Villa Ultimo
Brutalism meets beauty in City Beach’s Villa Ultimo.
BUILDING DESIGN anb design • BUILDER Enzo Sberna • PROJECT MANAGEMENT Enzo Sberna • INTERIOR DESIGN Andrew Thornton Hick and Ultimo Interiors • FURNITURE AND ART CURATION, STYLING Andrew Thornton Hick • FURNITURE Ultimo Interiors • PHOTOGRAPHY Jody D’Arcy • WORDS Elizabeth Clarke
The couple’s love of concrete is evident in the timeless design of their sweeping home that encloses generous split-living spaces and plenty of natural light.
Villa Ultimo in City Beach expresses the elegance and refined appeal of concrete. Drawing on the iconic brutalist architecture of Iwan Iwanoff, its robust form is tempered with abundant natural light and lush, verdant landscaping.
Home to Enzo and Genny Sberna, owners of Perth design mecca Ultimo, its minimalist design was a collaboration between Enzo and longtime friend Andrea Basini of anb design. "We wanted a bespoke and highly liveable home with longevity that grows with us and suits the Western Australian lifestyle," he says. "Like our business and brands, it was important it was timeless and showcases Ultimo's level of design, both inside and out."
Inspired by the architecture of Iwan Iwanoff, known for his work in the Brutalist movement, Villa Ultimo places an emphasis on proportion, scale, line, texture and materiality.
The couple wanted a unique home that projects both coolness and warmth with individual timeless style. "To create a modular look, we used a hybrid construction method including modular pre-cast concrete and mixing in-situ," Enzo explains. "The motif on the external walls is a nod to our company logo, and the vintage breeze blocks reference Iwanoff's work."
Inside, porcelain is used extensively, selected for its consistency, longevity and durability. "Porcelain has come a long way and combines beautifully with natural stone, timber and concrete," Enzo says.
On the eve of its 25th anniversary, Villa Ultimo is the definition of Italian design, from its light fittings and finishings to its coveted range of furnishings. Designer Andrew Thornton Hick, who has worked with the couple for over a decade and curated its spaces, describes the home as a "modernist plinth for organic sculpture and living".
The kitchen, he says, is authentically Italian and designed especially for Genny, whom he describes as a “phenomenal cook”. Created by Modulnova and designed by Enzo, the island bench is crafted in Italian grey-stone ceramics offset by bronze-grey cabinetry, which conceals ovens and a generous appliance cabinet. It also embraces a scullery, drinks area, floating smoked oak breakfast bar and wine corner complete with Sub-Zero wine fridges and a vertical pull-out bar.
The dining room features the Bolle Light from Ultimo designed by Massimo Castagna for Gallotti&Radice. The Oracle dining table by Gino Carollo for Arketipo features a solid timber top and titanium legs in the form of three overlapping circles, and the Belinda ML chairs are by Paolo Cattelan. Both are available from Ultimo. The kitchen is by Modulnova. Cognac-coloured Axel leather barstools by Archirivolto for Cattelan Italia punctuate the monochromatic scheme. The raku-fired Banksia Menziesii ceramic vessel is by Sarah Keirle Ceramics.
The Celestial bowl by L’OBJET from editeur combines earthenware with hand-painted textural details creating a breathtaking focal point in the dining space. “FG”, a pair of ceramic sculptures by Pulpo, enhance the table and island bench.
A commissioned artwork, “Sanctuary”, by local artist Stephanie Reisch from Linton & Kay Galleries informs a colour palette for the home, referencing various elements throughout. The Aiko three-metre sideboard is by Giuliano and Gabriele Cappelletti for Emmemobili. The felt sculpture, “Cocoon Interlude”, is by Denise Lithgow from Linton & Kay, the Rodin table lamps are by Cantori, the Monki candle holder by Jaime Hayon for Paola C. and the Gear vase by Philippe Bestenheider for Driade.
"No home could better illustrate this space as the heart of the home than this one," Andrew says. "It's spectacular in terms of its materiality and quality, but also its design in terms of what is exposed and concealed – it's very clever."
In the living room, a commissioned work by local artist Stephanie Reisch picks up on the sage shade of a pair of bouclé chairs and finishes in the kitchen. A fireplace encased in porcelain introduces warmth to the space's neutral palette.
The perfect spot to sit and contemplate is in the Jupiter armchair by Mauro Lipparini for Arketipo. The 953 ottoman is by Johannes Steinbauer for Rolf Benz, and the Billy side table is by Studio Kronos for Cattelan Italia from Ultimo.
A four-metre high bespoke bookcase provides a magnificent backdrop for a pair of Livre armchairs by Gallotti&Radice. The Grain Cut table by Jaime Hayon for Wittmann is sculpted from a solid block of ashwood and doubles as a side table and objet d’art. Behind it, the Vittorio coffee table by Andrea Parisio for Meridiani has solid timber vertical legs. All pieces are available from Ultimo. The Berber rug is handwoven in the Atlas Mountains for Temple Fine Rugs.
A playful, figurative bronze sculpture, “Storm in a Teacup”, by Stephen Glassborow, and artwork “Ways to Make a Check” by Terri Brooks feature in the living room. The ceramic object is by WA artist Deanne Jecks, the glassware by Guaxs and sage boucle cushion fabric by Gallotti&Radice. The eucalyptus Gong side table is by Meridiani.
The couple's dining space showcases "an Italian trifecta", says Andrew. A stunning Italian statement light comprising bubble-like glass spheres and hand-burnished brass by Gallotti&Radice hovers over a circular dining table with a solid timber top. Its segmented Y-shape division reflects the layout of the open-plan living space. "The roundness of the light and tabletop reflects the curved bulkhead overhead and bounces off similar elements throughout the home," says Andrew.
Artworks and sculpture weave their thread in this home, including a bronze figurative sculpture in the living room by Stephen Glassborow. Its green and bronze tones tie into other interior elements and finishes for cohesive styling.
The hallway includes a painting by emerging local artist Morgan Schaafsma, a one-off Gatz Pile totem sculpture, and the Abaco light designed by Massimo Castagna for Henge that comprises brushed brass, black brass and white onyx pieces, and LED lights.
An artwork, “Jellyfish III”, by WA abstract artist Jacqui Armstrong, dominates the staircase. Above, the stunning Universe suspension by Jan Pauwels for Quasar creates an impressive sky show.
The space’s 4-metre-high open bookcase feeds into the fabulous decor and nearby, a graphic staircase features a galactic twinkling LED statement light and artwork depicting floating jellyfish that seem to ascend the stairs with you.
The light fittings throughout the home are sensational. The Abaco light from Henge, designed by Massimo Castagna, is arguably the jewel in its crown. Installed on a vast wall down a long hallway, its seven vertical columns are installed into the wall and light permeates through its composition of hand-burnished bronze and white crystal stones to stunning effect.
The mouth-blown curved glass lighting, Pendulum, is designed by Dan Yeffet for CTO Lighting. The Ciro bedside tables are by Cattelan Italia from Ultimo and the ceramic vessel by Gary Hambleton of Commonage Pottery.
A trio of paintings by WA artist Kate Elsey from Linton & Kay pulls focus in the guest bedroom. The adjustable 8010 side table is by Labs Design for Rolf Benz, the Aella Mini T table lamp by Renato Toso and Giovanna Noti Massari for Leucos. All are available from Ultimo.
One of Enzo's favourite spaces is his man cave. "The brief was ‘luxury design’, so it had to be beautiful, warm and inviting and a room you never want to leave," says Andrew. "The lighting throughout the home, but especially here, is so superbly warm it picks up on design details, like the cognac leather on the bar stools."
For Enzo, the space needed to be all about relaxation and functionality. "I have everything I need here, from my cool room, bar units and meat slicer to my whisky collection showcased in front of backlit onyx panels – as it should be!" he laughs.
Outside, living is as beautiful and seamless as inside, with various Varaschin furnishings selected for alfresco dining and poolside comfort. "Every aspect of Villa Ultimo caters to how Enzo and Genny live," says Andrew. "It's the epitome of style and design but, most importantly, it’s very personal."
A trio of S-shaped in-pool sun-loungers dominates the far end of the swimming pool. The chair featuring a face is the Nemo by Fabio Novembre for Driade. The Tea Time outdoor coffee tables with enamelled lava stone tops are designed by Frank Boschman for Royal Botania.
Seamless outdoor living is created through furnishings by Varaschin from Ultimo, including the Emma dining table and chairs designed by Monica Armani, the sofa by the pool is the Tibidabo by Calvi Brambilla, and the exterior kitchen includes a deluxe outdoor grill from Wolf.
In the alfresco area is the Belt modular sofa by Lo Scalzo Moscheri.
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