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Episode 8
Art teacher and sculptor Laurie Smith and his wife Renee Hoareau, a trained artist turned web designer, are both zealous art lovers; so joy of joys when, after years of searching they found the ideal block to create their ‘sculpture in space’. It’s almost as if this picturesque piece of Victoria, with its red alluvial soil, was designed especially for their new dream home. Their vision is to create a sort of domestic gallery that will inspire both inside and out. A modernist cube shaped construction of steel, stone and glass that celebrates and pays tribute to some identifiable artistic references. This will be a place to live, work, create and display their extensive art collection in equal measure. Inspiration comes from many sources – for example the 25 metre long stone facade with its tricky curved window is reminiscent of a well known state gallery. But handing over artistic license to a construction team is a big ask especially after an oversight at one of the first jobs on site, the concrete pour. It’s an early reality check that tests their ability to let go and trust. Will they manage to go with the flow and end up with the art house they so desperately crave?
What is the name of the art gallery depicted at the beginning of the show?
Hi Vince, the name of the gallery is TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, Victoria, Australia. It was the largest private gallery in the Southern hemisphere until MONA in Tassie.
Hi there. I am totally inspired by your use of the Blackheart Sassafrass. I am trying to source it for my own house for cupboards. I havent been able to find a supplier. Are you able to let me know where you got yours from. I am a bit obsessed with it.
Hi Renae, I was actually able to get the Blackheart Sassafras veneer from a supplier called misancraft (Misan Craftwood Tasmania) through ebay. The table was the effort of Nature's Secret purchased in Richmond Victoria. They sourced the solid Sassafras from Tasmania. regards Renee
Hi Renee -- what a fantastic house; I'm glad it all ended up as you hoped. Quick question... at the beginning of the episode, you and Laurie are in a gallery with some amazing landscape paintings. Do you remember the exhibition and the artist? I would love to know; they're stunning. Thank you and all the best in your beautiful house. Cheers, Caroline
Hi Caroline, the artist was William Delafield Cook. A survey exhibition was at Tarrawarra http://twma.com.au/exhibitions/event/william-delafield-cook-a-survey/
regards Renee
Dear Renee I too am a fan of the floor (with a morbid dislike for grout!) but how are you finding living on it now after some time - is it hard on the feet, hips and back or does the sika product resolve that? Ie concrete flooring tends to be very hard on the body in my experience but I really would love it from the streamlined, clean perspective. Cheers CM
Dear Christina, I don't notice the hardness of the floor. There is bottled gas heating for the hydronics in the floor which is a very gentle heat. In these summer months, the floor has been great for wet feet from the pool, easy clean up of our dog malting and wiping of the floor. The reflections from the objects change with the lights and create some very interesting visual patterns. I worked on concrete floors and I agree that being on your feet for hours on a floor like this would be hard on the body. I haven't found this with the SIKA resin flooring as we are usually relaxing in these areas and comparatively not so long on our feet in the kitchen, studio, dining or living areas. regards Renee
DEAR RENNE
I LOVE YOUR KITCHEN WORK TOP CAN YOU TELL US WHO SUPPLIED THE WORK TOP MATERIAL AND WHAT IS IT GRANITE OR A COMPOSITE ?
ENJOY YOUR HOME, THOUGHT THE FLOORING IS GREAT TOO
REGARDS ALEX T
Hi Alex, apologies for the late reply. The granite was sourced from Peraway Marble in Thomastown. http://www.perawaymarble.com.au/
They were very helpful in sourcing the stone after we waited too long for the initial interest and didn't purchase. It definately is not a composite but a fantastic process of nature.
We are enjoying the floor as well, easy to clean and maintain and still look good. regards Renee
I am so delighted that you have now moved in and can fully enjoy your masterpiece. Thank you for making me feel I was part of the journey of its creation. I am also so pleased to have discovered this page.
Hi Irena, great to hear that you came along with our journey on the build of our new home. kind regards Renee
congratulations on a beautiful house. can you please tell me what stone you used and where it was sourced?
Hi Jomana2, the stone which was used was Mount Angus Stone. It comes from a open quarry in Maffra. The stone varies from white, grey, beiges to purple. One place enquire about purchasing the stone is http://www.mtangusstone.com.au/ regards Renee
Hi Renee I love your house - absolutely gorgeous! I've often thought that living in an art gallery like space would be fun and you've achieved that. Anyway, my question to you is which gallery were you wandering around in at the beginning of the programme? Thanks very much Natalie
Thankyou Natalie, The gallery at the beginning of the show was Tarrawarra Art Museum. http://twma.com.au/
It was the largest privately owned art museum before MONA in Tasmania. regards Renee
Hi Renee , stonework superb by my master stonemason brother, so proud of him. I love the whole house
Dear Ann, I think the master stonemason should be very proud of his creation and has an appreciative sister:-)
Hi Renee, Please advise where the beautiful office furniture can be purchased? Thank you.
Hi Renee, Could you please advise where you have purchased the beautiful office furniture? Thank you
Hi Vadim, the office furniture comprise of a main table purchased from Nick Scali. This table allows the computer wires to be neatly placed inside the central leg. The other purchased item was the lime office chairfrom Office plus in Nunawading. The other items were I designed and it was made by the joiner, Russell Caitlin of Centrefire Shopfitting.
Hi Rene,
Beautiful house, we love it. When is the house warming?
Melanie J.
Dear Melanie, thanks for your comment...next holidays:-)
Hi Renee
Congratulations on a design that is a breath of fresh air, the elegance is definitely in the design
I have never seen the sassafras used before; wow!!!!!
Where did you locate the stone benchtop for the Island bench in the kitchen(I think)
Congratulations to both of you
Hi Cleve, the sassafras is a beautifully warm australian timber with such rich contrasts. It is really sumptous. The benchtop was chosen as it is a granite and will not stain or wear as marble does. We bought the granite from Peraway Marble http://www.perawaymarble.com.au It comes from South America and is called Nero Marinace, regards Renee
amazing house! for many years i tried to convince my husband to have a gallery look house. What appears to be stark white you fill it up with warm earth tones, beautiful curves and creative artworks. hopefully i will one day achieve such an aspiring house.
Hi cintasayang, the gallery provides us with much pleasure and an area to reflect and contemplate life away from the rush of working in the city. regards Renee
I loved the rock wall that man is a master masonier!
Hi Mandy, the stone wall is beautiful. Peter, the stone mason, is a really funny man and entertained us along the way. We will miss him now the project is complete. regards Renee
Renne, Laurie; I feel honoured to have been able to share in your story as you developed and built this impeccable home. For many years I have involved myself in such projects (and viewing Grand Design style television programs) and never have I seen such a perfect home. The relationship that you both have is even more splendid. Great job with the house, and may you continue to work such as a strong team forever. And that monitor you use for your web design looks amazing too Renee! :)
Dear Daniel, Thank you for your comment. Laurie and I are really pleased with the home and will work together to continue with other projects on the property that we have planned...an art work in progress... The landscaping is next on the agenda now that the pool is complete.
Hi Renee are you happy with the size of all your rooms would you do anything again differently, are you also happy with all the natural light you have used , just love it :)
Hi Tanya, I would change the size of the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms as they are comfortable to sleep in but would include a space to do other things other than sleep, reading, reflection, listening to music or watching television/dvd. I am very happy with the light all year round. The natural light works really well. regards Renee
I don't understand why the stone arch couldn't be symmetrical and why the vertical steel beams were needed? As is the beams are different heights and "cut" the arch at different points.It would drive me nuts to look at that everyday. Was it a mistake?
Hi Lindy, the stone arch is symmetrical. The vertical beams appear at different heights because of the perspective from a distance of the curved wall. If you view the arch from the front you will find the steel beams are of equal height.regards Renee
Can i ask what is the flooring called?
Hi Dee, the product on the concrete floor is called SIKA a resin floor. It is white and shiny and only needs washing without polishing.I love it because there isn't any grout so hopefully will be very convenient and easy surface to maintain. It is an industrial floor surface that is used in some art galleries. http://www.sika.com.au/tech-flooring.htm
The builder, Tim Skate, Tim@skatecon.com should be able to help you with the supplier. regards Renee
Refreshing, beautiful, peaceful and creatively expanding. Zen simplicity and meditation with Baroque richness and luxury. Artistic expression poised to give rise to new creations. What an achievement - what a lifestyle!
Hi Tonia, you definately got the styles right. There is definately an ecletic approach reinterpreted into a modern setting. regards Renee
Absolutely fabulous! Love the design - interior and exterior. The sassafras is just gorgeous Australian timber! Hope you will indeed enjoy the rewards of your efforts.
Hi Fay, the Tasmanian Blackheart Sassafras used throughout the house is a beautiful and precious timber. regards Renee
Hi Tanya, thank you for your comment. The house is 38 squares including garage and outdoor pool area.
I didn't see the pool area :( beautiful job well done to both of you .
Hi beautiful how many squares
Love it ... How many squares is it ?
Yellingbow - what a house, what a space, what a collaborative vision between Renee and Laurie. The finest detail attended to - a place where you just want to be.