Follow dKOArchitecture on Twitter

Tramway

This bayside mid-century residence has been sympathetically transformed to embrace the challenges of dynamic family life. The understated, modernist interior palette ensures a consistent vocabulary which is calming yet considered.

Floor to ceiling windows help blur the boundaries between inside and out and sun-drenched balconies provide an extension to interior living spaces and a connection with the immediate environment including landscaping, pool and cabana.

While fittings and fixtures are intentionally robust, a warm expansive ambience is evident throughout … providing year round welcome to extended family and friends.

Company Profile

Company Profile

dKO Architecture is one of Australia’s leading innovative design practices specialising in Urban Design, Architecture and Interior Design.

Established in 2000, with offices in Melbourne and Sydney and with staff in excess of 70, the practice has developed its reputation from extensive experience in the exploration of residential design. Undertaking projects throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, dKO Architecture is highly regarded and awarded in all areas of architecture.

Being clever with space is where we enjoy ourselves and set our ideas free. Our ground breaking and award winning work has concepts blurring outside and inside spaces. We pride ourselves on creating efficient spaces and spaces that are exciting to experience. We create innovative and appropriate designs and believe that form should follow function. Innovation, vision and pioneering new approaches and techniques are the key to each and every project. We are interested in the relationship between people and their environment and consistently push the boundaries of urban design.

We are interested in revolutionary design advancements in sustainable, contextually sensitive, low energy and low environmental impact buildings. Somehow this always enhances their beauty.

All our buildings are considered with the inhabitant as well as the environment in mind. We analyse how people live and recreate and this informs our interior architecture. We believe this process to be integral and holistic from the outset. We love interior architecture and the opportunities created.

Integrating with dKO Architecture, dKO Interiors has been guided by a philosophy of creating a sense of place: well designed and filled with drama, elegance and delight. A seamless continuation of the design service is provided throughout every facet of a project’s evolution. The same level of rigorous design and technical expertise is applied to interior projects as seen on architectural projects.

We are committed to creating projects that have the highest quality, style and sensory appeal that in turn provide a unique sense of place and occasion.

Bellevue Hill Architecture

A stately Spanish Mission residence receives a 21st Century makeover through the addition of two apartments with fabulous city and harbour views.

Each apartment has flexible light-filled living zones maximising vistas to the north and to the south.

On the rooftop, a 12.5 meter lap pool becomes the highest pool in Bellevue Hill where one can swim from the Opera House to Bondi Beach!

Brighton

A distinctive corner site in one of Melbourne’s premier bayside locations set the ground rules for this iconic family residence – further reinforcing the strong trend of return to family and a less frenetic lifestyle.

A robust play of light takes the main stage with reflective surfaces such as stainless steel, marble, mirror and glass. A timeless aesthetic is ensured – strongly supported by considered fixtures and finishes, understated lighting and neutral pallet.

A seamless transition between indoor & outdoor living is created, taking in the pool and internal courtyard views and further welcoming the sensory connection to sun, sea breezes and the cacophony of sounds of life by the bay.

Separation Street

This project consists of two double-storey contemporary dwellings on a prominent corner site on Separation Street in Northcote.

To capitalise on the spectacular views, northern sunlight and cross ventilation, living precincts are zoned on the upper levels. Dual balconies extend living areas and full height screens beautifully filter light throughout the day. An understated internal palette is complemented by pops of colour and dark joinery in kitchen and living areas.

With a nod to its dynamic urban environment, the form and materials of the buildings are derived from the surrounding housing vernacular of small weatherboard cottages with pitched metal roofs.

Saville on Gray

dKO Architecture’s first civic building in Brisbane provided an opportunity to combine contemporary, value driven design with commercial smarts across several disciplines. A mixed use residential and hotel building; a strong attempt was made to define a new Queensland response to climate and its effect on large buildings.

Both exterior and interior spaces demonstrate a considered focus on an iconic architectural design statement, the end result being the production of a workable and liveable environment – an environment that is sustainable, contextually sensitive and imparts low ecological impact.

Designed in collaboration with Fairweather Proberts.

Client / Stockland Trust Group

Bellevue Hill Interiors

A Spanish Mission facade hides a minimalist interior.

Spaces that seamlessly flow from inside to outside have been designed to maximise the million dollar views while also providing a sense of intimacy and of home.

The palette does not intend to challenge the user, but rather encase them lightly. The emphasis on function and the use of natural light aims to create space and openness with a paired back contemporary interior to suit all future occupants. The design intent has created a monochromatic home of smooth surfaces and planes, light and shadow.

Shortlisted in this year’s Interior Design Excellence Awards and voted Room #17 in Australian House & Garden’s Top 50 Rooms for 2011.

Prahbu

A quiet retreat nestled above the fracas of its inner-urban environment, this apartment acts as a counterpoint to traditional notions of small apartment living.

dKO Interiors has created a warm and open family environment – the primary colour palette of earthy neutrals lends a sense of expansiveness to the space and is accented by pops of vibrant colour designed to draw the eye in to key focal points.

A sensational terrace with clever storage and seating options extends the entertainment zone, creating an enhanced sense of volume and space while taking full advantage of superb views over the city.

Quite simply, a sanctuary to enjoy above the urban whirl below.

Stonecutter’s Ridge

dKO has been commissioned to design the Clubhouse precinct in this premier lifestyle and leisure development north-west of Sydney.

Conceived to sit into the undulating landscape with exceptional views over the 18 hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, amenities include restaurants, members bar and function areas. dKO Interiors is working closely with food and beverage consultants to resolve a functional and efficient planning diagram. Considered finishes are warm, sophisticated yet robust.

This is the first stage of a larger scheme which will extend the precinct to include a community centre and gym.

Sotos Residence

On a compact inner-city corner block, the challenge was to create the illusion of space while accommodating a growing family. The main entry – accessed from the backyard – is via a 6-metre high atrium, at which time the sky and an internal courtyard are encountered. This atrium also forms part of the living area – further reinforcing a sense of openness. The building wrap of screened aluminium blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, while creating a translucency which softens the impact and creates a foil to the black corrugated structure behind.

Both light and space are delivered with this design. By utilising full height voids and translucent materials, suddenly the compact becomes voluminous.

Press

Latest Press

As part of Melbourne’s 2011 State of Design Festival, designers were invited to submit concepts that improved the pedestrian experience and increased activity on the northern side of Collins Street Bridge. The brief was to provide an installation that looked beautiful and encouraged active participation.

dKO submitted two designs – both of which were shortlisted – with our entry ‘Re-tuned’ awarded 2nd Prize.

‘Re-tuned’ reinvented the bridge as a musical instrument with pedestrians actively engaged in “playing” the bridge, discovering its hidden song by striking the individual discs with a light-weight timber baton which brought forth a range of octaves along its length.

More details at: State of Design

One Church

The design of the Church focused on reinventing the modern day church to create a multi purpose community and youth centre for all people. The result is a centre that encourages community based activities and provides an ideal vehicle for sharing information, ideas and resources.

The building contains a coffee shop, function rooms, youth centre, reception area, breakout spaces and a 500 seat auditorium. Construction of this project was undertaken whilst maintaining full operation of the Church facilities.

Client / BCCC.

Completed / 2008.

Shalimar Salon

dKO is committed to creating projects that reflect the highest quality, style and sensory appeal, providing a unique sense of place and occasion. The interior intent for Shalimar was to highlight the mood and the experience that stimulate the senses during a ‘trip to the salon’. Wallpaper and chandelier lighting have been featured in a whimsical yet understated fashion – further providing a play on colour, light and texture.

A sophisticated luxe ambiance has been created that further highlights the special intent of the interior; fixtures and furniture are beautiful and considered.

Further, an intelligent use of space has been a high priority which enhances a sense of calm and order, optimising the client experience.

Precinct Apartments

The apartments at Precinct are designed in such a manner to provide multiple living opportunities. These opportunities create an ‘easy living’ experience that is non-formulaic or contrived but highly personalized. Solar orientation is maximized through the use of extensive glass and reflective surfaces while a considered and predominantly neutral palette enables the end user to introduce their own personality to the spaces. Living and bathroom areas feature beautiful and considered fixtures; European appliances are featured in kitchens.

An intelligent use of the space results in a design which maximizes the functionality of the compact spaces whilst maintaining an engaging and appealing aesthetic which is enduring.

Harrison

A steep, heavily treed block in Melbourne’s East brought several challenges with the design brief for this residence.

Light is the main player – both filtered and robust. Beautifully finished joinery and considered fixtures intermingle with contemporary floor and wall finishes. Sustainable materials have been utilised for exteriors – further capitalizing on the natural setting. The design intent is not formulaic or contrived but highly personalised.

Extensive views from several vantage points have been achieved without impacting on privacy. The result is an urban residence which blends beautifully with its idyllic bushland setting, creating a personal sensory connection with nature.

Victoria Point

This iconic development includes a 42 level residential tower, 10m storey office building and 5 storey serviced apartments on a raised parking and retail podium. The striking tower is the centerpiece of the rejuvenated Docklands precinct.

Victoria Point further reinforces dKO’s commitment to create projects that reflect the highest quality, style and sensory appeal, providing a unique sense of place and occasion. This in turn brings together a combination of functionality and a design intent that is timeless rather than transitory.

Client / Devine

Completed / 2006

Documentation by Buchan Group

King William University

This heritage listed building was refurbished and retrofitted to accommodate 70 apartments. With a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, it was marketed to cater for the increasing demand on student accommodation in Adelaide. Function shared equal billing with form in this instance and careful consideration was given to natural light, internal traffic areas and noise control to achieve the right balance between community and privacy. The result is an environment which encourages vibrant student interaction while accommodating quiet study areas as well as contemporary functional living quarters.

Client / Brico

Winner of the 2006 Laminex Design Award

Silverwater

The Silverwater resort in San Remo is a series of 2 and 3 level apartment buildings planned in five distinct precincts to promote existing site features. With 164, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, the resort facility caters for permanent residents and short term holiday guests.

The 12 hectare undulating site with sweeping views of Westernport Bay and Philip Island has allowed optimum views from most apartments and includes a central facility incorporating indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasium and restaurant.