Warmly Textural – MEJ Residence by Nickolas Gurtler

Combining heritage and contemporary sensibilities, MEJ Residence sees a sense of cohesion and clarity embedded to respectfully complete the picture. Nickolas Gurtler expands on the previously identified framework, drawing formal references from the existing while proposing the new as an expression of its owners.

Set amongst other grand homes of similar depth and heritage weight, MEJ Residence has seen several iterations since its 1930 origins that cast the home into a contemporary and enduring family residence. Expanded in 2018, the original home has been reimagined by Paul Gleeson to create additional areas to convene and gather in a more connected sense, compared to its more formally arranged original planning. As a fusing of styles, a reference to the Australian natural palette and landscape is combined with a refined and elevated French artisanal touch. The two references allow a nod to the home’s ornate origins to be celebrated, and through a crisp and refined coming together, Nickolas Gurtler puts the finishing touches to the spaces through interior design and styling.

As a fusing of styles, a reference to the Australian natural palette and landscape is combined with a refined and elevated French artisanal touch.

Built by Silverstream Constructions, MEJ Residence is located to the south of inner Melbourne within Malvern, where it sits as an open and connected contemporary home. As an honouring of the home’s past, the new is balanced alongside the old, neither concealing the other, allowing both to exist in harmony. There is a curiousness instilled within the spaces, as unique objects and a carefully curated selection of furniture, artwork and lighting all combine to add animation to each of the interior rooms. With the revised home as an ideal foundation, laid out by the work of the previous architect, the newly inserted elements aim to add to the existing, layering texture, form and their associated engagement with the senses.

A warming palette takes influence from the timber flooring running underfoot throughout, with tans and other amber tones coming together alongside other more neutral tones and cooler elements to add an element of relief. Each insertion is further softened through a mixed diversity of finish, where added elements layer against smoother surfaces. The final mixing of forest greens with the earth-inspired base creates a complementary series of spaces that feel deliberate and intentioned, anchored against the generous sizing and scale of the home. Polished stainless steel and smoked glass further layer through a play on transparency and reflections.

There is a curiousness instilled within the spaces, as unique objects and a carefully curated selection of furniture, artwork and lighting all combine to add animation to each of the interior rooms.

With a sculptural and balanced approach, MEJ Residence comes together as the completing layer of a grand home. Nickolas Gurtler grounds the opulence and completes the picture, bringing it all together through tactility and warmth.