Working within the design industry as Architects and Interior Designers we were motivated to create a space that demonstrated to our community the creatives we are. March 2020, we opened our barn doors to the public, but the journey started many years ago when Jack, Principal and Architect of Energy Efficient Homes and Marilyne, Principal and Interior Designer of Splendour Interiors and Splendour Living, envisioned and designed the space.
Inspired by the grandeur and practicality of an American barn, Marilyne and Jack were motivated to design a building that was sympathetic to the environment and evoked a sense of 'home' when people walked inside.
From the Ground Up | The Architectural Process
One thing about Jack, well, he's old school. As you can see, he hand draws all of his projects and that is something that makes him stand out from the rest of designers in todays society. I guess you could say not moving with the times of technology has had an added benefit to his creative process as he is able to be authentic with his designs. When designing this project, Jack wanted to have his own take on what an 'American barn' would look like in the Australian climate and environment. He designed the project to ensure it was sympathetic to the environment in which it would reside.
From the Ground Up | The Interior Design Process
Traditionally barn's are painted red. The history behind why they were painted red is quite interesting. Many years ago, choices for paints, sealers and other building materials did not exist. Farmers had to be resourceful in finding or making a paint that would protect and seal the wood on their barns. Hundreds of years ago, many farmers would seal their barns with linseed oil, which is an orange-colored oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant. To this oil, they would add a variety of things, most often milk and lime, but also ferrous oxide, or rust. Rust was plentiful on farms and because it killed fungi and mosses that might grow on barns, and it was very effective as a sealant. It turned the mixture red in colour.
However, for anyone who knows Marilyne personally, will know her love for dark and moody colours. The exterior barn colours were chosen to be black and white, with the interior focused on capturing the natural elements of timber, concrete and greenery. Bringing the outside in, Marilyne used faux ivory on the ceiling of the downstairs section of the barn to create a statement piece when people would walk into the space. Additionally, the decision to have the building structure and frame exposed to the viewer was designed to demonstrate the beauty behind walls that most people don't see and as designers we appreciate.
"Splendour Living is beautiful from every angle, not one square inch has been neglected. It’s a grand space that has been ‘precincted’ to display varying styles and themes. There’s something for everyone, but even if there’s not, you must see Splendour Living. There is no other business like it Australia." - David Everett from 'In Macarthur Magazine'
We are truly proud of the creation that resides in Cobbitty, and we absolute love working here on a daily basis. It is like working in a tree house as the floor to ceiling windows make you feel like you are working amongst the trees.
If you haven't checked out our space yet, we would love to invite you to book an appointment to come an embrace the space. Alternatively, we are open to the public on the first Saturday of every month, aligned with the Cobbitty markets.