Unexpected Things: William Smart at Home

William Smart, director at Smart Design Studio, reveals the unexpected things in his Sydney home, Stokes 14.

Perhaps one of the most striking design features of Stokes 14 is its vaulted shape. “When people walk into the space they are often in awe, and I haven’t tired of watching their faces light up as they see this quite unconventional space. I think it’s because it’s not square and the walls aren’t vertical,” reflects Smart. “We made the vault by laying bricks over a timber frame and then spraying them with a very thin layer of concrete. This vault is structurally self-sufficient, so it’s a perfect structural shape and I think that’s part of its beauty – it’s so pure in its geometry,” he continues.

Materiality is dominated by subtle finishes that often go unnoticed but have a significant impact.

Somehow, large windows sit harmoniously within the distinct, angular shape of the home. “One of the biggest challenges on this project was installing the windows above,” says Smart. To achieve this, the windows were cut from a large sheet in quite unusual shapes. The difficult part was getting these shapes to fit in the openings, like a puzzle. For Smart, watching the windows get installed was “too stressful” and admits he had to leave after just half an hour.

Materiality is dominated by subtle finishes that often go unnoticed but have a significant impact. For example, the bricks used are Bowral Chillingham from Bowral Bricks, which are glued together in a way that means one can’t see the mortar joints. “This gives a lovely layer and texture to the room. Kind of subtle to see, but when you know its there, it’s very beautiful,” notes Smart.

The unexpected things found within Stokes 14 extend to furniture and decor, like a coffee table that doubles as a television.

The unexpected things found within Stokes 14 extend to furniture and decor, like a coffee table that doubles as a television. “We couldn’t hang a television on the wall even if we tried, because the walls aren’t vertical, so we designed a coffee table to lift up like a giant laptop and inside we have the television, a soundbar and trays for food,” says Smart. Similarly, an art stand designed especially for the apartment, as it is difficult to hang art on the vertical walls, seems to float within the space. “We like the idea of layering the space with things that float in the room, and I think the design of this art piece, where one element is just laid next to each other, but done beautifully, is the epitome of our design essence,” notes Smart.

Of all the features in William Smart’s home, the staircase is his favourite. “It is completely freestanding, so it’s supported off one column at the base and it spirals up through the building without touching the sides, which allows light to come up or go down to the level below,” says Smart. Made of steel with stone laid on the steps like pavers, the staircase is almost an art piece in itself.

A study in brave and innovative design, Stokes 14 by Smart Design Studio reveals the power of paying attention to the smaller details, functionality and those all-important first impressions.

Architecture and interior design by Smart Design Studio. Build by A J Bristow and Sons. Landscape design by Fieldwork. Engineering by Northrop. Joinery by Interex Custom Joinery. Artwork by Bianca Chang, T-yong Chung, Peter De Potter, Dung Ming-Ling, Mike Parr, Todd Robinson and Coen Young.