Project Overview

Each stage of Pine Ave’s conception was given unprecedented consideration and deliberation. Painstakingly researched, workshopped and visualised to ensure that these homes were the stylised, instinctual extension of effortless, modern living.

Acquiring the prized site within Elwood’s ‘Golden Mile’, ANGLE knew that to truly capture the essence of the site’s enviable location, they needed to assemble a team that understood both the beachside luxe of Elwood, but also the incredible heritage of architecture the streets here hold. With their portfolios abounding in projects perfectly walking the line between modern-chic and timeless classic, Cera Stribley Architects and The Stella Collective were the ideal choices to work their magic on the architectural and interior design of Pine Ave. Distinguished by their shared preoccupation with fresh, bright, elegant spaces that, above all else, are designed to be lived in, the duo have here mastered the art of seaside-sophistication. Adding to the design team, Eckersley Garden Architecture has taken the pervasive sense of natural beauty defining the suburb, and integrated this throughout the landscaping elements of the homes. During this extensive conceptualising process, what quickly became apparent was that, just as important as the larger and perhaps more obvious components of design were the smaller details that are what truly adds that element of genuine luxury to a home. Adding Designstuff, Light + Ladder and MadeMeasure to this incredible array of visionaries ensures that these underlying details have been given to the same scrupulous level of attention as the more blatant components.

Organisation

ANGLE

Team

Developers: ANGLE & BuxtonGroup
Architects: Cera Stribley Architects
Interiors: The Stella Collective
Landscapes: Eckersley Garden Architecture

Project Brief

Pine Ave was inspired by the Art Deco buildings from the 20s and 30s; an architectural style Elwood is widely famous for. Circular forms were a big part of Art Deco movement, so it was important this was referenced in the design. You will notice this in the curved corners of the building, all constructed from brickwork – another feature integral to the movement.

Another key theme witnessed throughout these homes was the embracing of light and the idea of letting the Elwood sun in. All of the finishes have an element of reflectivity to them to ensure that the homes radiate with a sunny feel. We took inspiration from a villa that you might find in Ibiza – a space that’s Mediterranean in style, showered with golden sun, and set up for blissful living.

The homes were designed to depict jet set glamour with a bit of boho-chic feel. When we look back at our inspiration images, they’re all emulating this ‘island life’ feel. You’ll see that everywhere is creating shadow play; the light is dispersed throughout the space as much as it can be. Elwood has a real romance to it as well; living by the beach, going on sunset walks. We’ve looked to encapsulate this. And then of course there are all of the features that also resound with this feeling of romance: lots of bronze and brass elements, large circular forms that represent the sun and a feeling of openness.

Project Innovation/Need

We have implemented a void over the entry, which means it’s actually a double heighted space as you walk in. The ability to communicate three levels and those feelings of space and light coming through from the top is one of the most innovative aspects of Pine Ave. The whole top floor in each home is exclusively the master bedroom suite; much like a high-end hotel. We’ve also included beautiful built in seats in selected town homes which double as storage units, along with feature mirrors and chef’s caddies – all unique, bespoke features that are rare to find in a multi residential dwelling.

Design Challenge

The design challenge for Pine Ave was to create the sense of a single, private dwelling in a multi residential context. It was really important that each townhouse had a strong sense of indentity and singularity. To ensure adequate privacy from inside each townhouse, Cera Stribley Architects chose white perforated screen that tied into the architecture with the white bricks. Internally, this created additional interest, with the shadows of diffused light through the patterned perforated screens. The series of custom features appointed throughout Pine Ave also instilled the project with a very personal, considered feel, which differentiated it from other developments of its kind in the area.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a key focus for the design team from the outset. As a result of the measures undertaken, the development achieved an average 6.5 star NatHERS rating with no townhouses achieving below 5 stars. Within the interiors, some of these measures include external lighting controlled by motion detectors, high efficiency LED artificial lighting, high performance thermal envelopes in conjunction with high efficiency HVAC systems and lighting systems that reduce energy demand at peak times. Water efficient fixtures were featured throughout and water collected from the upper roof directed into a centralised 7,000-litre rainwater tank connected to all townhouse toilets and landscape irrigation. All of the development’s living and bedroom areas were naturally cross ventilated with windows on opposite facades.