Zigzag House by Dan Gayfer Design
Brimming with an abundance of natural light and finely crafted detail, this single-fronted family home by Dan Gayfer Design presents the perfect backdrop for family life to unfold.
Words: Cardia Speziale I Photography: Dean Bradley I Architect: Dan Gayfer Design I Builder: Builder Blueprint Constructions
‘Regarding the design of the interior as opposed to built form, decision making was focused upon creating highly engaging and alluring interior components that were bespoke in their design and execution,’ says Dan Gayfer.
‘The contiguity of the internal courtyard to the living room allows these spaces, with sliding doors open, to interconnect, thus facilitating larger gatherings that can flow inside to out without hinderance.’
The kitchen island bench is perhaps the pivotal piece within the entire project – the marble used has been manipulated into an ethereal, elegant and curving form, which is not typically associated with a stone material.
The skylight spans 4.6 x 1.2 metres allowing voluminous natural light to enter the kitchen space.
A custom skylight sits above the marble kitchen island bench.
‘A clean and serene simplicity demonstrates characteristics of Scandinavian interior design as does the organic shapes, and slightly varying texture plays,’ says Dan Gayfer.
Grigio Orsola marble by Artedomus is featured on the island bench top, side panels and skirting board.
The wine ‘nook’ includes custom-made and highly functioning features such as a solid board of timber via routed slots and customised drawers with wine rack inserts.
Nestled amongst the leafy residential streets of Melbourne’s inner-north, Zigzag House by Dan Gayfer Design is a finely crafted balance of elegance and restraint.
Seeking a home that could just as easily host lively dinner parties amongst friends as well as a low-key night on the sofa watching a movie, the clients approached Dan Gayfer Design to help bring functionality and considered innovation to their forever home. With a collaborative approach inherent to their studio values, Dan Gayfer worked closely with Builder Blueprint Constructions to bring the project to life.
‘Our client came to us at a time when they wanted to grow their family, and had their third child on the way,’ says Dan Gayfer, founder of Dan Gayfer Design. ‘They requested light, airy, spacious rooms that friends, family and visitors — as well as themselves — could always look forward to returning to,’ he adds.
Crucial to achieving the brief was the efficient allocation of space and functionality to ensure a balanced, flowing and accessible family home that doesn’t compromise on luxury. The result is a carefully curated compilation of shared living spaces that facilitate a seamless journey throughout the home.
Woven into the design as an intermediate space is an internal courtyard that softens the transition from the main hallway into the living room, allowing natural light to shine through. The courtyard itself, fundamental to the moving parts of the design, not only provides natural light to the living room, hallway, laundry and study, but is also a highly functional space with built-in seating that can accommodate a range of outdoor activities.
‘Whilst there was a desire for highly functional living spaces that could accommodate activity on various scales, it was to be achieved without the loss of substantial functional outdoor amenity and greenery,’ says Dan.
With a conscious effort to implement an assortment of unique elements in a detailed and considered manner, Zigzag House presents a home for the growing family to engage with as the years go on. The bathroom vanity includes a terrazzo benchtop with a 200mm drop-down apron that is both unique and engaging in its aesthetic and function. A 4.6m x 1.2 custom skylight sits above the marble kitchen island bench — its unique curved form making it a ‘pivotal piece’ in the home.
‘The use of marble is unique in the way it has been manipulated into ethereal, elegant, curving forms that portray an allure not typically associated with a stone material,’ says Dan. ‘Rather than feel like a slab of stone, its dainty edging and refined appearance gives the impression that the bench has been carefully wrapped in thick paper on soft sheet.’
One of the most apparent features of the house is the solid European Oak timber parquetry flooring laid throughout in a Chevron pattern; its distinctive, lively, zigzag pattern is an effective divergence to the most flowing, smooth materials such as the marble on the island bench and porcelain panelling employed on the cooktop bench.
‘The project comfortably sits within its locale, in that it acknowledges contemporary, modern and industrial influences,’ reflects Dan. ‘With a splash of Scandinavian, a sophisticated outcome has been achieved that whilst reflecting inner city living, is also inherent of oasis type garden spaces for relaxation, reflection and recharging,’ he adds.
The home includes two significant outdoor spaces – the internal courtyard and the rear garden.
The interior palette is subdued and calming.
“Though urban modern style is somewhat of a loose title, the light and airy spaces as well as some dramatic/statement details, subtle continuity and differing scales all nod to this particular design style.”
There is no door to the ensuite – it is instead accessed directly via the walk-in-robe.
A bold and distinct material palette made up of soft pink/shell terrazzo with a vibrant maroon coloured tile features in the ensuite..
The striking main bathroom features terrazzo floors and bench top.
The terrazzo bench top in the bathroom has a 200mm drop-down apron and a zigzag like incision in the centre that allows a hand towel to hang onto it.