Stop and Stair — S&A Stairs in Wimbledon Avenue by Taylor Pressly Architects by Taylor Pressly Architects in Collaboration with Penfold
An unmissable presence in its streetscape, the façade of Wimbledon Avenue is an audacious and uncommon statement of artfully arranged brickwork. Skewing the typical presentation of straight block forms, the disruption and distortion of linear brick and mortar begets a delightfully fluid expression of softened curves. Continued within, an interplay between bends and square angularity plays out, culminating in the home’s conjunctive centrepiece – a staircase by S&A Stairs that unfolds to connect the passage between floors.
The power of Wimbledon Avenue’s frontage lies within rectilinear constituents that translate into an organic ecosystem of meandering motion. Richly reddened blocks journey between white strokes, appearing to warp the fabric of reality like a render of three-dimensional spacetime. Winding to encapsulate the entryway, the home’s movement is enticing, with a visual pull that draws visitors naturally to its doorstep. Sinking into the invitation, a black front door opens, granting passage to another world off the street – the inhabitants’ personal portal of peaceful respite.
Bolstered by backgrounds in property development, owners Katie and Dave Penfold took an involved role in the ideation of their striking Elwood home. Effortlessly displayed in the final form is a robust foundation focusing on design and sustainability – in addition to the use of recycled bricks, the home also achieved over a 7-star energy rating. “We established a strong vision for the overall outcome we wanted to achieve for the home,” Dave says. “We had the butter paper out before commencing work with our architect, Taylor Pressly, to look at how we could optimise the use of the land and develop the framework of a floor plan and brief that we wanted to achieve.”
Informing its design and materiality is the home’s recognition and connection to context. Katie explains that “as part of our vision we also wanted to acknowledge the art deco history of Elwood in the exterior design and introduce curves, red recycled bricks as a feature, and other materials consistent with this era externally, while introducing curves and some of these materials into the home.”
Indeed, standing with a hearty presence, the helical staircase is a commanding moment of interjection, though very much cohesive with its neighbouring elements.
Instrumental in realising the plans were several professional connections that proved marvellously fruitful in creating Wimbledon Avenue’s resulting manifestation. Speaking of Melbourne Construction Management’s Cameron Grahame, Dave recounts that Cameron “did an amazing job on the build, not just from a quality perspective but also identifying opportunities to refine and improve detailing as we progressed through construction, effectively building it like he would his own home.” Drawing on a selection of premium suppliers, the couple engaged Apaiser for vanity tops, Signorino for stone benchtops and tiles, Miele for appliances and, pivotally, S&A Stairs. “One key element we spent considerable time and effort to get right was the centre courtyard and feature stair delivered superbly by S&A Stairs, which is the hero of the home,” Katie says.
Indeed, standing with a hearty presence, the helical staircase is a commanding moment of interjection, though very much cohesive with its neighbouring elements. Seamlessly continuing skyward from a foundation of timber floorboards, Dave describes that “the detailing of the curved stair incorporating shadow lines in the risers and hardwood to seamlessly match the parquetry floor was delivered beautifully as it winds around the curved plasterboard as a cylindrical column to link ground and first floor.” Telling of his delight working with the design concept of Wimbledon Avenue, Joel Acquroff, Director of Sales & Marketing at S&A Stairs details, “we also love the way that the Penfolds repeated the curved theme throughout the house. The all-brick façade – which is something you’d imagine to be rough and harsh – is so soft and inviting. It’s the same with the stairs. We used the curve to make it comfortable in the space. To throw shadows at different times of the day. To be dynamic in the space.”
The consideration of the stair’s spirited life cycle throughout the day sees a display of pattern dance through expansive glazing as an animated art piece.
The consideration of the stair’s spirited life cycle throughout the day sees a display of pattern dance through expansive glazing as an animated art piece. Sunlight is thrown through from a luscious planting in the central courtyard, playing a pivotal role in the experience of the home. With sightlines extending unobstructed from the master bedroom through to the courtyard, beyond the living space and right across the grounds to the boundary, there is not a centimetre ignored, the space openly allowing itself to be intimately seen at all times – and for good reason. Revealed to the prospecting eye is a dance of contrasting geometries, with every moment so well balanced and thoughtfully arranged.
From the broad horizon lines of the kitchen to the natural palette of living room furnishings blending into the flooring as if naturally grown in place, there is a simple suggestion of elevated expense. Robust yet housing ethereality, the home’s bathrooms present impactful and artistic moments of considered design with a plentiful presence of harmonising curves, gilded fittings and perfect little pearls of light peppered about.
Summarising his experience, Dave declares that “we loved the development process. From design to completion, working with key collaborators was ultimately critical in delivering a beautiful family home, built to the highest standards using a considered mix of materials and premium finishes, that are both sufficiently robust to survive the rigours of a hectic family life with three boys and entertaining friends and family – whether inside or around the pool and outdoor area.” Masterfully created, Wimbledon Avenue speaks to an enthralling elegance that is refined in its execution and tells a tale of uncommon intrigue with its characteristic curved features.