Spacious and Light-filled: the Travertine Palace

Located in the waterfront suburb of Mentone, Victoria, this modern palace blends a design suited for everyday living with the trappings of luxury. With architect Pietro Giorgano Design at the helm, the Travertine Palace was created as a home focalised around space and light. The results encapsulate a feeling of timeless modernity, with innovative features such as Shade Factor’s shading solutions making the residence easier to live in and enjoy all year round.

GALLERY  

At the core of its design, Travertine Palace brings light, luxury and space into every corner of the home. “The client wanted a comfortable home that was easy to maintain but still had a sense of space, light and functionality,” says architect Pietro Giorgano. Travertine stone, the eponymous material featured throughout, brings warmth and elegance into the space. “What really brought it all together was the homeowner’s love for travertine. We used it extensively, including the floors, benchtops and even in the bathrooms,” explains Giordano. The natural aesthetic and feel of the stone gives the space a luxury feel with its consistent usage, without feeling pretentious.

Yet another touch of liveable luxury is the central atrium stairwell. “The stairs are simple but classy, focusing on form, shape and light,” explains Giordano. “They make the house feel connected and bright, even on overcast days.” On the upstairs level, the focus on light and space is continued in generous bedrooms and a rumpus area.

This ethos of generosity is evident from the very first moment you see the home. The entryway is dramatic but welcoming, with a custom-designed door flanked by the feature stone from which the home got its name. “From the street to the front door, there’s a lovely sense of scale,” adds Giordano.

A north-facing block, Giordano capitalised on this advantage, creating living areas filled with natural light. “We wanted to orient it towards the north so the garden and living spaces could enjoy as much sunlight as possible,” says Giordano. To blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows let the light pour in. This mantra extends to the master suite which is tucked away at the rear of the house, creating a private “six-star retreat” for the homeowners.

But with a north-facing block can come the challenge of sun control. With the large windows and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, living spaces needed to remain comfortable all year long. The solution: Shade Factor’s Lamaxa L70 retractable louvre roof from Warema. With all-weather flexibility, “the louvre roof provides protection from the summer sun and allows light and warmth into the living room during the cooler months,” explains Peter Considine, Director of Secon Constructions. The result is an alfresco area that can be used in every season.

Finished in dark bronze to match the pallette of the design, the Lamaxa system complements the architectural language of the home. “This sleek product fits perfectly with the modern facade. It completes the alfresco area, merging the indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Considine. The quality and craftsmanship of the Shade Factor also impressed, with a focus on luxury finishes that are durable and versatile.

For the homeowner, the louvre roof has been a transformational touch. The alfresco area now has longevity, with the option for sun or shade depending on the season. “The louvres tick all the boxes by protecting against the heat on hot days while still letting light in when you need it.”

ARCHITECT Pietro Giordano Design
BUILDER Secon Constructions
PHOTOGRAPHY Carmen Zammit

Located in the waterfront suburb of Mentone, Victoria, this modern palace blends a design suited for everyday living ...

Renowned Italian lighting brand Buzzi & Buzzi has brought its expertise in architectural illumination to a striking private ...

With the coastal landscape of his childhood as his muse, renowned architect John Wardle designed the perfect home ...

Sydney’s iconic Sirius Building has undergone a transformative restoration by architecture studio BVN in collaboration with developer JDH ...

Looking for the perfect solution for external blinds that offer both style and function? Look no further than ...