The overarching themes of functionality and sustainability are the driving factors behind this design, and maintaining the ‘delightfulness’ of the ‘little gem’ is simultaneously a major influence on the solution. Innovation and modern design are achieved through visual interest and atypical form, as well as through simplicity of form and layout and, once again, sustainability.

Two major aspects of sustainability that have, in particular, informed this design are passive design and designing to climate. In fact, ‘exemplifying a sub-tropical lifestyle’ was very important to the client, and a major way that this is addressed is through the strategies of passive design and designing to climate. Taking advantage of existing climatic conditions—especially the microclimate of the site—ensures both user comfort and environmental and economic sustainability, and further exemplifies modern design. Consideration of the manipulation of form to facilitate function has also played a major role; ensuring the building and its functions not only are accessible to but fully facilitate and provide ease of use to persons with all levels of ability or disability was essential. Further, adapting to the unique conditions of the site—its climate, privacy, aesthetic, comfort, and heritage—was an additional consideration addressed by the building’s form; the form is especially designed to, among other things: maximise natural ventilation and ensure the privacy and comfort (particularly with regard to noise levels) of the user, whilst not detracting from the aesthetic and heritage of the site, but instead emphasising it. In addition, and as mentioned prior, the form is itself innovative and modern, hence meeting the client’s vision for the building.

The key ideals of this project will, no doubt, continue to inform its development; functionality and sustainability, in addition to a modern and innovative appearance, are at the core of this building, and hence provide the continuing artistic direction for this project.

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The proposed Design and Decoration scheme for the AIR Retreat builds upon the contemporary and innovative style of the residence, whilst also introducing the style of eclecticism into the design of the interior. Use of earthy and subdued tones—particularly in the form of natural timbers and weathered elements—harmonise with the natural environment of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and serves as an inspiring ‘clean palette’ for each individual artist, allowing them to create in their own style without being restricted by a working environment that is too overpowering. Splashes of subdued blue add interest and reference the Brisbane River nearby.

The inclusions selected for this layout also reflect the subdued nature of the scheme. The furniture pieces are not overly complex or self-assuming; simple forms without embellishment further the natural tone established in the materiality. Eclecticism is established in the varied use of texture and pattern—for instance, in the cushion fabric—and in the diverse Australian artworks selected for inclusion in the Retreat. The presence of a dynamic curvilinear pendant light—in juxtaposition to the sturdy truncated rectilinear form of the building—references and establishes dialogue with the contrasting existing organic form of the Brisbane River and angular form of the Kangaroo Point Cliff site. This further adds to the motifs of innovation, typification of the subtropical lifestyle, and eclecticism.