Redefining Beachside Living – Azura Aspendale from Lowe Living
Embracing a rare absolute beachfront location, Azura Aspendale sees an impressive collaboration between Lowe Living and Chamberlain Architects, Golden and Jack Merlo to give Melbourne a new premium coastal address.
Seeking to redefine what coastal living constitutes, as well as the architectural possibilities available to such geography, the development consists of eight townhouses and 19 apartments, 10 of which are beach-facing homes appropriately titled The Beachfront Collection. The properties seek to create connectivity between an indoor and outdoor lifestyle, seamlessly integrating the two in a tranquil environment. With an absolute beachfront position, this is achieved via the interconnection of four boutique buildings. Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the design allows for privacy and security, but also cultivates a sense of community thanks in large part to its enviable direct beach access.
The buildings themselves feature a complementary blend of materials and textures. Masonry red brick contrast with the off-form concrete and dark metal cladding used in the façade. The lush landscaping that surrounds the exterior is given a quiet emphasis, as ironbark timber decking and bluestone pavers provide a subtle and timeless neutrality with which to contrast.
On the material selection, Chamberlain Architects explained that the palette draws inspiration from examples of tropical modernism in Brazil and parts of Asia. Consideration was also given to the streetscape, on which Azura Aspendale has very little impact. From here Chamberlain Architects then set about imagining it as a place to retreat each day. “We create our residential architecture to support peoples’ daily habits, looking for ways to support these within our design,” explains director Glen Chamberlain.
The uninterrupted bay views that each residence in The Beachfront Collection enjoys are cohesively linked to the beach via a series of balconies and walkways, whilst courtyards and terraces throughout the entire development promote air circulation from the sea breeze.
To reinforce the notions of calm and relaxation, a great deal of emphasis needed to be placed on the entranceways to the residences throughout. Manifesting a sense of address and arrival, landscape architect Jack Merlo relied heavily on lush native plantings, with feature foliage and greenery cohesively linking the communal walkways with the building’s exterior. The gardens also help contribute to the sense of privacy and security, and thoughtful consideration of the coastal location is evident throughout the landscape design.
Like the rest of the project, the interiors were conceptualised on the back of a strong collaborative process between Lowe Living and Golden. The location again played a significant role in framing these discussions, and ultimately the creative direction chosen. As explained by Alicia McKimm, director of Golden, “The interior design of Azura is inspired by its location. Demonstrating a sophistication to the aesthetic with an unbuttoned sensibility and association to the tranquillity of the beach. The ‘house-like’ dwellings drove our design ethos, with the function of spaces feeling less apartment and more home-style.”
Light tones of timber and grey serve as a further nod to coastal surrounds, as feature splashes of ocean-green ceramic tiles and accents in brushed brass complement sand-inspired porcelain tiled bathrooms. The end result is a series of considered living spaces that respect their broader environment but also add to the discourse around what beachside architecture could, and indeed should, be capable of.
Full-height windows and sliding doors not only promote natural light but maximise the buildings’ beachfront exposure. These vast open internal spaces naturally encourage open floorplans, so consideration was afforded with regards to energy efficiency and practicality. And durable engineered timber floorboards and double-glazing to windows ensures that no sacrifice is made to quality of living, no matter the time of year.
Refreshingly contemporary, yet timeless and classic, Lowe Living has planned a unique project that possesses a subtle sophistication rarely afforded to coastal homes, encouraging year-round entertaining through seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living, whilst all the while presenting a sanctuary in style befitting its elite location.
