Grossmans Residence

by Salt Design Studio

Perched high above the road with a glimpse of the sea, facing rolling farm land and set amongst native bushland, the Grossmans residence is a relaxed family home that melds paired back interiors and refined finishes with high tech home automation to create a coastal haven. Located minutes from Torquay on an acre allotment, the home was designed and built by husband and wife duo [Benj owner of Robbins Electrical and Kiera from Salt Design Studio] to accomodate their growing family and close relatives. The design of the home is sequenced from open communal areas to private retreat; the U shape home wraps around a central northern courtyard, entertaining deck and pool maintaining an integral connection to each other when moving throughout the home and to the landscape beyond. The ground level bedrooms, laundry and garage wrap around the northern courtyard to the west. The master bedroom is located on the second level with views towards Jan Juc and opposing farmland.

A refined interiors palette of natural materials, layered textures and soft harmonious hues inspired by the coastal surroundings makes for a calming sanctuary amoungst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Functional custom built storage and integrated appliances were key in creating a seamless and minimal aesthetic throughout. Floor to ceiling timber framed picture windows allow the internal spaces to be flooded with natural light, literally welcome the outside in with expansive views of the existing native trees and skyline from all vantage points. Lime rendered walls extend beyond the exterior to the centralised staircase and into the main kitchen living space, the warmth and softness the render brings to the space contrasts with its rough sanded texture and the colour ever changing with the play of light over the course of the day. Touch points such as door handles/ hardware and hand rails are considered and crafted from leather or timber finishes. Glass and paper light fittings create reflection and light play that is soft and welcoming. Honed Carrera marble and white washed oak are combined with rippled v-groove joinery in the kitchen and bathrooms to emphasise the repetition of texture and pattern, a continuation of the vertical line and wood grain found in the external cladding. Reclaimed French Oak is used on the stairs that lead to the master suite. Flooring finishes such as boucle wool carpet add dimension and comfort to the bedrooms while honed concrete floors in the main living areas are smooth to touch, providing low maintenance with the added luxury of underfloor heating via a hydronic in slab system. The integrated home automation control of lighting, audio, visual, heating/cooling, window furnishings, security and access adds a high tech element that allows for ultimate functionality and enhances the comfort of everyday living at the touch of a button or smart phone.

The considered design detail, harmonious palette and use of layered materiality communicates a warm and inviting space. The result is a family home that encourages a connection to the wider landscape with plenty of places to play and calming spaces to find sanctuary.