Curves in Design

While flat walls, square bedrooms and straight-edged bathrooms are common features of our homes, a resurgence in more complex architecture is taking hold in custom home design. Curves are successful when introduced into certain design elements to soften the architecture. Curves can have a timeless aesthetic and be achieved through curved walls, arched openings, cabinetry details and more. 

At Weststyle we have incorporated curves into our designs in a number of ways. A recently completed project in City Beach is a large home and has a curved and splayed balcony balustrade with an expertly plastered finish. Here it brings a unique point of difference to the front facade, softening the architecture of strong lines and heavy forms. The entry feature facebrick wall also curves in towards the entry gently inviting you inside.

When designing a home it is essential to maintain a design aesthetic throughout, this allows the entire home to tell the same story. This is done in form and materiality. The external curves of this home are reflected internally in a few different areas, one being the feature timber batten detailing to the kitchen island bench and the master ensuite shower design which is a stand alone tiled mosaic semi circle with complementing skylight above.

A bolder design choice is reflected in another City Beach home, a few doors down, inspired by John Lautner’s architecture, a perfect circle embracing the surrounding coastal environment. An architecturally considered home of shaped and folded concrete forms giving life to a limitless open living environment that assimilates seamlessly with its surroundings, this stunning contemporary home pivots around a central helical staircase with a light penetrating from a skylight above. Living, dining, kitchen and outdoor spaces are segments of a circular design with a 16 metre radius. This is held up perfectly by concrete pillars, perching the main living spaces above sleeping quarters and other areas. Floating above a pool, spa and outdoor entertaining space all reflecting the organic lines of the Lautner inspired masterpiece.

Curves in architecture is a concept that has been around for a long time, iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim, Sydney Opera House, Elrod House, even the Colosseum will show you that it is not just a trend. It is translating these concepts into a residential design that can be costly and daring, but designed and executed well can be very successful and bring a unique point of difference to your home.

The cost of curves will depend on where they are and the material used. Definitely, an internal or external curved wall will be a more expensive detail, plastering or finishing this wall requires high quality workmanship, done well it can achieve stunning results.

Other options such as cabinetry can be slightly more expensive but create an aesthetic effect that is worth the cost.

Schedule a consultation with Weststyle’s custom home design team and build your dream home today.