dKO has several projects which are soon to commence construction or are close to completion. A small snapshot follows:
Separation Street
Just completed, this project consists of two double-storey contemporary dwellings on a prominent corner site on Separation Street in Northcote.
To capitalise on the northerly aspect and cross ventilation, living precincts are zoned on the upper levels. 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. In this modern-day version, materiality combines warm timber and glass with robust colourbond on the upper levels.
…View project
Templestowe
Close to completion, this project has provided the opportunity to create a contemporary, multi-generational family home on a unique corner block with extensive north facing street frontage east of Melbourne.
The residence will provide two independent living wings which will act as bookends to a shared central outdoor entertaining area. In a style reflecting a high regard for the 1960′s California Modern architectural movement, the home will sit gently into the existing topography and provide an uncomplicated stage for family interactions.
Large window openings are protected by deep eaves and provide ample opportunity for cross ventilation. Internal spaces are relaxed and clean-lined, dominated by a tactile finishes palette of concrete, glass and warm timber. Within this framework, each wing reflects the personality of its inhabitants through custom designed joinery and fittings and furnishing selection. …View project
dKO has submitted an entry in the international competition organised by the charity Building Trust International for the design and construction of a modular school for migrant children on the Thai-Burmese border.
The proposed School for Burmese Children presented us with the unique challenge of creating a vibrant and efficient learning environment for refugee children under tough conditions and constraints. Crucial to the design is that it be easily deconstructed and reconstructed throughout its lifetime due to the transitory nature of migrants and refugees in the area and laws governing land ownership of such groups.
dKO’s design comprised used shipping containers which would form the classrooms, offices and wet areas and recycled waterproof billboard vinyl skins, which would form outdoor covered areas. This concept is functional, has relatively low costs and provides a playful, colourful and interactive environment for the children. We would like to thank Jamco Pty Ltd who has already pledged 150 used billboard vinyl skins to the project.
We are thrilled to announce that several dKO projects have been successful in recent awards …as follows:
Winner: 2011 UDIA Affordable Development
For Bonner Residential Estate/OwnPlace Program by Land Development Agency
Winner: 2011 UDIA Urban Renewal & President’s Award
For Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project by Becton Property Group Ltd (Bonnyrigg Partnerships)
…View project
Winner: 2011 UDIA President’s Award
For Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project by Becton Property Group Ltd (Bonnyrigg Partnerships)
Winner: 2011 Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Award, ‘Masterplanned Development’ category
For Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project in collaboration with Becton Property Group Ltd
Winner: 2011 Master Builders & Boral Award – ‘Townhouses & Villas’ and ‘Medium Density Housing’ categories
For RAM Terraces, ACT, Pictured above …View project
Shortlisted: 2011 Interior Design Excellence Award – ‘Medium Density Apartment’ category
For Bellevue Hill Residence
Voted Room #17 in 2011 Australian House & Garden Top 50 Rooms
For Bellevue Hill Residence …View project
dKO is looking forward to building a great working relationship with yet another home builder. Currently, the first 52 Independent Living Units in Stages and 1 and 2 at Macarthur Gardens are nearing completion with Stages 3 and 4 (49 ILU’s) to be awarded shortly to Clarendon Residential Projects.
dKO is currently working with Stockland on this vibrant community located at Macarthur Gardens which includes 260 Independent Living Units catering for Seniors as well as state of the art community centre facilities.
dKO has developed a new approach to the concept development of Seniors Living Communities and with Macarthur Gardens we have provided full service to Stockland including masterplanning, Independent Living Unit design, community centre design and documentation through to complete contract administration.
Staff Moves
Associate Director Michael Drescher has extended his role at dKO to include overseeing the Melbourne Interior Design Department while Georgia Cannon takes up the role of Senior Interior Designer alongside Dana Goldberg.
This move adds potency to a large and established team of interior designers who are highly respected within the design community and further solidifies dKO’s commitment to offering a holistic, client-focused approach. We are very excited about the depth and direction of the Interiors Department and are confident of delivering clients a unique and fully integrated design aesthetic as well as a positive commercial outcome.
dKO is now on Facebook and Twitter!
dKO recently joined Facebook, providing the perfect opportunity to share news, views and ideas with our clients, suppliers and other friends of dKO. Please visit often and do the same ...here’s the link.
Or… to follow us on Twitter, go to @dKOArchitecture.
Green Star Architecture
dKO has been a member of the Green Building Council of Australia for two years and we pleased to announced that David Nicholson of the Melbourne office is now a Green Star Associate. This further highlights dKO’s commitment to ethical and sustainable architecture … we are firm believers that good design gives straightforward solutions for achieving sustainable outcomes.
Northbourne ACT Competition
dKO’s entry in the ACT Government’s Northbourne Competition was awarded a Commendation this month. The competition brief called for an urban design and architectural response to rejuvenate the Northbourne Flats site along the main north-south arterial road leading into Canberra. dKO’s proposal created micro communities within the macro density by forming communal spaces and the segmentation of building blocks into communal clusters. …View entry
I’ve recently become aware of a new initiative emanating from the Victorian Government Architect’s office – the Victorian Design Review Panel. Notwithstanding that this is an additional step in the Victorian planning process I think this is a fabulous move. Too many decisions on design and architecture are made inappropriately and for the wrong reasons during the design process. Having a panel of appropriate professionals can assist and support in the often arduous process of design approvals.
The design process is often exclusively between the client and architect and eventually the determining authority. Having a panel can flush out different ideas and potentially lead to better outcomes.
At dKO we currently have a process whereby other designers and architects peer review our work as we believe it always provides a better result. Working collaboratively with other architects in Australia, New Zealand and Asia has certainly improved our work and provided a better environment for all.
