Project Overview

Located within the hub of Melbourne's CBD, Istana is a modest sized apartment located within a 24 storey multi-residential building. The client, owning several properties around the globe, was extremely open in letting the design team take control of the project, providing the simple brief of "surprise me".

In collaboration with experts in their respective fields, Istana is a reflection of careful thought and consideration from its inception all the way to the end use of the apartment. Pooling from the combined knowledge of an interior designer, architect and project manager, the apartment achieves the intrinsic balance between design and functionality. Istana - meaning 'Palace' - is just that for its occupants - a place of sanctuary, safety and comfort.

The colours of the Australian bush were reflected throughout the apartment, subtly injecting the colours seen on many of their Australian golfing trips. Creating a relaxing and soothing interior ambience for the high rise Melbourne CBD penthouse.

Project Commissioner

Istana Apartments

Project Creator

Rptecture Architects

Team

Vincent Choi - Architect
Libbi Benison - Interior Designer
Joshua Ong - Project Manager

Project Brief

With various housing properties throughout the globe the client had a very relaxed approach to the design brief. Tired of seeing the same thing, the brief was simply "surprise me". The brief therefore had an open scope of works - allowing the design team a lot of freedom to explore the most appropriate style for the interior space. The client's previous homes all had the same general appearance and finishes. Wanting to create an element of "surprise", in creating something out of the client's ordinary, an Australian focused concept emerged.

A strong emphasis was therefore placed upon sourcing locally designed and locally made finishes throughout. Bespoke pieces of furniture and soft furnishings have been selected from well known Australian designers, such as Jardan, Zuster, and Deep in the Woods. With every interior element representing Australian brands, craftsmanship, manufacturing and design, the apartment is a reflection of the spirit of Australia. It is the true embodiment of a contemporary Australian design aesthetic. This bold statement of vibrancy injects a fresh and contemporary finish against a clean backdrop. This design is truly synonymous with a modern Australian lifestyle.

Project Innovation/Need

The project was driven by the desire to only source Australian made furniture, soft furnishings and art works. This in turn created an innovative approach to the whole process of sourcing and selecting pieces for the home. Large scale artworks by Amelda Read Forsyth and Greg Wood were used to draw the eye to focal areas within the apartment. Emphasising and enhancing the main entertainment areas within the space. As this is to be the client's holiday home - entertaining was of a high importance. Lighting features were again used to draw the eye up into the space, filtering the light within the space and ultimately creating the warm, comfortable, cosy atmosphere within the interior. The artworks and pendant lights were also used to draw attention to key architectural features within the space, such as double height void spaces.

Design Challenge

One of the most important challenges to overcome within this project was the scope of the brief. As the client brief was essentially open ended, it was imperative that all collaborators were on the same page. By nature, the project manager, architect and interior designer all approached and looked at every aspect of the project in different ways. It was essential that good communication channels were set up from the beginning. Communication was also a challenge in itself, as the client was based overseas and lived within a different time-zone, thus communication and approval by the client was limited to a small window within the day.

Sustainability

With such a stringent selection process used for the selection of both furniture and soft furnishings, it was essential that these choices were also carefully considered in regards to sustainability. Each material was chosen with strict consideration to durability, sustainability, recyclable properties and environmental friendliness. The paints used on the walls and ceilings are low in volatile organic compounds (VOC's) to improve the air quality within the home for the entirety of its occupancy.

Interior Design - Residential

This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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