First Light by Léo Terrando

Crafted by interior designer Léo Terrando for the DCF Property Group, the First Light project embodies the triumph of unique, thoughtful expressions over established design tropes.

Located in South Melbourne, with stunning views over both Albert Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the 26-storey First Light project comprises 44 luxurious apartments and a Nu by YOO hotel. Behind the name is the idea that, like the first rays of sunlight at dawn, the apartments are illuminating, allowing a familiar environment to be considered in a different way.

Instead of championing the latest design trends, interior designer Léo Terrando proposed a new kind of luxury: “I really wanted to do something different here,” he says. Pearl travertine flows throughout the apartment: when compared to the overabundance of floor finishes defining typical lavish dwellings, the single material produces a more soothing visual outcome.

The name also reflects a series of “firsts for Melbourne,” says DCF Property Group founder Calvin Huang, including the first Oceania property for Philippe Starck’s YOO hotel group and the first Matte Black Miele appliances to be installed in a project globally. The hotel will feature a restaurant by Scott Pickett, giving residents convenient access to meals by one of Australia’s leading chefs. Pre-cooked by the restaurant, food can be brought up to the apartment and heated in the impeccably integrated Miele ovens.

In the kitchen, luxury takes the form of integrated Miele appliances, a matte black media range and a system by iconic Italian design brand Boffi.

For the interiors, a contemporary fireplace and cocktail bar form two of the most uplifting functional elements, set within view of a comfortable study with a dark timber wall. The distinction between private and communal spaces – including a chef’s kitchen – is created by the entryway, with the kitchen to one side and the bedrooms to the other.

In the kitchen, the Matte Black Miele appliances form the perfect counterpoint to a system by iconic Italian design brand Boffi. The Combine Evolution Island, designed by Boffi creative director Piero Lissoni, enables residents to select and arrange function modules according to their needs. A minimal piece, the worktop showcases a bevelled edge that turns inwards and seamlessly integrates an induction cooktop. The MDI surface is made of durable man-made stone incorporating recycled products. In line with the rest of the apartment, the colour palette is intentionally restrained to foster a relaxing ambience.

Interior design by Léo Terrando. Development by DCF Property Group. Build by Ironside. Landscape design by Barber Design. Appliances by Miele.