Whenever interior designer Gavin Hepper meets with his clients, he learns their passions, must-haves and design tastes. He also discusses the functionality of an interior – what works and what doesn’t in various rooms.

When this Creative Director of Concepts By Gavin Hepper met clients in the Sydney suburb of Hunters Hill, his regular questions provided a burst of inspiration. He soon discovered their penchant for luxe art hotels and their desire to see the treescapes from their home’s upper level. This guided Gavin when designing a one-of-a-kind ensuite connected to the master bedroom.

In addition, the way of living was key. ‘The overall look came secondary to the functionality, which was the priority for the clients,’ explains Gavin, the lead interior designer for this full renovation project.

Taking all these elements, Gavin designed a plush ensuite that plays with sensual curves and a playful pop of pink, coupled with an eclectic selection of tiles. It provides natural light, ample storage space, and the privacy needed for a tranquil bathing experience.

‘On the initial architectural plans, we removed a window from the bathroom that overlooked the street – mainly to ease privacy concerns – and added a beautiful circular skylight to ensure an abundance of natural light,’ says Gavin.

Adjoining the master suite with its curved wall, the inner curve of the ensuite wall is highlighted with the vanity shape at its set-down space. The curves are then echoed in the end of the vanity, and he shaped the shaving cabinet, lines of the bathtub and the shower wall with the same curved edges.

These touches add a softness to a space otherwise filled with hard surfaces. The curved walls display pill-shaped tiles in white, elevated by using a coloured grout. Meanwhile the terrazzo-look tiles in pink are positioned on the other walls.

After designing this striking concept, Gavin was a little apprehensive when he first showed it to his clients. ‘You either love it or hate it,’ he says, laughing. ‘I showed how this look was a reference to quirky art hotels, playing with colour and texture. It feels like a luxe hotel with an artsy vibe.’

To make the vision more understandable, Gavin produced 3D images, which were handy for the team and the clients. ‘We did this early on to immerse them in the look. Otherwise, the use of colour and texture could be quite overwhelming. Three-dimensional images are a powerful tool to convey your design intent and our vision.’

During the build, a ‘false’ wall was added to increase depth and additional storage in the recessed shaving cabinets. This allowed Gavin to insert the curved frame around the louvred windows, mimicking the circular skylight above. 

While the Corian-edge surround of the window trim allows for a practical place to rest toiletries, it also frames the window, looking out onto the master suite balcony and treescape. ‘It's a calming space, playing on curves, arcs and square cornered lines,’ says Gavin.

The double basins were chosen for their softened edges; the pink of the vanity complements the terrazzo tiles. The ensuite also features underfloor heating and considered lighting, including an under-vanity sensor light. The walk-in shower hidden behind its curved wall allows for privacy if the vanity space is in use in the early morning rush.

‘This is virtually a separate room within the bathroom itself,’ says Gavin. ‘There’s nothing more relaxing than laying back in the bath, enjoying the freshness of the trees and outdoor space or bathing under the stars.’

According to Gavin, design documentation underpins a successful project. As a licensed contractor, he was on-site for all milestones, including tile, waterproofing and tiling setouts.

After completing the build in early 2023, Gavin was thrilled to celebrate this achievement when he won the 2024 HIA Australian Bathroom Design at the national awards in Cairns a year later.

‘There was a real sense of excitement there, and it was good to catch up with many finalists. Networking is so important – it’s a chance to chat about the industry and even to ask, how are you going?’ he says. ‘It's exciting just to be part of the broader community, especially when it comes to a national conference and awards night.’

Award

HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards - 2024 HIA Australian Bathroom Design

Partner

Tradelink

Materials

• Wall tiles : Mini Zetr Mosaic in Gloss White from Surface Gallery
• Floor and wall tile : Paddington terrazzo look from Tile Cloud
• Vanity basin : Roca Inspira Soft semi-inset in white from Reece
• Vanity tap set : Milani Progressive mixer and spout set in Brushed Gunmetal from ABI Interiors
• Pan : American-standard Signature hygiene rim back-to-wall from Reece
• Shower : Milani Progressive head, arm, holder and mixer in Brushed Gunmetal from ABI Interiors
• Towel rail : Round vertical single heated rail from Thermogroup
• Bath : Hamilton corner wall-faced bath from Industrie Tapware
• Bath set : Milani Progressive mixer and spout set from ABI Interiors

First published 20 September 2024