Materiality matters | InForm

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Materiality matters

  • Photography: Timothy Kaye
  • Text: Lucinda McKimm
Behind the veil of the palm trees that existed long before the home was a sketch on yellowtrace, The Palms emerges as a fresh piece of architecture that reflects the family that it was created for.

“The Palm Springs influence seemed to make a lot of sense on this project with the four palm trees on the nature strip in front of the property,” Simon Perkins says. “Though unusual in this area, perhaps it was meant to be.” Coupled with the client’s love of mid-century architecture, the design direction was clear and the enthusiasm ceaseless. “There was a strong emphasis on the fun element,” Simon adds. “There was a lot of laughter and humour in the meetings, with the anticipation of good times to be had here from the outset.”

With a focus on pattern and form, the material palette is clean and simple. A timber garage door provides contrast to the all-white exterior, with textural variations derived from painted bricks, steel and render. “We chose a neutral colour palette because we felt that it would offer the most timeless aesthetic,” interior designer Georgina Oakley says. “And the material restraint throughout this home allows for a really serene, calm, soft atmosphere.”

The white stack bond brick fence sets the aesthetic tone from the street façade, an appropriate backdrop to the row of palm trees that greets visitors on arrival and suggests a holiday feeling within the home beyond. Carrying the textural theme into the interior, pops of white brick serve to unify indoor and outdoor palettes, while external venetians on the upper level provide privacy, solar protection, and further textural intrigue.

“There was a strong emphasis on the fun element. There was a lot of laughter and humour in the meetings, with the anticipation of good times to be had here from the outset.”

Simon Perkins, Director, Pleysier Perkins

“The central spine brick wall up against the staircase and throughout the living area was really important to mimic what was going on architecturally,” Georgina adds. “The island bench was another critical aspect of the design. It incorporates two forms of materiality: the honed natural stone that reflects some beautiful light, and the slatted timber battens beneath, which mimic the line work running throughout the house in both the joinery and the steel balustrade.”

The result is a home that is simple in its serenity yet bold in its conviction. Showcasing the complexity that is often masked in the most subtle of architectural expressions, The Palms is a celebration of pattern and form.