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St Vincent's Place by B.E Architecture
ST VINCENT'S PLACE BY B.E ARCHITECTURE
With a modern sensibility, B.E Architecture’s St Vincent’s Place sees the coming together of architect, artist and artisan in a beautiful expression of materiality and time in its unique Albert Park setting.
DESIGNER B.E Architecture | PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell | WORDS Bronwyn Marshall
The stools, pendant and slab table are all custom designed by B.E Architecture and sit in good company with leather Hiroshima Armchairs designed by Naoto Fukasawa.
In its leafy and heritage-rich surrounds in Melbourne’s Albert Park, St Vincent’s Place Residence sees the restoration of an existing heritage home, reinjecting it with a sense of the handmade and modern purpose. Through a unique collaboration of consultants, artists and design professionals, the existing features remain iconic and the new adds a textured layer of interest and curiosity. A carefully curated eye instils a gallery-like feel, carving out moments of contemplation and reflection in the home.
The client acted as patron, embracing a renaissance spirit in the bringing together of craftspeople and entrusting a sense of creative freedom to its carefully selected team. The enviable luxury of a three-year build allowed for cross-creative experimentation with few limitations. The aim was to bring together a bridge between historical significance and modern progress.
The span of work extends from the front gate, throughout interiors, exterior and finishing at the rear gate. In a way, the transformation is a rebirth of the entire site, not just the home. Each element that was restored involved the engagement of an artisan, which was then layered by adding contemporary thoughtand design theory into the new elements. Working together, they speak to a revised life. Behind the restored façade sits a predominantly new home, where the lines between new and old are deliberately blurred.
Artwork by Dale Frank
Vintage Safari Chair by Kaare Klint.
A further nod to times past is the Brutalist romanera communal bath. Acting also as the indoor swimming pool, the gesture and its boldness refers back to a place of stillness and reflectiveness. The attention to detail, curated selection of furniture, collection of artwork and bespoke custom pieces by B.E Architecture all speak to a sense of purpose.
From its ornately restored front door, to the depths of its stone foundations, St Vincent’s Place Residence shows B.E Architecture’s dedication to craft and embodies a true celebration of the renaissance period.
A three-storey light installation Heaven is a Place Where Nothing Ever Happens by artist Nathan Coley presides over the home.
– Andrew Piva, director at B.E Architecture
