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| Folk Mexican House |
| This stylish and functional family home has a subtle Mexican theme, inspired by its owners' overseas travel. |
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It is easy to imagine sitting on the porch of this house sipping tequila, munching tortillas and looking over a busy plaza lined with market stalls. In reality, you're more likely to be watching boats on the harbour and listening to the sizzle of snags on the barbie. Despite its Mexican appearance, this home is actually located in Sydney.
This urban hacienda was designed by architect Michael Folk (Folk Lichtman & Associates) and it's obvious his inspiration was south of the border. Folk's plan was to build a unique house which wasn't imperious or overbearing. The owners' plan was to create a stylish yet fully functional family home with a subtle Mexican theme, inspired by their overseas travel.
The original house was purchased a couple of years ago and the massive renovations started just a year after the owners moved in. With the help of Michael Folk, the house was rebuilt on its corner block to take full advantage of Sydney's famous harbour views.
The theme is evident from the start. The gatehouse is detailed with dark, heavy recycled timber and Mexican tiles line the roof. With big expanses of white walls, the overall colours of the house are minimalist, subtle and conservative. Colours are used sparingly which ensures any bright features stand out — like the bright blue feature wall near the pool. Yellow in the front entrance adds Mexican spice. The timber for this house was recycled from the old Grace Bros. building on Broadway.
The entrance is flooded with light, creating a feeling of openness. The same recycled timber was used on the treads of the entrance stairs, leading to the next level of the house. Large slabs of ironbark are very much in style with the Mexican theme.
The house is built on three split levels, with four bedrooms on the upper floor, then the kitchen and rumpus room, and a gymnasium on the ground. There is also a formal dining room, study, guest bedrooms and garage.
Folk didn't just focus on the grand picture. His attention to detail saw to the creation of interesting nooks and crannies throughout the house. An unusually placed window above the fireplace and voids in the wall for flowers are fine examples of his creative flair.
The fireplace is a feature in itself, defying gravity by floating above the floor. Handmade Mexican tiles laid throughout the house also add a special element with their soft edges and small imperfections — even a dog's paw-print made it to the kiln.
Other features include a keyhole window which is punched through the wall. This lets in additional light and shows just how thick the walls are. Behind the bed in the master bedroom, custom made louvres let in brilliant sunshine.
With rendered finishes, timber details and stylish furnishings, the house expresses a magnificent Mexican charm and individuality.
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More Info
Architect:
Michael Folk
Folk Lichtman & Associates
171 Phillip Street
Waterloo NSW 2017
Ph: 02 9310 4533
Fax: 02 9310 4203
E-mail: folklich@talent.com.au
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