IN THE PRESS: Balanced design covers all bases

Brian Burke Homes Group Managing Director Michael Burke said the client’s brief to allow for work to be conducted from home had a big impact on the overall design, which included his and her studies.

“This home is all about having dedicated personal spaces, as well as community areas, and the flow of the home had to be resolved around those demands,” he said.

“For me what stands out the most is how we have met the client’s brief on such a narrow block. The home is single storey, has no steps, caters for wheelchair access, enjoys low-maintenance views from within, is bathed in natural light and has an industrial feel.”

In creating this industrial feel the home showcases burnished grey concrete floors, high ceilings and black joinery. Mr Burke said the design employed a sparse colour palette, with monochromatic whites and greys, and timber accents used for warmth.

This palette can be seen quite prominently in the kitchen, which revolves around a large central island bench with a marble top.

Mr Burke said the island bench served as the home’s main preparation, serving and congregating space before flowing out to the dining, alfresco and courtyard.

Mr Burke said the home’s location near the Swan River and Indian Ocean played a key role in influencing its layout.

“Capturing the cooling sea breezes to flow through the home was important, as was capturing as much of the view as possible across to the park opposite,” he said.

Mr Burke said large windows made the most of the light and warmth generated from the north-facing site, creating a spacious, homey feeling throughout.

Two master suites with ensuites and dressing rooms dominate the sleeping quarter inclusions, while the home makes the most of solar panels, a ducted vacuum system, three vergolas and a double-sided fireplace, which forms an excellent connection between interior and exterior entertaining areas.