Refined Classical – Armadale Residence by Paul Conrad Architects and Mim Design

As a matched offering of grandeur to the established residential surrounds its sits amongst, Armadale Residence combines a classical approach in materiality, form and rhythm. Paul Conrad Architects and Mim Design join to propose a refined and elegant collective of generous proportion, scale and detail.

In its inner south Melbourne milieu of Armadale, Armadale Residence sits aptly surrounded by similar scaled and equally grand homes. Combining both a classical and formal rhythm in its frontage to the street, the proposal draws on established proportion and scale to form a refined balance of open glazing, weighted masonry elements and refined metalwork as it engages with the existing context. Formed from an intentional relevance and enduring nature, the homes combine and intertwine within the one overall form, ensuring the existing patterned form of the street is maintained. Architecturally conceived by Paul Conrad Architects together with a refined and tactile approach internally by Mim Design, a layering of rich textures and tactility enriches a clean and restrained overall foundation.

Through a focus on crafted and highly articulated detailed, concealed and clean junctions ensure sightlines remain uninterrupted both internally across zones and out into the surrounding formal landscaping.

As a combined effort, Armadale Residence is built by BCG Constructions and together with landscape design by Paul Bangay Garden Design the site is reimagined from a holistic sense. Through a focus on crafted and highly articulated detailed, concealed and clean junctions ensure sightlines remain uninterrupted both internally across zones and out into the surrounding formal landscaping. Colonnade structures define the exterior face of the home, allowing solar gain to be controlled and views within to be maintained, increasing a sense of privacy and enclosure. The exaggerated heights and openings further enhance the feeling of generosity and openness, while referencing the preceding heritage homes of the area.

Driven by access to natural light and illuminating the interior, a palette of warm neutral finishes creates a sense of calm and consistency throughout. Framing aspects outward, thin metalwork outlines glazing and operable doors to both balcony and terrace spaces, drawing the eye outward and into the natural. The interior approach is then formed from focusing on a crisp and clean linear sensibility, heightened through refined and opulent materiality and detailing. A balance between open and closed and large and more intimate spaces is dotted throughout, breaking up the journey through the home and signalling at functionality at the same time.

The exaggerated heights and openings further enhance the feeling of generosity and openness, while referencing the preceding heritage homes of the area.

Seamlessly navigating between inside and out, Paul Conrad Architects and Mim Design bring the elements of Armadale Residence together with both restraint and refinement. The result is an elevating of the residential experience, offering a lasting imprint to its location.