hatever the season, this home in the Adelaide Hills never fails to impress. Set in a vineyard, it handles winter cold and blistering summer heat with ease, all the while soaking up the amazing views that are offered by expansive windows in every room. “Vigneron House had to be robust internally as well as externally,” says interior designer Alexandra Moeck of Enoki. We were contacted by the client on referral from another client back in 2016. The concept for this new build was underway with Proske Architects and we were engaged to bring the interiors to life. Throughout the The home flows seamlessly with its surroundings through expansive glass windows that showcase views and thresholds that lead out onto outdoor entertaining areas. This meant that the thermal performance of the home was always paramount and was addressed architecturally in many ways, from glazing type to orientation and shading. Internally, it meant that the materials selected should age organically, clean well and work with underfloor heating. The fluctuating temperatures of the Adelaide Hills also commanded that the interior feel cool in summer (the stone floors help with this) and that, in winter, it feels cosy and inviting to sit and watch the rain clouds roll by. The materials were selected for their looks and practicality in a productive vineyard home. Work boots, muddy clothes and pets are an everyday occurrence, so the interior had to be robust. Fire risks in the Adelaide Hills were also a consideration and impacted the choice of materials. In terms of spatial planning, the generous entry is flanked by a central freeform, stone-clad pod, which houses a powder room, linen storage, mud room and laundry. This space is the working hub and key to the everyday running of the home. From here, the occupier has a choice of four paths – right to the master suite wing, left to the kids’ wing, down to the garage and cellar or across to the open-plan living space housing the kitchen, scullery, study and lounge. This provides the inhabitants with a choice of how they want to occupy the home, whether in the mood for introversion or extroversion. This home is also perfect for entertaining, which was important given that it is in a regional setting. There were two key things – a minimal use of white and our aim for the unexpected. The client meetings were exciting, because the client challenged us to bring forth unusual combinations that would challenge some other clients. The client’s mutual excitement for what we were putting together spurred the design process to create something very much tailored to their personality. This is something we adore – designing for the client’s personality and being able to reflect it in the built form. This home encapsulates the dynamic personality of the owners. It is robust, playful and gutsy. Our favourite elements would have to be the vast combination of stones. Dover limestone pavers on the floor in the main public realms just bring so much character to each space, and the natural variation is stunning. Our favourite room would have to be the master ensuite, where Cote D’Azur marble reigns supreme. It is viewed as artwork by the client. On the day we took these photographs, we were treated to a “combined weather day”, where it was sunny one moment and raining with dark clouds the next. To be able to stand in the kitchen/lounge space and watch the weather roll through within the dynamic surrounds of Vigneron House was such a pleasure. In plan, the T-shaped form of this house is very powerful and allows every vantage point to have a prime view to the surrounding landscape. To then be surrounded internally by such an array of natural materials complements this engagement with the landscape. Internal tonal variations are as varied as the external surrounds. This was another fun stage with our client, and one where we were encouraged to push the boundaries. We always strive to specify Australian-designed and -made pieces as much as possible, and this is always our starting point. The furniture and lighting were also viewed as elements of art, furthering the client’s already extensive artwork collection. Fittings such as door handles and cabinetry hardware also had to be robust, but with details that ensure they look considered and flow with the entirety of the home. Yes, they are thrilled with the outcome. It should be noted that the build was a rocky journey and the client and builder parted ways midway through construction. However, the client held on to their dream vision and continued working with us to help project-manage the build. It took more than three years for it to be completed and the client should be commended for their perseverance. The finish that was achieved is high-level. They have a home that will transcend the seasons for many, many years to come.
