An innovative urban development of six townhouses in which no two are the same won the prestigious Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) Building Design of the Year award for 2018.
Imagine strolling down a typical Richmond laneway and then suddenly it strikes you; a stunning façade of elegant boxes commands attention with its battened timber elements and intricate laser-cut screens. Impressively, the design stands out while also complementing the beautifully renovated heritage building opposite.
With a considered planning response, strategic layout, beautiful interior design, and flawless execution, as well as a respectful use of materials, Melbourne Design Studios’ new townhouse development No Two the Same was named the Building Designers Association of Victoria’s (BDAV) Building Design of the Year for 2018.
In a project that challenged the resolve of the building designer, Melbourne Design Studios truly exceeded expectations. Located in an historic pocket of inner Melbourne, No Two the Same comprises six bespoke residences, as well as the award-winning transformation of a derelict Victorian heritage dwelling that’s also located on site.
Sitting comfortably within the surrounding urban fabric, the contemporary design reflects the expert craftsmanship that’s associated with the area’s industrial past. The project’s minimalist character feels warm and welcoming, drawing inspiration from both natural and urban environments. By intimately connecting with its heritage setting, the development has redefined townhouse design.
Comprising sustainable features, light-filled interiors, thoughtfully designed courtyards, north-facing gardens, and rooftop areas with views of the city, the striking townhouses
will foster happy and healthy lifestyles for the occupants long into the future. Cedar cladding and artistic laser-cut screens were used for their frontages to give the dwellings personality and timeless visual appeal.
Marking a departure from conventional townhouse typology, the development offers multifunctional and spacious living within a tightly packed urban area. Standing in a neat yet dynamic row, the residences display a strong contextual architectural response, and blend elegantly into the gritty inner-city location. The seamless indoor and outdoor zones combine to create a private oasis that’s tucked away in an urban setting. The living spaces were designed to provide a vital connection to nature to promote well-being.
In No Two the Same, Melbourne Design Studios has achieved an incredible result on a small and difficult site. Spanning multiple levels, each residence fits 3–4 bedrooms and two bathrooms on approximately 230m2 of land. Occupants will enjoy 200–230m2 of internal space, and around 100–120m2 of outdoor space, including the courtyards, decking and rooftop terrace.
Situated three kilometres east of central Melbourne, Richmond has been known as a manufacturing hub since the mid-19th century. Gentrification has introduced a mix of Victorian architecture and warehouse conversions, with many industrial landmarks turned into luxury apartments and residential zones. Facing a converted shoe factory, Melbourne Design Studios’ townhouses display a clever response
to the site and sit comfortably within the heights and proportions of the area.
Designed to accommodate Melbourne’s climate, each dwelling takes a holistic and innovative approach to sustainable design and passive-solar principles. The design incorporates natural and recycled materials, thermally broken windows with double glazing, solar-powered hot water, and rainwater tanks, as well as renewable energy systems.
Each townhouse was designed with a north-facing orientation to welcome in natural light, ‘thermal chimneys’ to evacuate heat during summer, and cross-ventilation for fresh air throughout the year. Well-executed passive design systems will provide the same benefits throughout the life of the buildings as they do today.
No Two the Same was recognised six times in the BDAV’s 2018 awards. In addition to winning Building Design of the Year, Multi-Residential Design, and Excellence in the Use of Timber, the development was also commended in the Residential Interior Design and Most Innovative Bathroom Design categories, and won the newly-introduced Past Presidents’ Award for Best Response to a Design Brief.
This detail-driven renovation of one of St Kilda’s finest Art Deco homes harmonises contemporary and historical elements for a result that’s rich in character.
Located in St Kilda East, the renovation project has prolonged the life of a period home without excessive costs or extensive demolition.
In providing a thoughtful and well-executed response to the existing site conditions, the Chaddesley Avenue project enriches both the original building and neighbouring properties. Designed to be as relevant in 100 years as they are today, the interior spaces both complement and enhance the building’s historical components. The new additions integrate seamlessly with the original structures, while offering modern convenience and style. The carefully considered connection between the interior and exterior spaces allows views of the beautiful gardens to be enjoyed from the internal living spaces.
The project won four awards in the BDAV’s 2018 Building Design Awards, including Residential Alterations & Additions $250,000–$500,000, Residential Interior Design, Innovative Kitchen Design, and Excellence in the Use of Steel.
With a design like no other, this future-proof home breaks the mould of modern residential architecture.
Created for retirees who relocated from the Blue Mountains to be closer to family, the unique and highly efficient abode stands amid the brush of the Dandenong Ranges. The clients wanted a durable and accessible home that would be sympathetic to its surroundings, with room for guests on occasion.
The brief requested curves, comfort (both thermal and ergonomic), COLORBOND elements,
and space for a collection of interesting artwork. Maxa Design Pty Ltd strove to capture amazing views and retain as much vegetation as possible, while also integrating straightforward bushfire-resistance methodologies.
The intriguing design elegantly accommodates a complex array of site constraints without sacrificing personality.
Achieving market-leading Passivehaus standards of energy efficiency, the home’s ventilation, hot water, heating and cooling depends on a ‘magic box’ heat-recovery unit, which is potentially the first of its kind in Australia.
The design delivers a simplicity that’s contextually aligned with its surrounding natural environment. It received two commendations in the BDAV’s 2018 awards for Best Energy Efficient Design (Residential) and Excellence in Use of Steel.
Passive Butterfly is one of the first Australian homes with heritage planning restrictions to be renovated according to passive-design principles.
The owners requested that their new home adhere to Passivehaus standards of energy efficiency. They dreamed of a home that would push the boundaries of sustainability and improve the efficiency of the existing floor plan. They also wanted beautiful, highly functional and timeless living spaces that would provide outstanding levels of comfort throughout the year.
Multipurpose garden spaces were a priority for both play and food production, and natural materials with low embodied energy were
selected. Comprising optimised spaces, the refreshed heritage home has a compact footprint. It generates more energy than it requires, and re-uses collected rainwater for the toilets and garden. The kitchen was designed to link the original building and the new extension so that ‘circulation-only’ spaces like hallways were minimised.
The thoughtful design received a commendation in the BDAV’s Best Environmentally Sustainable Design – Residential category for 2018.
