Project Overview

The design of Ode was rooted in the idea of contributing to the future narrative of Toorak; creating a well-mannered building that would age gracefully and provide timeless gravitas in an eclectic architectural setting.

The boutique four-level building was designed by architects Ewert Leaf, with six half-floor residences crowned by a full-floor penthouse.

Long home to many of Melbourne’s wealthiest and most discerning citizens, Toorak has come to represent a benchmark for quality, style and design heritage. With these associations in mind Ode’s brand was positioned as ‘founded in the past, created for tomorrow’.

Fortis purchased Ode’s site with an existing permit but elected to rethink the project to better optimise its appeal and suitability for its target market, as a self-commissioned project.

With a design vision of strong, clean form without unnecessary detail, the building’s bold exterior is refined through the selection of quality materials and subtle design elements. The project’s seven meticulously curated three-bedroom residences were designed for enduring perfection, moments from Toorak village.

Organisation

Fortis

 

Team

Developer - Fortis
Architect - Ewert Leaf
Landscape Architect - John Patrick
Construction - Cobild
Project Manager – Neoscape

Project Brief

The idea of looking backward and forward simultaneously was at the heart of the brief to architects Ewert Leaf.

The architecture needed to explore this idea and create a timeless building that would act as a visual ‘ode’ to the past, present and future.

Also central to the brief was a quiet dignity and strength, an understatement and emphasis on subtlety.

Project Innovation/Need

The art and experience of living well directed every detail of Ode’s design, from large indoor and outdoor retreats to bright, airy interiors and natural materiality, with Miele appliances and fireplaces in all apartments.

This central premise was perfectly translated in dual-aspect living areas that create light, bright and airy environments with fireplaces set in bespoke joinery adding another layer of refinement. Kitchens are also inspirational on every level; pared-back monolithic forms create a strong narrative with natural stone benchtops, splashback and island bench exuding a raw sophistication.

At Ode, indoor and outdoor entertaining was made effortless with each residence opening to a capacious balcony or terrace, complete with slim planters, dual aspect and double-glazed windows. Private and spacious, these are ideal havens to both unwind and socialise.

Design Challenge

Ode’s key design challenge lay in determining what was most important to Toorak residents. In order to define this, the development team spent three days in Toorak village speaking with locals to find out what mattered most. The team created and implemented the Toorak Time Capsule project in response to its findings, underlining Ode’s positioning of future heritage.

This considered approach to development resulted in the design team selecting materials known to improve with age; natural stone, brick, brass and curated landscaping.

Sustainability

Sustainability is integral to Ode’s design and construction.

Even before construction Ode scored a near perfect 57/60 on Victoria’s Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS). The project scored full marks for thermal performance, metering, rainwater collection and efficient water landscaping design. Ode also has a 15,000-litre water tank for garden irrigation.