While one pays homage to classic villa detailing and the other uses solid contemporary elements, these two bathrooms live in harmony
Two bathrooms complement and contrast in this Auckland villa
Architect: Jane Priest, Lochore Priest
Location: Herne Bay, Auckland
Brief: An ensuite and guest bathroom in a renovated villa
Was there something specific that kicked off the design of each bathroom?
The master en suite had to complement the detailing of the existing villa, with high-stud walls and panelled ceilings. We used simple wall panelling to continue this detailing and provide an effective stop line for the wall tiles. The en suite had to be light and enduring – both modern and classic. The Vola natural brass fittings were chosen by the client to continue common brass detailing throughout the existing villa.
This drove the finish of the custom-designed brass shower screen and the selection of white sink wastes and WC flush panels, and a brass lighting pendant by Lee Broom. The traditional French Winckelman tiles are a nod to the historic, but the random floor pattern is a contemporary twist. The stone guest bathroom is in the new addition to the existing villa, in a semi-subterranean guest level. The walls to this bathroom are robust concrete block, retaining the driveway above. The silver travertine stone is in keeping with the weighty, monolithic nature of this space.
Choosing tiles can be challenging for homeowners. Do you have any advice?
Tiles are a surface finish and therefore need to be considered en masse, how dominant they will be in any one space and how they relate to opposing surfaces. The use of Winckelman tiles in a random floor pattern meant that we had to draw up a number of layouts with optional colour schemes that the client selected. Given this decorative feature floor, the wall tiles are neutral white.
How have you catered for storage in each bathroom?
They both have a shower alcove for soap and shampoo, while vanity units offer storage for bins and towels.
If you were designing your ultimate bathroom, with no limit on budget, what would you include?
I would love a bathroom that’s part-garden, open to the sky and with no neighbours, a huge bath tub with room all around and views, with natural stone, enduring materials – and those Vola taps.
Words by: Penny Lewis. Photography by: Jackie Meiring.
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