Regardless of how well-furnished an interior might be, no space is complete without the right lighting. It is an imperative design detail that, too often, gets overlooked, and can result in even the most well-considered homes falling woefully flat.
That said, on our perpetual hunt for lighting that will bring our homes to life, we have stumbled upon a new collection that ticks all the boxes. Meet the Hashira Lights by Norm Architects for Menu. Boasting strong, cylindrical shapes and finishes that evoke traditional Japanese Washi paper lanterns, the Hashira table lamps, floor lamps, and pendants (in various sizes and configurations) are sleek, modern and refined. On the one hand, they offer a bold design statement thanks to their pillar-like structures and unfussy material finishes, while on the other, they deliver softness to a space, thanks to the way in which their translucent fabric shades diffuse light perfectly.
Conceived by the inimitable duo behind Norm Architects, Kasper Rønn and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, and available locally from Tim Webber Design, the Hashira collection is as much an ode to Japanese design as it is the embodiment of its creators’ Scandinavian sensibilities. And with silhouettes to suit any kind of space, taste or need, it has quickly become a collection to which we can turn to ensure the light inside is always right.
The classic date-night combo of dinner and a show is a failsafe option for any night out, and (in our humble opinion), is one of the best things to do over winter. Here, we round up the theatre shows, films and live music events we’ve been wanting to see, and the best places to book for a bite beforehand.
Dinner at Depot before Long Day’s Journey Into Night at Q Theatre Indulge in a delicious pre-show dinner at Depot before heading five minutes around the corner to Q Theatre for Auckland Theatre Company’s presentation of the 1957 Pulitzer-prize-winning play, Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Boasting stellar performances from an exceptional cast and visionary direction by Shane Bosher, this is one piece of theatre you don’t want to miss.
Dinner at Ebisu before Tate McRae at Shed10 This Sunday, book at table at Britomart stalwart Ebisu, and enjoy a tasty Japanese feast before popping across the road to enjoy the outstanding vocal stylings of Canadian singer-songwriter, Tate McRae. Expected to deliver big things for her first ever New Zealand show, McRae is fresh off the back of a wildly-popular world tour (the artist’s music has been streamed over 3.7 billion times), this is set to be a seriously impressive show.
Dinner at Bar Magda before Louis Baker at the Auckland Town Hall Tucked down Cross Street just off K’Road, and boasting a recently-refreshed menu, Bar Magda is the perfect place to pop-into for an early bite before venturing down Queen Street to watch Louis Baker at the Auckland Town Hall. With billions of Spotify streams as well as a run of sold-out shows around the world, this Kiwi soul/R&B singer has an incredibly powerful, soulful voice, and his one-night-only show is now to be missed.
Dinner at Onemata before Dawn Raids at ASB Waterfront Theatre We suggest booking this one in advance, with Oscar Kightly’s Dawn Raids set to open on the 16th of August. A co-production by legendary Pasifika theatre collective, Pacific Underground and Auckland Theatre Company this compelling, moving show re-visits the infamous Dawn Raids, 25 years on and offers a searing, raw look at a community under seige. Before heading along to the show, enjoy an early dinner at the always-delicious Onemata, located just across the road at the Park Hyatt.
Dinner at Amano before Jimmy Barnes at Spark Arena If you’re going along to enjoy the iconic musical stylings of Jimmy Barnes this weekend, be sure to book in for a satiating pre-show dinner at Amano, just down the road from Spark Arena. Because any night that involves dancing to hits like ‘Simply The Best,’ and ‘Working Class Man,’ requires some serious sustenance.
Dinner at Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar before Where The Crawdad’s Sing at The Vic If you are yet to try Devonport’s cosy new spot, Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar, consider this all the reason you need. Pop in for a satiating bite and a delicious glass of wine (from its comprehensive wine menu) before going to catch an 8pm screening of the hotly-anticipated Where The Crawdad’s Sing at Devonport’s charming local cinema, The Vic.
The final week of school holidays can mean scrambling by parents desperately trying to keep boredom at bay. Because once you’ve exhausted the museum and art gallery trips, excursions to parks, playdates with friends and visits to local cafes for fluffies and treats, a sense of fatigue can set in, something that can only be remedied by a place that caters to the whole family (parents included).
Enter Live Wire’s new Birkenhead Super Park. Opening as New Zealand’s largest entertainment centre, this thrilling spot in Highbury Mall offers a foam pit, rock climbing, a trampoline park, an inflatable world, endless arcade games, luxury curling and bowling alleys and glow-in-the-dark lazer tag, instantly making it the ultimate destination for kids with energy to burn.
But that isn’t all that it offers. Local hospitality veterans, The Fraser Brothers, have come on board to create a comprehensive food and drink offering across three, in-house venues that provide a range of delicious options for parents who just want to put their feet up.
From Three Brothers, a lunch and dinner spot with a menu boasting classic burgers, fried chicken, pizza and tasty sides (officially open from midday tomorrow), to Ollie’s Parlour, a bar serving beers, GH Mumm Champagne, cocktails and mocktails, to George’s Gelato, the perfect dessert drop-in, there truly is something for everyone.
To celebrate the opening of this epic new entertainment destination, we are giving away an experience for six people worth $600. Including an all-access pass as well as lunch (or dinner) with drinks for adults and kids at Three Brothers, this giveaway is the perfect opportunity to sample everything that Live Wire’s new Birkenhead spot has to offer.
To enter the competition, head to our Instagram. T&Cs apply. This giveaway is now closed.
When it comes to everyday dressing, particularly at this time of year, a collection of elevated basics is essential for making every outfit look effortless. Now, as we all examine our shopping habits in a bid to buy things that will last more than one season, there’s never been a better time to focus on wardrobe foundations — layering pieces that will stand you in good sartorial stead.
No matter what your individual style is, a pair of classic denim jeans, some simple knitwear or a utilitarian jacket will take the hassle out of everyday dressing and give your looks a slick edge. Want to build a truly timeless wardrobe? These are the essential pieces you need.
From the left: Crazy mix leather denim blousonfrom Louis Vuitton, Military Jacket from Workshop, Wool trousers from Gucci.
From the left: New Stretch denim jeans from Prada, Kurow cable turtleneck sweater from Bonz, Suede Harrington Jacket from Burberry, Suede jacket and chino pants from Dadelszen.
You can judge the evolution of a city by its rooftop bars. This elevated style of watering hole is a native breed of the busy metropolis, a necessary hideaway that rises above the fray with views that remind us of the beauty to be found in a concrete jungle. Because as you sit on top of a building, cocktail in hand, watching the sun fall below an urban skyline, you know that you are part of something bigger than yourself, something truly cosmopolitan, and the city feels full of potential again.
So, it is with great excitement that we unveil Auckland’s newest rooftop bar, Sunset, a sleek, elegant space nestled on the top floor of the Sudima Hotel, and the latest in a raft of rooftop hospitality taking happy hour to new heights.
Inspired by rooftop bars around the world and created with a desire to celebrate the unique beauty of Auckland’s metropolis, Sunset was designed as a place to which us city-dwellers could escape after a long day. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting designed by the renowned team at CTRL Space, who paired inviting pastel shades and tactile touches of timber, tiles and stone with curved ceiling details and banquettes — a nod to the 1970s although with a distinctly contemporary feel. And despite it being divided into various indoor seating zones and a sweeping outdoor terrace, Sunset offers unobstructed views across Westhaven and the Waitematā to Ponsonby and the Waitākere ranges, from wherever you decide to park up.
Beyond its spectacular good-looks, Sunset has some serious culinary grunt behind it, too, driven by a team of industry-leading creatives helmed by creative consultant, Andrew Glenn (founder of The Oyster Inn). “Sunset is a 21st-century version of a ‘literary salon’ of sorts,” Glenn tells us, “it is a chic place to meet, mingle, exchange and enjoy, with a fantastic backdrop of the city’s glittering lights after dark… stylish but not pretentious, contemporary yet comfortable.”
The unique bar offering has been designed by Dana Johnston (founder of iconic bars like 1885, 46 & York and Pineapple on Parnell) and Mikey Ball (globally sought-after consultant and former head bartender of award-winning London bars Milk & Honey and Dandelyan) and comprises a seasonal menu of exceptionally-delicious bespoke cocktails alongside a comprehensive and eclectic wine list (directed by Simon Kelly) with vintages that span New Zealand, South Africa, Lebanon, France and more.
The menu is also the result of a collaboration, seeing Executive Chef Harmeet Singh Nanda (also behind the Sudima’s ground-floor restaurant, East) team up with Maximus Perry and Samson Stewart (the duo behind Christchurch restaurant, 5th Street), to create dishes inspired by the Mumbai street food of the chef’s childhood, reimagined with more global flavours. (Think sliders with potato hash, plum chutney, feta and coriander, or lamb skewers with Clevedon buffalo curd or koftas with whipped garlic toum, white onion and parsley salad.)
And if all this wasn’t enticing enough, DJ Cam Robertson (founder of Paris is Burning) has come on board to create the ultimate sundowner soundtrack — drawing on his vast international experience to curate mood-enhancing music and offer DJ Sunset Sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (Don’t miss the legendary Nathan Haines and Jaimie Webster-Haines as they takeover Sunset Sessions on the 30th of July and the 6th of August.)
Open now, the timely arrival of Sunset points to the ways in which Auckland is growing up. A highly-considered offering befitting of the bustling, international metropolis this city is becoming, Sunset is the perfect inner-city spot to escape to at the end of a long week, and is exactly where you’ll find us this weekend.
Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday, 4pm until late.
Sunset
10th floor, Sudima Auckland City Hotel
63-67 Nelson Street
Auckland
Our collective embracing of drinks that offer lower alcohol or no alcohol is a movement that has been gaining momentum for a few years, propelled by a growing awareness of alcohol’s impacts on longterm health and on a surprising desire in younger generations to abstain from drinking altogether. Now, we have a whole month dedicated to the idea of sobriety, (or sober-curiosity, for those less inclined to give up completely) and a raft of zero-percent beverages to boot.
The latest drink of this ilk comes in the form of Peroni’s reimagined zero-percent offering. Having initially launched its first non-alcoholic beer (Libera) in 2019, the iconic brand has since been able to dedicate more time and technology to perfecting the brew, resulting in a new beer that that truly takes nothing away from the beloved flavour profile of the Peroni Nastro Azzurro we all know and love.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% (set to replace Libera) is almost unidentifiable from its namesake, thanks to the clever Italian brewers at Birra Peroni who have used the same signature base recipe and ingredients. The technological inroads that have been made over the last few years has allowed them to gently remove the beer’s alcoholic content* without making any compromises on taste. The result is exactly like the deliciously refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzurro (from its crisp, dry taste to its flowery, hoppy notes), just a touch more suitable for Dry July, or for any time that you feel like a drink but don’t feel like its effects.
So whether you are having some time off drinking or are interested in the option of a zero-percent alternative to your favourite beer, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% couldn’t have come along at a better time.
*Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% contains no more than 0.04% all.vol. from the brewing process.
Since launching their namesake label in 2003, sibling duo Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman have become a formidable force in fashion both in their native Australia and around the world. Their brand, Camilla and Marc, was built on the idea of transcendent, timeless pieces and is renowned for its superb tailoring, high-quality basics and chic everyday-wear. In fact, it was an early proponent of clothes that were made to last more than one season, and over its almost-20 successful years has remained steadfastly true to its original vision. Now, the brand and its founders are using their huge influence to draw attention to a cause close to their hearts, not only working to change the conversation around ovarian cancer, but raising essential funds to change diagnosis and treatment on a global scale. Here, the revered fashion duo tap into their impressive careers to offer a masterclass in fashion longevity, success in business and curating the perfect wardrobe.
Embrace a challenge
Camilla: Gruelling as they are, the challenging times are usually the most inspiring. Looking back, for us it has always been more about the journey and being open-minded and curious enough to learn along the way, than it ever was worrying about what we might be getting wrong. And honestly, making those tough decisions is the best thing you can do. There’s always a way forward — it’s just about finding the right path.
Marc: We had to learn that we couldn’t do it all, so now we try to turn every failure and tough moment into an opportunity. And so far, the journey has been wonderful and exciting and heady and challenging and terrifying, all at the same time.
C: First of all, even in the early days of Camilla and Marc we never took ‘no’ for an answer. To be successful in this game you need to stay true to your vision and your own creative style and you need to have an innate understanding of who you want your client to be and what speaks to them. We set out to create timeless, elegant forever pieces for the Camilla and Marc woman and over the years, she has shaped us as much as we have created clothes for her.
M: Be honest, be patient and take your time to build the dream. Success comes from focus, grit, hard work and a bit of luck. And it is different today from when we were starting out. Now, we live in a data driven world but I think you’ve got to dig deeper to what lies within the truth of the numbers to understand how people connect with you and how you can connect with people, that’s where you’ll find customers who really understand what you’re trying to create and will get on board with your vision.
Find inspiration everywhere
C: I’m inspired by travel at the moment. I was recently in Milan and Stockholm and I had never been to Stockholm before. I was so energised by the culture and the food and the architecture. I went to the old city and it was gorgeous. It really has stayed with me for the last few months.
M: We are inspired by the world and how we interact with it and how the people around us interact with it. The creative process is fluid and ongoing and as we’ve grown, we’ve built a team of collaborators who, at the end of the day, just make it so fun.
Creative collaboration is key
C: Marc runs Camilla and Marc’s business side, and although he is incredibly creative, I am the Creative Director. But we have been doing this together since the beginning, when we both did everything (before we had any employees). Marc really is my first port of call whenever I have any big life questions, and we had talked about starting something together long before officially launching our brand.
M: Our partnership works because of a few key factors: Transparency enables us to see all the angles of opportunity, optimism allows us to be curious of the opportunities, and candour allows us to always speak our minds and helps us make fast decisions. Collaboration has been so important in making our brand come to life but I think it’s important for success in any kind of business.
C: Finding purpose can be hard for some people but it’s something I have always tried to consciously do in my life. That sense of purpose keeps me looking forward to the next thing and the next, but it also serves as a reminder to soak it all in and be present in every moment (or try as much as I can to be). That is often when those nuggets of gold are found.
Listen to your team. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone’s opinion is valid
C: Creating an amazing team and trusting them is really important. Even though we did every job at the start, I like to think that our team now can actually do their jobs better than we ever could. We are very lucky.
M: I also like to say that the best argument wins. So, helping people in our team to have open conversations and then letting the best argument win fosters this incredible spirit of collaboration. I think it’s important that people know they can always question things within reason, so suggestions can come from the most junior members of the team or from senior management.
Harness social media
C: The rise of social media and its impact on our industry has been huge and it’s changed our lives on so many levels. From a brand point-of-view, it’s been incredibly positive. It has allowed us to connect to our community directly and fluidly. Compared to the way we communicated with our customers when we launched, it’s been a wonderfully positive shift. We can own our story and tell it in a more personal and meaningful way. And we are really able to help our customers in ways we never could before. I just got a direct message the other day from a customer who bought a blazer in one of our stores and she reached out to me on Instagram saying ‘I love this. I have seven blazers of yours that I bought over the last 15 years and still wear them and rewear them.’ And I just think that is such a beautiful sentiment. I never would have had that kind of connection with our clients if it wasn’t for social media. It’s pretty humbling.
Use your reach wisely
M: Fashion is a historically political industry and it has the power to inspire action and change. That’s what a direct connection to the customer through social media allows us to do today. Nowhere has that been more important than in our ovarian cancer campaigns. Launching that three years ago, we’ve been able to shape the way we wanted this story to be told and have been able to amplify other people’s stories which has been so crucial.
C: Honestly, ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them’ is probably one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. And every year it’s getting bigger and bigger. Having such a big platform to share important messages around ovarian cancer, and being able to take customers on a journey around these initiatives, is what really excites us about the future of fashion — using our platform to create awareness and make some change.
A timeless wardrobe is transformative
C: Clothing can change the way you feel and it can empower you, but you also need to make sure that you are still letting yourself shine through. Go for clothes that enhance your natural style, not ones that overshadow you. That’s where the idea of a timeless wardrobe comes in. There are a few pieces that are imperative for any classic wardrobe. Tailoring will always be key — you can’t go wrong with a sharp blazer and a great trench coat. Get yourself a beautiful pair of trousers and a great jean that fits you perfectly. And never forget a simple tee. If you’ve got those things, you can really build a wardrobe that reflects who you are by layering the extras — shirting, accessories, shoes, etc.
Camilla and Marc Design Studio
Break it down and simplify
C: It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the options and trends out there. Particularly if you don’t really understand ‘fashion.’ But if you want to look stylish and feel good, my advice would be to break it all down to a very simple, core concept and don’t overthink. Less really is more.
There’s no space for imitation
C: Don’t come into fashion thinking that you can do something that someone else is doing because there’s no space for that anymore. Especially with social media. You’ve got to come and do you.
M: I think that a lot of industries don’t change that much but what is interesting about fashion is that it’s constantly changing. And it draws people who want to perpetually create something that feels new and fresh and who are not scared of embracing that change.
It’s all about the small moments
C: The big wins are great but for me and Marc it’s always been about the small moments that have accumulated over the years. The big things are amazing and I’m so grateful for them, but it’s those times when I’m walking down the street and see someone wearing one of our blazers or trenches or dresses that never get old. Actually, on my flight to Los Angeles recently I saw two people wearing our trench coat, and I’ve always said that I love travelling with a trench coat because you can wear a really cosy, comfortable tracksuit but then throw on a trench and feel polished. I don’t know if they had read me saying that or not but it was one of those pinch-me moments that I will remember forever.
While it’s true that we could all probably do with a holiday right now, the kids are getting in there first. And if you have decided to spend their time off school by staying put, we have rounded up a list of activities that are sure to keep not only the children entertained these school holidays, but hopefully, you too.
Go ice skating in the city Aotea’s ever-popular ice-skating rink is back for another winter and we couldn’t be more excited. Designed for skaters of any ability, this activity truly is a delight for the whole family, with the rink’s 35-metre ice slide also returning to provide some extra fun. (We recommend securing your tickets now.)
Shrek The Musical, Shrooms at Elemental Hub.
Book tickets to Shrek The Musical Broadway’s smash hit Shrek The Musical has come to delight Auckland audiences, promising to be a show the whole family will love. Based on the Academy-Award-winning animated film of the same name, the musical version will be bringing the beloved ogre, Shrek, to life on Aotea Centre’s Kiri Te Kanawa stage, telling the story we all know and love in enthralling, live-action style.
Be entertained at the Elemental Hub Aotea Square has been transformed into a wonderful world of entertainment and delight thanks to the Elemental Hub, on until the 31st of July. From giant, inflatable, light-up mushrooms to roaming LED cats to pendulum-like light shows and even live music, there is so much to experience and look at that a night wandering around will be a night well spent.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, MOTAT.
Go to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki The Auckland Art Gallery offers a range of activities via its Creative Learning Centre, designed to keep the whole family engaged. Or, if you’re after something more immersive, the Gallery’s dedicated School Holiday Programme promises to get the kids up close with a variety of art practices and themes. With classes running daily from 9am until 3pm, children are taught new skills and encouraged to experiment and to create their own unique works of art.
Play with science MOTAT is always a great place to take the kids over the school holidays thanks to the fact that it always has some kind of interesting, immersive programme running. This year, MOTAT’s July school holiday experience is called Urupare React that celebrates actions, reactions and how energy is transferred. Allowing the kids to get involved in a range of fun, hands-on activities that are as educational as they are engaging, this is the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Embark on a teddy bear’s picnic Get the kids to grab their favourite teddy and head along to the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic, onboard the vintage vessel, ‘Ted Ashby.’ Taking place this Saturday (the 9th of July) the experience will include an afternoon of sailing on the beautiful Waitematā as well as a fun teddy-bear-themed goodie bag and a photo to remember the day. So pack your favourite lunch and set sail.
The Snugs; Sculptureum.
Book a Snug Part of the Elemental Hub is its unique, pop-up dining experience, The Snugs. Comprising a series of enclosed, igloo-like structures made cosy with heaters and blankets, The Snugs can be booked for parties up to six people to enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks in an entirely unique way. So if you’re looking for something different for dinner, take the kids along for an unforgettable evening.
Daytrip to the Sculptureum If an escape from the city is needed, head north to Matakana’s Sculptureum for a delightful artistic and culinary experience. Offering six spacious indoor art galleries and three outdoor sculpture gardens, as well as exceptional food options (including widely-lauded restaurant Rothko) and a number of opportunities for littlies to get up-close with the animals that reside on the property (think birds, turtles, rabbits, pigs and more) there really is something for everyone here. Our advice? Plan your daytrip and book tickets in advance.
Head along to It’s Alive! Promising to be ‘a silly show for the whole whanau,’ It’s Alive is a brand new, immersive and educational theatre show for the whole family (although more specifically designed for five-to-ten year olds) that features science experiments live on stage, and calls on the kiddies in the audience to get involved. Taking place at The Factory Theatre in Onehunga, It’s Alive! combines theatre, puppetry, comedy, science and improvisation in one seriously fun show that parents are guaranteed to get as much out of as their kids.
It’s the understatement of the century to say that luxury tourism has had a tough time of it lately. But for William Hudson, managing director of The Lindis Group, there have been a number of positives to emerge from the last couple of years — and for now, the future looks bright.
The Lindis Group is redefining luxury accommodation in New Zealand. From its exceptional service to its world class properties, which include The Lindis in South Canterbury’s Ahuriri Valley and Mt Isthmus in Lake Hāwea, The Lindis Group has made a swift and considerable impact in New Zealand’s tourism space, much of which can be attributed to its South Island presence.
Operating from a place of honouring the land, capitalising on natural wonders and keeping its footprint to a minimum, the group’s properties are designed to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Similarly, its hospitality promises to connect guests to the sense of calm quietude that can be garnered from a return to nature — think locally-sourced, seasonal food and wines, breathtaking alfresco activities like hikes, fishing and horseback riding and rooms that open out onto impossibly beautiful landscapes. This extends to the highly-personalised service offered to every guest, which prides itself on curated experiences that can be tailored to suit individual needs.
This means, of course, that luxury remains at the heart of everything The Lindis Group does, which has seen it become hugely popular with local and international tourists alike. And when circumstances stopped the latter from crossing our borders, it was support from the former that the group’s Managing Director, William Hudson, says he was especially struck by.
“I like to dwell on the positives,” Hudson explains, “and it’s been quite incredible. Kiwis were able to reacquaint themselves with some of the world class options in their own backyard and I think there was a realisation of how lucky we are here.” For Hudson, the disruption to his industry offered a time to turn inward and examine how The Lindis Group could improve and evolve. “We had some critical people join the team and looking at where we are now from two years ago, there have been significant improvements to our service and to the scope of experience we can offer, which is fantastic.”
The group’s most recent opening is Mt Isthmus, a sole-use villa nestled on a narrow strip of land between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hāwea. Designed by Tony Butel to mimic the jagged mountains by which it sits, the property promises an unparalleled immersion into a part of the South Island that feels totally untouched. This focus on location is a huge part of why The Lindis Group’s particular brand of hospitality is so magical and is something that Hudson says has been crucial for a few upcoming projects that are still in early stages (watch this space). “We’re always looking for new opportunities,” he divulges, “but everything we do will always be focused on big views, incredible locations, unique design and obviously just really authentic hospitality.”
“One of the most important things we’ve realised over this time,” Hudson continues, “is that the most memorable experiences are sometimes the most simple, like a day spent fly-fishing followed by a simple picnic lunch overlooking the river and mountains… being outside and being able to take in the environment… that’s what most of our guests want.” Escaping the noise of the everyday to sit privately in nature has become the ultimate luxury, and The Lindis Group has positioned itself perfectly to offer just that.
As far as the future is concerned, Hudson is confident about what is to come. “I strongly believe that New Zealand offers the best value tourism in the world,” he says, “and we’ve noticed how clients are returning to us, even when they have the option of heading overseas again.” Now that borders are softening and airlines are reopening flights (including, we hope the much-anticipated New Zealand-to-New York direct route) The Lindis Group is in the strongest position it has ever been to welcome new guests. “We’re so committed to furthering this industry here in New Zealand,” Hudson explains, “and I’m just really looking forward to what’s next and to showing off what we think is the best destination in the world.”
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Mark Roper | 6 Jul 2022
Constructed in the 1880s to reflect the distinctly ornate Victorian tastes of the time, St Huberts (located in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda) is a building brimming with history. Originally designed as a single dwelling before being given a new facade and turned into apartments in the 1910s (complete with external staircases, extra balconies and separate internal spaces) St Huberts was, for a long time, home to an eclectic, artistic crowd, reflective of the changing demographic of its locale.
The custom fireplace features Breccia Nera marble, available from Artedomus.
The living room features the HM Tripod floor lamp by &Tradition from Cult Design.
Now, the once-grand mansion has been restored to a version of its former glory thanks to a local couple with four children who saw the property’s potential as a unique family home. Melbourne-based architecture and interior firm Robson Rak was tasked with transforming St Huberts into something that was ‘great to live in and great to entertain in,’ demanding they honour the historic architectural details while introducing all the necessary accoutrements to suit a family of six.
The kitchen features five Iva barstools from Grazia & Co, a custom dining room table with eight Bo chairs by Miyazaki.
Executing the job with an eye for detail and some clever sleight-of-hand, the team at Robson Rak reimagined the spaces with generous proportions and plenty of nods to St Huberts’ history. Many of the existing features of the house were retained and/or restored, including the marble fireplaces, ornate cornices, arches and decorative ceilings, all of which now sit seamlessly alongside the more contemporary architecture and interior furnishings. Such flawless integration of historic details into a modern setting is really what makes this project so special. Here, Robson Rak had to create an entirely new design language in order to bring the two worlds of this home into harmony — leaving no detail to chance.
The dining room features Bodystuhl chairs by Nigel Coates for Gebruder Thonet, around the Bulè table by Chiara Andreatti for Lema and the Setareh suspension pendant by Fontana Arte Lighting.
From the mosaic-tiled entrance way which sets a tone of understated luxury, to the sprawling communal spaces and elegantly-appointed private rooms, Robson Rak’s strategic layering of materials is a masterclass in restraint.
Soaring-height ceilings, an expansive floor plan and a new internal staircase offer the grandeur one might expect from a house of this calibre, and yet, thanks to a muted palette, rounded motifs and the use of natural timber, custom steel work and undulating marble, every space contains elements of artisanal craftsmanship, which makes them feel inherently warm and welcoming.
This sense is further enhanced by the way the interior connects to its surrounding gardens (conceived by COS Design landscaping). Exemplified in the open-plan kitchen and casual living area, large steel-framed windows offer a leafy tableaux and allow plenty of natural light to bathe the surfaces that comprise the heart of the home. Designed as much for the needs of family life as it is for grown ups who enjoy entertaining, this central area comprises an eye-catching kitchen island in bronze and marble, a formal dining table, a television discreetly hidden behind an artwork and the pièce-de-résistance, a jaw-dropping custom marble fireplace. Natural timber veneer cabinetry conceals the room’s storage and functional necessities, while an elegantly-appointed, fully-stocked bar is tucked away in a corner, ready and waiting for the moment the kids have been put to bed.
Upstairs, the four bedrooms (each with its own ensuite) are tranquil havens, thanks to the use of calm, natural textiles and a simple palette of white, grey and beige. Offering a break from the daily bustle of life with four children, the bedrooms have been designed with respite in mind — places in which to curl up with a book, indulge in a long luxurious bath or simply enjoy a few minutes alone.
The new St Huberts is a triumph of design and a testament to Robson Rak’s expert skill and unique perspective. By leaning into the historic aspect of the building and filtering it through a carefully-considered contemporary lens, the designers have created a home that is functional, elegant, charming and, above all else, timeless. Now, St Huberts is a home that is equipped to evolve with its occupants, and will undoubtedly remain a beacon of design for generations to come.
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