Modern Elegance in Hawthorn: Inner-suburban living with a focus on entertaining

Category: Residential | Type: New Home | Location: Hawthorn

Located within a compact neighbourhood, these bespoke townhouses were designed with a focus on the feel of internal spaces. Vaulted ceilings throughout the entry and bedrooms create a sense of vast light and space - so rare in the tightly packed neighbourhood.

The clever split-level design maintains high-ceilings throughout living areas, openeing onto private covered courtyards - perfect for entertaining. The effective use of space continues through to the garage, with an upper-level independant unit.

The Breif

To create a bespoke townhouse with flexible family living, a focus on space & light, configured with a priority of entertainment, storage & parking.

Design Elements

Heritage Elements

Given the heritage character of the surrounding area, the design response needed to respect heritage qualities and present cohesively in the streetscape. The external design focuses on contemporary presentation of the surrounding heritage character elements, with gable roofs, recessed upper-levels, formal porch and small eaves – all in a contemporary manner.

Split Level Slope

The design takes advantage of the sloping site, incorporating a split level that allows for high ceilings in the main living area. The entertaining focus flows through the house, with the open plan kitchen area seamlessly transitioning to a covered patio accessing the garage

Light & Space

Vaulted ceilings throughout the house create a feeling of verticality and openness, combined with extensive feature glazing make the spaces feel twice as large as they actually are.

Flexible Living

Configuration of the house itself allows for separation of living and sleeping zones, with upstairs bedrooms opening onto a light-filled rumpus room. Above the garage sits a studio providing a separate self-contained that could be used as an office or apartment.

Energy Efficiency

High-efficiency double-glazing and recycled composite materials coupled with passive design principles ensured the house achieved a 7 Star Energy Rating.

Behind The Façade

Planning Permit & VCAT

Given the sensitive heritage character, negotiations with Council were protracted and involved, progressing through VCAT before a Planning Permit was issued.

Site Constraints

With a relatively small property size, the design needed to make efficient use of the long-narrow lot, which can create rooms with poor aspect. The design solution of an open courtyard space and separated garage creates a generous living area with pleasant views into the private entertaining area.

Parking

Limited parking typical goes hand-in-hand with Inner-suburban living. A focus for the design was to incorporate a spacious and secure double-garage with additional frontage parking space.

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