The concept that took the world by storm with an appearance in seven publications worldwide, Papermill Safari captivated her audience with its story. Above all this project was about blending a family, creating spaces for a growing brood while carving out privacy for the parents. This was achieved by adding a 3-storey addition to the rear, no mean feat in a heritage overlay district, and re-distributing spaces. A down-to-the-studs renovation that took less than a year, it was deemed a “masterclass in how to make a monochrome decor scheme sing” by Architectural Digest. The design brief called for comfort, but not rustic, organic but not pastoral, chic but not buttoned up, simple but not cold. “Papermill” refers to the industrial heritage of the neighborhood, while “Safari” brings to the fore Southam’s fondness of tribal and travel.
The entire concept hinged on relocating and re-defining the open staircase at the heart of the home. The “lungs of the home” as HS Design describes structurally significant central stairwells, now open to a glass roof which floods the long but narrow home with light. Bespoke touches abound beginning with the custom railing and the monumental sculptural sequoia slab of the kitchen island. To soften the rectangular rigidity of the house plan, curves were added in arches and walls, materials and lighting choices.
Burnt red clay is the thread of color infused in the predominantly creamy interiors, where layers of papier-maché, cord, driftwood, cane and wool crafted by various nomadic tribes lend the warmth and surprise of another worldly adventure.
