On what was a horse training and stable facility, is a carefully conceived estate comprising 30 attached townhouses on an allotment of 4300 sq.m, now under construction. A row of established silver elms lines the frontage and frames a central driveway guarded on each side by the street facing units. The majority of the homes are generously sized over three levels and offer up to 4 bedrooms.

The central driveway spine features overhanging balconies above landscaped car spaces and retention swales incorporated into the drainage design. Adorned with rows of Blackwood trees either side provides residents with screened privacy. The existing high perimeter concrete walls are kept to provide a sense of seclusion and security.

Located in a secluded cul-de-sac in the leafy enclave of Lower Templestowe, are perched four premium townhouses on an elongated tapered site that sits elevated above the surrounding bush land. The design takes advantage of views over the Yarra Flats to the north while itself is nestled within it’s own landscaped environs conceived by John Patrick.

A strong focus is placed on protecting the existing natural landscape and neighbouring significant heritage landscape. The design is further reinforced with ESD measures such as rain gardens along the driveway, rainwater tanks plumbed to all toilets for flushing and all north / east / west facing windows fitted with Helioscreen external window shades for control of daylight and heat admittance.

Our experience encompasses multi-level apartment design. From previous practice, our involvement in the Paragon project included concept design, design development, contract negotiations and tendering, and some development management.

In response to a challenging brief, coordination of numerous consultants and a complex planning process, 80 apartments over 5 levels - with 2 levels of underground parking - were ultimately realised. Complete with a ground level cafe and convenience retail, the landmark building now takes pride of place in the heart of the Blackburn Railway precinct. 

The existing house is a Sir Roy Grounds original which was left largely intact. The architect, of NGV fame, was at the forefront of the modernist movement in the 1950's and partnered with Frederick Romberg and Robin Boyd during his longstanding career.

The improvements to the home included a new feature pond, a new forecourt and garage, a new front wall and refurbishment of the expansive rear yard which showcased a period Japanese influence. New flooring throughout complemented the refurbished kitchen which boasts handmade glazed porcelain tiles from Spain and Calcutta marble bench tops.

Unassumingly nestled along a busy main road by their harmonious vernacular is this pair of comfortable and carefully composed homes. What began as a canvas for exploring ideas for the owner quickly became a labor of love with meticulous attention to detail and a discerning selection of colours, finishes and materials which saw these houses take on a life of their own.

On completion, the builder was astounded by the amount of living and practicality each home possessed within the limited confines of space that each subdivided land provided - a clear result of careful planning and utilization of every square inch of space available.

This project was conceived to challenge the status quo in traditional townhouse living. The intent was to re-think the way conventional townhouse living could be realised on standard residential allotments while achieving affordability, quality, sustainability and market imperatives.

The dwellings were essentially attached terraces with two facing the street and the other three aligned in a row behind – all over a common underground basement car park.

Despite our tireless efforts to preserve the former Royal Park Hotel, the weakening of the building's structure over time proved too much for it to be retained.

In its place, the proposal is for a contemporary interpretation of similar scale that would bind the neighbourhood together with its active uses of street level retail and a sub-ground tea house restaurant. The upper levels are to house a collection of twelve apartments - all featuring a northern aspect orientation, natural daylight access and cross flow ventilation.

The Francesca Residences, in extensive collaboration with One Design Office, were designed with prestige and comfort as part of the brief. Embodied within the contemporary design is a highly considered layout accompanied by a striking façade reflecting the latest in durable materials.

These four bedroom homes offer generous proportions, lush landscaping design, double lockup garage and centrally ducted refrigerated cooling and gas heating, while positioned in an ideal location with picturesque surrounds and nearby lifestyle conveniences.