Heady Huntingtower

Agushi Construction founding director Bear Agushi’s new family home is a testament to his passion for contemporary architecture and design

The result of a collaboration between Agushi and Workroom Director and architect John Bornas, Huntingtower is the most recent of several projects the duo has worked on together. ‘We’ve worked with Agushi on several projects now, so we know each other well when it comes to our design sensibilities,’ Bornas says of their ability to understand, interpret and compliment one another’s work.

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale, the 3-storey box stands dramatically on the street cantilevering over glass rooms and surrounded by sunken gardens. The home’s uncomplicated street-facing exterior belies the lavish experience within.

Agushi is known for creating bespoke high-end homes, while Bornas is a specialist in contemporary design and interiors. As cocreators, they have designed Agushi and his wife’s ‘dream home,’ with facilities that include 4 bedrooms with individual bathrooms, chef’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, and an alfresco area featuring a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen, and gardens by esteemed landscape architect Jack Merlo. Bornas explains that their ‘approach to the house was very considered and transcends fashion. The connection between the building and the inhabitant is grounded through a rigorous exploration of scale, form, space and material. The delicate palette of materials and intricate detailing bestows elegance and luxury.’

Interior stylist Simone Haag’s judicious selection of outstanding furniture and design objects, which Bornas says ‘helped the home reach its full potential,’ completes the many-layered experience. ‘A narrative unfolds of stunning detail and tactile material, raw steel, dark panelled walls, concrete, bronze, timber and stone, elements that invite you to touch and feel,’ says Agushi.

The relationship between scale, space, material and decor is complex and engaging without being overwhelming. Upon entering, visitors are met with a sculptural steel staircase that sets the tone for the rest of the home, where Bornas explains, ‘each element is chosen to compliment or contrast with another and each is designed with the same level of rigour, down to the smallest detail. This gives the house a sense of consistency that adds to the depth of the experience.’

Text / Simone Schultz
Images / Derek Swalwell
Styling / Simone Haag