The picturesque scenery of Middleton Beach is just a short drive from the city of Albany WA, and has captivated both locals and visitors with turquoise waters that are sheltered from harsh waves by the islands and headlands of King George Sound. What is a stunning travel destination for many, has become home to a select few with architect Grace Schlager and her family among those fortunate enough to call the area home
Completed in April 2018, the residential development now known as the Tree House on Wylie was designed to encapsulate the atmosphere and aesthetic of a contemporary beach house with a design that followed the contours of the steep site, working with the land to create a residence that sat harmoniously among its surrounds. As the residence was to become a family home, it was also imperative to have flexible spaces that would be able to adapt to the changing needs of a growing family.
In regards to the planning and development of the residence, there were some difficulties that had to be overcome. The site itself was incredibly steep and as it was located within an established area, owner and architect Grace Schlager and her family preferred not to change the natural ground level too drastically. Rather than be deterred in any way, Schlager saw this as an opportunity to creatively explore solutions that resulted in the form of her home being split over four levels, with two black weatherboard clad double-storey boxes connected together. The ingenious concept was recognised with an award at the Great Southern MBA Awards for Excellence in Construction on a Challenging Lot, Residential. Another Great Southern MBA accolade was also awarded for Excellence in Cabinet Making.
With the material palette inspired by a traditional beach shack, the selection of weatherboards and timbers have been incorporated throughout the house and applied in such a way that perfectly combines the naturally weathered appeal of timber with a wholly contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen is a show stopping yet welcoming design with vertically grooved timber panels in a grey lacquered paint finish with American Oak lime washed handles. The Rural Oak overhead shelving from the Laminate Riven Range paired with the Carrara EssaStone bench and splashback along with the inclusion of Siemens appliances completes the look.
When asked about what she would consider as the highlight of the home, Schlager said, “The open plan living, dining and kitchen areas with its large floor to ceiling windows and ocean views creates a special central hub for the home.”
Featuring wide-open spaces perfect for the family to gather, socialise, relax and entertain, the kitchen evolves to become more than just a functional workspace. It becomes fundamental in how the family will utilise the space, allowing conversations and family interactions to flow from within the kitchen into the rest of the home.
With this in mind, careful consideration of appliances was crucial. The choice to incorporate Siemens appliances in both the kitchen and laundry was made after acknowledging that the brand ticked all the right boxes for the family. Not only were the design aspects and aesthetics of the appliances important, but the technological advancements that the brand makes outside of residential projects played an important role. Siemens home appliances have the ability to revolutionise the home through cutting-edge technologies and unrivalled user experience, meaning that for Schlager and her family they will be able to enjoy the intuitive appliances for years to come as they transform everyday moments into incredible experiences.
Providing a wide array of cooking options, the iQ700 Siemens appliances within the kitchen include a built-in oven, a second built-in oven with microwave and pulseSteam capabilities, a warming drawer, fully automatic built-in coffee machine, 90cm gas cooktop along with an integrated rangehood and an iQ500 fully integrated dishwasher. Sleek in design and intuitive in operation, this combination of appliances is designed to cut down on any hard work, while expanding cooking options, and opening up inspiring possibilities while Schlager and her family explore their culinary creativity.
The intuitive technology extends into the laundry as well, with intelligent features in the Siemens iQ800 washing machine and heat pump dryer set to benefit the entire family. The iQ800 washing machine features an elegant design with the intelligent i-Dos automatic dosing and stain removal system that is invaluable for busy families. Intuitive and convenient features such as the selfCleaning condenser in the iQ800 heat pump dryer ensure that the family can spend more time enjoying their time together than spending it on needless chores such as cleaning a dryer.
In an idyllic location, in a beautifully designed award-winning home, Grace Schlager and her family are sure to enjoy their days surrounded by stunning ocean views, while relaxing in an inspiring interior complete with intuitive appliances that inspire a life less ordinary.
Siemens Home Appliances
siemens-home.bsh-group.com.au
Photography by Lee Griffith