Behind the Monochromatic Metal and Brick Facade Is a Vibrant and Lush Interior
Behind the Monochromatic Metal and Brick Facade Is a Vibrant and Lush Interior
December 31st, 2021
One of Melbourne's tightly heritage-protected suburbs, Albert Park has everything you need at your doorstep, with heritage homes, shops, commercial properties, beaches and a lake with plenty of parklands. So it's no surprise that the owner of 'Victoria' wanted to build a building where he could live and operate his business.
The owner engaged with Finnis Architects to design a mixed-use building, and he came with a precise brief. He knew what rooms he needed for his business, down to who would sit where. In addition, he wanted this building to be a bit of a showcase for his clients and something to be proud of.
There were several challenges for Finnis Architects, with navigating the business and living program of the building, addressing the commercial context to the front and residential to the rear, and working with Albert Park's tight heritage controls.
The goal was to design a form with a pure and clean aesthetic, which would be recessive to the neighbours and harmonise with the surrounding context. The commercial-facing facade is clad in dark metal mesh, inspired by the owner's travels; it provides sun protection, produces ever-changing shadows throughout the day and creates contrast. At the rear, backing onto the start of a residential zone, dark grey hit and miss bricks were used to reference the neighbouring houses.
The interiors complement and enhance the dark and texture exterior materials, which were designed in collaboration with Huntress Design. Both the commercial and residential zones of the development use similar materials, with a veiny dark stone for benchtops and splashbacks contrasted with brass finishes. The walls vary with white plaster, textured render, dark timbers and wallpaper featuring lush greenery.
This project is rare; heritage control and restrictions probably helped rather than hindered. To protect the streetscape of the commercial zone, setbacks were required for each level. Finnis Architects used this as an opportunity to have large open terraces, with the commercial boardroom and apartment living area reaping the benefits of this requirement.
Designed by Finnis Architects, interiors by Huntress Design, built by Mancini Made.
Videography and editing, photography and words by Anthony Richardson.
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