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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.

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.

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.

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.

Boyd School

dKO’s proposal for Melbourne’s Boyd School Redevelopment focused on horizontal and vertical connections: connections through the site to the surrounding community and connections within the proposed building and environment to create a vertical village integrating with, and providing a new destination for the local community.

Housing a diverse mix of inhabitants including low cost and market apartment dwellers and care residents in a range of apartment sizes and typologies scattered throughout the building promotes a new social mix.

The vertical village is expressed by breaking the traditional tower over podium model into a series of stacked forms that relate to the varied public and private functions.

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.

Breezewall House

As part of the “About Face” campaign, 7 architects were approached by Think Brick Australia to conceive an innovative design that would re-think the aesthetic possibilities of face-brick design and as a result reinvigorate the use of brick in housing construction.

dKO’s entry ‘Breezewall House’ re-invents the traditional Queenslander and features modulated bricks that are peeled apart from each other to result in a light effect that mimics being in the treetops while regulating temperatures throughout the ground and first floor spaces.

Breezewall’s elevated cube appears to float above the ground, allowing maximum airflow. At the same time, the brick veil creates a more intimate and private zone for the upstairs bedrooms.

312 Latrobe

dKO’s brief was to design a purpose-built student accom-modation facility to meet the study, living and social requirements of university students in Melbourne’s CBD. This includes a vibrant living environment for up to 1250 students as well as related communal leisure space and management facilities.

Vital to the design is sympathy with surrounding buildings, in particular the neighbouring 160 year old Welsh Church. The site is subject to a Design Development Overlay which seeks to encourage active frontages at ground level, providing for ease of pedestrian movement.

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.

Ascot Vale

dKO was commissioned to design this residential tower with associated retail precinct. The tower is broken into 3 distinct sections with varying heights and functions to reduce visual bulk. The articulated facades create a variety of viewer experiences and responds to environmental and urban conditions.

Facade systems respond to solar orientation with varying degrees of opening and privacy. The breakup of eastern facade reduces mass and adds visual interest while the unique corner treatment encourages increased pedestrian permeability.

A recreational centre is linked to a roof-top garden and the design also includes an open courtyard space.

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.

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.

Forest Ridge

Located less than 20km from the Melbourne CBD this 30+ acre site is a combination of small brown and green field development. It is well serviced by Melbourne’s public transport service with trams and buses within walkable distances. Situated within an established neighbourhood with undulating land, most dwellings enjoy view lines towards the Dandenong Ranges to the east.

Numerous designed housing products are used to create a contemporary urban environment within this complex setting. The masterplan provides for a potential yield of around 340+ dwellings incorporated into generously landscaped areas.

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.

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

Modular

Modular or pre-fabricated construction is an environmentally reasonable choice for the construction industry designed specifically to suit any tailor-made setting. With its strength features re-usability, less site interference and waste, efficiency in material management, completed ventilation system and quicker build times compared to site-built construction.

With our growing population and the need to increase building sustainability, dKO is committed to further exploring modular housing solutions that are design led, value driven and environmentally responsible. Furthermore, dKO believes that modular housing should not only include a quicker construction time but it should also be affordable, flexible and highly adaptable.

Essence

The project brief incorporates urban planning and architectural design of a new integrated community consisting of 110 homes 8kms from the Melbourne CBD.

Essence offers a range of lifestyle options comprising 3 and 4 bedroom family homes, with a superior standard in sustainable residential design, value and a considered fitout. Extensive landscaping creates a living in a village feel while providing privacy – important in a medium density development.

Amenity is further enhanced by the prevalence of restaurants, cafes, shopping, schools, public transport, community and recreation facilities – all accessed via the walking trails of the Maribyrnong River.

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.

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.