JJ's ideas and colour combinations
Joint Winner: Courtyard House by Rob Henry Architects Location: Curtin, ACT Architect’s description: Courtyard House illustrates that with ingenuity in material recycling and a strong underpinning of environmental principles, a new dwelling can address sustainability on a modest budget. It sits in a site of established trees at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The design of the new dwelling was strongly influenced by site constraints and a desire to deliver a northerly orientation to all living areas and bedrooms. The footprint is square in form, with a space carved out of its core. The central courtyard is integral to the light quality, natural ventilation and connectivity of spaces within the dwelling. Glazing on all sides of the courtyard allows natural light to filter into living spaces throughout the day, enhances night purging in summer, and offers filtered views through greenery to other parts of the house; allowing occupants to feel connected when inhabiting different areas.
Architect’s description: A graphically simple composition, Red Hill House has been designed with a singular approach to architecture, interiors and landscape. Concealed from the street by mature hedges, the residence is entered from a forecourt. A double-height entry foyer leads to formal living spaces that open onto a park-like garden. An elongated, single-level pavilion accommodates garaging to the east, and family living spaces to the west. A loggia connects to a pool, steam room and gym. The upper level of the house accommodates six bedrooms with bathrooms. A basement level accommodates additional parking and service areas. Living spaces open to the exterior through expansive glazed openings. Pale white walls and limestone flooring create a palette of calm restraint. An atmosphere of quiet luxury is further enhanced by accents of dark-stained American oak and sandblasted stone walls.
SA Architecture Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Winner of the John S Chappel Award: Sugar-Gum House by Architects Ink Location: Willunga, SA Architect’s description: This home’s architectural form and limited materials palette sit harmoniously within the rural character of its surrounds. The gradient of the site and the need to maintain two significant sugar-gum trees determined the scale and location of the house. Its compact footprint is zoned with bedrooms on the lower level and living areas above, addressing the main view and upper-road level. Working with the steep terrain, the house is built into the site to reduce its impact while maximising the westerly outlook to McLaren Vale and the sea beyond. The result is an environmentally friendly, light-filled home with a strong connection to its site, using the latest technical efficiencies in heating and cooling integrated with passive principles.
Ever-smarter homes New smart-home technologies and the potential lifestyle improvements they promise are developing rapidly. As battery storage becomes more efficient and affordable, solar panels have transformed from ugly, retrofitted roof panels to fully integrated composite solar tiles that blend seamlessly into your roofline and generate electricity, hot water, and provide thermal insulation.
Some good ideas in this article
Floor to ceiling windows look good
Nice and light small split level
Nice split-level x 2 steps
Great staircase
Pair them with: Luxe materials such as velvet and marble mixed with raw, natural materials including timber, rattan and raffia. Accessorise them with: Eclectic and tribal pieces, woven rattan, tan leather, soft fur throws, beaded or cane pendant lights, statement wallpaper, forest-green bedlinen and artwork with a tropical feel.
Key colours: Taubmans’ Night Watch (a deep green), Ionian (an earthy neutral), Burano Peach (a peach shade), Dusky Taupe (an earthen hue), and Rusty Rail (a rust shade). Where to use these colours: Consider painting your kitchen island or a feature piece of joinery in Night Watch and keep the rest of the scheme neutral; then add accents of the same deep-green shade throughout the rest of your home. Or, consider bathroom tiles in a deep, forest green or a feature wall in a bedroom or living room.
mages feature its Colour of the Year 2019: Night Watch. 4. Wild, forest hues Taubmans chose Night Watch – a deep, sophisticated green – as their colour of the year for 2019. It’s a sumptuous shade that pairs beautifully with a variety of different tones, including peach, rust and taupe, says Taubmans’ colour consultant, Grace Garrett. “Green is a colour we’ll be seeing more of in 2019, from forest to sea foam and all shades in between,” she says. It’s easy to see the appeal, Garrett adds. “From a psychological perspective, green creates an equilibrium between the head and the heart, which is perfect for creating a space that encompasses balance and harmony.” The beauty of Night Watch lies in its versatility, says Garrett. “It works equally well with a glamorous Deco-inspired look or the eclectic and tribal trends. We are also seeing deep shades of indigo, violet, terracotta, dirty burgundy and dirty mustard coming through for 2019,” she says. “Together, they create a warm, earthy and sophisticated feel in your interior.”
Key colours: Wattyl’s grey-green shades including Rhino, and a sage-green hue such as Cloud. For pinks, turn to Nougat and Peahen Egg. Where to use these colours: Relaxed dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms with plenty of natural light. The palette also works well on exteriors as it blends in beautifully with the natural environment.
Shelving on wall
mage by Wattyl Stephenson says: For a rustic, Insta-worthy look, think exposed brickwork, matt ceramics, oversize lighting and matt ceramics.
How should I style rooms with a warm-neutral colour scheme? Trippett says: Layer embroidered fabrics or other interesting pieces, such as antique carpets, for a cosy and visually engaging feel. Add in furniture and accessories in natural materials, such as stone, timber and marble. For upholstery and scatter cushions, think a natural fabric such as linen. Consider grasscloth wallpaper on the walls for textural interest.
Where do they work best? “Earthy tones often feel quite relaxed, making them a great choice for family rooms, living rooms and kitchens,” says Lucena-Orr. “They can also look amazing on the exterior of a home as they scheme beautifully with natural timber, stone and brick.” Rich earthy neutrals can be a great choice for rugs, sofas, armchair upholstery or small accessories such as scatter cushions. But it’s generally best to go paler if you want to use earthy neutrals across large expanses, such as walls, says Lucena-Orr: “You can use earthy neutrals as the main colour in a room, but opt for light or mid-tones.”
Do rustic neutrals like white? “Yes,” says Lucena-Orr. “Most neutrals, including earth-based ones, pair beautifully with white. The most important thing is that they have the same undertone – pair a warm neutral such as terracotta or tan with a warm white.”
And which metallics? “Gold, copper and bronze accents will add warmth and sophistication to an earthy, neutral scheme,” says Trippett. “Metallics with a matt finish work best with this look,” adds Stephenson.
What colours should I pair earthy neutrals with? Stephenson says: Combine rust with bottle green and navy for a deep, dramatic look. For a more rustic look, mix caramel and terracotta with soft green. Lucena-Orr says: Try pairing a soft pink with a soft green for a light, fresh look.
Soft pinks
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