The Beauty of Curves – Owston Hill by Meaghan White Architect

Subtle and artful expressions of craft await around every corner – and curve – of Owston Hill, a home that is a testament to architect Meaghan White’s creative vision and integration within the thriving local design community.

Built on a corner site that Meaghan purchased in riverside Mosman Park, Owston Hill was a true passion project. As a development, the project was free from any parameters that might arise from an owner’s brief and so is a reflection of Meaghan’sarchitectural approach. “I’m used to designing my own homes and working really closely with clients on theirs,” she says. “Designing for an unknown client really sharpened my focus on a highly flexible design and subtle interior selections.”

Built on a corner site that Meaghan purchased in riverside Mosman Park, Owston Hill was a true passion project.

Situated opposite expansive parklands bordering the local golf club, the home draws on its natural surrounds to create a sanctuary that blurs the line between inside and out. Inspired by the spectacular old gum tree nestled on the eastern side of the home, there is a masterful play of olive, gold and brass throughout – some hues superbly subtle, others brilliantly bold, such as the golden steel staircase that captures and reflects the natural light.

“I’d describe the home as being timeless, neutral in a subtle and powerful way,” says Meaghan. “It gives an owner the opportunity to inject their own personality with bright art and furniture and, in this instance, Mobilia has delivered on point through gorgeous feature pendants and edgy floor coverings.” As an admirer of the work of Perth-based sculptural artist April Pine, Meaghan also enlisted her talents for a series of pieces for the home including ‘Flutter’, a smaller version of her work that featured at Cottesloe’s Sculptures by the Sea in early 2020.

As a development, the project was free from any parameters that might arise from an owner’s brief and so is a reflection of Meaghan’sarchitectural approach.

Centred on the entry doorway, a magnificent Magnolia that flowers in late spring is visible from multiple rooms and angles, consistently tying in the gold and green throughout the design. As the entry hall opens up to the open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, there is nothing that can detract from the spectacular sense of light and greenery that floods the spaces. Expansive glazing is the only border between the living areas and the north-facing garden and pool, which further cements the indoor-outdoor connection.

To the west of the ground floor lie the kitchen, scullery and laundry. There is also access to the garage here, which is painted an evocative dusty pink. An anchoring feature throughout, the white Bowral bricks seamlessly run from inside to out and give a nod to the heritage and affluence of Mosman Park in a modern and contemporary context.

Enjoying uninterrupted views of the garden, pool and parkland beyond via seamless stacking doors, the second level rumpus room maintains its connection with the ground floor living spaces as well as the views beyond. The private master suite and two additional bedrooms on this level all feature their own parkland, river, harbour or ocean views, while a large library wall at the top of the landing sits adjacent to a cosy window seat.

One final ascent of the golden staircase leads to an unexpected, thermally-considerate glass roof hatch that opens up to the rooftop terrace. Extremely private, it captures the very best of the surrounding views of the river, ocean, Fremantle Harbour and Rottnest Island. “The viewing deck is probably one of my favourite spaces in the home – it’s a bit of fun, it’s secluded and makes the most of its location,” Meaghan says.

A firm believer in sustainable design principles, Meaghan incorporated louvres throughout to promote cross ventilation and infuse spaces with gentle natural light. “I hardly ever use air conditioning, and when you’re in a position like this on a hill, there’s very little need for it,” she says. Producing over 10,000kWh in power annually, the latest solar generation and Tesla battery storage technology installed at Owston Hill makes the most of the Perth’s abundant sunshine.

Capturing the natural amenity the site affords, Owston Hill manages to bring park, river or ocean views into every room of the home, while flexible spaces allow for the changing lifestyle needs of its owners throughout the years. Clean and timeless, the neutral backdrop brings more attention to the personal selection of furniture and art, while the continual play of light and shadow across the floors provides its own spectacular show – from sun up to sun down each day.