Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 10 New Zealand | Page 96

Let there be light This master bathroom achieves lightness and privacy Architect: Mark Peters AIA, Studio Dwell Architects Design consultant: Bernard Morauw General contractor: McLeod Builders Bathroom vanity: Wenge wood veneer; solid surface countertops Paints and stains: Benjamin Moore Master bathroom floor and shower: Dark grey porcelain tile Lighting: Interior ambient lighting, Lightology Lighting controls: Lutron Master bath faucets, shower head and controls, tub filler: Vola, chrome Tub: Lacava TUBo4 soaking tub Above: In this master bathroom by Studio Dwell, clerestory windows, a long vanity mirror and concealed lighting all give a potentially dark bathroom a light, airy feel. Right: The handleless wenge vanity consists of two cantilevered forms. A light court is to the right. A two-storey house built on sloping terrain to optimise outlooks often has downstairs rooms situated in the shadow of the hillside. This can make it tricky to introduce sufficient natural light into these potentially darker spaces. Such was the case with this bathroom, part of a first-floor master suite in a contemporary home designed by architect Mark Peters of Studio Dwell. “The expansive bedroom faces outwards to spectacular river views, with the bathroom tucked in behind,” Peters says. “I brought light into this rear space in several ways. Instead of separating the rooms completely, I bisected the suite with a 2.1m-high privacy wall. This allows light to filter across from the 2.7m-high bedroom into the bathroom. There is also a light court at the end of the bathroom that bathes the shower stall in sunlight while still retaining privacy for the owners.” Clerestory windows, a transparent shower wall and a long vanity mirror were other ways the light flow is optimised. Concealed diffused lights enhance the airy effect and enliven the room by night. The elongated vanity is a feature within the pared-back space. Designed in two overlapping forms, this is a nod to the shape of the contemporary house. In addition, it accentuates the room’s linear form. “Given the clean-lined, minimalist look of the bathroom, adding textural interest was important,” says Peters. “The large, smooth tiles and sleek wenge wood on the vanity are contrasted by the coarse concrete dividing wall.” Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Marty Peters search | save | share at trendsideas.com resources & more images 46950 at trendsideas.com read the whole-house editorial 46888 at trendsideas.com