TWIN FLAMES
LOOKING TO APPEAL to an ‘eccentric, multicultural demographic’ in Melbourne’s Windsor, the property owners called on architect and interior designer Maria Danos to help bring to life this high-quality, small-scale townhouse development.
Maria Danos: I was thrilled when approached by my clients after they purchased the property in inner Melbourne, seeking a local architect to assist in the delivery of their first speculative MD: Conceptually I wanted to present a visually ‘permeable’ building to the street, to encourage the prevalent spirited level of social engagement and capture northern light deep into the dwellings. The exterior facade is a balance of permeation and privacy, through concealed roof terraces, cedar timber screening, and considered placement of glass. Internally, the central stair void (also acting as the conduit of light) created spatial volumes that were instrumental in crafting dynamic interior volumes in an otherwise limiting narrow townhouse floorplate. The site width presented opportunities to develop the property into two dwellings consistent with the single-fronted rhythm of the street but also presented further challenges of working with a north-facing frontage and south-facing rear, protecting the amenity of the adjoining neighbours with tight boundary setbacks, and delivering an elegant building in a tight cul-de-sac on budget to make the project commercially viable. Sensitively angled at the upper floor, the building form provides a softer interface with the neighbours, and allows light ingress in the south courtyard (and adjoining properties). MD: Materials and finishes – with an emphasis on local, sustainable sources where possible – are warm, textured and timeless to seamlessly integrate with south courtyard ‘rooms’ via sliding doors that disappear into external walls, extending living spaces. MD: Light dancing from the roof terraces through the void into the spaces below. The void’s strategic placement is practical for communication between the inhabitants. Crafted and woodturned stair handrails by Charles Sandford were stained to match the joinery. Spaces balance intimacy as well as adequacy for comfortable congregation and have a strong relationship to the exterior with lush, verdant landscaping designed by Mud Office. The studies are clad in finely grained finishes and enjoy northern landscaped forecourt gardens and connection to the streetfront. Isolated from living spaces, these are ideal for work or quiet contemplation. MD: Internally the stair void acts as a sculptural ‘insertion’ with soft corners enhancing spatial flow. Strategically located, it is a conduit of light drawing luminosity from the north roof terraces into internal bathrooms and down into the heart of the home at the ground floor. Collaborations included working with a local artisan for bespoke light fittings traversing three floor levels through the void. On the ground floor, with glazed sliding doors disappearing into timber wall cavities, the interior integrates with south exterior courtyard ‘rooms’ extending living spaces. As a townhouse with spatial considerations, strategies included a curvilinear island bench enabling comfortable access around it for perching and ease of flow in the townhouse. On the upper floor, the angled walls create interior spaces with dynamic volumes, and opportunities for deep floor plans and storage. Client: The design offers beautiful light-filled open plan spaces, with the kitchen at the heart of this. Given that we like to entertain, most of our time is spent around the kitchen island grazing or at the dining table. It’s perfect on a balmy summer’s day with the rear doors open, or on a cold winter’s afternoon we just draw the sheer curtains and gather in the living area with a glass of wine in front of the fire.
