3D.
I design 3D spaces because the world is not flat.
I love to design spaces because they create a feeling and experience for the user. For me, it's about innovating the seamless intersection between functionality and modern aesthetics.
The project.
A mate of mine had a simple task: design an extension to his garage that included a kitchenette, shower and bathroom.
I designed a 60's coastal style, open-planned modern kitchen, complete with a wet room, entertaining deck, and bathroom. The extension follows the structure of the existing garage and simply extends to the back of the property. A wing is added into the backyard.
I created the space using Sketchup to conceptualise my ideas and to visualise my design from every angle. For viewing purposes, the roof has been removed.
Through a series of interviews, I narrowed down my design direction to two key needs: to be a free flowing space, and to utilize natural light where possible.
A closer look at the space.
I always aspire to help people visualise and understand what I'm creating. I design spaces for specific purposes, but my favorite part is creating the details that give it life. Let's look at it room by room.
The Kitchenette.
The kitchenette is an Aussie dad's dream: an indoor cooking area that readily opens to the backyard and pool for a hot summer's day of sausage sizzles.
It features floor to ceiling windows that act as doors, as well as a functional entertaining bench with storage cupboards underneath.
I designed the chairs and lights to give my client an idea of how he could use and furnish this new space.
The Wetroom and Ensuite.
Just like the kitchenette, I designed this particular area to be flexible and in an open planned style. I wanted this room to be a transition area for the upstairs space and also a changing area after a swim in the pool.
The ensuite is perfect for guests and features a simple, clean and functional space for the user.
The shower is styled like a change room, open-planned and with a dividing wall to create enough privacy for the user showering.
I love to work with dark areas and contrast. The furnishing of bright accessories such as the vertical garden and towels help me to create a sophisticated and fun environment for the user.
The details are what bring my design to life. Its the final touches that aim to show the personality of the space I've created.
To me, a 3D space is like a giant artistic collage, a collision of textures and forms. Here, I modelled a marble hexagonal tile with a simple rectangular limestone pattern.
The entertaining deck.
The upstairs space wasn't one of the requirements for this project but I always strive to make every space useful. I came to my client with the idea of designing an outdoor deck that overlooked his backyard, and was inspired by his request to utilise natural light.
This entertaining area became his favourite part of the entire design. He was most excited about having a beer on the sun chair on a summer's afternoon.
This specific area is accessed by a skylight which also serves as a window, like a secret door that goes up to an attic.It encourages natural light and allows the outside and inside environments to merge.
As a designer, I know that its important to consider the environment of the project. Knowing that the Australian sun can have a drying and weathering impact on timbers, I modelled a specific type of hardwood (Australian Merbau)which stands up to these conditions.
Fun fact: one of my school mates used the design of this chair as inspiration for his furniture design project.