Unique, alluring, luxurious
Can you tell us about your initial concept for the home and how it evolved throughout the design process with Auhaus Architecture.
The initial concept for the home was to create a modern cosy parents retreat with a striking façade. Due to setbacks we introduced a sloped walk in robe which extended right through to the bar.
Northcote is known for its vibrant culture and forward thinking home renovations. How did the neighbourhood influence your design choices?
Leonard Street has no heritage overlay which meant our design choices were quite open (hence the breeze block façade). Northcote is a great suburb to show off some personality.
Were there any unique challenges?
When we first decided to renovate we wanted to go up a level at the front (as we were already up at the back) but we were quick to find out that we needed to knock the whole front down if we were to achieve our dream vison. This in itself was quite major, not to mention this build was right in the middle of covid with many restrictions and delays. However, due to the high-level of design details, the extra time gave us the ability to stop and get the finer details right.
Did you integrate any eco-conscious materials or practices in the construction?
Yes, there are multiple things that we considered within the build. We utilised as much roof space as possible for our solar, which feeds into a Tesla battery which rotates power through the house.
Walk us through the design of your open plan kitchen and living spaces.
We love entertaining, so making a functional yet aesthetically pleasing space was a big priority for us. We love that our kitchen opens up to our courtyard and turns it into one big space allowing you to move freely throughout. The sunken lounge was a design masterstroke as no one wants to look at the back of a couch and in turn, helped keep the open flow of the kitchen and living area.
Were there any standout materials that you felt were essential?
Texture was huge for us, and we had plenty of standout textures that we loved - whether that was the small square matte tiles used in the bathrooms, polished concrete floors, the unique marble surface used from the bar through to the main bedroom and of course the breeze block façade. Our cabinetry by Eastwood and Co is also so beautifully finished and a major standout or us, with many different finishes’ dependent on each room.
The breeze brick façade is a beautiful creative marker for Auhaus Architecture. Talk to us about this choice.
To be fair we came across the breezeblock facade from a previous Auhaus design in Cremorne which is why we chose the studio = so they could help us create our own version. We like the fact its different and stands out from the crowd.
See page 21 for details
31 Leonard Street, Northcote is on the market with Jellis Craig Inner North.
Meet the MAKER
ELOISE MCCULLOUGH
From crafting leadlight features for Victorian terraces to collaborating on cutting-edge furniture design, Eloise McCullough, the creative force behind Fools Glass, continues to push the boundaries of what glass can do. In conversation with In Focus, Eloise reflects on her journey with the unique medium so far and offers insight into her creative process. Plus, she reveals what’s next for Fools Glass, her dream projects, and her advice for aspiring glass artists.
What first sparked your interest in working with glass, and how did that evolve into your Fools Glass business?
My background is in design, and I’ve always been drawn to working with tangible materials. As a graphic designer, that meant experimenting with signage, paper stock, and packaging embellishments. Glass, however, intrigued me because of its textured quality and relationship with light—it comes to life in such a unique way. I saw an opportunity to blend my design skills with an ancient craft that still had untapped potential. This curiosity led me to complete a TAFE course in Glass and Glazing at Melbourne Polytechnic, and from there my business grew organically.
How do you define the identity of Fools Glass, and what makes it stand out in the world of contemporary design?
The identity of Fools Glass is constantly evolving, just as I am. My focus is always on creating pieces that resonate deeply with the people I’m designing for – this personal and collaborative approach is what defines Fools Glass. I’m fortunate to work with supportive clients and collaborate with accomplished leaders in their fields. Through these partnerships, I am able to push the boundaries of traditional glass art.
Glass is often recognised as a challenging and structured medium. How do you embrace its unique qualities in your creative process?
Those times are difficult in the moment but I’m learning to embrace them. Each challenge teaches me something new, pushing me to grow. It's in navigating those 'sticky situations' that I refine my craft, and no matter how daunting it may seem, everything always seems to come together in the end.
Have there been any pieces that didn’t turn out as you expected but taught you something valuable about the craft?
In addition to lead lighting and copper foiling techniques, I’ve been exploring kiln-formed glass. Right now, I’m collaborating with Josh McLean and Ana Calic McLean of ‘In Addition’ studio, on a sculptural glass mirror artwork piece for an upcoming exhibition. This process has involved a lot of trial and error, and I’ve learned so much along the way. The outcome has surpassed all our original expectations, and it’s been an exciting journey.
Talk to us about your current Fitzroy home project. What was the brief?
I was commissioned by a young family and their interior designer to develop a leadlight feature for their Victorian terrace home on Gore Street. The piece will feature above the entry into the primary bedroom. The historic home is undergoing extensive renovations, offering plenty of inspiration—blue walls, bronze glass bricks in the bathroom, a striking slab of duck egg blue stone in the kitchen, and vintage Murano glass light fixtures. It was clear the clients had a bold design vision and an appetite for colour.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about or a dream project you would like to manifest?
Fools Glass is collaborating with a local furniture designer on custom bar joinery for a home in Main Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula. I’m creating around 150 amber-textured fused glass tiles, to be encased in beautiful timber and illuminated. The outcome will be pretty special.
Talk to us about your workshops.
I started facilitating workshops because I find it incredibly rewarding to share my craft and see others get excited about glass. I began teaching at my former TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic, but now I run these sessions in my own studio in Brunswick. In the workshops, I teach the copper foiling technique, and each participant creates their own glass mirror to take home. The best part is connecting with the participants and seeing them pursue the craft.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in glass design? Where do they start?
Contact Eloise about a commission piece and glass workshops via www.foolsglass.com | @foolsglass
I’d suggest attending a short course or a workshop to get a feel for it (go easy on yourself and don’t expect perfection right away!). Find your niché, and build relationships with artists in the glass community.
Eloise McCullough A.K.A Fools Glass Located in Brunswick
Eltham
Tom Kurtschenko, Director at Jellis Craig North East and a father of two, has witnessed significant changes in the Eltham and Greensborough property markets over the years. We sat down with Tom to discuss his career journey, market trends, and why he loves living and working in Melbourne’s leafy east.
What initially drew you to real estate, what do you love about it and how has your career evolved over time?
Fresh out of university with a business degree, I wasn’t entirely sure which industry I wanted to pursue. I thought real estate would be a great way to meet people from various walks of life while figuring out my career path. To my surprise, I quickly fell in love with the challenges of the role and the opportunity to connect with diverse and exciting individuals. I started as a personal assistant, then progressed to a standalone sales agent. Eventually, I built a team and was given the opportunity to become a Director of our Eltham and Greensborough offices.
After living and working in Ivanhoe and Eltham, what changes have you seen in the property market over recent years?
I was fortunate to grow up in Eltham, and now, almost 40 years later, most of my work is centered around the area. I've witnessed significant changes during this time. Eltham has always offered great facilities, including sporting clubs, numerous schooling options, and plenty of open green spaces.
Over the last 20 years, a noticeable trend has been the influx of younger families, seeking spacious environments to raise their children. Additionally, I've observed a shift from a primarily private sale market to one that features a lot more auction activity.
What impact do you think major infrastructure projects will have on the local property market?
The North East Link – a new tollway currently under construction, connecting the Eastern Freeway to the Metropolitan Ring Road. This important upgrade in our infrastructure runs through many of our key suburbs and will dramatically cut travel times for residents. Once opened, the city will be much more accessible and in turn, we anticipate it will add to the value to the area.
How do you approach building rapport and trust with both buyers and sellers in today’s market?
The key to building rapport with new people quickly is to be authentic. Always stay true to what you believe and work with that framework in mind. People want to know you have their best interests at heart.
It’s human nature to gravitate towards others who feel confident in their abilities, and I’m fortunate to have worked in the local area for so long, to have a long list of loyal clients who refer me business. People naturally tend to trust those agents that have been recommended to them, and it’s always nice to do business in this way.
Talk to us about the local area and why it makes such a great location for young families like your own?
ThesenseofcommunityinandaroundElthamissomethingthatIappreciatemorenow, havingtwolittlegirlsofmyown.Iappreciatetheimportanceofthelocalparks,quality schoolsandoverallsmartinfrastructure.Manyofthehomesinourareaareonlargerland holdingsof800to1000m2 whichprovidesbackyardspaceforfamiliestoenjoy.
What are some key property trends you are currently noticing in Eltham? What are buyers currently looking for in their homes?
Families are generally chasing four bedrooms with multiple living zones; the formal dining room has been out seated by the need for another rumpus room. Buyers are looking for floorplan cohesion, which includes bedrooms separated from living zones. Single level floorplans are also preferred and appealing outdoor entertaining space/garden aspect is also hugely important to those wanting to settle for the long term. Renovated kitchens and bathrooms are always popular as people are generally time poor and prefer to buy already completed homes.
We are lucky to have so many architecturally designed homes in the area from the mid-century including architects such as Alastair Knox, Fasham Johnson and Merchant Builders, with these homes always proving popular in the market.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in real estate. Are you seeing an increased demand for energy-efficient homes or eco-friendly features among buyers?
Eltham has always had an environmentally friendly core, but sustainability has certainly become a trend more buyers are engaging with. Passive design principles are starting to emerge as real options in the market, and buyers are willing to pay a little bit more for the opportunity to own an energy-efficient home.
Tell us about your most memorable sale.
One of my most memorable sales would have to be 37 Lavender Park Road in Eltham South. I’m a big believer in the benefits of an auction campaign and this was a standout case where we were able to secure multiple bidders with emotional attachment. The final result exceeded all expectations. The vendors we ecstatic, and the new owners were so happy to have secured their next family home. These are the moments when I feel the most fulfilled in my job.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Are there any local spots you enjoy that you’d recommend to others in the area?
To be honest, outside of working 6 days a week, there is little time for much else! My wife, Talia and I, really value our time as a family and try to take the girls out as much as we can by exploring walking trails and cafés. You can’t go past the Eltham trains on a Sunday morning, it’s such a lovely activity to do as a family and we enjoy supporting the local community nature of this establishment.
Whether you are thinking of the next move or just want to consider your options, a property appraisal is the first step towards your future. Request an appraisal from Tom Kurtschenko today.
Tom Kurtschenko Director & Auctioneer
Jellis Craig North East M 0417 502 944
Recently sold by Tom Kurtschenko 92 Ingrams Road, Research
Cleveland c.1888, once in a lifetime on 1,576sqm
200 Barkers Road, Hawthorn
5 beds, 3 baths, 6 cars, 1576.0sqm approx
Private Sale Price
$8,500,000 - $9,000,000
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
Mike Beardsley 0476 777 004
Mark Josem 0488 856 736
Expressions of Interest
Closing Tuesday 12th November at 5:00pm
Price
$3,800,000 - $4,100,000
Jellis Craig Northcote
Justin Mellar 0417 996 627
Grace Purchase 0427 397 880
Expressions of Interest
Closing
3 beds, 2 baths, 3 cars, 892.0sqm approx Modernist marvel with stunning contemporary flair 25 Studley Park Road, Kew
Expressions of Interest
Closing Saturday 9th November at 2:00pm
Price
Contact Agent
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
Geordie Dixon 0418 588 399
Peter Vigano 0407 301 224
14 Gillies Street North, Lake Wendouree
Jellis Craig Ballarat Damian Caine
Post-war icon: “The Rice House”
69 Ryans Road, Eltham
3 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars, 4256sqm approx
Expressions of Interest
Closing Tuesday 19th November at 4:00pm
Price
$1,800,000 - $1,980,000
Jellis Craig Eltham
Chris Chapman 0421 736 592
Mandy Edge 0413 841 259
Road, Caulfield South
Sympathetically contoured into the hill and blending skilfully with its surrounds
Closing Saturday 16th November at 1:00pm
The epitome of single level family excellence
12 Wallace Avenue, Murrumbeena
4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 780.0sqm approx
Auction
Saturday 16th November at 12:00pm
Price
$2,400,000 - $2,600,000
Jellis Craig Carnegie Nick Renna 0411 551 190 Myron Ching 0431 262 955
$2,000,000 - $2,200,000
Auction
Saturday 16th November at 11:00am
Price
Rathmines Street, Fairfield
4 beds, 2 baths, 1 cars
$2,600,000 - $2,800,000
Jellis Craig Northcote Paula Beavis 0407 267 366 Sam Rigopoulos 0425 834 583
Prestige & prominence on glorious glass street
95 Glass Street, Essendon
5 beds, 3 baths, 6 cars, 761.0sqm approx
Auction
Saturday 23rd November at 3:00pm
Price
$2,900,000 - $3,190,000
Jellis Craig Moonee Valley Christian Lonzi 0403 344 279 Tom Donnelley 0468 437 258
Auction
Sarah Risteski 0406 771 128 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars The
Saturday 23rd November at 12:00pm
Price
$3,200,000 - $3,500,000
Jellis Craig Glen Iris
Michael Wood 0425 280 191
Unrivalled single story sophistication, premier zone for BHPS & EDSC
39 Maggs Street, Doncaster East
4 beds, 2 baths, 3 cars, 726.0sqm approx
Auction
Saturday 23rd November at 12:30pm
Price
$2,000,000 - $2,200,000
Jellis Craig Doncaster
Sam Babalis 0419 513 197
Frank Perri 0414 680 483
Victorian grandeur in prestige Belfast Road location
33 Belfast Road, Mooroolbark
4 beds, 3 baths, 8 cars, 10270.0sqm approx
Expressions of Interest
Closing Thursday 21st November at 4:00pm
Price
$2,700,000 - $2,900,000
Jellis Craig Mooroolbark
Greg Earney 0438 305 687
Aleisha Eadon 0484 580 959
Expressions of Interest
227 Rathmines Street, Fairfield
Closing Tuesday 12th November at 3:00pm Price
$2,950,000 - $3,200,000 Jellis Craig Northcote
Albert Street, East Melbourne 250albertstreet.com.au
Introducing 250 Albert Street, a collection of exclusive residences that seamlessly blend with the distinctive character and architectural heritage of East Melbourne.
Surrounded by parks and verdant nature, with direct access to Fitzroy Gardens and breathtaking views of the city skyline, 250 Albert Street offers unparalleled elegance and comfort in Melbourne’s inner city.
Drawing inspiration from East Melbourne's grand history, Pask has collaborated with fjcstudio, SJB Interiors, NBLA and Cobild to realise its vision for this iconic site – delivering a boutique tower comprising fifteen luxury residences and a lavish two-storey penthouse, as well as two thoughtfully restored Victorian residences.
A selection of two and three-bedroom residences are now selling from $2.2m, with significant stamp duty concessions on offer. Private viewings of our first completed residence are also available.
Contact
Stephen Bowtell 0455 038 022
Developer Pask
Architecture & Interior Design fjcstudio & SJB Interiors
Residences from $2,200,000 2-4 beds, 2-4 baths, 1-4 cars.
Builder Cobild
Landscape Design NBLA
