Curl Curl House by Folk Studio
Curl Curl House, designed by TRIAS and Folk Studio, balances strength and softness embodying warm European charm and simplicity.
Words: Holly Terry I Photography: Jacqui Turk
‘A big part of all our project inspiration is formed by our clients; who they are, the environment in which they live and how they want to live and grow in the space,’ says Mariah Burton. Photo: Jacqui Turk
The textures of exposed brick, blackbutt timber joinery, rendered walls and an array of handmade tiles build a scene that is laidback and warm. Photo: Jacqui Turk
‘Your standard home may have 2-3 tile variations in the whole home and in Curl Curl House, we wanted each space to have its own story, meaning the whole house has 7 different tiles throughout each wet area,’ says Mariah Burton. Photo: Jacqui Turk
‘From the initial discussions, it was clear that the kitchen had to be special.’ Photo: Jacqui Turk
‘We wanted to use Australian-made and manufactured where were could and, if not, we wanted to use brands that were sustainable and built to last a lifetime.’ Photo: Jacqui Turk
Curl Curl House, designed by TRIAS and Folk Studio, is the European escape we all needed. Think natural timbers met with concrete and rendered walls, the residence delicately balances its naturally angular character with organic, natural interiors.
For Folk Studio, directed by Mariah Burton and Chris Polain, Curl Curl House was born from discussions with a return client that began four years ago. The idea was to create a home that could withstand the harsh Australian climate whilst appearing inviting and distinctive in its aesthetic and feel.
‘The interior, as with the entire house, is designed to last a lifetime. The finishes, fixtures, and hardware was chosen for its build quality and durability as much as it was for aesthetic purposes,’ says Mariah.
The home is non-competitive in nature, sitting confidently in its own league without having to battle for attention. The simplistic spaces mean the home holds an air of ease, allowing for an exhale as soon as you enter.
Drawing inspiration from Spanish villas and farmhouses, the home is fluid in it’s outdoor-indoor living, boasting a lounge that opens to the outdoor façade of the home via floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, framed in recycled hardwood timber.
Within the centrally positioned kitchen sits a brilliantly curved island bench adorned with the most beautiful, unobtrusive handmade tiles, acting as a common meeting ground within the residence.
‘From the initial discussions, it was clear that the kitchen had to be special. The kitchen sits centrally in the home; it acts as a meeting point between the two towers of the home and also the outdoor entertaining space and pool. In the kitchen, there is an emphasis on texture, raw materiality and understated luxury.’
The interior features layers of textures – sponged brick, sandstone, native plants, concrete – that convey a natural and sandy aesthetic. Photo: Jacqui Turk
The home is a calm retreat. Photo: Jacqui Turk
Careful thought and planning have gone into ensuring that every detail ages gracefully within the interior. Photo: Jacqui Turk
‘The interior, as with the entire house, is designed to last a lifetime. The finishes, fixtures, and hardware was chosen for its build quality and durability as much as it was for aesthetic purposes.’ Photo: Jacqui Turk
“The house structure had a sense of hardness and strength to it, we wanted to soften and warm each space to create a tranquil and welcoming home.”
Bathroom details echo the aesthetic applied throughout the home. Photo: Jacqui Turk
The house is designed with cross ventilation, optimal solar orientation, and a west-facing façade, with screens offering protection from seasonal heat and glare. Photo: Jacqui Turk
The house runs off solar panels and a battery and is designed to be operationally carbon neutral. Photo: Jacqui Turk
Simplicity and warm textural finishes in the bedroom space. Photo: Jacqui Turk
Laundry details echo the aesthetic applied throughout the home. Photo: Jacqui Turk
The laundry fuses functional with calm. Photo: Jacqui Turk
If you follow along Folk Studio’s work, it is not hard to miss that they’ve got a knack for introducing harsh angles to organic, natural accents. Curl Curl house, in all its angular glory, is no different.
‘The house structure had a sense of hardness and strength to it, so we wanted to soften and warm each space to create a tranquil and welcoming home,’ says Mariah. To do this, Folk Studio has welcomed a softer interior comprising of timber, aged brass and numerous tones of concrete, bringing and element of warmth and allure to the build.
The juxtaposition between strength and ease is a predominant feature throughout the home which quietly boasts various wall treatments, resulting in a combination of painted walls and others rendered. ‘These changes in texture and materials are so subtle that many people wouldn’t pick up on these variations but the impact on the space as a whole speaks volumes.’
For Folk Studio, each project moves from strength to strength. To come, the team are working on a salon named HER in Darlinghurst, due to be completed over the summer. Watch this space!