Rock Solid: Heidi Gubbins softens contemporary architecture with natural materials

With Rock Solid, Heidi Gubbins Interior Design chose to work with the existing architecture rather than altering its volumes. The interior design project is organized around one objective: to preserve the strength of the contemporary lines while creating a warmer atmosphere better suited to everyday life.

"We wanted to create a sophisticated yet welcoming interior, where the architecture and landscape could fully express themselves," explains Heidi Gubbins.

Views and light as guiding threads

The large openings and views of the Mediterranean dictated the organization of the spaces. The studio sought to preserve the perspectives and strengthen the visual relationships between the rooms, the terraces, and the landscape.

The continuity between the interior and exterior relies in particular on a color palette inspired by the environment. Mineral hues, earthy tones, and touches of green and grey evolve with the natural light throughout the day.

Organic shapes and furniture with rounded lines counterbalance the building's more rigorous geometry. This contrast preserves the residence's architectural character while softening its monumental scale.

A palette based on stone, wood, and textiles.

Materiality plays a central role in the project. The studio combines natural stone, oak, linen, textured fabrics, and various handcrafted finishes. These materials are used to add depth and differentiate spaces without creating excessive decorative effects.

Wood introduces warmer tones, while stone extends the mineral colors of the landscape. Textiles contribute to enhancing the perception of comfort and creating a more intimate atmosphere in the relaxation and reception areas.

The lighting complements this work on textures. Light fixtures with striking compositions are installed in several main rooms to structure the volumes and create focal points, both day and night.

Layouts designed according to usage

Some of the joinery, furniture, and decorative elements were designed specifically for the residence. This bespoke approach allows storage, circulation, and social spaces to be adapted to the occupants' habits.

The studio states that it sought a balance between representation and everyday use. The rooms thus retain their scale and perspectives, but incorporate seating, textiles, and wooden elements designed to make the spaces more inviting.

The project illustrates an approach in which the interior design does not seek to conceal the architecture. Rather, it acts as a second layer, tasked with introducing textures, uses, and a more domestic scale.

A contrast between architectural strength and interior gentleness

Rock Solid's main challenge was to preserve the building's character while creating a more intimate atmosphere. This contrast between sculptural lines and natural materials structures the entire project.

The coherence is based less on a uniform decorative style than on the repetition of certain elements: mineral tones, wood, tactile textiles, furniture curves and a constant relationship with the outside light.

“Rock Solid perfectly illustrates our philosophy: each project is born from a unique concept. It is always about finding the right balance between architecture and emotion, between strength and softness, in order to create places that transcend time while creating interiors with an identity that could belong to no one else,” concludes Heidi Gubbins.