An Exercise in Balance – Carter Toorak by Carr

An exercise in balance, Carter Toorak fuses the crisp and sleek with the softened and natural to create a home of standing resonance. Carr combines the studio’s well-known minimal approach with classic proportions and a sense of rhythm in proposing a series of apartments that befit their location, weaving themselves into the existing fabric.

Set amongst similar scaled properties, Carter Toorak replaces an existing home with a boutique medium scaled apartment assortment that pays homage to the density of what has come before. As its name suggests, the multi-residential development is located in Melbourne’s inner south of Toorak amongst like-proportioned dwellings. Through a controlled and linear approach to both the exterior, horizontal planes of concrete and glass open up the equally controlled and linear interior. Conceived from a place of cohesion, the overall concept of refinement and restraint is carried from the architecture through to the interiors and the engagement with the landscape. Intended to soften the harder edges and built form, the landscape by Acre plays an integral role is creating a sense of balance between the natural and the built. Carr combines a modern and crisp approach with soft and textural elements to propose a home of enduring resonance.

Through a controlled and linear approach to both the exterior, horizontal planes of concrete and glass open up the equally controlled and linear interior.

Built by Grange ROC Property, Carter Toorak takes the core principles of what comprises a restful home and uses them to build the foundational blocks of the resulting residences. At the heart of the development is a sense of calm and escape, and through the use of select materiality, absence of ornamentation and an emphasis on a linear approach, each apartment is endowed with a similar elevated luxury, one where residents feel encased and disconnected from the city outside. Refined elements and tangible metal work add another layer of experiential tactility to the spaces, while being subdued in their own way.

While referencing the surrounding context through form and linework, the concrete façade echoes a classical sense of rhythm, where repeated elements hint at a formality found in neighbouring properties. The emphasis on time wearing materials and a durability was also important, and the use of crafted concrete offers a sense of permanence concurrently. A monochromatic palette of natural finishes sees masonry sit alongside natural stone, timber and glass and extend the same robust properties. Throughout, there is an intentional ease of flow between inside and out, where panes of glass open up to private courtyards or terraces to allow for the lived experience to not be contained solely to the building’s edge. The result sees a clear integration between the built and the natural.

Throughout, there is an intentional ease of flow between inside and out, where panes of glass open up to private courtyards or terraces, to allow for the lived experience to not be contained solely to the building’s edge.

Carter Toorak combines a contemporary approach with classic sensibilities. Carr has created a series of apartments that embody the core principles of a successful home and offer an enduring and elevated residential experience.