The developer’s brief was to create two, 460 square metre apartments which would suit the requirements of active, downsizing couples and accommodate visits from family.
An extraordinary re-use of two former 1920’s townhouses, Rob Mills Architects & Interiors have created two new spacious apartments in South Yarra. The complete reconstruction of the building, achieved within heritage requirements, fuses highly resolved architecture and interiors to produce gracious, unconstrained living for the developer and owner and their extended families.
South Yarra Residences are a distinguished and refined achievement in contemporary multi-residential living, but the story of their planning and development is a testament to the abilities of Rob Mills Architecture. In this project, exceptional design, trust, reputation and a refined and proven body of work have been the foundations of an exceptionally desirable residential project and a near miraculous planning outcome.
In a coveted location adjoining Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens and Domain, South Yarra Residences are two new whole floor apartments elegantly contained behind the preserved façade of two pre-existing, adjacent Georgian Revival townhomes. From the façade, it is impossible to perceive the extent of the change that was undertaken with the utmost sensitivity and deft execution.
RMA nurtured this concept, working with class leading heritage consultants and fostering trust at every stage of the approvals. Heritage convention would dictate preserving two original rooms, but RMA was successful in gaining community approval to completely re-build, preserving only the façade and adding a discreet, integrated steel and glazing structure to the West
The natural light creates the significant sense of spaciousness and well-being that is immediately palpable when entering. The glazed addition also floods light into the living areas, supplementing light from historic windows on the retained facades. All of the limitations of the previous structures have been removed – the new concrete results in complete sonic isolation of the two homes and assures the quiet enjoyment of every space within the apartments.
Ceiling heights are generous throughout. Transparency in interior divisions further enhance the notion of space – the open plan is divided with contemporary French double doors – visually filtering the rooms, giving a glimpse of what lies beyond. Glazing provides clear perspectives from rooms through the courtyards, ensuring that nature, views and surroundings beyond the title boundary are embraced and made part of the interior.
In this project, the interior design favours rich detailing, masterful use of concrete, walls rendered with velvet textures, and richness in every finish. There is a strength to the interiors which is softened with the occupant’s possessions and the progressive maturing of the landscaping.
Material Used :
1. Rendered Stucco walls and ceiling
2. Steel windows
3. Polish concrete floors
4. Marble Bench Tops in kitchen
5. Bronze Mirrored ranghood