THE CHALLENGE

Steele Studios was tasked with creating a modern townhouse from scratch, inspired by the industrial history of Cremorne, an inner-suburb of Melbourne, with the comfort and practicality for a young couple with family in mind. We met the brief by blending natural tones with open design-led spaces, connecting the different zones of the home with strategically placed glass and windows to flood the home with natural light.

THE SOLUTION - HONEST FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

The existing bungalow was built in the 60s. It had a few quirks and didn’t suit the owners’ needs. They craved extra space and better connection between rooms. We devised a dual occupancy model that met the practical needs of two modern townhouses without sacrificing space ensuring every millimetre worked hard.

“We hired Clint for a knock-down/rebuild. We knew this was a complex project from the get-go Tight block of land, strict council regulations, opposing neighbours, and a difficult build. Clint guided our home project from a really thought-out design, negotiating objections from the neighbours, getting approvals through council, and being on-site when the build got tricky. We are so thankful for his talent and skill which past architects have lacked. ”

- GREG (OWNER)

QUALITY MATERIALS WITH PRACTICAL PURPOSE-DRIVEN DESIGN FEATURES

The home features a strikingly contemporary design and combines earthy timbers and rendered wall with industrial elements like the steel balustrade, black framed ribbed glass and brushed nickel tapware and fittings.

Large double-glazed windows bathe the communal areas in natural light and a double-height void with Venetian render wall backdrop create a sense of space.  Clever timber joinery and concealed storage ensure plenty of places to keep things tidy.

Rendered white walls and timber sing throughout the modern townhouses with levels connecting through floating Tassie oak treads and cast iron balustrade. Carefully considered spaces are spread over three levels allowing for ample space.

KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS THAT MAKE A DESIGN STATEMENT

With the living, dining and kitchen at the heart of the home, these modern townhouses are designed around open spaces. The living connects to the outdoor courtyard but still allows you to feel connected to the kitchen.

The kitchen island is topped with Elba marble, cleverly concealing a wine cooler and dishwasher draws. Handle-free draws and recessed shelves were an elegant storage solution that kept surfaces clear and clutter free.

BEAUTY AND PRACTICALITY IN COMPLETE HARMONY

The bedrooms are orientated to take in light but also offer privacy, the master with a deep soaking bath and separate shower and walk-through robe. A handy, concealed marble-topped laundry is positioned for easy access to the rooftop. Smart cabinetry, textured walls were combined seamlessly and the contemporary chic urban residence.

Outdoor entertaining was essential to the design of the house with an easy indoor-outdoor flowing courtyard on the ground floor and a rooftop entertaining space with views of the city on the third floor. When the weather gets cooler, a gas fireplace anchors the lounge room.

An extra-large garage with high ceilings and built-in storage further adds practicality to this property; it’s accessed via a roller door down a generous laneway and has handy internal access straight into the kitchen.

“I’m so happy with the luxury materials used in this home. They are beautiful. The amount of storage is impressive, considering a lot of homes lack built-in storage. All the final details have been thoughtfully considered and everything works so well. Clint really knows good design and thought of so many things we didn’t consider. So happy with the end result”

- GREG (OWNER)