Home to international creatives and their family; the Beaconsfield family home with its open-plan spaces in this contemporary new-build bring together eclectic collections, natural materials and opportunities for family life.

Functional sculpture is one of the red threads that run through the design, captured in various American-manufactured luminaires as well as the concrete basin, metal-clad kitchen, curvaceous master bath and the striking metal fireplace in the main reception room. Aged barn-wood, burnished metal and natural fabrics and fibres soften the architectural lines and help to bring the exterior setting into the house.  Classics from the Tollgard stable of brand partners include the owner’s favourite item of all time, the Finn Juhl Chieftain armchair, planters from the owner’s native South Africa by Indigenus and furniture from Piet Boon, Meridiani, Flexform, Living Divani and KBH.

One of the owners’ most satisfying interior design decisions was the wood-burning fireplace from Skantherm, supplied by Tulipalo.  The owner explains that “we have a fire-time ritual that starts with gathering wood from the garden; continues with cleaning out the fireplace, moves to the making a new fire and finally the feeling of it slowly warming the house.  A good fire can prompt memories, and we hope our children remember their childhood fire.  The ritual is something that connects me not just with warming my family, but with the outside and natural world as well.  Fire has been at the heart of the home even before we moved into dwellings – it is part of our DNA to feel secure and safe in its light and warmth.”