The ingredients that make up this home are what dreams are made of; uninterrupted 270-degree views within a mid-century apartment. For both clients and architects, the exceptional results speak to the fertile and collaborative relationship fostered in the process.
Pulling from the Laminex Colour Collection and an enviable palette of materials to land on all the right, era specific notes, the project also needed to seamlessly function as a wheelchair-accessible retreat.
Tasked with the refurbishment of an amazing sub-penthouse, mid-century apartment on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay, architects and designers de.arch didn’t so much see a challenge, but an opportunity to create a dream home for their clients, one with unimpeded access to all the joy a home like this can provide.
In an apartment with 270-degree views, light is never going to be a problem - at least, not in the way you would think. There are considerations, of course, about how to manage it and make it work for you, highlighting particular areas and not others. The original apartment had an enclosed kitchen and bar – more a product of the era than a design flaw, per se – that hampered visibility and complete enjoyment of the property. Opening and creating views from almost anywhere in the space became a priority.
Clients, Nick and Tobi, approached Melbourne based architects de.arch to elevate and expand the use of their apartment, seamlessly integrating the mid-century aesthetic of the original while adding some critical accessibility design features that didn’t interrupt the flow and beauty of the plan.
“The space had an abundance of natural light,” remembers Jessica Pile, Director, de.arch, “so a white or neutral interior scheme would have looked bleached and created an uncomfortable glare. Tobi, also an interior stylist, has a distinct affinity for the colour red.”
A colour as strong - and with as much meaning - as red, can be a handful at the best of times, yet de.arch’s use of Laminex Peruvian Clay reinforces the mid-century leanings and cements the home firmly in the era without heavy nostalgia or pastiche. Functional cabinetry and pragmatic design reflect the intuitiveness of the time and provide modern amenities without veering off the ‘style course’.
“The original kitchen, bar and bathroom had laminate cabinets, plus we loved the colour choice and durability that comes with Laminex, so it was the only cabinetry finish on the table during the design and interior selection phase,” explains Jessica.
Exposed dark timber beams and pelmets were retained, as was a raised platform that took in the view; reimagined and modified to improve circulation. Preserving the history and character of the apartment was paramount, yet there were many aspects of the house that posed challenges for modern living, especially for owner Nick who uses a wheelchair.
Some very clever, barely perceptible additions have been made. In the master-wing of the property, the entire floor was elevated to accommodate the plumbing of the wheelchair accessible ensuite, with tiled bench seat; a subtle ramp was designed to take these changes while providing uninterrupted views from a seated position, whether from the seat, bed or wheelchair.
The team also included a raised dining platform (for more views) and an island bench with a lowered breakfast bar eliminates the need for stools. Sinks and prep areas have been designed for wheelchair accessibility and manoeuvrability has been enhanced via spacious circulation areas.
“Our projects are predominantly residential, including renovations and new homes, and Specialist Disability Accommodation,” says Jessica. “Always with an interiors focus, especially when it comes to cabinetry design, materials and finishes. We are also registered NDIS providers which allows us to provide architectural design services for complex home modifications. We feel strongly that accessibility in a home should be seamlessly woven in—unobtrusive and inclusive.”
Fully accessible, “the way a home should be,” a huge part of the success of the project is the seamlessly integrated wheelchair accessibility. Fully incorporated, the apartment’s original charm has been maintained in an excellent demonstration of harmony and design.
The Laminex Colour Collection, utilised by your cabinet maker and designer, can achieve mid-century warmth and charm that can feel perfectly on point while working with the latest appliances and living styles. de.arch’s accessible apartment may have a view to kill for, but ultimately is an excellent example of all the pieces falling into place to create an exceptional design experience for their clients.
Learn more about the project and de.arch’s portfolio here.
Credits:
Design: de.arch
Photographer: Tatjana Plitt
Builder: SJT Builders
Interior Stylist: Tobi Dikstein
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