Taking Cues From Its Brutalist Past – Clifton Hill by Studio Goss

Carving into its previously commercial site and opportunistically creating additional internal volume, Clifton Hill is a bold apartment with a clear vision. Studio Goss takes cues from the building’s brutalist past to create a highly detailed and restrained apartment archetype.

Nestled into an area known for its heritage and tightly packed residential urban fabric, the home of the same name takes occupancy in the ground level of an existing commercial building in Clifton Hill, in Melbourne. Carving into the ground floor plane to create additional height for the insertion of a mezzanine level, Clifton Hill sits sunken, peeking out to the streetscape it fronts. Combining its unfinished and raw materiality, the apartment takes cues from the building’s past and celebrates the contrasts between soft and hard elements in nuanced detail. Studio Goss brings a restrained approach, where a strategic and curated application of finishes, objects and artwork all combine to propose a home of bold gestures.

Nestled into an area known for its heritage and tightly packed residential urban fabric, the home of the same name takes occupancy in the ground level of an existing commercial building in Clifton Hill, in Melbourne.

Originally a commercial building, the existing architecture within which Clifton Hill sits has been converted into a series of residential enclaves. A combination of townhouses and apartments now dot the floors, all taking on the personalities of their owners. Studio Goss and the brave client have taken a less traditional residential route and instead of adopting the expected foray of finishes, the result sees a mix between exhibition, or gallery, space and the utilitarian aesthetic of an industrial shell. Where it differs from both, however, is in the level of heightened, considered detail and ensuing refinement, which add both depth and richness throughout.

A curious interplay with natural and artificial light unfolds as each volume connects to the next, and the apartment’s unique positioning into the underside of the building sees controlled openings eagerly welcoming in natural light at every opportunity. Sunken 1500mm into the site, the main living space sits comfortably hugging the ground, with a curated view of the street with its myriad of activity and foot traffic as real-time entertainment. With the mezzanine housing the bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite, the lower level sees a tightly customised kitchen, laundry and powder room support its upper floor. The living area then opens up as a generous double-height space, connecting the levels and creating a sense of drama through scale. In-situ concrete stairs and off-form concrete walls create the shell, and nuanced elements of warming oak and refined metal add detail and tactile engagement.

Clifton Hill boldly carves its own path. Studio Goss has taken an unexpected route, and as a result, proposes a robust and enduring theatrical backdrop for the residential condition.

Studio Goss takes cues from the building’s brutalist past to create a highly detailed and restrained apartment archetype.

Studio Goss has taken an unexpected approach, and as a result, propose a robust and enduring theatrical backdrop for the residential condition.