Idol Pleasures
Sun Herald
Sunday March 18, 2007
From a formula one fanatic to pop princes and princesses, things have always been racy at this residence.
AS THE backdrop for the first Australian Idol series, it was the scene of broken dreams, budding friendships and famous falling-outs. But after Shannon Noll, Guy Sebastian and the rest of the pop-star posse left their temporary base, what happened to the luxurious mansion captured behind-the-scenes on the Channel Ten series? "The house was perfect for the show from the point of view of resort-style living," says Jorge Hrdina, the architect of the five-bedroom, four-bathroom, concrete and glass property with tennis court, 14-metre pool, gym and sauna. Hrdina, who knew the house would be used as a film location, designed the L-shaped, single-storey house for a formula one fanatic on a 2086-square-metre block in Lindfield. Hrdina's client wanted a family residence as sleek and hardworking as a sports car. Judging by the Idols' reaction to their home away from home, Hrdina achieved his goal. "They all loved the house," says the current owner, a garden designer, whose partner works in television. "They said it was fantastic to be able to play tennis [and] basketball or have a swim." The owners loaned the house to Channel Ten for four months while they home-schooled their three children at a remote farmhouse in the Blue Mountains. It turned out to be a life-changing decision, particularly for the children, who experienced a rural way of life, met the Idols and became friends with runner-up Shannon Noll. Since returning to Sydney, the family has decided to sell up and move closer to the water and children's schools. But they will never forget their special abode. "We have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time here," says the owner. "It's one of those houses where you use every area." Two living areas - one formal, one casual - open up to Japanese courtyards at the front of the property, while a huge bedroom wing, which accommodated the original 12 Australian Idol contestants, stretches out to estate-style gardens behind. But the final design didn't come without challenges. "Gaining council approval proved a hell of a battle," Hrdina says. "The design was criticised for not fitting in to the street."Managing solar access on a south-facing house was achieved using automated external louvres on the north side and a continuous spine of glass along the north and east sides. "We wanted to make the house like a journey," Hrdina says. "You move from the open-plan living area down a massively long corridor and end up at the master bedroom, in the most beautiful part of the block."A wall of glazing lines the passageway, overlooking the pool and enhancing the bright interiors. "The feeling of light is good for the spirit," Hrdina says. "It's a house that spreads its wings."Contact: Architect Jorge Hrdina, phone(02) 9929 9490 or see www.jorgehrdina.com.au.
© 2007 Sun Herald
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