Layered Richness – Saddle Club by Rigney Scerri Architects and Swee Design
Taking inspiration from an Argentinian polo club, Saddle Club draws on a connection to rich history and expresses texture and tactility throughout. Rigney Scerri Architects and Swee Design layer a series of balanced contrasts to elevate the multi-level family home, fusing the custom hotel experience together with a residential familiarity.
Spread over four levels, the generous family home sits nestled into the residentially rich Brighton and combines its coastal proximity together with connections to the city views beyond. Drawing on a family lineage and involvement with the equestrian community, the home embraces an opportunity to embed a sense of self and allow a personal expression. Signalling a change from a previous Victorian-era home, leaving all previous furniture behind, the new chapter allowed for a newly conceived and custom approach that reflected its occupants. With architecture and interior design by Rigney Scerri and styling and interior furnishings by Swee Design, Saddle Club is aptly enriched by the considered and the detailed.
Initially encased in harder materials and finishes, the gesture of layering became an important principle that drove the various outcomes. Due to the size of the home and the need for each bedroom to have an accompanying living and rest space, the design took inspiration from hotel design. Instead of segregating the living, sleeping and convening areas of the home, the spaces are instead divided into zones. Each zone then becomes its own self-contained space, allowing for sleeping, retreat and recharge, for each of the family member to cultivate in their own way. The various connections between inside and out allow for a crossover of function as needed and for the expansion and contraction of spaces, accommodating differing levels of intimacy.
Although the budget was relatively reserved in relation to the scale of the home, the resolve does not feel in any way compromised. A balance was created both in the overall approach and selections, ensuring the entirety of the home was captured. Supporting local and Australian made designers as much as possible, ensuring the home felt consistent in its approach throughout all of the spaces and dedicated zones was key. Leather, timber, various metals and woven elements are all brought together in the various settings, using saturated punches of colour to balance more muted base features. Warm and enriching materials have been selected that hint at subtle movement of surfaces as they engage with light and allow for a feeling of immersion at the same time.
Drawing on a passion of its owners, Saddle Club reflects a love of richness and connection. Rigney Scerri and Swee Design carefully balance the unique coastal surrounds and a feeling of openness.
