A Resort Inspired Family Sanctuary Design In Native Bushland
Idyllically situated within native bushland, this 1980’s home design was in need of a transformation into a retreat for client and homeowner Jane and her family. It needed to be a space for comfort, relaxation and solace that was equally suited to running a business, and easy family living. She turned to renowned Adelaide interior design studio, Enoki, to see her vision of a resort-style escape come to life. Set over three levels, ‘The Treehouse’ project was undertaken in two stages. The first involved extensions to the existing split-level space including a private yet connected studio/work zone, two teenage retreats complete with study areas and a shared bathroom, garage, gym and an infinity pool.
The family moved in just prior to the completion and it became clear then that an additional space to make the most of the pool was needed. Enoki was asked to add a pool pavilion and develop the landscaping and decking zone. This versatile space had to traverse the indoor/outdoor divide, while also being a welcoming enclave all year round and linked to the rest of the property. This multifaceted extension created further space for a parent’s retreat beneath, enclosing the lower level of the two-storey addition. “Having Enoki make every selection and tend to every detail took the guesswork out of such an enormous project,” says Jane. “It allowed me to enjoy and trust the process, knowing it would all come together into something amazing.”
Design inspiration for the three-year renovation came from near and far – as well as the immediate environment, Jane wanted to also reference the cosy mountain cabins of Aspen and the tactile nature of resorts in Bali. The Enoki team achieved this within the luxuriously inviting master suite. “We wanted to create the feel of a luxury hotel suite with the addition of the light-filled lounge room and gas log fire.” explains Jane. “The lower level feels like a self-contained resort with a sauna, hot tub and a bedroom bigger than a hotel suite. My bedroom is a private getaway where I can relax in the sun lounge in front of the fire and read or watch TV.”
To enhance that connection between the indoors and out, the interior colour scheme is an instinctual mix of warm greys and whites, punctuated by feature details and walls in black and charcoal to frame the open vistas. A variety of timber adds further grounding warmth and visual interest with feature screens in Australian oak, walnut featured in both the master suite and parent’s retreat, and washed-grey engineered oak flooring throughout. Over in the pavilion, black-stained Australian oak joinery, and flooring and ceiling in spotted gum are showcased while western red cedar cladding was used on walls and concealed doors for the sauna and hot tub.
Natural stone really comes into its own in this home, too, nodding to both the destination-resort inspiration and local surroundings by adding raw texture. Echoing the property’s original external sandstone walling, Eco Outdoor Crackenback® Freeform® stone was utilised on the expansive feature pavilion wall acting as a transitional point to signify a space to relax and unwind in. In fact, this space perfectly embodies the home’s restorative and inviting feel, a beautifully realised hub for both socialising and chilling out.
For the team at Enoki, the project was indicative of a successful, collaborative union between client and designer, in order to find the right materials and finishes to meet the brief. “We love how closely we were able to work with our client and discuss ideas as the brief changed and grew,” says Jacky Spencer, one of the projects’ designers, from Enoki. “There was an organic flow of our input with the client, as her needs evolved whilst living there and as the project and site revealed itself fully.” Architecture & Interior Design: Enoki Photographer: JVDK
