Short Term Accommodation

Western Australia, 2016

In creating the visitor experience at Bed + Bauhaus, kwokka sought a fresh approach to temporary accommodation and found it in the roots of the Scandinavian design movement. Characterized by simplicity and minimalism, it evolved from a desire to enhance the quality of life through appropriate and affordable products and technology. Scandinavian design is often characterised as an optimum balance between the practical (form, function, resources) and the emotional or 'hygge' (comfort, well-being, joy), an approach reflected at Bed + Bauhaus.

STAY SIMPLY: SIMPLY STAY

The concept behind Bed + Bauhaus was to combine convenience - ideal short-stay accommodation in the center of this vibrant holiday region - with comfort and a modern city studio apartment feel. The open-plan layout and ceilings up to 3m create a sense of spaciousness, light and air, complete with furniture that is both functional and inspiring. Material finishes (and products/supplies in ongoing use) are environmentally responsible and eco-friendly (e.g. VOC free), providing a hygenic, healthy indoor environment. 

The property has been designed to take advantage of the views looking west over Millbrook Valley towards Yallingup, with floor to ceiling glass opening onto a lawns both sides; on the west towards magnificent sunsets, and to the east side for sunrise. The passive-solar construction ensures maximum thermal comfort, with double glazing, cross-ventilation window positioning, superior insulation, fans and concrete floors for thermal mass. Each suite has a reverse-cycle air conditioner for fine-tuning temperature to individual guest preferences. 

BED + BAUHAUS BOUTIQUE GUEST SUITES

The guest suites are located in a separate wing of an architectural complex incorporating living quarters, design studio and a large workshop - a project documented as 'Maison de Cour Yallingup - an Australian courtyard house'. This prototype building attracted the interest of Grand Designs Australia as the first WA project for the series, until the construction schedule extended beyond filming deadlines; the single task of recycling and dressing jarrah for the 60 windows alone took 3 months.  Many aspects of the project reflect aspects of the 'slow architecture' movement; building at a speed that allows for shifts in detail resolution as the form takes shape.