Image Credit : 3D Visualisations by Enceladus Studio
Project Overview
Testar Residences are located in a leafy inner Melbourne suburb. The architecture of the building takes inspiration from the forms of the prominent Art Deco apartment block located on the corner of the street, as well as a desire to create a singular vision. This bold architectural attitude extends into the execution of the interior design of the project and its four house-size apartments.
Internally, particular attention was given to the intermediate spaces and entry sequences with carefully considered entryways, foyers and stairwells framing views beyond as one proceeds through the architecture. It was important for the purity of the external architectural expression to be legible within the interiors.
Expressed pilasters, coffers and beams allow for spaces to flow between one another whilst retaining a sense of enclosure and definition.
The interior palette is a continuation of the external materiality, expressing a limited range of natural and softer finishes which capture and hold light.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Robert Davidov
Ben Schmideg
Project Brief
The residences are grounded by the notion of "prospect and refuge" with moments of compression and expansion coaxing residents between spaces and towards the light.
The internal framing elements seek to foster a sense of solidity and protection, a haven removed from everyday life, whilst generous ceiling heights contribute a sense of indulgence and abundance of space within a multi-residential context.
The restrained and considered material palette underlines the cohesion of the interior design. The gentle warmth of the travertine, parquetry flooring, and Venetian plaster offsets the solid architectural forms, as well as providing a backdrop for the resident's individual furnishings.
Project Innovation/Need
The interior expression and design of this apartment scheme is intended as a marriage of traditional materials and details that would resonate with the mature purchasers identified as the target demographic for this project.
The use of timeless materials such as travertine, together with parquetry, lend a strong sense of familiarity, whilst the method and approach to their detailing is decidedly fresh and contemporary. This can be observed in the coffered ceilings, the streamlined bullnose stone detailing, the gridded parquetry flooring and the timber panelling that adorns concealed storage.
The balance between open and closed plan is also a deliberate response to typical apartment style living. Each apartment features a separation between dining and living zones and provides additional space that can be used as either a formal dining area, a home office or an additional living room.
Where spaces are left open to flow between one another, the strong architectural lines of the building are adopted to create intention thresholds through the use of expressed beams and pilasters allow each space to feel contained and framed.
Design Challenge
Our main challenge was creating a collection of apartments for a down sizer market who may have never considered moving into an apartment. The design response needed to consider what the requirements of this demographic, who are used to living in larger homes, would be, and how to anticipate their needs. In doing so, we sought to produce house-sized apartments that respond to these concerns in a positive and proactive way.
Beyond the interior design considerations, the sequence, location and treatment of the apartment entry doors, as well as the apartment entry halls beyond, were all conceived so as to preserve a sense of privacy for residents whilst still maintaining a strong sense of personal address.
Sustainability
The architecture drew heavily on the gardens of the neighbourhood to create a design whereby nature, landscape and greenery are evident in each outlook. It was also important to embrace Melbourne's annual heavy rainfall by capturing and reusing rainwater on site for redirection to underground storage. The apartment also features natural cross ventilation from windows or doors on opposite and adjoining elevations maximising the passive performance of the building in the summer months. Large outdoor balconies (including covered space) were also provided in all apartments to allow for meaningful use year-round.
The hard wearing and durable nature of materials such as concrete and stainless steel which punctuate our design, ensure architectural elements will age gracefully over years to come. In a similar way, Energy-efficient appliances and hardware were utilised throughout the residences. The highest quality appliances and fittings included in the design, such as Gaggenau and Par Taps, ensure longevity and resource efficiency.
Discreet and efficient lighting design was incorporated as a deliberate approach to task lighting as opposed to general lighting.
Interior Design - Proposed
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow. The project can be a concept, tender or personal project, i.e. proposed space or rendering
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