Albany Road Residence by Studiofour

Studiofour opens up the internal layout of Albany Road Residence, fostering deeper connections to the surrounding garden areas and proposing a sanctuary of lasting calm and composure.

Highlighting the original modernist principles set forth by Guildford Bell in 1965, Albany Road Residence undergoes a transformation from within. Nestled within Melbourne’s Santosa building, this mid-century gem introduced a denser lifestyle as an early example of apartment living. Now, seeking to embody a more contemporary liveability, Studiofour was engaged to instil an enhanced sense of openness and connectivity while maintaining sightlines to the surrounding greenery. Respecting the original vision, internal adjustments remove existing barriers and introduce a multi-layered approach, featuring moveable elements framed in glass and linen that allow for separation while preserving an overall feeling of spaciousness.

The resulting home exudes a gentle warmth, enhancing its appeal as a sanctuary for the owners to retreat and rejuvenate.

The resulting home exudes a gentle warmth, enhancing its appeal as a sanctuary for the owners to retreat and rejuvenate. Its subdued and neutral ambience adds to its allure, making it welcoming for visitors and suitable for entertaining. The overall sense of lightness balances with the abundant natural light and ventilation, while delicate, natural textures offer privacy and delineate spaces as needed.

Using subtle variations in texture and colour, special finishes like polished plaster, applied to both walls and ceilings, enhance the height of the rooms. Maximising the existing internal volumes, which couldn’t be altered, was a key aspect of the brief, aiming to extend and open up spaces wherever possible while also blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors and incorporating natural elements inside. Drawing inspiration from the original architectural elements, the classic mid-century palette is reimagined with a contemporary twist. Features such as timber joinery, open layouts, furniture as spatial dividers and fluted glass are all incorporated in a modern fashion.

Drawing inspiration from the original architectural elements, the classic mid-century palette is reimagined with a contemporary twist.

Albany Road Residence becomes a secluded retreat for the owners, providing a space for disconnection. Studiofour honours the past while elevating daily life by embracing history and the surrounding environment.

Architecture, interior design and landscape design by Studiofour. Build by Le Deux Construction & Development.