Founded by New Zealand Architect and Interior Designer Annabel Smart, and Melbourne-based Interior Architect Marijne Vogel, Studio 11:11 operates in multiple disciplines, exploring the boundaries between interior architecture, leather goods, and objects to create a diverse body of work with one collective narrative. That narrative is all about their understanding of the relationship between human emotion and place, which they continue to grow through their body of work, and a commitment to conscious design. Recently celebrating three years in business, Studio 11:11 extends its unique design aesthetic to award-winning projects across New Zealand and Australia, such as Auckland’s Basecamp Power Yoga - recently awarded winner of 2020 Interior Awards in the category of health and wellness. Basecamp also won bronze at the recent Best Design Awards 2020, along with Annabel receiving the Emerging Designer Award. Judges noted, “...her work is refined, sensitive and elegant- a refreshing take on the New Zealand interior scene.” Inspiring projects that have been featured here on TDC, I’m very happy to share their latest with you today, Masseria House.
Working in close collaboration with the client, Studio 11:11 was set the task of designing a sophisticated and pared-back Melbourne home, with a relaxed Mediterranean resort-style atmosphere. As with all of Studio 11:11’s projects, Masseria House is a celebration of natural materials. Unfussy yet elegant, charismatic yet calm, the interior spaces are defined by functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship.
Upon entering, the impressive foyer sets a tone for the rest of the house. A roughly textured spiral staircase interrupts the surrounding rectilinear forms. As you continue through to the expansive open plan kitchen, dining and living area, changes in floor and wall finishes delineate zones and create a more human scale, while in keeping with the grandness of the open arrangement.
The fastidious detailing of the kitchen joinery is proof that behind the portrayal of minimalism is a highly resolved and complex design. The butler’s pantry, laundry, rumpus and gym are neatly tucked away from the eyes of visitors, who are instead lead down into a sunken ‘cosy room’.
To ensure a personalised connection with the end result, the client was actively involved in hand-selecting each material. On the ground floor, there are heavy set rock walls, travertine stone, polished rendered walls and exposed aggregate concrete floors. This seemingly busy layering of textures achieves a sense of calm by using similar neutral tones throughout. On the upper level, the hard surfaces are replaced with plush carpet and warm toned timber, creating a more intimate and restful environment.
A sublime interior that breathes in harmony with the architecture, it is polished and refined yet met with a raw and natural edge. This unique juxtaposition gives it strength of character, as though it has always been there. In what could have been a house of intimidating proportions, this is a beautifully inviting, tactile and tranquil home.
For further inspiration from Studio 11:11 take a look at their Mt Eliza Kitchen project - another one of my favourites.
Conceptual direction and finishes by Anita Friedman (client)
Architecture and Build by Agushi Constructions
Photography by Nicholas John Wilkins
Images courtesy of Studio 11:11