Not your typical home by any means, Three Stories North by Splinter Society pushes the boundaries when it comes to bringing an old building back to life.
Splinter Society have cleverly redesigned what was once two separate townhouses. A central chimney-like feature, standing nine metres tall, divides the home and acts as a focal point upon entry. Impressively, the three levels are joined by a staircase suspended from the wall, nodding to the idea of an industrial fire stair. The entry to the home is set back from the original facade creating a courtyard upon entry and allowing the three-storey glass facade to let ample natural light into the dwelling.
The void space features the Nobsa rug from Halcyon Lake, the Oxydation table by Kateryna Sokolova, the Arca chair from P4 and the Martyn Thompson cushion from Mondopiero.
Adding a layer of texture to the kitchen, black penny round tiles from Cerdomus were incorporated for the splashback.
It was important to both the architects and the client to retain as much of the building’s heritage foundations as possible. “A key component was to retain and reveal the masonry construction giving the home an undeniable warehouse feel,” director Asha Nicholas says. This was achieved through the exposure of the original brickwork, sawn timber lines in the walls and recycled timber incorporated through various joinery.
Much of the home’s existing features were retained, such as the arched doorways, fireplaces and the original exposed timber ceilings. This level of restraint and conscious consideration when it came to paying tribute to the building’s roots, all while creating a modern and functional home, is what Splinter Society are known for.
The iconic Grillage chair by Ligne Roset offers a place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun.
The Paper Lamp by Ligne Roset was used to style this relaxing nook.
The impressive nine-metre high ceilings are complemented by the Grapho pendant from ISM Objects. Tongue n Groove wire-brushed mixed species hardwood in smokey grey runs throughout the home.
The home is divided into three distinct sections. Half of the home is dedicated to open and communal spaces, a quarter for more private and intimate spaces and the remaining quarter for the dramatic and eye-catching void area that can be seen upon entry. This considered floor plan ensures that the home flows and each space has a sense of purpose.
It was a balancing act between keeping the industrial feel of the home while still creating a soft and inviting space. “As a balance to the larger architectural spaces, the living spaces are much more intimate, characterised by subtle colours, textures and plush furnishings,” Asha says.
A moody palette evokes a sense of calmness and simplicity. Keeping in line with the industrial feel the home offers, black detailing in the hard finishes and furniture pieces offer the ideal juxtaposition to the repeated use of the exposed red brickwork throughout. Rather than use saturated colour, the architects focused on incorporating different materials to create visual interest and texture.
Not an easy feat, Splinter Society have not only restored this old industrial building but revitalised it at its very core.
Adding to the mood of the bathroom, Splinter Society specified Lugano tapware from Partaps in Aged Brass.
Wow! What an amazingly cool space! Love everything about it.