Layered spaces are an important aspect of
Asian aesthetics, and this design, which flows
from indoors to outdoors and then back inside
again, is in keeping with this concept. Beyond
the great room, a terrace provides an open view
of the seaside setting. In poor weather, large
pocket sliders can enclose the space and provide
protection from the wind and rain.
While light pours into the great room from
the openings to the courtyard and deck, it also
enters through the internal wood shutters, and
the pop-up roof. The red lacquer finish on key
joinery elements is a typical oriental accent, and
similar tones are seen in the clay roof tiles and
brickwork in the courtyard.
“Apart from these red highlights, most
of the home is in stained natural wood,” says
Barda. “This is not only an appropriate Asian
treatment, it is also practical for a coastal
setting, where the glare from the sun and sea
can be overwhelming.”
Barda designed several important elements
in the home such as the four-poster bed in the
master suite that features original bedposts from
Thailand. A custom dining table was also commissioned to match the antique dining table.
“I also designed a motif reminiscent of a
traditional lattice screen, which recurs throughout the house. And we created the decorative
feature over the fireplace in the great room that
conceals the television.”
The house is also designed to work well
for entertaining. For example, the kitchen is
on show to the dining area, but has been given
a furniture-like appeal with the inclusion of a
large stone island. A raised back on this element
provides a bar front or landing space, but also
screens clutter from view.
A lift links the six stepped buildings. The
last of these functions more as a beach cottage
for guests, only partly connected to the main
structure of the house.
Preceding pages: The great room is
the main public space in the house.
Authentic beams, wooden shutters,
a timber batten ceiling and many
Asian artefacts all work together to
create a home that looks and feels as
if it is in another country.
These pages: Classic ceiling fans
supplement natural cross ventilation
in the large volume, which has
pocket doors at both ends. A lamp
stand in the form of a tree trunk
offers a whimsical touch.
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