Como Terraces
With Como Terraces, Carr presents a unique vision for multi-residential living based deeply in place and enriched by light, space and material integrity.
Set on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Como Terraces by Carr is a thoughtful architectural response to place that balances both monumentality and intimacy. Developed by Cbus Property and Sterling Global, this boutique multi-residential project comprises 39 apartments across eight buildings, each carefully positioned to step down the 26-metre fall of the South Yarra site.
“What’s really special about Como Terraces is that it didn’t try and play against the land, it played with it,” says Kaelene Stojanovski, development manager at Cbus Property. “It is a series of individual buildings that cascades down the natural topography of the site.” Each three-storey building is north-facing, with subtle shifts in orientation maximising views, light and privacy, with the buildings angled to the river at the base and rotated higher up the site.
Central to Carr’s approach was prioritising pedestrian access and flow. “From the beginning is the stairwell and laneway that wanders up through a hilltop village,” says David Brooks, director of Carr. “As soon as you come through that airlock, you get this sense of calm.” This transition allows residents to escape the busy urban realm to find a sense of retreat in the inner courtyards and communal spaces. “You’ve got the residential lobby to begin with, and then you discover the private dining and the lounge libraries as you wander through the trees.”
Designed in collaboration with landscape architects TCL, native plantings that are indigenous to the river corridor help protect these communal zones from sun, wind and city noise. “I think that ties a lot into this feeling of calmness that we wanted,” he says. This is derived not only from the landscape, but the buildings’ earthy exterior materials such as rammed earth and sandblasted concrete.
Inside, the residences are similarly tranquil. The interiors are deliberately pared back with a neutral palette, engineered European oak floors and travertine stone, which contributes to a luxurious, warm and timeless feel. The kitchen takes centrestage in each apartment, with a showpiece travertine island bench and adjoining scullery, fitted with minimal, integrated V-ZUG appliances including the cooktop, oven and dishwasher. “There was a natural affiliation between the luxury nature of V-ZUG and the work that we do,” he explains. “It’s the highly refined, minimal design, but also longevity.”
Importantly, the apartments are designed without compromise. “You’ve got very much house-size living and dining spaces, full kitchens … full-size laundries and abundance of storage,” says Stojanovski. “In particular, the master bedroom is sized to fit king-sized beds with adjoining full ensuites as well.” Throughout, the focus remains on liveability, durability and serenity. As she notes, the collaboration with Carr was central to the outcome. “Carr understands Melbourne, they understand South Yarra, and I think that really speaks in its built form.”
Architecture and interior design by Carr. Landscape design by TCL. Development by Cbus Property and Sterling Global. Appliances by V-ZUG.
