Italian Pavilion – Adelaide
The design of the Pavilion was to create a secondary entertaining space for a large family, removed from the main house, nestled within the existing gardens and pool area. Located in Adelaide, Australia, Georgie Shepherd Interior Design took the client’s love of rustic Italy and interpreting it within the architecture, the studio have created a bespoke and personal connection to the space with subtle and surprising melding of the lines to where the architecture begins and the interior ends. A fine example of designer and architect collaboration with Proske Architects in early planning has facilitated seamless integration of interior visions.
A gentle approach to the design allows for textures to shine in their own right. A refined palette laden with beautiful textural quality. From the cool stone underfoot, soft polished plaster walls, to limestone and concrete bench tops; the tactile qualities of this space are honest and natural providing a sense of rustic luxury and permanence. The palette needed to compliment the contemporary architectural foundation of the building including a curved rammed earth wall, while addressing the client’s passion for Tuscan like textural qualities.
A harmonious connection with landscape is achieved through large sliding steel frame doors. Modular Arbon natural stone selected specifically extends seamlessly between pool area into the pavilion visually texturally anchoring the building and garden as one. ?The architecture had a lovely rammed earth curved wall in the central space. It was a natural decision to play this curve through the arch transition spaces to create a softness to the form. The archways were also a nod to Tuscan villas and cobbled entrances which the studio’s wanted to recreate here.
The joinery design was drawn from the client heirloom dresser which GSiD had restored, taking collective contemporary references. Slimming down the door profile and adding circular handles. Using materials like the handmade ceramic handles and American oak with a white wash helped modernise the look, whilst adding textural and tactile qualities. ?The design in the entertainment room was purposely designed around the baskets, allowing easy storage for a large and busy family. The baskets also added warmth and casualness, adding to the charm of the brief of a Tuscan villa.
Materials were chosen with permanence in mind to compliment the 90 year old main residence and ensure longevity of the design. They have been selected with naturally ageing characteristics while also being easy to maintain. A purposefully restrained material palette creates a feeling of tranquillity and warmth, while simultaneously weathering a vibrant, bustling family.
