Trends Ideas Article: One mark of a great home design is that all its connections feel intuitive and flowing – even when in reality a great deal of behind the scenes planning may have been involved to get it there.
Such was the case with this lakeside home by house designer Mark Wilson of Masonry Design Solutions (MDS).
The waterfront location was ideal but the approach was tricky – down a long right-of-way that arrived at the middle of the site.
With the home to the left and a motor court and garage on the right, Wilson introduced a feature stone facade element on the hallway running between them.
This provides a natural focal point for visitors coming down the drive.
Plus, even before construction of the home had begun, major excavation had been required to achieve the flowing motor court.
The lowered ground together with an introduced line of trees screen out the near neighbour behind.
And the approach to the front door is equally dramatic, by a natural timber walkway crossing a reflection pond.
The glass front door and glazed facade allow glimpses right through the interior to the lake – just a taste of the outlooks to come.Inside, the contemporary, open-plan living, dining, kitchen space is all high vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass, with the internal axes intentionally trained on walls reserved for the owners’ substantial artworks.
Whether it’s the sleek in-wall gas fireplace, the modern art or the lake views, there is a lot to draw the eye in this modern, relaxed and (to a degree) simple home.
The owners were moving here from a more traditional residence and while their new home is modern, the decision was made to finish the kitchen in wood veneer, for a more classic feel.
The natural cabinetry has recessed pulls, for a minimalist look, and reflective splashbacks that let the chef enjoy the views while cooking.
While the open-plan living spaces – kitchen included – make the most of the panoramic lake views, the indoor-outdoor living pavilion faces back the other way, towards the driveway.
“This sheltered side of the home also enjoys an attractive, natural outlook thanks to the earlier earthworks and tree planting. Plus, owners and guests relaxing in this space look right through the interior to enjoy the water views anyway.”
On show from the entry and capturing the northern sun, this all-weather room is now one of the owners’ most popular rooms in the home.
As well as being set up for hassle-free indoor and outdoor entertaining, the two bedroom home includes a cinema room – which can be used as a third bedroom – and a gymnasium.
“Part of the brief was for the home to be easy to lock-up-and-leave,” says Wilson.
“To this end there’s a separate apartment over the garage which is ideal for a caretaker to stay in when the owners travel. Plus interior surfaces are low-upkeep and the gardens are low maintenance.”