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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.

Troiano

Part of the brief was to retain the existing front portion of this Art Deco-meets-Spanish Bungalow 1950s weatherboard cottage.

A contemporary, open living and kitchen space is plugged to the back of the house opening up completely to the north facing rear garden. Ancillary spaces are tucked behind the living space along the southern boundary allowing the roof plane to float above – enhancing the sense of space and offering highlight strips of sky and borrowed views to the significantly treed landscape of neighbouring yards.

The modernist material palette of burnished concrete floors, concrete block walls offset by contrasting planes of white and charcoal, provides an appropriate canvas for the client’s extensive Danish furniture collection.

Awards

Recent Awards

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)

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

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

Commendation: ACT Government Design Competition
For Northbourne Flats Regeneration, Canberra

Kew Display Suite

Situated in Main Drive Kew, the sales and information suite for this important development acts as an entry and contemporary design statement for the Kew Cottages Residential Redevelopment currently being undertaken in collaboration with Walker Corporation.

Appropriate to the project itself, the suite was conceived and delivered to an exacting standard.

In the design of this suite, particular attention was paid to lighting the facility to enhance its positioning within a parkland setting.

Eastern

This tri-level residence marries the rawness of off-form concrete and glass with the warmth of timber. Designed to take full advantage of sweeping views and the northerly aspect, the house wraps around pool and landscaped areas providing year-round entertainment opportunities.

Full height voids in the entry and main living areas create a sense of openness while filtered light through extensive timber screens provides an ever-changing shadow play.

The upper level floats over the garden to form a large covered outdoor entertaining space. Open-planned living is encouraged on the ground floor level where the boundary between outside and in is indistinguishable.

Ivanhoe

Three different schemes were developed to take full advantage of this compact, North-facing residential block in Melbourne.

Materiality combines robust concrete and glass with warm timber and zinc which will both patina beautifully over time.

Individual pavilions accommodate zoned family living and sleeping areas. A seamless transition to external entertaining precincts is assured including the lap pool which appears to hover above the full height void spilling light and shadow to basement areas below.

In all schemes, light streams through floor to ceiling ‘frameless’ windows and balconies creating a year-round light box affect.

Francione

The challenge in this project was to execute a contemporary, dynamic extension to an existing Californian Bungalow house within the strict confines of the heritage overlay.

The original part of the house is retained and the extension is connected to the old house via a glazed walkway which embraces cross ventilation and increases solar amenity to both structures.

The built form wraps around to create several outdoor courtyard spaces and enhances the relationship between inside and outside precincts.

The strong pitched roof form and use of timber cladding in the extension adds a modern twist to the weatherboard Californian bungalow style house.

Northbourne ACT

dKO received a Commendation in the ACT Government’s Northbourne Flats Design Competition. The project 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 creates micro communities within the macro density by forming communal spaces and segmenting building blocks into communal clusters.

The Competition Jury considered dKO’s scheme “offered a more European sensibility based on fluid site planning forms, social needs creating a community within each building element. The spaces between the buildings are organic – presenting an interesting and completely different approach to site planning.”

Mount Martha

This cliff-side residence functions effortlessly as a series of defined rooms broken by landscaped sun-drenched courtyards. Cool, clean lines are evident throughout, as is the abundance of natural light and cross ventilation. The floor plan – over two levels and with extended balconies – is configured to take full advantage of sea views and the natural bush setting.

Horizontal planes are broken by glazed expanses optimizing views to the pool, tennis court and sea beyond.

Internally, warm timber marries beautifully with textured concrete and plaster and is further enhanced by the calming, understated palette.

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.

Contact dKO

Melbourne Office

Level 2
358 Lonsdale Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

T : +61 3 9670 3088
F : +61 3 9670 3054

E : info@dko.com.au

Sydney Office

C19
38-48 Macarthur Street
ULTIMO NSW 2007

T : +61 2 9280 2244
F : +61 2 9280 2264

E : info@dko.com.au

Nominated Architects: Koos de Keijzer 5767 / David Randerson 8542

Silverwater Suite

Situated in San Remo Victoria, this Sales & Information Suite was designed by dKO in connection with the Silverwater Resort. This spectacular Resort is a series of 2 and 3 level apartment buildings planned in 5 distinct precincts to promote existing site features. The resort facility caters for permanent residents and short term holiday guests.

In keeping with the sustainable aesthetics of the resort, the suite features warm timbers and an abundance of natural light.

Situated on the high point of the site and with sweeping views of Western Port Bay, the sales facility was designed for ultimate relocation once the resort had been predominantly sold.

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.

Newsletter

Projects Update

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

Burmese School for Refugees

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.

Recent Awards + Accolades

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

Sydney’s Macarthur Gardens Taking Shape

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.

Company News

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

Koos’s Komment

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.

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

Docklands

dKO, with MAB Corporation, is developing the New Quay Central Masterplan in Melbourne’s Docklands with a scheme that seeks to transform the existing Waterfront City Precinct into a true waterfront and community destination.

The project will revitalize the existing retail, community and public realm by creating a major public park, residential buildings and an international hotel.

dKO has designed a rich and articulate masterplan that breathes new life into the existing precinct whilst providing strategic connections to Melbourne’s Docklands and afar.

It is anticipated construction will commence in 2012.

Metro 3175

dKO conceived and constructed the ‘Discovery Pavilion’, located in Dandenong to the north of Melbourne in response to VicUrban’s brief for a sales and information suite at the Metro 3175 housing development.

This simple prefabricated solution was commissioned and assembled on-site in two weeks.

As further testament to the versatility of modular constructions of this type and their suitability as sales and marketing suites, the building was dismantled, packed up and moved to another site in the city after a successful sales campaign.

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.

Crace, ACT

The new $300m suburb of Crace in Canberra will provide approx 1500 new homes within a suburb based on location, livability & lifestyle.

dKO’s role is to ensure quality of the architectural expression through the creation of the community style guide as well as the design of a range of attached urban terrace homes and detached suburban precinct homes for Defense Housing Australia. With 7 different floor plans, each home has a distinct character when viewed from the street, providing visual interest.

Using the latest technology and clever urban design, Crace is set to be one of the most environmentally friendly suburbs in Australia, already achieving accreditation from HIA under its GreenSmart program – the first suburb in the ACT to do so.

Emerant Lane

Emerant Lane is a stylish boutique apartment complex in the leafy streets of Lane Cove, NSW.

The apartment building offers a range of quiet, private and beautifully appointed one, two and three bedroom residences.

Designed to set a new benchmark in innovative and practical living, the design delivers spacious, light-filled apartments with beautifully considered interiors.

Offering North-facing layouts and high ceilings the sense of openness is further enhanced by deep balconies that open onto the treetops taking in breathtaking views to the water and city beyond.

Williams Landing

Commissioned by Cedar Woods, this building acts as both a visual cue from the highway and the sales and marketing precinct. Internal fittings and features provide an uncluttered and relaxing environment, enabling the developers to present the Williams Landing residential development in Laverton, Victoria to consumers.

It features ample storage for in-house sales material, a kitchenette and provision of space for signing-off on purchases.

While it was the first building on site, intelligent design means the structure can be dismantled and relocated to other parts of the large site as new phases of the development open to the public.

Allen Residence

This project provides the opportunity to design a contemporary, multi-generational family home in the gentle, rolling hills of Templestowe.

The residence will provide two independent living wings acting as bookends to a shared central outdoor entertaining area. With a nod to the 1960′s California Modern architectural movement, the home will sit gently into the existing topography providing an uncomplicated stage for family interactions.

Large window openings are protected by deep eaves and provide ample opportunity for cross ventilation. Internal spaces are open and clean-lined, dominated by a tactile finishes palette of concrete, glass and warm timber.

Dudley St

Located on Brighton’s ‘Golden Mile’, dKO has designed 18 apartments to embrace the very best of relaxed bayside living – incorporating cross ventilation of fresh air and abundant natural light.

The executive apartments are two storey and consist of 11 x 2 bedroom and 7 x 3 bedroom dwellings. The considered interiors are deliberately pared back to enable residents to introduce their own unique style and aesthetic.

Extensive terraces and verdant courtyards extend sleeping and living precincts, further welcoming the space and light which are so intrinsic to these sophisticated, contemporary residences.

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

76 The Esplanade

dKO is proud of its commitment to the design and delivery of medium and high density residential developments.

With 76 The Esplanade, dKO has conceived a series of apartments that showcases our passion for the delivery of sustainable communities while affording fabulous amenity for residents. The planning of internal and external living spaces is given particular attention as the integration of these precincts is an integral aspect of Australian living. Each apartment is designed to bring the views and landscape right into your living space while not impacting on privacy.

The result is an energy efficient, design-driven project – a place where balance has been achieved between the natural and built environment.

Carlton Housing

dKO was involved in the extensive redevelopment/regeneration project, Carlton Affordable Housing, as the lead architects of a consortium including KSK Property Group, EDAW, MDG Landscape Architects, SJB Architects, Wood Marsh Architects and others.

The proposed scheme involved an in-depth study of the existing conditions and the different ways to make Carlton a better place to live. It took into careful consideration the socio-economic conditions of the end-users as well as the political and financial restraints of the client.

The thorough approach in the design and background research of this project was recognised when this submission was shortlisted by the Victorian Office of Housing.

Echuca

Far from a reinvention of the bush shack, dKO’s design is about creating a calming personal sensory connection with the surrounding bushland.

The house nestles into the landscape and features open plan living organized into zones, embracing interaction with friends and family in this natural setting.

Cross ventilation of fresh air entering the house and pushing warm air outside creates cool living conditions while light – both filtered and robust – is harnessed throughout the day.

Extensive use of natural, sustainable materials ensures a celebration of this organic environment and of the ancient river red gums that are so integral to life in this border town.

Main Road

This mixed use development in Eltham has been designed with a fresh approach to understanding and addressing the site’s surrounding environment and landscape interface, by presenting a collection of houses within an urban parkland.

dKO’s design makes a strong reference to local precedents via a contemporary adaptation of vernacular forms such as the skillion roofs, articulated roofs and facades.

This development, though contemporary in outlook, is deeply rooted within its site context, and is considered to be a strong local precedent for future developments in Eltham.

Construction due to commence 2011.

Saujana Resort Residences

The Saujana Resort Residences are situated within the grounds of Kuala Lumpur’s prestigious Saujana Golf and Country Club.

The initial stage has 31 exclusive residences and lies within an overall masterplan containing 24.5 hectares within the golf resort. Working with the natural topography of the land and existing vegetation, dKO has created a comfortable walkable environment with community landscaped areas overlooking the resort.

Cross-ventilation of fresh air and abundant natural light are key features of the residences together with the generous covered outdoor rooms, designed to connect seamlessly with main living zones and expand the entertainment space during frequent social gatherings.

SY21

Located in the heart of South Yarra and bounded by Chapel, Malcolm & River Streets, SY21 is a development combining four individual residential buildings comprising 360 apartments, an integrated communal gymnasium and indoor pool facility.

This is a vibrant development that takes full advantage of natural light and views across the Yarra while not impacting on resident privacy. The complex sits confidently within the surrounding high-rise developments in this highly regarded shopping, restaurant & entertainment precinct.

Pops of gregarious external colour further accentuate the vibrancy of this Melbourne development.

Designed while with HPA / Mirvac.

Highlands Community Centre

dKO Architecture was commissioned to design a community centre for residents of the Stockland retirement village in Craigieburn. This single story building will provide a welcoming and vibrant centrepoint in this exciting new residential precinct.

The building includes a commercial kitchen, dining areas, billiards room, media room & library, medical rooms and nurses accommodation as well as a swimming pool and town hall.

Setting new standards, dKO and Stockland are creating a distinctive and vibrant neighbourhood at Highlands – where residents can enjoy social interaction in a contemporary sophisticated environment.

Alto

Melbourne’s premier boulevard – St Kilda Road – lays the ground rules for this iconic residential apartment tower.

Intelligent use of space is a high priority. The end result is architecture which maximizes the functionality of the interior spaces whilst maintaining an engaging enduring aesthetic. A robust play of light on reflective surfaces such as tile, marble and glass is ensured by floor to ceiling windows, taking in views over Albert Park Lake, the city and Botanic Gardens.

Alto further reinforces dKO’s commitment to create projects that reflect the highest quality, style and sensory appeal.

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

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.

Aurora

When complete, Aurora will comprise up to 8,500 homes for an anticipated population of 25,000, making it the largest community established by VicUrban. dKO has developed the masterplan and built form controls with a select group of builders to produce a variety of housing typologies – from higher density homes and apartments to larger blocks.

Aurora is based around the principles of ecologically and environmentally sustainable development. dKO’s role was to develop and reshape the masterplan, introducing new and innovative housing types to create a community that is capable of achieving 6 star rated housing with efficient land use.

The Melburnian

An iconic building on Melbourne’s premier boulevard, this prestigious luxury residential development won the 2003 AIA Award for Medium Density Residential.

With its signature podium bluestone treatment and grand curved facades of tinted glass, the stunning modern twin-towered complex comprises four distinct living precincts including 237 apartments and townhouses. Individual apartments are designed to take advantage of extensive views; considered fixtures and fittings.

This is an important building in an equally important arts, parks and business precinct of Melbourne.

Completed / 2003

Designed while with HPA / Mirvac.