European and Australian Influences – Grove Residence by MAEK

Grove Residence is a generous family home in Perth’s western suburbs. Designed and built by MAEK, this two-storey home elegantly expresses all the touchpoints of family life through a distinctly contemporary lens.

Located on a quiet, leafy street with easterly views over the Swan River towards Perth’s CBD, this large site held significant appeal to the clients. However, the existing dwelling – which featured no heritage overlay – was outdated and in need of attention. As such, the clients approached MAEK to reimagine the existing home in response to its context. “There are some beautiful heritage homes in Peppermint Grove so there is an aspect of history to the area but there is also a nice mix of contemporary homes,” says MAEK’s Creative Director, Kathryn Sims. Seeking to retain as much of the existing structure as possible, the team removed and rebuilt the first floor to “maximise views out to Swan River” and the interiors of the ground floor were “stripped and replanned”.

Designed and built by MAEK, this two-storey home elegantly expresses all the touchpoints of family life through a distinctly contemporary lens.

MAEK’s approach to the interiors involved creating a highly liveable and serene series of spaces that “embraced the feel of an elegant European lifestyle,” says Kathryn. The European influence stems from the client’s English heritage and his time spent living overseas. Together with his wife – a Perth native – they wanted to imbue a European sensibility into their new family home in Western Australia. As Kathryn says, “the brief was interesting because [the clients] loved a lot of European aspects so they were after cosy nooks and more intimate spaces, whereas Australian design is generally more focused on open plan living.” This proved advantageous for the designers as the existing building envelope offered several opportunities for smaller pockets and nooks that have not only been utilised but embraced in the design. “We were able to work with – not against – the existing structure quite a lot,” Kathryn offers.

Despite these various pockets, Grove Residence is anything but pokey; it expresses a generosity with thanks to deft spatial planning. Entering through the front, a sculptural concrete staircase is a fitting introduction to the home. Its curves are suggestive of the level of grandeur and detail that permeates this project. Further into the house, the kitchen, dining and living areas are coated in a calming palette of materials and tones; there is stone with neutral toned bases, whitewashed timber floorboards and light timber veneer cabinetry.

Entering through the front, a sculptural concrete staircase is a fitting introduction to the home.

This soothing materiality was heavily informed by the clients’ brief for a home that feels like a “tranquil oasis”. The formal dining room speaks back to this concept, yet it is heightened in its realisation. Here, two expansive slabs of Patagonia Quartzite with striking blush and black veining frame a wine cellar finished in polished plaster. “This space is intended for entertaining, so the clients wanted something which would make a big impact and differentiate it from the rest of the home, which is very calm and serene in its materiality,” Kathryn says. This space also features a double-height void, creating a sense of volume that aptly emphasises this room’s character and function.

Given the surrounding landscape and large backyard, creating connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces was imperative. At the rear of the home, large glass windows and doors offer views to a lawned area, swimming pool and tennis court. As Kathryn says, “Peppermint Grove is so quiet and peaceful so even when the clients have the doors open at the back of the house, it still feels very secluded and tranquil.” This sentiment is also reflected upstairs, where the light-filled study space and luxurious master suite share access to a private balcony overlooking the backyard. As Kathryn explains, there was an “emphasis on the master suite being a private getaway,” which has been achieved through a deep consideration for layout, detail and outlook.

Given the surrounding landscape and large backyard, creating connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces was imperative.

Grove Residence is a large dwelling, yet it is teeming with a sense of intimacy that belies its vastness. This effect lies in MAEK’s consideration for detail and spatial planning, resulting in a family home that exudes a calming and welcoming identity fitting for both its locale and its occupants.