Pumping up the volume

While unfilled space within a home might feel like a luxury, double-height voids and raked ceilings have become increasingly popular in today’s residential builds.

Having featured numerous builds by Oswald Homes with expansive ceilings, New Homes reached out to the company’s design manager to discuss how ceilings can influence a home’s sense of space.

“Raked, coffered, curved, vaulted, barrel and dome ceilings feature various architectural elements, which add volume and detailing to a home,” Oswald Homes Design Manager Brook Leber said.

“By articulating and raising the flat facade of a ceiling, it allows a greater sense of drama and acoustic benefits.”

Mr Leber said when it came to selecting a feature ceiling design it really depended on the style and aesthetic of the home.

Discussing the raked ceilings at The Whitsunday display in Applecross, Mr Leber said the expansive raked ceiling complemented the coastal style associated with luxury retreats in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

“The Whitsunday featured a raked cathedral ceiling that ran through the living room out into the alfresco area via a gable window,” he said. “This accentuated the desired indoor-outdoor connection.”

Grace’s Landing by Oswald Homes was another example Mr Leber referenced which featured a double-storey void.

“Double-storey living spaces create a sense of volume and space normally reserved for grand mansions or public buildings,” he said.

“These spaces provide greater interaction between levels and can help to maximise views from the upper level.

“Grace’s Landing in Mindarie is a great example of this, as it features a double-storey void linking the upstairs lounge with the free-form living room below.”

Mr Leber said to complete soaring ceilings and large voids, consider the lighting in the area.

“Light trays with a negative reveal can also add an extra element to a ceiling and cast lighting effects across them,” he said.

“Further to this, chandeliers or large pendant lights also achieve the same effect. Ornate cornices and ceiling roses can add an extra element of ornamentation to a feature ceiling.”