Two Sisters Home by Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio
By Ben Gerstel, architect and attendee.

On arrival, visitors were greeted by a freestanding cottage and a paved front garden animated by colourful potted plants and statues. A magnificent magnolia tree from the neighbouring property added a generous, borrowed landscape to the setting.

Stepping inside, the first impression was one of surprise and intrigue. Colour, ceramics, paintings, artefacts and other objects filled the space with character, yet the effect was carefully composed rather than cluttered. The architect relocated the front door to its original location and reconfigured this front part of the house.

Moving through the house, the plan opened into a large, shared area containing the kitchen, laundry and pantry, dining space and family room. A wall of glass sliding doors connected this area to the backyard.

By contrast, the living room was set apart from the open-plan space and finished in a dark, moody colour scheme to create a lovely warm, enclosed atmosphere that contrasted beautifully to the bright rear of the house.

The ceramics displayed throughout the house reflected the owner’s reputation as a well-known ceramicist. Her work has been exhibited internationally and she was preparing to teach in Italy.

In the backyard, the owner had a dedicated studio where attendees were able to see her pieces up close. Many were struck by the delicacy of the work, which had the intricate quality of cake decoration.

The house takes its name from the owners’ two daughters, whose bedrooms are located upstairs. These rooms are generous in size and contribute to the family-focused character of the home. The exterior of the first-floor addition is clad in Colorbond Manor Red and rather than feeling separate from the original cottage, the new upper level sits comfortably with the rest of the house.

Overall, attendees found it hard to leave, with conversations continuing between visitors, the owner and the architect. The event was one of the Australian Architecture Association’s most delightful “At Home” experiences and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

 

• Article: Ben Gerstel 
• Images: Two Sisters Home designed by MSDS.
• Photographer: Annette Dearing