Malvern Residence III by Studio Tate and Lovell Burton

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces beauty in imperfection, Malvern Residence III rises from the landscape much like the time-honoured trees surrounding it.

Jointly designed by Studio Tate and Lovell Burton, this luminous dwelling in the Melbourne neighbourhood of Malvern is seamlessly integrated with its verdant surroundings. Designed for a young family returning to Melbourne after living in Perth, Malvern Residence III is a rare blend of playful forms and luxurious elements that work in harmony. The brief provided to Studio Tate and Lovell Burton was simple: “to build a cosy family home that would foster a sense of togetherness.” The unspoken challenge, however, was to accommodate the growing needs of the family. “Aesthetically, the clients were keen to be challenged,” recalls Liz Ride, associate director at Studio Tate, who worked closely with the owners to ensure their vision was fully realised.

The design team embraced the site’s natural gradient, crafting a sequence of terraced floor planes that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors. As Ride puts it, “they embed the home into the landscape.”

Together, Studio Tate and Lovell Burton reconfigured the layout, creating an L-shaped arrangement that encompasses a courtyard, pool and tiered garden designed in collaboration with Amanda Oliver Gardens. The design team embraced the site’s natural gradient, crafting a sequence of terraced floor planes that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors. As Ride puts it, “they embed the home into the landscape.”

Studio Tate imbued the interior with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, embracing tactile finishes and handcrafted forms that embody an earthy, imperfect spirit. Colourful objets d’art in hues such as bottle green, sky blue, dusty pink and fresh mint were carefully selected to complement the space. The lower level serves as a striking example. Entered through a double-height foyer illuminated by an ever-glowing skylight, the space flows seamlessly into a casual family lounge and guest suite, with a laundry, staircase and blush-toned powder room beyond.

Studio Tate and Lovell Burton envisioned the kitchen as the home’s centrepiece, giving it scale and character with warm Palladiana floors, veined marble, powder blue cabinetry and brass accents.

Studio Tate and Lovell Burton envisioned the kitchen as the home’s centrepiece, giving it scale and character with warm Palladiana floors, veined marble, powder blue cabinetry and brass accents. The space includes a hidden bar, featuring Yves Klein blue cabinetry and a rippled gold mirror, portraying the family’s love for entertaining. The studios designed the dining room to open onto the courtyard and created a sunken lounge at the rear, highlighted by an exposed brick fireplace framed by garden views – an element Ride likens to “a deep green bowl.”

The upper level is dedicated to the bedrooms and private living areas, creating the illusion of living among the treetops. Notable features on this floor include a characterful play nook with a banquette that has hidden toy storage, open shelving for books and tchotchkes, and a cosy carpeted area for floor games. “The scale of the kids’ bedrooms and shared zone is futureproofed to accommodate study desks as their needs evolve,” Ride observes. Studio Tate approached the primary suite with care, using hand-glazed tiles, quartzite stone and marble to enhance the light.

Studio Tate approached the primary suite with care, using hand-glazed tiles, quartzite stone and marble to enhance the light.

Studio Tate left no detail overlooked, particularly when it came to the joinery and stonework. They specified custom millwork, with intricate framing and inlay featured across the floors and furniture, collaborating with skilled local artisans. Decorative lighting, bespoke furniture, handcrafted finishes and hardware are just a few of the artisanal touches. “Glamorous elements are woven into a warm, textured backdrop, creating a delicate balance between homely comfort and luxurious elegance,” Ride says.

Architecture by Lovell Burton. Interior design by Studio Tate. Build by Bacchus Constructions.  Landscape design by Amanda Oliver Gardens. Project management by Hopkins Property.