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The beauty of empty space

Rhys PrkaThe West Australian
Custom build by Giorgi Architects & Builders in City Beach.
Camera IconCustom build by Giorgi Architects & Builders in City Beach. Credit: Joel Barbitta/D-Max Photography.

It might be counterintuitive to leave a large gaping void in your home, but if done correctly it can add an extra dimension to any room – it doesn’t have to be meaningless empty space.

A void is typically used in a two-storey abode in which the flooring between the lower and upper floor is removed to leave an open space.

They are commonly used to make spaces feel more open, allow natural light to flood a certain area of the home or to make an impact statement.

“Voids are used to create drama and volume,” Giorgi Architects & Builders Head Architect Gavin Hestelow said. “They also create an interesting dynamic, as people interact from multiple levels.

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“Coupled with windows on the upper level, it allows natural light and warmth to penetrate deep into the home.

“Entry foyers, stairways, living and dining rooms are some of the more common areas to use voids.”

However, there are some factors to consider when incorporating a void into your home’s design, including heating and noise.

“Heating the lower levels can be difficult as heat rises, so this would be an important consideration for a living room,” Mr Hestelow said. “A dining room on the other hand isn’t as critical.

“Noise travel is also an issue from either level, so consider again the uses of these spaces in the design stage.”

Mr Hestelow offered tips on how to counteract these issues.

“Consider if the space on the upper floor can close off so that the overall volume to heat and cool is reduced,” he said. “Alternatively, the upper floor may be glazed or sealed off against the void, which also reduces its acoustic implications.

“I often consider the use of carpet on the room at the top of a void. The reason is that as sound travels from the lower level, it is dampened by the carpet, as sound reflects off the upper ceiling. A hard surface would only accentuate the sound.”

According to Mr Hestelow, maximising a home’s dramatic impact via a void is rooted in getting the right proportion and considering its location, with the entryway being a popular area to include the feature.

“Think about the space’s use when considering how large to make the void,” he said. “If it’s too large it can make the space feel too vast and uncomfortable, rather than defined and sculptural.

“Often, entry foyers are dimensionally small relative to other rooms in the house, so voids afford it the perception of grandeur.

“They can also be an impressive first impression for guests, and you don’t have the issue of heat loss to worry about given the space is only occupied briefly.”

CONTACT Giorgi Architects & Builders, 9444 0206, www.giorgi.co

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