Glen Iris 3 by InForm

With its sleek black exterior and considered interiors, Glen Iris 3 in Melbourne is a striking addition to InForm’s portfolio of outstanding residences.

For three decades, Melbourne residential design and construct company InForm has been envisioning and creating homes that are not only superbly designed and constructed but work for their clients in the most efficient and intelligent way possible. That ethos is beautifully embodied in InForm’s latest project, Glen Iris 3, named for the south-east Melbourne suburb where it’s located.

“The dark exterior provides a strong, grounding presence, while the lighter interiors evoke a sense of openness and airiness. This balance creates a harmonious environment that feels inviting and comfortable.”

On the streetscape, Glen Iris 3 presents a discreet, dark form, its seam gable roof and elongated form reminiscent of a traditional farmhouse that’s had an ultra-contemporary makeover. Enter the threshold and the dark mood lifts as the light-filled interiors unfold, but there remains a cohesiveness between the two. “The contrast creates a sense of balance and harmony within the space,” says Julian Legg, design director of architecture and interiors practice Pleysier Perkins, which collaborates with InForm to design all the company’s homes. “The dark exterior provides a strong, grounding presence, while the lighter interiors evoke a sense of openness and airiness. This balance creates a harmonious environment that feels inviting and comfortable.”

The home centres around an open-plan living space, where expansive glass doors create a deep connection to the outdoors on both sides. “The living area was intentionally oriented away from the north, where there was an unsightly neighbouring building,” says Julian. “This deliberate design decision enabled us to establish seamless connections to the garden and pool on the east side and to the courtyard and outdoor dining area on the west. In this way, we were able to optimise privacy while fostering harmonious indoor-outdoor flow, ensuring a serene and enjoyable living experience for residents and guests alike.”

In the kitchen, the clients “wanted to strike a balance between light and dark… including some darker elements without creating a moody interior.”

The materiality throughout Glen Iris 3 is pared back, with the curated collection of furniture, decorative items and lighting adding warmth and contrast. In the living area, limewashed oak ceilings from Made by Storey, pale flooring from Woodcut, a super white quartzite bench and light-as-air curtains form the subdued background to a rich blue Arflex Strips Sofa, Marenco Chair upholstered in Dedar’s graphic Tiger Mountain jacquard velvet and a leather Paulistano Armchair by Objekto. A custom-designed table by Christopher Blank anchors the dining area, illuminated by Allied Maker’s Arc pendants.

Black reappears in the kitchen, where the clients “wanted to strike a balance between light and dark… including some darker elements without creating a moody interior,” says Elly Featherstone, an associate at Pleysier Perkins. Cabinetry in black-stained veneer is a dramatic counterpoint to the handmade Zellige tile splashback and super white quartzite island. “To maintain the minimal feel, we used integrated fridges with touch-to-open doors, and the island was finished entirely in stone to add a sculptural element,” she notes.

Glen Iris 3 is emblematic of InForm’s approach to creating personalised designs that are uniquely tailored to respond to its client’s needs.

The main bedroom is almost monastic in its simplicity, its pale walls, carpet, curtains and ceilings interrupted only by the sage green of a curvaceous Jardan Lola Armchair, navy and green bed linen and compact black wall lights. Drama returns in the wine room, an adults-only space dominated by black walls and a black striated marble table, a leather banquette providing an earthy grounding. “This zone was created as a withdrawal space, somewhere to wind down and relax with a glass of wine,” says Julian. “The black palette provides a sensory relief while also creating a more sophisticated ambience.”

It’s the pièce de résistance in a home that’s been deeply considered, like all of InForm’s residences. Glen Iris 3 is emblematic of InForm’s approach to creating personalised designs that are uniquely tailored to respond to its client’s needs and requirements. By managing every stage of the project – including architecture, interior design, cost planning, building documentation and construction – InForm’s approach is holistic and culminates in residences that are not only visually stunning and highly functional but, above all, feel like home.

Styling by Bek Sheppard.