The PentHouse
Trading chaos for cohesion: Austin Maynard Architects transforms a dark, disjointed "rabbit warren" into The PentHouse—a masterclass in dissolving walls to reveal continuous views, radiant light and a layout that finally makes sense.
THE WHAT
The PentHouse is a highly considered and meticulously designed luxury home, occupying the third and fourth levels of a four-storey apartment block.
The original layout was random and ad hoc; a muddle of weird ante chambers, wasted kinks and bloated vestibules that were oversized and disproportionate. The negative effect of creating a rabbit warren is the obstruction of light and views. Internal space was dark and gloomy, with pockets of blinding glare. After years of toleration, and with the interiors looking increasingly tired and dated, the owners decided on a complete upgrade and reconfiguration.
Trading chaos for cohesion, an expansive, light and airy kitchen/living/dining area and a generous main bedroom now occupy much of the third floor. The upper level has a large study, garden spa and sauna, a retreat for entertaining and two guest bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Once a jumble of cramped and disconnected rooms, the new renovation highlights, in exquisite detail, the opportunity to clear out wasted space and celebrate natural light, fresh air and flowing, continuous views.
IN BRIEF
The owners of The PentHouse were hoping for “a fresh beginning”. Describing the existing layout of their home as “inefficient” they asked for a complete redesign to make better sense of the available floor area. Their brief detailed the importance of getting the everyday things right, focusing on ergonomics, functionality and ease of use. A home in which they could ‘age-in-place’.
As grandparents to young children an abundance of storage was crucial, ensuring toys and games could be pulled out and put away with ease. Open display shelving was equally as important as, the owner declared: “Everything I have is a memory of a time or place.”
The goal was to make the space feel bright and open, yet radiate warmth and coziness. It would be luxurious but not opulent at the expensive of comfort. Their two miniature Yorkshire Terriers “MUST” be considered in the design process.
Ultimately the owners wanted: “A place for the whole family to come together.”
THE CHALLENGE
Renovating within an existing apartment posed the biggest challenge, as the number of immovable factors impacted the scope and possibilities typically afforded by an empty shell. From the outset it was necessary to define what was lightweight wall and what was structural, and identify all the fixed anchor points such as the stair, the lift, electrical and mechanical services and plumbing.
In past Austin Maynard Architect projects the ‘immovable factors’ have largely been established trees and our determination to save and protect them and their root growth (see Garden House, King Bill, Hotham and ParkLife). Similarly at The PentHouse, the limitations imposed by these anchor points steered the design, requiring a more creative approach in order to rationalise, find and reclaim all the lost and wasted space.
THE RESPONSE
A transformation through light, view and openness was achieved using the same logic Austin Maynard Architects typically apply to dark terrace houses. By approaching the design not as minimalists but as a strategists, buried internal space become free and unencumbered. The key is to look, and keeping looking, tenaciously, in order to simplify, re-evaluate and re-imagine space; dissolving walls and resisting the temptation to label rooms with a singular function.
In the considered redesign of The PentHouse, rooms that didn’t require windows (storage, the electrical cupboard, his and hers walk-in-robes) were grouped in the centre of the plan, housed in a structure designed to visually recede. Rooms used less frequently - the gym and guest bedroom, were opened up to maintain the flow and floor line and end-to-end sky views. Rather than creating cells with a corridor running through in between, long corridors are absorbed into the space. When privacy is required, full height doors close off the room, then disappear when not needed, merging seamlessly into the walls.
The importance of clear uninterrupted views also extended to the necessity for a dog flap. Rather than cut a hole in the triple-glazed, minimally framed sliding glass doors out to the terrace, a special doggie tunnel was created, concealed within the kitchen cabinetry.
The Kitchen was originally in the same location but on the opposite side, unshaded from the harsh western sun (which really bothered the owners). By flipping the kitchen the height and bulk of the cabinetry, cupboards and shelving now multi-function as shade and (sun) shield.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL
Despite the substantial constraints, having open-minded clients allowed for an incredible level of attention, time and thought to be invested into every single design aspect. Detail discernible in every trim, facet and fixture down to the ergonomic door handles, forged from brass and bound in leather, a nod to the owners love of golf.
On both levels the layout is formed as a loop. In the centre of the donut is a block that contains the lift, stair, service rooms, storage and secondary spaces (robes). The block is clad in timber on the lower level, executed with mathematical accuracy. Carefully set-out on the module of a timber board, every vertical piece is placed full width, with not a single cut board.
On the lower floor the height of the timber boards form a defined line, a datum, above which is textured green plaster wall. On the upper level this is reversed, with textured green plaster walls and a timber-lined bulkhead above. On both levels all the doors to rooms and cupboards are concealed flush within the walls, whether timber or plaster.
The primary bedroom at the rear of the building spans the same width as the kitchen/dining/living space, with an expansive picture window framing the heritage Oak trees outside. At one side is a desk, at the other a fire and in the centre is a custom bed, crafted to house a large TV screen that rises up from the base.
The request for a bath tub, and the desire for an internal garden, were combined to create a lush spa area complete with sauna. An abundance of greenery, together with an optional full length curtain, encloses the huge tub, softening and adding privacy.
Mirrors were used throughout the home to further reflect views and light. The spa features a full mirror wall to give the illusion of endless garden. Tinted black mirror is used on the reverse of the concealed doors, in the corridor rooms, to maintain and elongate the view even when closed.
The home has separate walk-in-robes and separate studies. Hers in the main bedroom, with floor to ceiling bookshelves reflecting her love of reading. The other is located on the upper floor, with a lounge area and big screen, all finely detailed in timber and glass.
A polished plaster ceiling helps to bounce light around the apartment while the floor is crazy paved stone, ground and polished to also reflect light and add texture. The materials - timber, stone, antique brass and marble, were selected for their natural beauty and authentic quality, reflecting craft and a sense of the handmade.
The bathrooms each have a distinct aesthetic character. Either in pink or green, the marble, stone, tile and paintwork match and compliment harmoniously.
The practicalities of arriving home and leaving the house have been thoughtfully considered. A bench seat at the entry area (opposite the lift and stair) is positioned between a concealed cupboard and a cloak room. The cloak room is large enough to accommodate a pram, suitcases, the dog beds and a features enough joinery to store a multitude of shoes and coats, with an inbuilt metal tray beneath a series of umbrella hooks, designed to collect water.
THE COMPLETE WORKS
The metamorphosis of The PentHouse extended to every aspect of the home - appliances, furniture, furnishings and lighting. The aim was to seamlessly compliment the larger scale renovations in every detail, both in material and form, to achieve perfect congruence.
Working alongside the client in prioritising function and comfort, pieces were chosen not only for their visual aesthetic and exceptional quality but for their enjoyment of use.
Rugs and carpets were selected to mirror the interior colour palette, to work in tandem with specific furniture pieces in defining spaces for work, rest and creativity.
The clients desire for continuity and a wholistic approach to the project extended to light fittings and the opportunity to celebrate local designers and makers.
CANDLES AND FIRELIGHT
There are several ‘fireside moments’ at The PentHouse, most dramatically in the main bedroom, the living area and the upper terrace (a fire pit coffee table). In early discussion the owners spoke of their years living in northern Germany and the many winters they’d spent in Scotland where they grew to love the celebration of the dark.
“My happy time is the end of daylight savings, when its okay to hunker down and candles and firelight are king.”
The overall ambiance they sought could be surmised in a single German word ‘Gemütlichkeit’. Meaning, (according to translation) ‘a state of warmth, friendliness and cozy togetherness. It describes a sense of belonging and comfort, combining physical coziness with social well-being, often experienced in relaxed, unhurried settings like cafes, pubs, or with friends, similar to the Danish concept of Hygge.’
REAL LUXURY
“Real luxury is defined as an experience or state of being that prioritises time, peace, and authenticity over material, showy possessions.”
If you have an generous budget and an incredible place, it poses the question, what is the responsibility of the architect? You can provide as much house as possible, in whatever form you like, but you can also deal with issues like mental health and wellbeing.
Austin Maynard Architects firmly believe that the new luxury is authenticity. Authenticity of material. Authenticity of experience. We’ve moved beyond the aspirational era, where people felt the need to show off wealth and prestige with brands and labels. Instead true luxury is paying for a really comfortable and authentic life - sincere, beautiful, thoughtful materials and thoughtful spaces. Good, thoughtful design can improve your life. This was Austin Maynard Architect’s approach when designing The PentHouse.
