Shisaido

The Vision

Shisaido is not merely a renovation — it is a complete metamorphosis. What began as a modest, aging dwelling was transformed through vision, engineering courage, and meticulous craftsmanship into a three-level contemporary residence that bears almost no resemblance to its predecessor. The only original element that survives is a brick chimney, standing as a solitary monument to what came before — a deliberate choice by our clients to honour the home's history while embracing a radically different future.

The project scope was extraordinary. A new under-house garage was excavated and constructed, requiring entirely new foundations to support the expanded building envelope. The structural engineering alone was a significant undertaking: the existing building needed to be carefully supported while foundations were removed and replaced, all while maintaining the structural integrity of the retained chimney.

Our clients brought a deeply personal aesthetic vision to the project, one influenced by Japanese design philosophy — the concept of 'shisaido' itself references a dedication to beauty and refinement. They wanted a home that would feel simultaneously contemporary and timeless, where curved forms and natural materials would create an environment of calm sophistication. They envisioned spaces that flow into one another with the fluidity of water, where hard edges give way to gentle curves, and where technology integrates invisibly into the fabric of the building.

Working with Rich Arch, we developed a design that embraces curvature as its defining motif. From the external cladding to the interior joinery, curved forms appear consistently throughout the home, creating a sense of organic movement that contrasts beautifully with the angular geometry of the surrounding suburban context.

Materials & Innovation

The material palette for Shisaido pushes the boundaries of what is typically achievable in residential construction. The exterior is clad in curved Vitradual panels — a material more commonly associated with high-end commercial architecture. Forming these panels to the required radii demanded specialist fabrication and installation expertise, with each panel precisely shaped to create the flowing curves that define the building's elevation.

Curved glass balustrades complement the cladding, their smooth transparency creating visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces while allowing uninterrupted views from the upper levels. The balustrade glass was tempered and laminated to meet both safety and aesthetic requirements, with the curves matched precisely to the building's geometry.

The home's sustainability credentials are equally impressive. A Tesla Powerwall battery storage system, paired with a comprehensive solar panel array, provides significant energy independence. Inside, the Japanese influence manifests most beautifully in the shoji doors — traditional sliding screens that filter light while maintaining privacy. These were custom-made to fit the specific openings. A swim spa provides year-round aquatic exercise and relaxation, integrated into the ground floor plan with the same attention to detail applied throughout the home.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is Shisaido's crowning achievement — a space so refined that it earned the 2021 HIA-CSR Tasmanian Kitchen of the Year award. The layout features two kitchen benches, separating preparation and presentation while maintaining connection to the living space. One bench is positioned adjacent to a servery window, creating a direct link between kitchen and outdoor entertaining.

The centrepiece is a curved, tiled island bench that embodies the home's organic design language. The tiles are laid vertically in a fluted pattern, creating a textured surface that catches light and creates subtle shadow lines throughout the day. Above, a bronze mirror splashback provides a warm, reflective surface that visually doubles the depth of the kitchen. The timber ceiling extends from adjacent living areas, tying the kitchen into the broader spatial composition.

The kitchen is significantly larger than it first appears. Built-in appliances — including a double-door refrigerator and dishwasher — are fully integrated behind panel fronts. Behind a concealed panelled door lies a generous butler's pantry with additional storage and preparation space.

Living Experience

Living in Shisaido is an experience of constant discovery. The three-level arrangement creates clear zones — the ground floor with garage and swim spa serves as the practical foundation, the middle level contains primary living spaces that open to views, and the upper level provides private retreat.

The vertical circulation has been designed as an experience in itself. Moving through the home feels like a journey through different atmospheric conditions — from the cool, sheltered ground floor through the warm, social middle level to the private, light-filled upper retreat.

For Davies, Shisaido represents the extraordinary potential of renovation — the idea that an existing building can be transformed so completely that it becomes something entirely new while retaining a connection to its history through that single, surviving chimney.

Recognition