Parkside Apartment

A comprehensive renovation of a 1980s Melbourne apartment by Wolveridge Architects strengthens connections between interior spaces and park views – and commits to a rich and generous minimalist aesthetic.

Opulent Minimalism

The redesign of this parkside apartment on St Kilda Road was driven by a desire to open up to light and views while strengthening connections between spaces. The organising move is a crafted, soft-grey spine of joinery, which accommodates a new bar, walk-in laundry and storage. Running the length of the apartment, it delineates shared spaces on one side from bedrooms, master suite and bathrooms on the other. And, as it guides you from entrance to kitchen, it draws your gaze along its axis to the park views beyond.

Project Type: City Apartment

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Architect: Wolveridge Architects

Photographer: Timothy Kaye

Seamless Integration

Taking a cue from the structural columns that dot the perimeter of this 1980s tower, the architects designed gentle curves into the bespoke cabinetry elements, enhancing the flow and movement of people through the spaces. Throughout, the continuous blond-herringbone timber flooring and lime-washed walls contribute to the soft, warm and textured spatial experience, which is enhanced in the kitchen with lightly veined marble countertops, a mirrored splashback, and beautiful, fluted timber details to the island. To maintain the integrity of the architectural concept, the Column refrigerator, Column freezer and dishwasher have been carefully integrated into cabinetry, complementing the light, uncluttered aesthetic.

Design Freedom

Despite a relatively compact footprint, the kitchen is designed for serious cooking and generous entertaining. Automating the servery window, the architects created a new connection to a formerly enclosed deck, extending the social possibilities of the kitchen. “We've been working with Fisher & Paykel for a number of years now,” says architect Will Smart. “One of the things we've enjoyed as the appliance ranges have evolved, is the ability to be flexible with what we place, where we place it, how we integrate it, and how we group things.” Here, twin Minimal style ovens with companion push-to-open warming drawers align perfectly with the induction and gas cooktops – for a dedicated cooking zone that can cater to any type of cooking method.

A more generous laundry

Initially, a European-style cupboard laundry was designed for the apartment, however with clever shifts to the plan a more generous space was created. This allowed a Fisher & Paykel front loader washing machine and heat pump dryer to be neatly stacked alongside storage and sink. We took the palette of materials through, so it feels comfortable and there's a sense of refinement and sophistication, says Will. In terms of the dryer, we were able to put forward some options to the client around the benefits of the heat pump – sustainability and not needing to connect to ducting or an exhaust fan to vent the space. It's an easy choice.