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A Malleable Backdrop – Lawson Parade by Mancini Made
Tucked in the quiet streets of Highett in Melbourne’s bayside, Lawson Parade is a pair of townhouses by Mancini Made. Designed with liveability front of mind, these homes express a generosity that belies their modest footprints, reflecting many of the values inherent to contemporary family life.
Rising above the neighbouring single-storey brick and weather-board dwellings and characterised by a black steel and concrete façade, Lawson Parade makes a confident contribution to the streetscape. Though bold, it’s not intrusive but assertive and dynamic in its contemporary form – an effect that’s levelled out nicely thanks to deep front gardens and low fences. Notably, the shared partition wall, which runs between the townhouses like a central spine, extrudes from the front elevation and curves ever so slightly to the east. This arced, concrete form acts as a divide between the two townhouses, bringing privacy and separation to each resident’s entry experience. It’s also a subtle yet important element of distinction between this duo of visually cohesive dwellings.
Inside, airy and bright interiors make way for elevated yet unfussy living, and Mancini Made has intentionally oriented the primary living spaces towards the north-facing backyards. Here, the kitchens feature island benches adjacent to large dining tables ideal for family gatherings, and the living areas flow onto outdoor terraces and gardens. This flexible layout addresses the nuances of its occupants, yet various elements – such as the built-in fireplace, wine bar and low bench that connects the kitchen with the living area – gently direct the experience.
Alongside grey veined natural stone, Made by Block timber flooring brings continuity and calm to the ground floor spaces. Running the length of the hallways and stretching throughout the primary living spaces, the flooring is the all-important foundation of these refined designs. Mancini Made selected Santiago – a European oak board laid in plank formation – to bring harmony and depth to the interior. Featuring deep chocolate tones with natural variations and warm brown hues, these boards immediately inject both townhouses with a level of richness that often proves to be difficult to forge in contemporary environments.
Alongside grey veined natural stone, Made by Block timber flooring brings continuity and calm to the ground floor spaces.
This level of understated luxury continues upstairs, where bedrooms and bathrooms are secluded and cosy. In both homes, the primary suite is located at the front with a robe and ensuite, while additional bedrooms sit towards the backs of the houses with their own bathrooms. There isa pragmatism and fluidity to the plan, and various openings capture views of the surrounding tree canopy and sleepy suburban fabric. These glimpses are considered conduits to the outdoors and a constant reminder of Lawson Parade’s context.
Sitting boldly in its locale and inevitably attracting glances from passers-by, this project emits a confidence frequently associated with slick, inner-city dwellings. Yet behind its striking façade, Lawson Parade is, in fact, defined by an inherently domestic and familiar existence as a malleable backdrop to family life.
