Cover Designer furniture in the modernism-inspired space
Designer furniture in the modernism-inspired space
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Interior designer Nickolas Gurtler achieves a sense of serenity through earthy finishes and designer elements
When it came time for an electrical engineer specialising in solar technology, and a marketing manager in the entertainment industry to create a forever home with their two young boys under the age of ten, they assembled a team for one that is completely bespoke to their specific criteria.
“The goal was to forge a home that would embody timeliness, feeling permanently anchored in the present yet never seeming to age,” mentions interior designer Nickolas Gurtler, who was part of the team together with architect Dorian Morelli, builder Formview Building, and landscape architect Tristan Peirce.
“The chance to tailor a home to the finest detail was something we couldn’t resist, as it is something we relish in the studio,” he adds. “The resulting project strikes a balance between the simple, striking aesthetics and decidedly liveable spaces.”
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Vulcan House drew inspiration from storied modernist architecture
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The extensive project that took six years to design and build resulted in the Vulcan House, a 6,135 sq ft contemporary modernist build that drew inspiration from storied modernist architecture on the other side of the world, particularly Pierre Koening’s Stahl House, Rudolph M Schindler’s namesake home, and the Sheats-Goldstein residence by John Lautner.
“We looked at a lot of reference images of homes built in California, both in the contemporary and historical contexts, and the [aforementioned] houses look over the city from the hills, much the same as this house does,” elaborates Gurtler.
“I was struck by the sense of timelessness, use of concrete and form that all three homes used. There’s an air of effortless chic about those houses that [we] wanted to create for our clients.”
See also: Spend a night in Philip Johnson’s mid-century modern Wolfhouse
Above The use of concrete and form exudes an air of effortless chic
Above The timeless architecture modernism is renowned for
The use of concrete and form exudes an air of effortless chic
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The interior designer notes that Stahl House’s indoor-outdoor architecture in which the site wraps around the pool felt very quintessentially modernist, and is synonymous with the architectural layout designed by Morelli for the clients’ home.
Whereas, the juxtaposition of warm timber beams against cool monolithic concrete forms at the Schindler House and the Sheats-Goldstein Residence informs the project’s kitchen design.
“Not to mention, comparisons are often drawn between Perth, Australia and LA as they are both ‘west coast’ cities, and where the house is located has a similar climate to Los Angeles,” continues Gurtler.
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Above Design notes that are quintessentially modernist
Above Architectural structure that allows in ample light
Design notes that are quintessentially modernist
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Located in Woodlands, a suburb in Perth known for its leafy streets and parks and its close proximity to the lakes, Vulcan House spreads across three levels.
The first floor that wraps around the pool in the backyard consists of an open-plan layout for the living, kitchen and dining areas. It also leads to the children’s wing with bedrooms and bathrooms, and the guest wing with a study and a multipurpose playroom.
The site extends further to a ground floor comprising a garage, mudroom, store room and a cellar; and the primary suite and screening room on the second floor.
Read more: Award-winning Malaysian architect Lok Wooi: Architects must be optimistic for sustainable design
Above A sense of serenity through earthy finishes
Above Warm timber juxtaposes cool concrete
A sense of serenity through earthy finishes
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Inspired by Gurtler’s travels through Italy, where the use of natural stone in large volumes and venetian plaster are prominent in homes, cathedrals and palaces; used in abundance throughout the home are natural materials of stone, timber, white venetian plaster, stainless steel and other silver metals like aged iron, nickel and brushed chrome provide shining accents through sconce and pendant lights.
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Timber beams and sculptural pieces add warmth
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Above Low sculptural pieces that exude a relaxed energy
Above Design furnishing with cool LA vibes from times past
Low sculptural pieces that exude a relaxed energy
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“We use natural materials as much as possible, not only because it is our ethos, but from a practical and aesthetic perspective, they are the most survivable and maintainable,” he says in regards to the wares, echoing the equally timeless and durable modernist architecture that has withstood the test of time.
“Venetian plaster and concrete were chosen for their timeless quality, used since ancient times and still feel contemporary now,” adds Gurtler. “There is also a luxury in using materials from the earth; the combination of their processing, machined and hand finished create layers of beauty.”
Don’t miss: Home tour: Idyllic luxury, monastic beauty and natural materials in a Mallorcan village
Above Schindler House and Sheats-Goldstein Residence informs the kitchen design
Schindler House and Sheats-Goldstein Residence informs the kitchen design
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Above A commissioned bronze and oak dining table by Jack Flanagan
Above A blood red wall sculpture by Sydney-based artist Henryk
A commissioned bronze and oak dining table by Jack Flanagan
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Alongside natural and earthy finishes are grounded shades of green, grey, soft tan and deep red–“colours that come from the earth, and will never go out of style, these tones help to add warmth and life to the neutral hard materials used in the interior design,” the interior designer details.
Meanwhile, Gurtler embodies the cool LA vibes from times past with low sculptural pieces that exude a relaxed energy, compatible with the sense of serenity that the young family of four seeks.
Read more: Home tour: An artful penthouse in Melbourne with dual living spaces
Above The minimalist shower stall
Above Natural stone in abundance
The minimalist shower stall
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Mid-century icons such as Le Corbusier’s LC1 armchair by Cassina and Mario Marenco’s leather sofa are paired with local contemporaries, such as the modernist-inspired walnut chairs by Australian architect Daniel Boddam and Jack Flanagan’s commissioned bronze and oak dining table.
See also: An introduction to 6 modern Malaysian furniture brands
Above Earthy shades to add warmth and life
Above Calming atmosphere that inspires curiosity
Earthy shades to add warmth and life
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While Michel Ducaroy’s leather Togo chair in the screen room corresponds to Gastone Rinaldi’s 1950s bench seat, and pieces by Charlotte Perriand and Mario Bellini; Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon’s deep merlot side table correlates with Sydney-based artist Henryk’s deep blood red wall sculpture decorating the wall along the stairway.
Don’t miss: 7 iconic mid-century chairs designed by modernist architects
Above Vulcan House overlooks the nearby lakes, and leafy streets and parks
Vulcan House overlooks the nearby lakes, and leafy streets and parks
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“There’s a desire to move through the spaces at your own pace and settle into a comfortable spot no matter where you are,” Gurtler concludes.
“The incredibly calming atmosphere is also one that inspires curiosity to examine design details, and delight in the way the designs are tailored so perfectly to the homeowners’ lifestyle with space for growth and change.”
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Credits
Photography: Timothy Kaye
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
