Zou House is the latest project from husband-and-wife design and building duo Christal and Chris Fysentzou of Zoubuild. The stunning new build is located 5km from the city centre on a 407sqm block in Brisbane’s affluent suburb of Greenslopes. Saturated in natural light, the property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows on the upper level and a striking, hero peaked glass front façade, while curved forms feature throughout the interior of the home, complementing the organic colour palette and delivering a sense of fluidity and movement. With a mix of both Scandinavian and Mediterranean influences, the property encompasses uncompromised quality finishes and was built with long-term family living in mind.
“We have always loved the minimalistic style of the Scandinavian design for the external façade and are equally drawn to the tones of the Mediterranean, so it’s a combination of both” says Christal. “Throughout the design process we blended organic, earthy textures with a simple Scandinavian aesthetic and the calm of a Grecian colour palette – we’re absolutely thrilled with the result.”
The result is a bold and sophisticated five-bedroom dwelling with masses of street appeal. It consists of three bathrooms, garden, pool and a versatile lower ground multipurpose open entertaining space with the capacity to fit four vehicles via a creative concealed entrance. “The internal living space has been maximised at every opportunity,” says Christal. “We wanted to deliver a home that considers the diverse lifestyle requirements of growing Australian families.”
Open and expansive, light floods the interior of Zou House with the pinnacle moment being the upstairs family room and the reverse side of the hero peaked glass façade. Natural light in this area is further enhanced through the installation of skylights against a perfectly crafted white Gyprock ceiling, while motorised Luxaflex Duette shades and semi-sheer curtains were selected to complete the aesthetic feel of the space and to filter the natural light while ensuring ventilation and privacy.
“The combination of Luxaflex shades and semi-sheer curtains finishes the room elegantly, allowing for privacy without compromising the beautiful fluctuations of natural light,” says Christal. “We have also gone motorised with the majority of our Luxaflex window furnishings to add another element of luxury and ease.”
Referencing the Mediterranean vibe of the home, a grand, oversized entryway features warm timber flooring against crisp white walls, while fluid architecture and finishes help to deliver a soft, yet impactful look and feel to the space. A curved wall and round oversized door knobs help to strengthen the story, culminating in a gorgeous curved stairwell void, which continues a feeling of warmth and homeliness.
The structural curved features were created with Gyprock Flexible, a lighter plasterboard that enables installers to easily create curved walls and ceilings. Achieving the desired level of finish at an affordable price, it can help to add another dimension to interior architecture by creating beautiful examples of fluid architectural design. “We have a lot of curves in the house so using Gyprock Flexible made these spaces easy to sheet,” says Christal. “Also, having used Gyprock over a number of projects, we know it is a quality product that would enable us to achieve the desired level of finish.”
Organic shapes continue throughout the home incorporated through curvaceous bathroom interiors, light fittings, lounge room furnishings and a beautiful bespoke kitchen island top. The master bedroom features a stunning Gyprock Flexible, curved feature wall to separate the ensuite, a practical application that, alongside the neutral rounded armchairs, succeeds in creating a beautifully serene space. To further enhance a sense of tranquillity, the room has been beautifully finished, teaming Luxaflex Pirouette shadings with sheer curtains in the colourway ‘Chalk’ from the Luxaflex Tiara fabric range.
The resulting main bedroom is an idyllic retreat. “We love how beautifully the curtains complement the chosen blinds, and the ability to automate the products. With Luxaflex window coverings each room has a window finishing with a specific purpose that enhances the space.” says Christal.
Feature ceilings continue through the downstairs living/dining space with the application of an elegant rounded coffered ceiling, creating visual interest and continuing the story of curves. This feature was also created using Gyprock plasterboard.
The standout feature and ultimate game-changer with the outdoor area is the addition of the Luxaflex MagnaTrack awnings. “Our undercroft, built as a multipurpose entertainment area and carport leading into the back garden, was completely open, so the MagnaTrack awning encloses it, creating an entirely new space and adds a level of protection from the elements,” adds Christal.
Each element of Zou House complements the other through fluid lines and contours, resulting in a space that is cosy and inviting while delivering a strong impact. Light and fresh, white dominates the exterior colour palette while the interior combines warm Mediterranean tones with statement architectural features and the harnessing of natural light. The result is a balanced and harmonious residence that was made for family living.
“This one was probably the hardest project to date that we have completed and having so many challenges along the way with supply and trade issues, weather as well as COVID, the end result is very much worth it,” says Christal.
The project has been captured as an educational mini-series and can be seen at www.zoubuild.com.au.
