How This Architect Elevates Everyday Living into Luxury in this Townhouse

Homes

Nov 6

How This Architect Elevates Everyday Living into Luxury in this Townhouse

Elevated simplicity, where each detail invites quiet luxury and connection

In the 90s, Craig Rossetti designed a series of townhouses in Cremorne, however, the layout and functionality did not suit the needs of the clients, Richard and Annie.

Tasked with reimagining the townhouse while preserving its integrity, Jean Graham, Director of Winter Architecture, focused on creating connected spaces and an inviting atmosphere that reflected Richard and Annie’s love for entertaining.

The result is a quiet design with a simplified material palette that exudes luxury, elevates everyday living and serves as the perfect backdrop to a game of pool on a Friday night.

Homes

How can a functional layout with more connections be created without extending the footprint of a townhouse while maintaining the atmosphere?

Richard and Annie engaged Jean Graham, Director of Winter Architecture to reimagine their 90s Cremorne townhouse. They wanted a new ensuite for their bedroom, but more importantly, space to entertain family and friends.

“We wanted to make it a place where people come together, socialise, eat wonderful food, drink beer, and play pool,” Richard explains.

Originally built in the 1990s by Craig Rossetti, the six townhouses were applauded for their use of materials, winning the Robin Boyd Award in 1995. However, the layout had a disconnected ground floor, with no room for Richard’s pool table.

A key design maneuver was removing the wall that separated the kitchen from the living area, opening the ground floor up and creating a more inviting space.

The pool table became the focal point, with the new kitchen being designed around this. The use of metal, mesh and steel shelving against the expose concrete block wall has been carefully considered to give layers and texture to the space. Regardless of the time of day, the ground floor has a calming atmosphere, embracing the shadows while providing soft ambient lighting.

Upstairs, the middle bathroom has been reimagined. What was once a bright, white generic bathroom is now one of quiet luxury, with smoked mirror, a feature basin and tap, topping off with a champagne shelf for the bath. The sliding fluted door provides guests with privacy, while allowing Richard and Annie to open up and enjoy their home while alone and bathing.

“It just feels really, really grown up and quite sophisticated and sexy,” says Richard. “And I've never lived in a home like that before, and really didn't think that was the kind of space that I would ever live in.”

A jewellery box of sorts was added to the main bedroom level, featuring a toilet, vanity and open shower. Clad in black mirror, the ensuite box reflects and disappears. The open shower gives Richard and Annie an unique daily experience of being able to view Melbourne’s skyline while maintaining privacy.

“What I really love about this space and what Richard and Annie have done is how it's so quiet. The new bits are quiet, and they seem to belong in a way like they were never not there,” Jean explains. “It's really subtle but really beautiful and really elegant.”

The townhouse balances functionality with elegance, being both practical while providing a sense of luxury. The use of a darker but minimal material palette gives the feeling of a 5-star hotel, elevating everyday life for Richard and Annie.

“Annie’s mum came round for the first time, and I showed her around and she was just going, [gasp] [gasp] and then we showed her the middle bathroom and the way the door opened and closed.” Richard recalls. “She said, ‘I know I'm not saying much because I don't quite know what to say,” but she said, ‘My jaw’s hitting the ground; it's so beautiful.’”

Cremorne Townhouse by Winter Architecture

Production, photography and words by Anthony Richardson.