Thornbury Residence by Dan Gayfer Design
Thornbury Residence by Dan Gayfer Design sees a modern redesign of a charming two storey family home, which is focused on functionality and flow.
Words: Georgie Ward | Photography: Dean Bradley
‘The custom designed timber unit was made specifically to display indoor plants in order for them to grow vertically,’ says Dan Gayler. Photo: Dean Bradley
The open plan kitchen features blackbutt timber veneer, which is also found in the living space. Photo: Dean Bradley
Home to a family of four, Thornbury Residence, located in Melbourne, was re-designed by Dan Gayfer Design featuring a significant reconfiguration of its living areas to create an interconnected sequence of flexible and highly functional everyday spaces.
With every room entirely stripped out, Dan Gayfer Design capitalised upon this clean slate to create a completely new customised space that suited the needs of the highly active, social and food-loving family.
The design of the kitchen and dining room was fundamental to the project; not only are all the members of the family passionate cooks but the majority of their time, other than cooking and dining, is spent occupying these spaces. The kitchen was designed with a highly-functioning alcove with a walk-through bar area featuring a second sink, wine fridge and shelving for glassware.
This space is complemented by the more open, minimal and relaxed feel of the island bench and cooktop area. Long expanses of clear bench top for cooking, dining and socialising define this open area, successfully making it the heart of the house that in turn drives everyday activity.
The kitchen and dining space that combines mosaic tiles, porcelain bench tops, profiled cabinetry and white terrazzo delivers a combination of not only soft whites and subtle greys but also a fascinating textural diversity. This somewhat neutral palette is beautifully complemented by the darker more striking tones of the blackbutt timber veneer.
These materials are repeated throughout the house ensuring that this unique, perfectly balanced collection of colours, finishes and textures can be experienced in more than one space.
The neutral and clean lined kitchen space. Photo: Dean Bradley
The neutral palette is beautifully complemented by the darker more striking tones of the blackbutt timber veneer. Photo: Dean Bradley
“When the doors are retracted during warm, still and sunny days, the fusion between these internal spaces and the garden is undeniable.”
‘The blackbutt timber was the perfect match for the lighter, more softer materials. As a contrast in colour, tone, texture and impact, it elevates these other materials whilst on its own brings a naturalness and serenity to the spaces,’ says Dan Gayfer. Photo: Dean Bradley
‘The leather built-in lounge in the dining room has been designed from scratch, with four spacious drawers for storage,’ says Dan Gayfer. Photo: Dean Bradley
The living and dining spaces are open to the courtyard. Photo: Dean Bradley
A specific design consideration that was important to the clients of the family home was the creation of a flexible space that transitions with ease from providing solitude and intimacy to encouraging interaction between larger, more social groups of people.
Dan Gayfer Design approached this by creating floor to ceiling glass sliding doors that open up to the wrap-around garden space for entertainment and socialising. ‘When these doors are retracted during warm, still and sunny days, the fusion between these internal spaces and the garden is undeniable,’ says Dan Gayfer.
This seamless connection between outdoors and in, is created through the vast concrete flooring that spills outside; the concrete surfaces transitions into a seating ledge, overlooking the garden, which in turn facilitates a timber decked terrace, the latter also incorporating a custom concrete bbq bench.
‘With the sliding doors open, the family can now dine, entertain and relax whist being surrounded by greenery, luscious lawn, trees and garden beds, all contributing to a unique dining experience that can only enhance and enrich well-being,’ says Dan.
‘A pronounced relationship between the interior and landscape is created through an addition whose walling literally disappears to connect with the surrounding garden,’ says Dan Gayfer. Photo: Dean Bradley
