Compact housing scheme design in Melbourne is based in nature
A boutique apartment building in a leafy neighbourhood outside Melbourne, Australia, was designed by architecture studio Jolson as an abstracted Italianate villa engulfed in nature

Set in a leafy suburb of Melbourne in Australia, Huntingtower Road Apartments is a sophisticated compact housing scheme that balances scale, access to nature, domestic comfort, minimalist architecture and the style of an Italianate villa. Its architects, Melbourne studio Jolson, worked their magic so that it can be perceived almost as a single, bespoke, family home, offering the best of both worlds: the sense of community and sharing of multi-family designs and the privacy, independence and attention to detail often associated with private residences.
The complex is set low and heavy, anchored to the earth, a relationship that is accentuated by the development's verdant gardens and rich landscaping. These engulf in greenery a textured, white structure defined by a series of arches. This feature brings to mind Italianate villa architecture in a design that has been abstracted and adapted to more contemporary styles. And when the climbing planting grows further, the whole will be wrapped in foliage.
The ten apartments contained with Huntingtower Road are varied in size and format – some larger, some more compact (yet at least 150 sq m), some on a single level, while others span two. However, they all maintain a strong connection with the outdoors and direct access to the natural context.
Linen curtains, clean, white interiors and large openings draw on the simplicity and airiness of a Mediterranean home. Stone fireplaces, wide marble kitchen island benches, two separate living areas and built-in cellars offer a sense of daily luxury to the minimalist architecture inside. At the same time, the deep arches ensure the interior remains cool and the residents are protected from both sun and prying eyes.
Polished, quality materials are mixed with more textured surfaces inside and out, resulting in a layering that works on many scales and levels. The architects add: ‘The design approach is mindful of carrying through the larger ideas, such as the curvature in the architecture, into the micro-details such as the beautiful curved edge of the vanity pull or the carved undercut of the vanity basin in the marble bathrooms.'
INFORMATION
jolson.com.au
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).
-
Hella Jongerius named Honorary Royal Designer for Industry 2023
The Dutch designer received the Honorary Royal Designer for Industry 2023 accolade alongside creatives from different disciplines
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
London restaurant and tequila bar Ixchel brings Mexico’s timeless flavour to every sip and bite
On London’s King’s Road, Ixchel offers an unmissable fusion of Mexican art, cuisine and atmosphere
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Matthew M Williams is leaving Givenchy
American designer Matthew M Williams is set to exit his role as creative director of Givenchy after a three-year tenure
By Jack Moss Published
-
This suburban Perth house pays subtle homage to the heyday of car culture
Neil Cownie has carved a new Perth house out of a suburban site, referencing both past uses and local architectural forms
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Paloma House's crafted minimalism offers delight and surprises
A low, linear residence, Paloma House by Fearon Hay, takes the high ground in rural New South Wales
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
MPavilion 10 by Tadao Ando unveiled in Melbourne
MPavilion 10 by Tadao Ando opens to the public in Melbourne, marking the tenth edition of the Australian cultural attraction
By Elias Redstone Published
-
The Powerhouse museum in Parramatta shows off its expressive exoskeleton
The new Powerhouse museum headquarters by Moreau Kusunoki begins to take shape in Sydney’s Parramatta, in Australia; we take a tour of the building site
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Cape Schanck house blends architectural minimalism and bespoke lighting
Cape Schanck house by Studio Goss for lighting designer and founder of Articolo Studios Nicci Kavals is a finely tuned minimalist home with an extraordinary bespoke lighting range
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Parramatta Aquatic Centre’s midcentury-inspired design sits in harmony with its context
Parramatta Aquatic Centre by Grimshaw, ABA, and McGregor Coxall brings the local community together ahead of Sydney’s swimming season
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Whipbird is a Sunshine Coast house to make you smile
This Sunshine Coast house, titled Whipbird, is a minimalist home set in pristine Australian nature, an on the market
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Pop Architecture, Australia: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023
The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023 includes Pop Architecture, a young Australian practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
By Ellie Stathaki Published