A Resurrection to Relevance – Arc Side by Jolson

Bringing together two previous apartments, Arc Side sees the creation of one cohesive, holistic three-level home. Jolson combines a rigorous reworking of the existing planning with a recreation of the interior experience and its connection outward to propose a home of enduring relevance.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south, Arc Side sits in eclectic Prahran and is the conversion of two previous apartments into one consolidated and considered home. The resulting home stretches three stories and its replanning and overhaul of the interiors sees a cohesive home emerge. The building itself was originally completed in 2003 and designed by Cox Carmichael, while the new works occur within the previously defined bounding walls. Small references of the adjacent Victorian-era homes can be seen in architectural detailing, and the approach to reference a classical timelessness acts as an extension of area’s rich heritage fabric, instead of introducing another style entirely. The new works see Jolson combine an investigative rigour together with subtle and textural nuances expressed through soft curves and a muted materiality.

The new works see Jolson combine an investigative rigour together with subtle and textural nuances expressed through soft curves and a muted materiality.

Built by Leone Constructions, Arc Side is broken down into smaller zones, all interconnected, where scale has been utilised as a mechanism to conjure a series of intimate moments throughout. Integral to the experience of the home is the interplay with natural light and connection to views beyond. Concealed sliding doors offer a sense of flexibility, while the vertical zoning also allows for a natural separation of function and privacy within the home. While the middle level houses the main bedroom and its supporting elements, the upper level takes full vantage of its lofted location to access views and was the natural siting of the living, dining and kitchen spaces. There is a sense of journey within the home as a result, where a significant seven-meter void space and stair connect the levels and becomes a central sculptural focal point, hinting at the upward motion it supports.

A muted and warm materiality is expressed throughout, creating the ideal foundation for a calming and restorative place of residence. Taking influence from the curved inverted arch of the exterior architecture, curves are then used internally and gently sweeping polished plaster then animates the spaces, interplaying with the natural light throughout the day. The understated and retrained approach is expressed in the limited materials used, allowing for spaces to bleed into one another, without any one dominating. Leading up to the roof terrace and sky garden on the top level, the home is a continual flow of connected and cohesive spaces.

A muted and warm materiality is expressed throughout, creating the ideal foundation for a calming and restorative place of residence.

Arc Side carefully uses cues from its past to conjure its present, offering a softened and considered home imagined enduring. Jolson combines both form and function, intertwining the two cleverly and effortlessly to create an inviting, reflective and poetic residential condition.

The new works see Jolson combine an investigative rigour together with subtle and textural nuances expressed through soft curves and a muted materiality.

Arc Side carefully uses cues from its past to conjure its present, offering a softened and considered home imagined enduring.