Paulini

Australian Idol success and now a singing star in her own right, Paulini has space and
relaxation on her mind when it comes to her dream home. Helen Crompton caught up with the down to earth songstress.

It all began for Paulini Curuenavuli when, as a shy 10 year old from a close knit Fijian
family, her father coaxed her to join a church talent quest. Her voice was described as
angelic. On that occasion it moved the congregation to tears.

Fast forward to 2003, and the glamorous young Paulini was taking bows having gone through the gruelling Australian Idol competition. Coming in fourth, her voice and performance honesty secured her a singing career that others who have since gone on to win, have failed to achieve.

Today, performing, recording, travelling and staying in hotels means Paulini's work
schedule is more chaotic - and demanding - than most. It's interesting she's been called the superwoman of soul. Superwoman is the name of her next album and paradoxically the underlying message to young women is, “We can't do it all. We need support, love and affection like everyone.”

Coming from a community where people and friends dropping in regularly is a given, where fences between homes are rare and where hospitality is par for the course, big rooms and lots of them  “I have a huge family,‘ plus a big kitchen,  are high on Paulini's dream home
priorities. In an industry where keeping fit and glamorous counts, a pool, spa and a gym were also top needs.

Since jogging is part of the singer's regime - a beach side Sydney location was the ideal. “When I have time off really I just like to hang with friends.  I'd love a great sound system throughout the house - and a separate music room where I can house all my CDs -I've got a massive collection. I don't really have time but I love cooking - my mum cooks like crazy and me and my two sisters learnt from her.‘

Despite a yen for luxury, the singer who travelled from Fiji to Australia when she was four says a “homey, organic‘ feel appeals to her and a home set in lush tropical type gardens - low maintenance. Archicentre RAIA architect Ben Croudace has created a dream home with contemporary glamour.

Picking the beach side suburb of Bondi, the architect has engendered a sense of softness or the organic with this cylindrical home. At the top of the “tower‘ are recording studios that look toward the CBD - and her career future? “I see this top level as a metaphorical stage so she can be seen from all angles and likewise she can see everywhere - there's a 360 degree outlook,‘ explained the architect.

Living spaces take up the middle sections and below these are the bedrooms. ‘Paulini's will be more introverted and private for 'me' time. These are reflective and private spaces also which look out across Bondi to towards Fiji, to remind Paulini of here childhood roots. It's a metaphorical link.‘

Not forgetting the water element, the lap pool sits on top of a gym and bathrooms. These
are separately zoned from living spaces. “The garden will be embellished to become lush and interactive,‘ added Mr Croudace.

Materials chosen include metallic powder coated aluminium range “that changes colour depending on the light and angle of the sun‘. Expansive use of glass, stone, timber and rendered brick.

Architect's philosophy: “I believe there is a need to evolve a design that's not based on a
preconceived style or notion. My ideas come from a more abstract design process with the style coming out of that process - rather than the other way round.‘

Story — Helen Crompton