Low-density Done Well – Imperium Hawthorn by KUD

Conceived as an interpretation of the architecture typical to the area, Imperium Hawthorn by KUD – a collection of four townhouses in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – is both sympathetic to its surrounds and intriguing to passers-by.

As KUD Director Billy Kavellaris says, this project is a “contemporary narration of the long-standing traditional brick homes in the area, which incorporated the use of skilled bricklayers.” The exterior sees various brick formations converge in a clever blend; for example, the ground floor uses a stack bond arrangement to create a podium for the sweeping, curved façade above in a contrasting hit-and-miss. “This design intervention provides an inverse reading of the building as a light and translucent skin by night, as opposed to a heavy sculpture by day,” Billy notes. At dusk, light glows from within, creating mini apertures through the otherwise monolithic form.

As KUD Director Billy Kavellaris says, this project is a “contemporary narration of the long-standing traditional brick homes in the area, which incorporated the use of skilled bricklayers.”

Inside, each townhouse features a minimal palette, making way for breezy spaces that feel sophisticated yet unstuffy. There’s an abundance of natural light; overt and bright in some pockets and tempered just so in others thanks to draped linen curtains. Made by Block timber floorboards bring an essential warmth and tactility to the interiority. Crafted from European oak and finished with a matte lacquer, Calais fuses grey tones with deeper accented grains. It nicely complements the grey-toned natural stone, also used extensively, and the wide plank formation is a fitting addition to the carefully composed volumes.

The small, sloping site made for a challenging building envelope and yet the design sees all four dwellings enjoy ample access to natural light and ventilation. Also, Imperium is 6-star energy rated; achieves a Best Practice BESS score, and, with a 6,000-litre rainwater tank and multiple rain gardens throughout, exceeds Water Sensitive Urban Design requirements.

Imperium Hawthorn represents a synergy of high-quality materials, a responsible approach to design and construction, and a recognition for context. In short, it’s low-density development done well.