Barkly House

by Dan Gayfer Design

Sitting in a row of classic single fronted two storey Victorian terraces, this residence was in need of a facelift throughout. A new single storey addition at the rear is lavished in natural light, its carefully considered configuration not only delivering on function but also on beautifully curated spaces and detailing. Barkly House is inherent of a number of endearing qualities or ‘flash-points’ that present themselves as an experience, function, aesthetic or even singular detail. From the front entry and approaching the living spaces at the rear, you begin to catch a glimpse of the meticulously detailed steel sliding door through which you access the powder room. The steel white frames are inserted with narrow reeded glass paneling whose texture finds that balance between providing enough privacy without feeling disconnected from your surrounds. The door, complete with custom finger pull and brass fixtures, slides back across a fixed window that sits on the vanity bench top and a porcelain panel below which is in fact the bench top returning vertically to the ground. Entering the powder room, you are met with several highly detailed custom features that, accompanied with the delicate material palette, brings a sense of calm and exclusiveness to the space. The light box integrated into the mirror cabinet is one such feature as is the custom towel rail dowelled into the porcelain vanity face; steel in composition these both partner the sliding door perfectly. A unique combination of textures are provided through the terrazzo tile, narrow reeded glass, matt porcelain and American Oak timber yet the overall character of the powder room is one of elegance that has a calming effect. It is important to note that this material palette is repeated in the upstairs bathroom and powder room thus providing continuity and consistency throughout the house in regard to its interiors.

The techniques in which light is captured for the dining, kitchen and living room are not unique when viewed individually, however, their impact as a collective solution is an impressive one. The aforementioned combination of the light well, skylights and highlight window, together with the exquisite detailing and material selection, elevates these spaces to a captivating level. The vigilant execution of these components within the built form results in spaces lavished in natural light; the bright, light and airy character is charming to say the least. By opening the stacked sliding windows, the kitchen literally extends into the light well, a tiled bench now coming into play as another area to socialise and interact whilst gathered around the island bench. On a beautiful and calm sunny day, this experience of sitting amongst the greenery in what is essentially the kitchen is one to savour, as is the constantly shifting and evolving light and shadowing around you. When considering this houses context, more specifically these spaces being tucked behind a row of two storey terraces, this experience is not only a unique one, but positive in the energy and spirit that flows from it.