A Series of Moments – Plateau Project by Rama Architects

Immersed in a leafy plateau and enriched by an Australian modernist theme, Plateau Project centres on creating a journey that connects each space in the home. As such, when renovating what was a small, bygone home, Rama Architects sought to create a family home that is consciously connected through textures and a simple, warm material palette.

Perched high in Bilgola Plateau in Sydney’s northern beaches, a raked ceiling delivers expansive views over bushland and Pittwater, framed with solid timber doors and windows. As the home neighbours the leafy expanse of Angophora Reserve, the client hoped to achieve a sense of anonymity and retreat. The dwelling was designed for fashion photographer Georges Antoni and his partner, and Georges reflects, “the whole idea… was about facilitating an amazing location and foundation for my children and family to spend time together.”

Thomas Martin, director at Rama Architects and the architect for Plateau Project, notes “the inspiration for the house started with an Australian modernism theme, which we can see in the large living space and expression of the rafters.”

Thomas Martin, director at Rama Architects and the architect for Plateau Project, notes “the inspiration for the house started with an Australian modernism theme, which we can see in the large living space and expression of the rafters.” As such, the house plays with curves and lines, and confinement and expanse.

A sense of journey is tangible throughout the home, becoming immediately apparent as you enter – a winding cavernous hallway greets you, curving around and leading to a dramatic reveal of soaring ceilings and exposed rafters. Thomas reflects, “everywhere you look, there is a glimpse or a tease into the next space.” You will then see a turret with brick and masonry walls and a sculptural steel handrail leading upstairs to the sleeping quarters, a courtyard and a pool area. Nourishing this sense of journey and maintaining connectivity between the different rooms relates to Rama Architect’s modernist approach that form follows function. “We need to make the house functional as a priority, as opposed to it looking good,” says Thomas.

Central to the home’s allure is the fireplace from Stoke Fireplace Studio.

The materiality of Plateau Project is defined by a simple yet evocative approach. Bespoke aerated concrete, MicroCrete, and Bauwerk paint feature on bricks throughout. An abundance of natural light reflects on soft MicroCrete floors and walls, creating warmth alongside the raw concrete ceilings. Similarly, vein-cut travertine benchtops feature in the kitchen. “The travertine adds character to the space – almost an artwork in itself – and being quite warm-toned, it was a nice balance between the otherwise light finishes within the house,” says Thomas. Georges also notes, “the textural palette was more important than the colour palette of this house.” He continues, “there are different variations of the one colour… the idea being to create a beautiful, natural, oatmeal style palette. But when you look deeply, you see a whole combination of textures from render to travertine, lime-coated paint and aerated concrete.”

Central to the home’s allure is the fireplace from Stoke. Georges explains, “one of the key considerations when we chose the MODE Tall Gas Fireplace from Stoke is that we had to use gas fireplaces as we reside in a BAL-FZ flame zone.” As well as adding warmth and a cosy ambience to the main living space, the fireplace creates a sense of drama. “As you walk into the living area, you are greeted with a really tall space, and the fireplace accentuates that height,” says Thomas.

The materiality of Plateau Project is defined by a simple yet evocative approach.

Playing with materials, shape and volume, Plateau Project is robust yet soft, bold yet light, confined yet open – this marrying of opposites creating a sense of cohesion and fluidity. As such, Rama Architects enhances a sense of flow between spaces that results in a functional and melodic family home.