Trends New Zealand Volume 34 No 4 | Page 32

Previous pages: With wall-hung vanities to the left and to the right, the freestanding tub draws the eye in this master suite transformation by whole-house renovation architects Shawn and Edward Alshut. The floor- to-ceiling solar blinds directly behind the tub create a rich textural backdrop, accentuated by hidden LED lighting. Above: Existing stained oak floors in the master bedroom inspired the dark-toned porcelain tiles in the adjacent renovated bathroom. search | save | share at A Zen-like retreat that reflects the design of the rest of the home and offers plenty of storage was the request to architects Shawn and Edward Alshut for this master bathroom renovation. Before the renovation could commence, an external stair and mechanical lift were built to enable all materials to be brought in through a large second floor window – avoiding damage to the existing interior, says Shawn Alshut. “We then stripped back all the surfaces to the studs and installed laser-accurate substrates to support the room’s exacting final tile design.” The bathroom has a strong, simple layout with his and her vanities and wall cabinets to the sides when entering from the master bedroom. A freestanding tub creates a focal point under the windows at the end of the room. The shower and toilet are set to the left and right of this. A Zen-like serenity was achieved through refined, textural finishes and choice of high-end Dornbracht and Hansgrohe fixtures. Various surfaces link the space to the rest of the home. “The dark ceramic floor tile provides visual continuation of the stained oak floor in the master bedroom, while a zone of textured tile offers slip resistance in the tub and shower areas,” says