Other Elements

The steel in this house is just wonderful. I seriously love steel. It might even be a third in my top 10 of materials. Concrete is no. 1 (you knew that right) and I think timber would have to be no. 2. So, yep, steel would be 3.

The other elements I seriously admire in the house are the hand cut tiles, both in the kitchen and the bathroom. There is something so perfect about the way they're not perfect. 

Images by tim van de velde via owi

Beguilingly Simple

When I was talking about corten being one of my favourite building materials the other day, it reminded me of this stunning slice of Australian architecture that was featured on Australian Grand Designs, Callignee II. The manifestation of Chris Clarke's determination to never again experience the loss of his home to bushfire.

It is the reincarnation of Callignee I which was burnt to the ground only six days after it was completed, during the devastating Black Saturday bush fires that raged through Victoria in 2009. As a result of his loss, this home was built by Chris to be bullet (and fire) proof.

Apart from admiring his determination and amazing achievement, I particularly love the aesthetic of this country home, and of course, the material palette. Steel, concrete and recycled timbers. It seriously does not get much better.

One of my favourite details is that island bench. The bench is part of the remains from Callignee I. Built of mitred steel "I" beam and poured concrete, it is a beguilingly simple, but a stunning construction.

Images from home beautiful

Gorgeous Material

So you know concrete and timber are a given with me, but have you gleaned yet how much I admire and adore corten steel?

We use it a lot in landscape architecture for art work, structures and signage, but this residential application is seriously making me wonder how I can fit this gorgeous material into my nirvana of materials at the 60's splendour.I have concrete - check, timber- check, painted white brick - check. But sadly, no corten.

I do however love the injection of it in the garden space here, in the garden beds and as a sexy weathered skin to the pool. Filing this away for the time in twenty years when the interior of the 60's splendour is finished and I then turn my attention to the garden. Perhaps a fire pit area is on the cards.

Images from interior zine

Velvet To Golden

Well, do I need to explain why I love this so much? If you pop in here regularly, then I most likely don't.

So I'll tell you a few of the added bonuses that really got me. The Platner chairs and their ethereal lightness even though they're steel and sturdy, they really add a fine intricate detail to the space. The craftsmen timber pieces throughout that bring warmth to the space. The tactile textiles everywhere, from plum velvet to golden faux. And finally who could not help but love Kate. Well, I certainly can't.

Images from elle decoration

Centre Stage

This gorgeous home by architect Anna Noguera is gob smacking. Don't you think. The original stone has been left on the centre stage and beautifully supported by corten steel, cement render, timber and off-form concrete.

Looking at the mix of timber and polished concrete floors, timber beams and a solid dose of simple black + white cabinetry; this place has my hand in the air waving "pick me, pick me''. This is my kind of heaven.

The materials themselves are beautiful, but the brilliant way they've been used here, like the corten skin running up the stairwell balanced with timber treads and the stunning formed bath are master strokes.

But given the field I work in, I can't help but drool over the fine construction outdoors. The original stone walled garden has been left specifically sparse, with an incredible pool sunken along the perimeter. Amazing construction.

Images via dezeen

Cool Modern

The clean lines of this home are brilliant. The simplicity provides a cool modern edge, but the use of timber throughout and the gorgeous original steel windows prevent this home from being anything but warm.

The clever lighting design throughout and a smattering of modern art add serious kudos to this clever design work.

Images by darren chung