Setting The Style
When you combine the creative forces of a renowned film making duo and an architectural designer with a wellrespected reputation for high-end quality, the results can be spectacular.
The creative synergy between this trio has come together in the form of working environment and home for Jeff and Michelle Aldridge and their extended family.
Martin Kennedy of Martin Kennedy Design is delighted with the outcome of the Aldridge project. “Once in a while you get a special project where everything comes together creating an exception home that stands out. Jeff and Michelle have considerable creative flair and a vision to match. Together they resolved many of the attributes they wanted and expected in concept plans prepared by Michelle and I was fortunate to be able to work with them expanding a few options and adding a few touches. Touches best described by Jeff as Edgy.”
Jeff and Michelle are involved in the film industry specialising in adventure, mountaineering and documentary filming and production. This required some very special attributes to be incorporated into the project that would accommodate their business requirements and their family. In this case their own children and their parents effectively providing spaces for each to remain separate but collected within the same environment.
Most building briefs contain the usual “we want 3 bedrooms two lounges, a garage, etc” but Martin is quick to point out this was not the case in this instance. The wish list had been well considered and encompassed such ideas as the visual impact from the street approach to the vista through the house when greeting friends and clients.
The intent was to present the structure as a formal and commercial business with a serious design flare. The first impression from the street reflects this with the steel portals and glass canopy that provides shelter at the front entry. The formal symmetry of the front which extends as a facade above the second story is deliberate and provides an imposing visual impact but also has the practical benefit of breaking the sometimes severe prevailing wind giving shelter to the home and living spaces behind.
The Jeff and Michelle were determined to build what is described as a “Masonry “ home that includes both internal and external walls. The benefits of this have been well proven given the extremes in climate experienced in the area. Being well aware that future alterations or changes to a concrete structure could become expensive they chose to involve Martin’s design and build knowledge from the outset. “This has proven to be a real asset”, says Jeff, “as Martin brought considerable expertise to the project refining many of our ideas. This project has run without drama or flaws and this is due to his hard work and planning from the very early stages. He set some very high standards from the beginning that was followed throughout to the completion of the project.
The concept formed an “H’ dividing work and living areas with a central courtyard. The courtyard features a reflection pool that is gives an immediate impact from the entry and is visible from every aspect of the building. This was a feature that was always visualised in the design as a central theme with the building flowing around it.
The building is deceptively large at 650sq metres and features some exceptionally large roof spans and overhangs. Bernard Whitham designed the structural engineering aspects of the building utilising considerable steel beams and reinforced concrete. The interior and exterior wall have been plastered by Graeme Glover who has done a magnificent job. “ The strength and durability of these plastered walls is unbelievable’, says Jeff, “who acknowledges that both he and the kids have put them to the test on several occasions with bikes or heavy camera gear....and 3 years on they still look like new!”
The work areas to the left of the entry include a full theatre for clients to view footage in the comfort of recliner couches, a studio, office, editing facility and gallery. The garaging and storage areas are generous to allow for easy access to manage considerable camera gear and equipment.
The family bedrooms are on the second level and accessed by an impressive circular stairway which is cantilevered over the entry and flooded with light from the gallery windows that extend the full two stories.
The upper level is divided with the children’s area, which includes a games room two bedrooms and bathrooms, to the right. The master bedroom and private area includes an impressive bathroom with a spar encircled in glass. The front entry and reception areas to the home and office can be viewed from this vantage point through louvers to the front. To the rear the bedroom looks out over the enclosed courtyard to the distance hills. These sleeping spaces provide a practical advantage in being easily able to monitor the entire building and the security of having the children close by.
The kitchen, dinning, family rooms and lounge are all on the right wing of the lower lever. Each room opens to the courtyard providing indoor-outdoor living options and a sheltered private space for both friends and family to entertain or relax.
The left wing is home to Michelle’s parents who are able to have privacy and autonomy or be a part of family life.