Built on a challenging and sloping triangular site are two family sized homes - for the clients, their children and the parents. A strict mandate to include sustainable design measures had to be met, including underfloor hydronic heating and insulated slabs.

The façade was meticulously designed as a statement piece with standing seam metal, a hit and miss brickwork screen, integrated planter boxes, and operable louvers over an elevated BBQ alfresco deck interfacing a luminous backyard. Inside, a floating staircase is crafted from Victorian Ash to seamlessly tie together the polished terrazzo concrete floors with raked ceilings that follow the roof line featured throughout both houses. 

Nestled in a cul-de-sac setting of the AV Jennings Belmont Estate, the home's modest single storey appearance unassumingly preserves a connection to the buildings’ historic past and existing rhythm of it's highly cohesive neighbourhood. The extension to the house had to fulfil a young family's needs to adapt within an aging historic building fabric to create a flowing, spacious layout suited to modern needs. 

In close conjunction with Lucy Marczyk Design Studio, the revitalization of the existing heritage structure has made an old home new again with a new kitchen that looks out to the pool and entertaining area and with custom-made and openable steel-rimmed glazed doors there is easy connection to the outside. Light and heat are controlled by operable pergola louvres that span both the kitchen and the outside deck and this ensure that inside and outside can be used in all seasons. Aside the kitchen there is a butler’s pantry,
a dry bar concealed in cabinetry and a study nook with sliding door for privacy.

On what was a horse training and stable facility, is a carefully conceived estate comprising 30 attached townhouses on an allotment of 4300 sq.m, now under construction. A row of established silver elms lines the frontage and frames a central driveway guarded on each side by the street facing units. The majority of the homes are generously sized over three levels and offer up to 4 bedrooms.

The central driveway spine features overhanging balconies above landscaped car spaces and retention swales incorporated into the drainage design. Adorned with rows of Blackwood trees either side provides residents with screened privacy. The existing high perimeter concrete walls are kept to provide a sense of seclusion and security.

Located in a secluded cul-de-sac in the leafy enclave of Lower Templestowe, are perched four premium townhouses on an elongated tapered site that sits elevated above the surrounding bush land. The design takes advantage of views over the Yarra Flats to the north while itself is nestled within it’s own landscaped environs conceived by John Patrick.

A strong focus is placed on protecting the existing natural landscape and neighbouring significant heritage landscape. The design is further reinforced with ESD measures such as rain gardens along the driveway, rainwater tanks plumbed to all toilets for flushing and all north / east / west facing windows fitted with Helioscreen external window shades for control of daylight and heat admittance.

The existing house is a Sir Roy Grounds original which was left largely intact. The architect, of NGV fame, was at the forefront of the modernist movement in the 1950's and partnered with Frederick Romberg and Robin Boyd during his longstanding career.

The improvements to the home included a new feature pond, a new forecourt and garage, a new front wall and refurbishment of the expansive rear yard which showcased a period Japanese influence. New flooring throughout complemented the refurbished kitchen which boasts handmade glazed porcelain tiles from Spain and Calcutta marble bench tops.

Unassumingly nestled along a busy main road by their harmonious vernacular is this pair of comfortable and carefully composed homes. What began as a canvas for exploring ideas for the owner quickly became a labor of love with meticulous attention to detail and a discerning selection of colours, finishes and materials which saw these houses take on a life of their own.

On completion, the builder was astounded by the amount of living and practicality each home possessed within the limited confines of space that each subdivided land provided - a clear result of careful planning and utilization of every square inch of space available.

The Francesca Residences, in extensive collaboration with One Design Office, were designed with prestige and comfort as part of the brief. Embodied within the contemporary design is a highly considered layout accompanied by a striking façade reflecting the latest in durable materials.

These four bedroom homes offer generous proportions, lush landscaping design, double lockup garage and centrally ducted refrigerated cooling and gas heating, while positioned in an ideal location with picturesque surrounds and nearby lifestyle conveniences.