In Focus September 2023

In Focus

TASTEMAKERS WITH PETER MADDISON

Go behind the build with architect, practice founder and TV personality, Peter Maddison, to learn more about this mid-century inspired icon by the beach and the key architectural principles employed.

DESIGNING A HOME FOR THE FUTURE

Discover the emerging architectural themes shaping the homes of the future with Madeline Sewall and Jeremy McLeod from Breathe Architecture.

MY NEIGHBOURHOOD: MARCUS FALCONER

This month we are excited to open a new office in one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities. We sat down with Director Marcus Falconer, to talk about living and working in Geelong.

11 AIRLIE AVENUE, PRAHRAN

On a prestigious Prahran avenue, striking architectural flair by Studio Four, combines northern orientation to capture swathes of natural light, creating a truly memorable home.

CAULFIELD RISE

Exquisitely crafted by Ewert Leaf, this collection of luxurious apartments will provide its occupants space for effortless living.

THE REPORT 2023

The Report is Jellis Craig’s exclusive annual insight into Melbourne’s residential property market and all the factors that drive demand, house price growth and long-term trends.

Behindthebuild:Amid-century inspirediconbythebeach

Architect, Host of Grand Designs Australia, and practice Founding Director, Peter Maddison of Maddison Architects is one of Australia’s most recognisable faces in building design and architecture.

Maddison Architects’ design ethos is rooted in a contemporary approach, whilst considering the importance of the environmental impact of architecture as mandatory, not an optional extra. In each project, Maddison Architects strives to create buildings that integrate superior energy and environmental performance. Nowhere is this more apparent than in one of Peter’s recent designs in Melbourne’s bayside area. Peter gave us a tour of the home and here he shares the key architectural principles employed, as well as how he responded to his client’s brief in the final design.

The importance of an interactive streetscape

The home has been built with a nod to classic design principles, and the way the house relates to the street is very much endemic with the adventurous spirit of the mid-century modernist that created a lot of experiential buildings in the bayside area. The way the home addresses the street is very much in tune with the native landscape of the area. In comparison to a typical residential home with a front fence that butts up directly against the footpath, we’ve taken over the verge with a lovely variety of native landscaping, giving back to the street and public domain.

One of the designs we employed was to try and build the excitement of the house through a sense of release and compression. As you look at the home from the streetscape, the release occurs above through a hovering cantilevered living room that juts out over the driveway. Simultaneously, when one arrives at the front door, the canopy comes down very low – so much so that you can almost reach up and touch it. Then, there is an amazing sense of compression as you enter the house, juxtaposed with the feeling of release thanks to the two-story void above. These elements contribute to a feeling of anticipation, spatial experience, and excitement within the home.

Theseelementscontributetoafeeling ofanticipation,spatialexperience,and excitement within the home.

Housing materials that resonate

Materials-wise, the home predominantly consists of stack bond stone, zinc-clad and timber. We chose these materials as they are designed to withstand the salt and marine environment that this house sits in, given the beach is only a few hundred meters away. The timber battens have been stained and left unpainted, resulting in the texture of the timber being able to express itself in its most natural form.

In keeping with the connection to street and landscape, one of the tricks of the mid-century modernist that we’ve employed here is bringing the landscape from the outside all the way through to the inside through material selection. Exterior materials such as the concrete blocks from the façade run through into the entrance area and right up through the building.

Interior design and detailing

Engineering ingenuity and notes of coastal living appear in the interior design and detailing of the home. To capture the best of the block of land, we designed a logically planned, two-storey house, broken into two components. On the living space side is the elevated and cantilevered viewing platform which is all about maximising light and emphasising the 270-degree views out towards the bay. On the other side is the masonry section, housing the bedrooms, laundry, and bathrooms.

When one arrives at the top of the stairs, you tumble into the heart of the home, the kitchen. The large kitchen island bench aligns with the room itself and leads down to an enormous window overlooking the bay.

One key design detail is the line that has been cut into the kitchen bench that aligns with another piece of joinery across the other side of the room. This then redirects your sight line down to a little peekaboo study, perched above the entrance area and overlooking Port Phillip Bay – a wonderful spot to take your daily Zoom calls!

Harnessing an incredible vista

Of course, one of the major design criteria for our clients was to capture the incredible views out over Port Phillip Bay – from Point Nepean right over to the Bellarine. Whether it is day or night, it really is the most stunning feature of the home.

We have achieved this through floor to ceiling windows and a small balcony that stretches across the entire living side of the home. One of the architectural tricks to emphasise the connection to the horizon line in the ocean that we’ve implemented is bringing the balustrade on the balcony up to a very fine folded edge, and simultaneously bringing the eave lining down to another fine edge. These horizontal lines compresses and beautifully frame the view. The other advantage to adding a balustrade, is allow practical access to the glass windows, which is important considering the saline environment that this building sits in, as it needs regular cleaning!

Designing a home for the future

The last few years have been a challenging time. The recent global health crisis and economic climate have brought into focus the importance of our homes and the roles they play in supporting us through hardships, home school and family events. Our homes, now more than ever, need to support us through these challenges. The architecture and design industry is embracing this global shift towards prioritising personal and environmental health.

Looking to the year ahead and beyond, we’re reflecting on emerging architectural themes that we see shaping the homes of the future.

Wellness

Design principles that support health and wellbeing are an increased priority, with more requirements around home wellness spaces. Homeowners are using their homes not just to work and live, but to disconnect and recharge. Tree and sea changes remain popular for those seeking that balance of work and personal health. This has transpired in many ways – for example the inclusion into homes of infrared saunas, gyms, ice baths and spas.

Madeline Sewall Director of Houses Breathe Architecture

Jeremy McLeod Co-founder & Design Director Breathe Architecture

A house is a place where individuals and their loved ones can nurture themselves and create memories.

Sustainability

From houses in cities, on mountains and along the coast, to micro apartments and remote off-grid dwellings, one thing our clients have in common is a deep sense of purpose. More and more, people building homes are putting the planet and humanity first and recognising the power architects and homeowners have when it comes to contributing positively to our world.

A well-designed home can be truly nurturing. Healthy homes can nurture the body, the soul and the community. This starts with zooming out and looking at big, meaningful moves. Sighting the house so that the living spaces open up to the north, connecting the occupants to sun, views and sky, is essential. This allows the winter sun to come deep into the home while at the same time providing shade and relief from the hot summer sun. Throughout the house we seek to connect spaces to nature and landscape, grounding the home and its residents.

With the integration of green spaces we help mitigate urban heat island effects, improving

Local materials

A desire to connect to nature influences the selection of materials used within a home. Materials such as natural timber floors, sustainable cork floors, woven sisal carpets and plant-based fabrics such as linen are all strong contenders for material selection. Other materials include Australian-made stone floors, terrazzo tiles and furniture that is lovingly crafted by local makers. Together they create a warm, natural, healthy palette that is textural, durable and of its place.

When it comes to materials, another area of focus among architects is reducing embodied energy through the use of recycling, or by using materials that are locally fabricated using recycled content. Recycled options for many materials can be requested at the specifying stage, including concrete, timber, brick and metals such as brass. It is promising to see an increase in awareness across the industry about calculating and targeting reductions to embodied energy, such as construction firms that now run embodied energy calculations alongside cost estimates.

Electrification

The single biggest change that we’ve seen in the last three years has been people abandoning gas and opting for 100 per cent electric. This allows for healthier indoor air quality, greater energy efficiency and a future that is not reliant on fossil fuels. With natural gas in Australia predicted to run out as early as 2040, more and more people are seeking all-electric, future-focused homes designed to last, with nearly one out of every three Australian homes now installing solar panels.

The desire to run a more energy efficient home has also transpired in an uptick in demand for induction cooktops and highefficiency heat pumps for hot water and heating. At the same time, many households

air quality and promoting biodiversity, and giving the families and communities inhabiting the space connection to the natural world.

The urgency of the climate crisis has propelled a shift in the industry towards sustainable design practices. Architects and designers are prioritising energy efficiency, renewable energy integration and the use of ecofriendly materials. We are seeing building design both in Australia and globally focus on reducing carbon emissions, conserving water and optimising energy consumption. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world has also led architects to incorporate resilience and adaptability into their designs to help lessen these effects.

The cost-of-living crisis has led to a growing demand for affordable housing. We’ve seen architects and designers exploring innovative solutions to create sustainable and affordable housing options, including the use of modular construction and shared living spaces.

are spending more time researching electricity companies to try to reduce their carbon footprints where possible. Some households are even going one step further, buying 100 per cent Certified Greenpower to be confident that they’re operating their home with zero carbon emissions.

A home is not just a place to rest your head and cook your meals, it’s a place to retreat, to recharge and to connect with loved ones. It’s a place with deep meaning and it’s a place we want to be proud of. A sustainable home is a cornerstone of how each of us can take personal responsibility for our shared global future – a first step in the legacy we want to leave behind.

Designprinciplesthat supporthealthand wellbeingareanincreased priority,withmore requirementsaround homewellnessspaces.

My Neighbourhood

with Marcus Falconer

Tell us about your ambition for joining the Jellis Craig Group and your plans for the future.

We’ve always challenged ourselves to deliver the very best in service for our vendors and buyers, and so the opportunity to join the Jellis Craig network provided us the chance to lift the bar even further. As Victoria’s premier real estate agency, Jellis Craig is the standard that everyone aspires to. The brand offers unparalleled exposure through its 33 offices and database of more than 1.4million potential buyers. This is hugely beneficial for our clients and will also ensure we attract the very best agents as we look to expand further across Geelong.

You have sold in excess of 2000 properties since you started in the industry. What do you love most about your role?

There’s lots of aspects I love about my job, but I get the most satisfaction from helping vendors present their property in the best possible light, ensuring the maximum sale price. Equally, I enjoy matching buyers to their ideal property and watching them get a kick out of their new home before, often years later, matching them to another property that suits their changing lifestyle.

Geelong has recorded substantial growth over the last few years, why do you think this is?

Victoria’s second largest city has seen incredible growth in the past decade as it has completed the transition from a blue collar to white collar workforce. The TAC, WorkSafe and NDIA are now all based in Geelong and have attracted many associated industries, creating thousands of professional jobs. This, together with a growth in flexible work options, has seen a huge influx of professional workers, including millennials, looking to enjoy a lifestyle change.

How has the Geelong property market changed over recent years?

Marcus Falconer Director, Jellis Craig Geelong

This month we are excited to open a new location in one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities. With a population of over 240,000 people and growing, opening an office in Geelong’s vibrant city is a natural step for the Jellis Craig group. We sat down with with Jellis Craig Geelong Director, Marcus Falconer, to talk about living and working in Geelong.

Demand is staying fairly constant – buyers have recalibrated with interest rates, but what hasn’t recalibrated is the supply side – we are still well under long term averages for the number of available homes on the market.

What are some of the most important considerations that buyers should keep in mind when looking for a property in the area?

Buying a property is always about location, and in Geelong, lifestyle is also a key drawcard. For most buyers, that means being within 10km of the city centre, which puts you within easy reach of public transport, shops and schools, as well as being on the doorstep of the Barwon River, waterfront and the Ring Road to either the Surf Coast or Melbourne.

If you had a friend visiting from interstate, where would you take them...

FOR COFFEE Funk or Box Office Café.

FOR AN ACTIVITY

Watching the Cats at Kardinia Park or a concert at A Day on the Green.

FOR LUNCH

Bao Place.

FOR DINNER

Tulip or The Arborist.

FOR A DRINK

Geelong Cellar Door, Queen of the West or the 18th Amendment Bar

Can you share a quote from someone you aspire to?

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

– Michael Jordan

Do you have a favourite sold property? What made that so memorable?

In Geelong, it was the Newtown and Chilwell Council Chambers. More than 300 groups went through this magnificent Georgian-style building, with around 200 at the auction and seven bidders battling it out.

Tell us about ‘home’.

A serial renovator, I have recently renovated a double-fronted Edwardian, blending the original external and internal features at the front of the home with an architecturally designed extension that is filled with natural light.

What does a typical Sunday look like and what are your interests outside of real estate?

It’s my one day of rest, so with my partner Andrea and dog Billie I’ll either make my way down to the Surf Coast and enjoy the beach or head towards Ballarat, where I am in the process of renovating an 1896 church.

Can you share a book or podcast recommendation?

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Autumn Street, Geelong. Recently sold by Marcus Falconer

There’slotsofaspectsIloveaboutmyjob,butIgetthemostsatisfaction fromhelpingvendorspresenttheirpropertyinthebestpossiblelight, ensuringthemaximumsaleprice.

Embrace premium style and relaxed living in this fully renovated Edwardian home positioned to take advantage of the best of Geelong West. Clever architect design provides two living areas and three bedrooms on a low-maintenance footprint, ideal for downsizers and busy professionals wanting a lock-and-leave option.

On a prestigious Prahran avenue, striking architectural flair by Studio Four, combines with northern orientation to capture swathes of natural light, creating a truly memorable home. Gather with friends, celebrate or embrace the everyday liveability provided by the flow between living spaces and connection to the outdoors, punctuated by a sparkling pool.

Mark Josem 0488 856 736 Mike Beardsley 0476 777 004

PARK

Showcasing a truly exceptional calibre of design and innovation, Natoli Group presents bespoke excellence poised within the esteemed Studley Park precinct. New standards of contemporary sophistication integrate high end finishes and modern themes, collaborating with architecture from Metaxas Architects and interiors by Vision Design Studio.

BREATHTAKING

A masterful union of elegant Victorian beauty and modern architectural prowess has encapsulated refined family living in this prestigious position, footsteps from vibrant High Street. Impressive in every way, this double fronted residence effortlessly transitions from an elegant formal living room to an inspired open plan living/dining domain.

4 a 2 b 2 c

Sam Rigopoulos 0425 834 583

Rosemary Sarr 0498 802 255

Enriched with progressive opulence and a sophisticated functionality that exudes easy living, this magnificent four-bedroom, two-bathroom masterpiece gifts a spacious open conversion, a flawless transition between indoor/outdoor entertaining, plus a sought-after address central to vibrant innercity amenities.

THE VERY FINEST IN PARKSIDE REFINEMENT

Unparalleled in its parkside position, this breathtaking six bedroom plus study five bathroom architect designed masterpiece takes entertaining to a whole new calibre on 1,053 sqm approx. Infused with the glorious leafiness of Allnutt Park with picturesque views from the glass enclosed staircase and upstairs rooms, this statement home is arguably the suburb’s finest.

Blending the timeless allure of Edwardian architecture with a remarkable architect-designed transformation, this exquisite four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence with captivating city vistas stands as a testament to contemporary craftsmanship.

Step into luxury with this sophisticated, urban townhouse featuring a stunning warehouse-inspired design. Unwind in a space adorned with beautiful Australian handcrafted timber, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

ROSS CREEK 586 SEBASTOPOL SMYTHESDALE ROAD

With elevated views from its hill-top location this 25 acre/10.45 Hectare lifestyle property is located in Ross Creek, an easy drive to the nearby amenities of both the Delacombe Town Centre and the Smythesdale township the property is an approximately 20 minute drive from Central Ballarat.

This Brand-New build oozes quality and comfort, with a number of upgrades that will be sure to impress, along with neutral tones that comply to anyone’s standards. Timber floors, high ceilings, floor to ceiling tiles to ensuite and the further two bathrooms, dual living areas including one of the most breath-taking open plan living area’s you would have seen.

Leigh Melbourne 0414 239 986

Noah Lautman-Wurt 0424 635 277

The street presence is a fresh interpretation of a classical period property, from there everything evolves into a spectacular, vibrant contemporary version of the family home - it’s a stunning success in a sought after location enhanced by a northerly rear aspect and backdrop to River Lane.

Born from locally based developers m3 Group, this bespoke three-bedroom, two-bathroom doublestorey paragon surpasses all industry standards by merging sophisticated design with innovative function.

Under the skilful and award-winning eye of Whiting Architects, purpose and timeless style have been engineered and attached to every inch of this extraordinary double-fronted Edwardian.

Absolutely charming with original intricacy alongside the modern comfort of stylish upgrades, ‘Marlow’ a three bedroom period home presents a coveted address surrounded by the area’s key hotspot attractions.

ndulge in relaxed luxury coastal living only a short stroll to Port Phillip Bay, Blairgowrie Village and Koonya Ocean Beach. A clever u-shaped, family friendly configuration with main living hub, alfresco and heated pool with spa, basking in the north to northwest facing aspect.

Layered with meticulous attention to detail, this newly built four bedroom residence combines picturesque garden views and spacious interiors to create a spectacular home of generous proportions. Nine foot ceilings and cathedral rooflines are offset by 6 double glazed Velux skylights, showcasing a feeling of luxury and light.

Beautifully executed four bedroom home located in the ultra scenic and private 13th Beach Estate, showcasing the perfect blend of premium aesthetic and passive solar benefits. Designed by Holman Designs with a strong focus on lifestyle and high function; together with the locally recognised Doherty Building Group, renowned for high-grade workmanship and exceeding expectation.

Forging new frontiers in style, poise and luxury, this spectacular 4 Bedroom, 2 bathroom home is a striking showpiece with stunning views of the Dandenong Ranges. Soaring above and beyond in its unyielding pursuit of excellence, an inviting Lounge with cathedral ceilings is the perfect prelude to vast open plan Living/Dining.

Nestled within a tranquil oasis, this exceptional high-end contemporary custom build is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and refined taste. Situated on an expansive 1175m2 (approx) landscaped allotment, this luxurious property offers a lifestyle of opulence and serenity, seamlessly blending modern design with the beauty of nature.

Poised high amidst 2.7 acres of tranquil native gardens and bushland, this charismatic character home boasts an impressive entertainers’ layout enhanced by a quality contemporary renovation. Enjoying a private position at the head of a peaceful cul-de-sac, the property also features two fenced paddocks, a spacious barn with two stables, and a sundrenched north-facing swimming pool.

Stylish rural luxury can be yours on 20 glorious pasture acres (approx.) tucked at the end of a private country lane. This exquisite executive residence is set amid professionally landscaped gardens, with lightly treed paddocks that are well suited to horses, sheep or other livestock.

SHOWSTOPPER OF GRAND PROPORTIONS

Flaunting a bold street presence on a prized corner allotment, this magnificent home defies the ordinary. Large windows capture abundant natural light and tranquil garden views at every turn, introduced by an expansive open-plan living and dining domain featuring gorgeous hardwood floors and soft neutral tones that make styling and decorating a breeze.

An unparalleled example of low maintenance poolside luxury, this inspiring four bedroom plus study three bathroom showpiece has been customised to family perfection utilizing the expertise of Cramer Design. Owner built with thought into every fine detail, this exceptional home truly resonates with its ‘no expense spared’ mindset upon which it was crafted.

649 GLEN HUNTLY ROAD, CAULFIELD

Caulfield Rise exemplifies restrained elegance, sympathetic design, and a sense of permanence with its minimalist aesthetic, high-quality materials, and enduring artistry that blend seamlessly with its environment. It ties back to the mid-century aesthetic while still being a contemporary interpretation. An approach that creates a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern, delivering a residential build that appeals to a wide range of Melbourne buyers—but particularly the design conscious.

Exquisitely crafted by Ewert Leaf, this collection of apartments is proud of the various features and aspects that make each residence unique and special. The focus on comfort and functionality is evident in every detail, ensuring that each home is not only beautiful but practical as well. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, the architectural design seamlessly blends light, warm, and grey tones in its use of brickwork, concrete, and timber, while the charcoal metalwork and vertical modules add a modern touch and heighten the building’s façade.

To access your copy of The Report, visit www.jelliscraig.com.au/the-report or contact us to have a copy sent to you.