Follow dKOArchitecture on Twitter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.