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In conversation with Davidov Architects

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Sanctuary of Style

This stunning Domain Precinct residence has recently undergone a stylish renovation, offering unique five-bedroom accommodation complemented by landscaped gardens and a resort-style pool. The location offers the best of South Yarra, with the Botanic Gardens and Toorak Road's boutiques, cafes, and lifestyle all within walking distance.

Nicholas Brooks, Marshall White Associate Director

11 Tivoli Place, South Yarra

Retaining the majestic scale and grandeur from its c1890s double brick heritage, this exquisite residence has undergone a transformative renovation. Meticulously reimagined with a keen eye for design and proportion, bespoke joinery, and sumptuous imported finishes, it stands as an unforgettable family abode in an elite cul-de-sac, moments from the Botanic Gardens and Domain.

Sequestered behind a high-walled landscaped garden with ornamental ponds, the entrance hall exudes grandiosity with 3.5m high ceilings and wide French oak flooring. Tall double doors link reception rooms, facilitating seamless entertaining and privacy. The library/family room, adorned with custom bookshelves, and the elegant sitting room, featuring a marble gas fireplace, bask in northern light. The evocative dining room, framed by black steel doors, extends to a serene garden oasis with limestone paving and a solar-heated pool amidst vertical gardens. The state-of-the-art kitchen, opening to the garden, details Gaggenau appliances, Liebherr refrigeration,

The skylit staircase ascends to a luxurious main bedroom with a bespoke walk-in robe and marble ensuite, a second bedroom with integrated storage and ensuite, three additional bedrooms, a retreat/5th bedroom, and a deluxe family bathroom.

Within walking distance to chic dining spots, parklands, public transport, and top-tier schools, this stylish abode offers modern amenities including an alarm system, video intercom, Sonos sound throughout, hydronic heating, upstairs air-conditioning, designer lighting, and more, ensuring comfort and security within its elegantly appointed spaces. ■

For enquiries contact

Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271

Nicholas Brooks 0419 883 136 VIEW LISTING

Carrara marble counters, aged brass fixtures, and an expansive American oak island.

In conversation with

Davidov Architects

This week, we spoke to Robert Davidov, founder and principal of the award-winning Davidov Architects based in Melbourne. The studio, known for its understated yet warm aesthetic, has gained recognition for projects ranging from private residences to multi-residential developments. Below, Davidov shares insights into the firm's design philosophy, material choices, and the inspirations that shape their work.

Photo Credit Nanami Studio

Can you describe the design philosophy and core principles that guide Davidov Architects?

We see ourselves as both an architecture and design studio, so there is always conscious consideration given to developing a cohesive body of work across disciplines. In terms of architecture, we are interested in crafting work that is robust but also familiar and cinematic. Ambience is important to us. This approach tends to inform our other design endeavours.

Your practice has gained recognition for an understated aesthetic using refined material palettes. What informs your material choices, and how do you create a sense of warmth in a space?

We consider materials that allow us to achieve several aims. Of course, the materials need to be durable and age sympathetically, but beyond the practical, what interests us is the way materials and their usage hold a deeper resonance. The concept of nostalgia is one that interests us for various reasons, as it helps us imagine a space across time.

Travel seems to be a significant source of inspiration for your work. Can you share some specific places or experiences that have left a lasting impact on your design approach?

Travel would certainly be my greatest indulgence. I have been a keen traveller all my life, but more recently travel generally revolves around visiting architecture, be it ancient or modern. Some highlights have been exploring the architecture of Luis Barragan in Mexico City, as well as wandering through the ruins of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt. The key to architectural travel is to allow enough time to feel settled in a place in a way that allows you, once back home, to transport yourself back to that moment and place.

Considering the wide range of project types you take on, from private residences to multi-residential developments, how do you adapt your design process to meet the unique needs of each commission?

Your Circle|Square stool for the MPavilion 10 Chair Commission 2023 has been praised for its striking simplicity. Can you give us some insight into the design concept and process behind this piece?

Our design for the Circle|Square stool was designed as a direct response to the architecture of MPavilion10 designed by Tadao Ando. As a design office, we have a strong affinity with the pure geometries and robust materials for which Ando is renowned, and it was an interesting challenge to create a design that both complemented and contributed to his design.

As the principal of Davidov Architects, what does a typical day in your life look like?

A day in the studio typically involves touching base with the team, a site visit to a project under construction, and ideally, dedicated time to spend on a current design challenge or presentation.

What does the future hold for Davidov Architects? Are there any exciting new directions, collaborations, or types of projects you're looking to explore in the near future?

Currently, on the horizon, we are looking forward to the completion of a couple of private homes of which we are incredibly proud. We have a few special projects currently in the various stages of design and approval in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Apart from that, we have a few multi-residential projects coming out of the ground this month and some other interesting collaborations with various manufacturers and interior designers. ■

Our design process relies on a balance between innovation and refinement. This inherently means that each project is unique, unique to the site and unique to the client’s brief, but we are not drawn to innovation simply for innovation’s sake. Innovation carries risk, so where we can, we draw upon and evolve our existing design ‘language’ to deliver designs that are tailored to every client. LEARN

Photo Credit Nanami Studio

Photo Credit Enceladus

In conversation with

Yolky Eggs Dokey Lil's

Can you share with us how your daughter Lila and her bucket list dream inspired you to start Lil's Yolky Dokey Eggs, and what it means to you to carry on her legacy through this venture?

The loss of our daughter, Lil, in February 2018, was sudden and heartbreaking.

We immediately turned to all her hopes and dreams still unfulfilled. Farming and creating a business in her name was an attempt to keep her in everyone’s thoughts and to honour her with hard work and the love of her family. Lil had always wanted a bush block and to have her own chickens... we just took it to the next level.

What were some of the challenges you faced when setting up Lil's Farm, and how did you overcome them to make Lila's dream a reality?

There was only one property available for lease at that time. It had been sitting idle for over a year, completely overgrown and rundown. The agent didn't believe that two women in their late forties with no farming background warranted any consideration. To capture his attention and demonstrate the seriousness of our intentions, we paid 12 months' rent upfront. As female farmers in a male-dominated industry, we have certainly required a level of resilience. This, matched with navigating our way through our grief while supporting our children and farming long hours, has been immensely challenging.

Can you explain the concept of pasture-raised eggs and how it differs from free-range? What makes your eggs unique in terms of quality and the happiness of your hens?

Our chickens live and sleep in mobile chicken caravans, free to roam and forage outdoors on pasture 24/7. They have access to the natural world, feeling the wind in their feathers and the warmth of the sun. They have a permanent source of high-quality, nutritionally balanced grain, but they also have the freedom to supplement their diet with grass, bugs, worms, and insects. At Yolky Dokey, we maintain 60 hens per hectare, in contrast to 'free range' egg production, which can house up to 10,000 hens per hectare in large sheds with doors open to the outdoors.

Our ladies are living the dream, protected by their big, white, fluffy Maremma guardians.

How have Lila's friends and family been involved in supporting Lil's Yolky Dokey Eggs, and what role have they played in the success of the business?

Once we had secured our lease, we got to work fixing fences and laneways, installing a silo, and making the site a fully functional working farm. We did this with the help of Lil’s close friendship group and our extended family and friends. Lil’s friends were incredible, and there is no way we could

have got up and running without them. They assisted us with all things farming, finding and servicing a tractor, and taught us how to use it along with other farming machinery. They were a constant source of knowledge, encouragement, and support. Lil’s Yolky Dokey Eggs in their pink packaging are a tribute to our beautiful girl but also to her friends and their love and support.

As you reflect on the journey of Lil's Yolky Dokey Eggs over the past six years, what are your hopes and plans for the future of the business, and how do you see it growing while still staying true to Lila's dream?

We are incredibly grateful for the support our community has given us, and we are super proud of the product and brand we have created. However, we are also in a difficult position because we are farmers who do not own our own land. Our aim is to continue to produce Lil’s Yolky Dokey Eggs for our customers and we are passionate about honouring our daughter’s name and her legacy. As a wellestablished business with 4,500 chickens and 8 Maremma livestock guardian dogs, having land to farm on is critical.

We are currently taking expressions of interest and are looking for land to lease so that we can continue farming pasture-raised eggs on the Mornington Peninsula. As a scalable business, we are seeking contract growers interested in joining the regenerative farming community and contributing to our local food system and to the food security of the region. Egg farming experience is not essential, and for anyone interested in starting a new venture with Lil’s Yolky Dokey Eggs, we would offer mentorship and support to get you up and started.

What opportunities are there for readers who are touched by your story and the mission of Lil's Yolky Dokey Eggs to get involved and support your business?

If you have 20 acres of land and are interested in starting your own venture as a contract grower or would like to add to your existing portfolio, please head to our website to view our business profile document. We would be very happy to discuss how you can start your own business with the Mornington Peninsula’s iconic Yolky Dokey Eggs, providing instant income in a thriving market. ■

Olive Oil Braised Artichoke

The only Turkish establishment in Melbourne honoured with a prestigious chef’s hat, Balaclava’s Tulum restaurant, shares their classic Olive Oil Braised Artichoke recipe by Chef Coskun Uysal.

Ingredients Method

200 ml mild extra virgin olive oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

2 medium-sized carrots, cut into 1 cm cubes

2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into 1 cm cubes

150 g peas (fresh or frozen)

2 tsp sugar

12 large artichoke bottoms

Lemon juice to taste

1/2 bunch finely chopped fresh dill

500 ml water

10 chamomile tea bags

Salt and pepper

Recipe serves 8 as a starter or 4 as a main course.

Heat the water to a boil either on the stovetop or in a kettle.

Place the chamomile tea bags in a pot and cover them with the boiled water. Allow to steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain the tea.

Heat a thick-bottomed pan with high edges over medium-low heat. Fry the onion in olive oil until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid browning.

Add the carrots and potatoes. Continue frying, stirring regularly, until the onion is softened but not browned, about 5-6 minutes more.

Add the peas and cut artichokes and mix well. Add sugar and chamomile tea, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer with the lid on until the artichoke bottoms are completely soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Serve with a generous squeeze of lemon and finely chopped dill.

FOUNDATION BALL 2024

A BLACK TIE GALA WITH SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT

SAVOY BALLROOM GRAND HYATT, MELBOURNE

The Marshall White Foundation is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk women and children in our local communities. In partnership with charitable organisations such as You Matter and Launch Housing, we focus on providing substantial and lasting support to those in need. Join us in our mission by attending our premier annual fundraiser, and help us continue our valuable work.

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The Property Market Post-COVID

The pandemic left few sectors untouched, and the property market was no exception. From skyrocketing demands in regional areas to changes in buyer preferences, the real estate landscape underwent a significant transition. Yet, as we navigate a post-pandemic world, it's clear that the property market has already adjusted, currently operating within what can be considered a new normal.

The onset of the pandemic triggered a widespread reevaluation of living spaces, with many seeking refuge in larger homes, craving outdoor spaces, and setting up home offices in response to lockdowns and the shift to remote work. This rise in demand, particularly in regional Victoria, led to an unprecedented boom, highlighting the market's responsiveness to sudden lifestyle shifts. As the pandemic's immediate effects wane, these patterns are making way for a more stable and predictable market.

A significant sign of the market achieving balance is the stabilising interest in regional properties. The initial rush towards these areas, attracted by open spaces and the flexibility of remote work, is now transforming into a consistent and sustainable flow. The desire for a peaceful and spacious lifestyle continues, but the market's earlier intensity and sharp increase in values are settling into a more predictable pattern. This indicates that buyers are adopting a thoughtful, considered approach, carefully evaluating their choices in this balanced market environment.

This newfound equilibrium not only benefits buyers by providing a more level playing field but also presents opportunities for sellers to capitalise on the appeal of regional living. As the market continues to find its footing, it is creating an environment where both buyers and sellers can make wellinformed decisions, laying the foundation for a thriving regional property market in the long term.

The return to office work, even on a hybrid basis, is recalibrating the demand for urban living. Cities are regaining their appeal, as proximity to workplaces, amenities, and social infrastructures become key considerations once again. This rebalance between urban and regional property preferences signals a market that accommodates a variety of lifestyles and work arrangements.

The pandemic also spotlighted the issue of housing affordability, with rising prices putting pressure on first-time buyers and investors alike. In response, there has been a concerted effort to increase the supply of affordable housing. Government initiatives and private sector projects aimed at

developing more accessible housing options are underway, attempting to ensure that the market remains open to a wider array of people.

Looking forward, sustainability and adaptability are set to play crucial roles in shaping the property market. The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of flexible living spaces that can accommodate changing needs, from work to wellness. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that not only meet their immediate needs but also offer the potential for adaptation. Additionally, eco-conscious choices are becoming more prevalent, with energy efficiency and sustainable materials featuring prominently in property decisions. ■

From $1,800,000

Society Armadale cements its place as an architectural piece for generations to come. A private sanctuary exuding style and unparalleled sophistication - at the forefront of design, materiality, amenity and state of the art technology. 83

Architecture by Interiors by Appliances by Gardens by Developed by

For Sale Impressively proportioned, this full brick palatial 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence with stunning city views is located in the Balwyn High School zone, just metres from primary schools, Macleay Park and the tram to Kew’s private schools, with close proximity to the North Balwyn Village and freeway. This breathtaking residence features European Oak parquet floors and coffered ceilings with ornate...