Grove Residence by MAEK
The Grove Residence repurposes an existing home to create a private sanctuary with European sensibilities that balances open-plan living with intimate spatial experiences.
Projects
04.05.2023
Located in Perth's leafy riverside suburb of Peppermint Grove, the aptly named 'Grove Residence' is an existing home reimagined to create a private sanctuary for a family previously living abroad. Retaining much of the external structure, MAEK has redesigned the interior to achieve better spatial planning and embrace the feel of an elegant European lifestyle.
MAEK Creative Director Kathryn Sims explains the approach to reconfiguring the internal areas saying, "After years of open-plan living, we are seeing a return to more spatial separation–it feels safe and cosy. The intimate spaces in the Grove Residence help to create an atmosphere, even when people aren't occupying them."
MAEK replanned the entire home internally except for the lower ground floor, removing walls only where necessary. However, the necessity of rebuilding the first floor due to structural issues "allowed [the design team] to extend the first floor to optimise views of the city, the river and the leafy suburb surrounds," says Kathryn.
The calming, neutral palette pairs with the curvature in the furniture pieces and interior architecture, which has a cohesive feel. These elements are combined to create welcoming spaces that contrast moments of scale and drama throughout the home, such as a sweeping staircase and curved arches framing the living and dining areas.
"After years of open-plan living, we are seeing a return to more spatial separation–it feels safe and cosy."
An entry reception area at the Grove Residence features a fireplace and Cassina's Rio table flagged by Moroso's Gogan sofas. A custom rug and Cassina's Lady armchairs complete the space. Photography: Dion Robeson.
The entrance at the Grove Residence features a sweeping spiral staircase complemented by Glas Italia's irregular-shaped Kooh-I-Noor mirror and CC-Tapis's Seated Nude rug, adding a sense of playfulness to the space. Photography: Dion Robeson.
On the ground floor, the entrance features a striking spiral staircase complemented by Glas Italia's irregular-shaped Kooh-I-Noor mirror and CC-Tapis's Seated Nude rug, adding a sense of playfulness to the space. The adjoining reception room has a fireplace and Cassina's Rio table flagged by Moroso's Gogan sofas, which Kathryn describes as "a room I want to sink into with a glass of wine and a good book."
An organic-shaped Morghen Studio pendant and Moroso's Mathilda chairs anchor the formal dining area.
On the first floor, a home office with river views features light timber cladding complemented by Poltrona Frau's Trust desk and the Downtown office chair, paired with more of Moroso's Mathilda chairs. Adjacent is a lounge area with the Redondo upholstered in luxurious silvery-grey velvet.
The primary bedroom features a dedicated outdoor space with Cassina's Sail Out sofa, perfect for lounging and taking in the views.
London-based lighting designer Michael Anastassiades features throughout the home, from a sculptural Tube chandelier in the entrance to cleverly placed wall lights in the bathroom and a playful Tip of the Tongue table lamp in the bedroom.
Through spatial reconfiguration and minimal change to the external structure, the Grove Residence shows how to repurpose an existing home to suit the needs of its occupants and keep pace with the changing demands of modern life.
The kitchen area features a free-flowing Morghen Studio pendant. Photography: Dion Robeson.
"The calming, neutral palette pairs with the curvature in the furniture pieces and interior architecture, which has a cohesive feel."
On the first floor, an office space with river views features Poltrona Frau's Trust desk and Downtown office chair, along with Moroso's Mathilda chairs. Photography: Dion Robeson.
Adjacent to the office is Moroso's Redondo armchair upholstered in a luxurious silvery-grey velvet. Photography: Dion Robeson.
Project Details
Design & build: MAEK
Photography: Dion Robeson
Furniture: Mobilia