Cabane du Taureau: An Expression of Personality and Passion

With its name a French derivative, Cabane du Taureau translates to Cabin of the Bull and is a vibrant expression of the personality and passion of its owner.

 

Born in the Chinese zodiac year of the Ox and being a Taurus, the owner’s original intent was a very masculine house externally, with a touch of the mystical within.

But after walking through its cavern-like entrance the enchantment begins.

Two charcoal-etched artworks adorn the entrance hallway on the first level, fairytale-like depictions of a fox and rabbit humanoid figure caricatures. Originally intended by the artist as an interpretation of the plight of Italian immigrants in Australia, it is a clever parody of the contributions of numerous “immigrants” towards the development of what Niseko has become today. This thoughtful articulation of design follows you throughout the house.

Summiting the stairs to the second floor your subconscious is immediately immersed by what is most unique about this home. The spaces were built around the furniture, a methodology described by architects as “inside out”. Each room is intentionally arranged to accommodate the furniture, with the spaces calculated and planned to the exacting dimensions of each individual item. An intriguing experiment as the furniture was ordered before the final plans of the house were complete.

Undeniably, the key element for this is the living room and the Roche Bobois signature Mah Jong sofa, an eight-piece arrangement upholstered in a variety of fabrics from the Missoni and Sonia Rykiel collections. It was the first element of the house that was decided during the concept phase and themes the interior, resonating an undoubtedly strong but underlying bohemian streak.

Ascending to a mezzanine level you move into the master bedroom where the explosion of colours continues. The Mah Jong bed upholstered in Missoni, and a matching turquoise carpet immediately flood your vision, accessorised with further elements from Roche Bobois with obligatory vibrant turquoise and canary yellow lamp and side table.

The deliberate use of colour to influence emotion is balanced by carefully planned lighting to create the appropriate atmosphere according to the occasion. An essential element with great consideration taken to ensure an array of dimmers and lighting options were installed for full control over a wide range of moods and evening ambience.

This home was envisioned as a private retreat for the owner and their inner circle of friends to escape city life. The outcome is a very private and personal space but with an intimacy and connection, encapsulated by the glass opening between the dining room and master bedroom.

In winter this home evokes whimsical cheerfulness, in contrast to the brutal but beautifully white snowscape outside. Yet in spring, summer and autumn, the interior also emulates nature’s myriad of colours, bringing a sense of nature inside. It is an informal bohemian oasis and an interior that provides contrast, yet blends with nature depending on the season.