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P repare to sell in 2024

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Rarity

Regal Rarity

A magnificent part of Melbourne’s grand Victorian-era history, this unique mansion is set within expansive, meticulously landscaped gardens, offering an unparalleled experience of luxury, privacy, and historical significance.

Doug McLauchlan, Marshall White Partner/Auctioneer

16 Balwyn Road, Canterbury

Constructed circa 1863, “Shrublands” represents a paramount estate within Canterbury’s esteemed ‘Golden Mile’, to be sold as one with the adjacent “Enniskillen” to present an offering of unparalleled magnitude over 10,000sqm or 1 hectare (approx.). This estate, distinguished by its capacity to accommodate grand events, is a compelling sanctuary for private residency, while also holding potential for distinguished uses such as an embassy or consular residence. Within Australia, scarcely do mansions of ‘Shrublands’ stature and originality endure, its land—one of the most expansive in private possession within Melbourne’s inner city—and its architectural grandeur position it as a peerless Australian estate.

“Shrublands” envelops 42 rooms, inclusive of a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool. The historic Italianate home, featuring 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and ample parking for 10 vehicles, encapsulates the essence of a generational residence, appealing to families desiring the exclusivity of a private compound yet also offering potential commercial avenues.

Owned by a mere four families since its inception, “Shrublands” is a testament to the rarity of such an acquisition. The estate showcases its splendour through extensive formal reception areas, sumptuous bedrooms, and lavish bathrooms, alongside unique features like a cinema, billiards room, historic wine cellar, gym, and a two-bedroom caretaker’s home, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens. A recent restoration merges contemporary enhancements with its rich history, offering a modern kitchen, opulent finishes, and advanced technological integrations within a structure designed for lavish entertainment and secluded, luxury living. ■

For enquiries contact

Justin Long 0418 537 973

Doug McLauchlan 0418 377 718

VIEW LISTING

In conversation with

FMD

Architects

Welcome to the latest instalment in our ‘In Conversation with’ series, where we explore the innovative minds shaping the world of design. We spoke to Fiona Dunin, the founder and director of FMD Architects, an acclaimed practice known for its creative integration of architecture and sustainability.

Since founding FMD Architects in 2005, how has your design-focused approach influenced the evolution of the practice and the types of projects you pursue?

Combining my background in interior design and architecture, I adopt an integrated approach to design, balancing poetry and pragmatism and tell captivating stories of people and places. Each project is an innovative and conceptually driven response to its environment, underpinned by sustainability and a curiosity for new materials. Maintaining a boutique size allows us to be versatile, ensuring every project has a high level of focus from the FMD team.

FMD places a strong emphasis on detailed research into materials and product development. How does this focus enhance your design process and contribute to each project?

We love playing with all sorts of materials, both new and old. Our CLT House project exemplifies this, employing Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), showcasing the material with exposed, large-spanning CLT structures that require precise construction for a finely crafted outcome. This use of CLT integrates seamless design solutions across the disciplines of architecture and interiors, unlocking a material's possibilities. Other projects we are working on involve pushing concrete to its limit, while another plays with traditional terracotta alongside new technologies.

In today's architectural landscape, how does FMD integrate sustainable solutions into residential projects?

FMD Architects’ ongoing research and integration of new technology, sustainable materials and construction methods sets new industry benchmarks for responsible design. Our rigorous, pragmatic approach maximises each project's potential, resulting in sustainable, efficient, and comfortable environments. From the first sketch, sustainability is embedded in the design. Planning from principles to maximise natural light and ventilation, considering the environmental specifics of the site, and balancing these with the client brief. As the design develops, more layers of sustainable design are applied, including the selection of materials, their embodied and lifecycle costs, as well as the type of fixtures we use.

Your projects often reflect the personal and collective histories of your clients. How does this approach inform FMD's design solutions?

An empathic approach allows us to connect with the stories of people and places. These narratives inspire FMD Architects to develop concept-driven responses, using design as an agent of storytelling – to connect, inspire, enrich, and embrace. The team’s combined skill in architecture and interiors ensures all aspects of the design are in constant and harmonious dialogue. A strong design language is expressed from the macro to micro, facilitating a continuous spatial experience that consistently maximises natural amenity, elevates wellbeing and fosters greater connections to place.

In your view, how have residential design styles evolved in Australia over recent years, and how has FMD adapted to or influenced these changes?

There is significantly more interest in a local design response that responds to local conditions and climate. People are embracing Australian designers and appreciate the quality of the architecture we can produce.

FMD has been part of this approach since our inception, always celebrating local materials and products within our designs, and sharing our love for all things Australian.

Looking forward, what are FMD’s long-term goals for residential design, and how do you plan to innovate in this space?

Currently, we are taking on some interesting projects overseas, which have allowed us to work with some wonderful young engineers and construction companies doing amazing things in mass timber construction and prefabrication. I can’t say too much, but hopefully, we can apply these systems and technologies in Australia very soon! ■

Sculpting Society

Photo Credit Nina Sanadze

Nina Sanadze, a Melbourne-based contemporary artist, will soon be showcasing her latest works at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, demonstrating the impact of public statues and monuments on society. Her exhibition combines installations, sculptures, and found objects to explore societal transformation through art. By weaving personal stories of conflict and incorporating fragments of public sculptures, Sanadze’s art becomes a dialogue between the past and the present.

Sanadze believes in the transformative power of art and beauty to unite people, advocating for peacebuilding through determination, negotiation, and the creation of narratives that bridge different viewpoints. Addressing urgent global socio-economic and political developments, Sanadze uses humour and beauty to navigate the complex reality of our existence.

The exhibition explores how statues reflect the values and priorities of their time, both when they are erected and removed. Drawing inspiration from the landscape of public monuments in her childhood home of Tbilisi, Georgia, where Soviet icons once replaced imperial statues, Sanadze's work poignantly reveals how our cities, monuments, and public art are never static but instead evolve to reflect the evolving values and historical narratives of their times. Her art brings to light the idea that public spaces and the artworks within them bear witness to the everchanging cultural, political, and social dynamics, serving as living documents of our collective history and present-day priorities.

In her installation ‘Monuments and Movements’, the artist references Melbourne-based sculptures, including the Queen Victoria (1819–1901), Edward VII (1841–1910) and King George V (1865–1936) monuments in Melbourne. Replicating these monuments as flat, folding silhouettes on wheels, this installation presents these sculptures in a state of flux between being assembled or dismantled, drawing attention to ideas of permanency and the ephemeral.

‘Bollard City 2018’ examines the use of bollards and barriers, and related concepts of public safety, personal freedom, and trust in the community. The work includes oversized bollards appearing to be made of heavy concrete, but are actually composed of lightweight cardboard and polystyrene, offering a sense of transience to these often-permanent structures.

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: “Nina Sanadze is a contemporary artist whose thought-provoking works encourage audiences to consider the roles of monuments and their meanings, and how these can change over time.”

Nina Sanadze’s exhibition is on display from 12 April at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. ■

Chicken Curry Sushila’s

Hopper Joint, a newly opened Sri Lankan restaurant by Jason Jones and Brahman Perera, shares a specialty dish: Sushila’s Chicken Curry, a cherished recipe from Brahman’s mother.

Ingredients Method

1.5 kg chicken thigh, boneless, cut into pieces

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp chilli powder

2 tbsp roasted curry powder

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 cinnamon stick

A handful of curry leaves

2 pandan leaves

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2-inch piece of ginger, grated

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

400 ml coconut milk

Salt to taste

3 tbsp vegetable oil

Marinate the chicken with turmeric, chilli, and curry powder for at least 30 minutes.

In a pot, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds, fenugreek, cinnamon, curry leaves, and pandan leaves until fragrant.

Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until onions are translucent.

Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned.

Add tomatoes and salt, then simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour in coconut milk and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Chef ’s Note on Tempering in Sri Lankan Cuisine

At the heart of Sri Lankan cooking lies the art of tempering (‘tadka’ or ‘temperadu’), a technique that involves briefly frying spices in oil to release their essential oils and rich aromas. This process enhances the depth and complexity of flavours, with commonly used ingredients like mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and fenugreek. The key to successful tempering is balancing heat and timing to ensure the spices infuse the oil without burning, elevating the dish with a quintessentially Sri Lankan touch.

Hopper Joint

157 Greville Street, Prahran

Optimism Building

In recent years, Victoria's construction industry has faced its share of challenges, from economic downturns to the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have not only impacted the supply chain for materials but also led to increased prices and shortages of skilled tradespeople. Yet, recent developments signal that better times lie ahead. Below, we look at the signs of a bright future for the building industry and for Victoria’s homebuilders and buyers.

Government Incentives and Policies: The Victorian government has rolled out a series of incentives aimed at boosting residential construction. Initiatives such as stamp duty concessions and firsthome buyer grants are making homeownership more accessible, stimulating demand for new housing projects.

Innovations in Sustainable Living: Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. Victoria is at the forefront, with residential projects embracing green building standards and technologies. Innovations such as energy-efficient designs and smart homes are not only attracting environmentally conscious buyers but also setting new benchmarks for the industry.

Embracing Modern Construction Methods: The direction towards modular and prefabricated housing is revolutionising how homes are built. These methods lead to quicker construction times, reduced waste, and cost savings, addressing both the affordability crisis and environmental concerns.

Addressing the Skills Shortage: The revitalisation of the residential construction sector is also being supported by targeted efforts to address the skills shortage. Enhanced training programs and apprenticeships are preparing a new generation of skilled workers, ready to meet the demands of a booming industry.

Community and Lifestyle Focus: There is a growing emphasis on creating communities, not just houses. New residential developments in Victoria are incorporating amenities such as parks, walking trails, and community centres, meeting the widespread desire for a balanced lifestyle. This holistic approach to housing is redefining home and community.

The resurgence of Victoria's residential construction industry will be a collaborative achievement. Partnerships between the government, private sector, and local communities have been crucial in navigating past challenges and steering towards a brighter future. This synergy between stakeholders is creating an environment where innovation thrives, and dreams of homeownership become more attainable.

The revival of Victoria's residential construction industry is a collaborative effort. Cooperation between the government, private sector, and local communities has been essential in navigating past challenges and moving towards a better future. This synergy between stakeholders is creating an environment where innovation thrives, making the dream of homeownership become more attainable.

As the construction industry emerges from a period of uncertainty, the foundations for a more optimistic future are being laid. With government support, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability and community, the sector is gearing up for significant growth into the future. ■

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