural elements that are deep in tone and engaged with daily use, the home becomes its own destination and highlights the vibrancy of the landscape.
As the heart of the home, the kitchen plays a vital role as a key gathering and social space. As a bold statement, a monolithic island bench captures a sense of drama through its comprising parts, whilst a darkened full wall of cabinetry behind reinforces the island as the hero of the space. An overall openness is present within the home, with the new insertions adding a sense of animation and character to the floor plan. A focus on craft and quality is overlaid throughout, ensuring a long-lasting and enduring sensibility.
Wanting to enhance the existing architecture, finishes are applied that modernise the home. Designed through an artisanal lens, polished plaster dons the walls, with its hand application a signifier of patience and quality. Together with aged brass and raw quartzite, the approach takes inspiration from the opulent atmosphere of boutique hotels. Leather, velvet, teak timber and a marble reminiscent of tiramisu combine and make geometric forms. Throughout the home, a formality is mixed with a flexibility of function to allow for the ebb and flow of family life.
A combination of open and closed with dark and light, Elysium sees the transformation of the existing home into one of personal expression. Nickolas Gurtler Office ensures a warmth in contrast to the cooler elements and retains the scale of space.