Intentionally Timelessness – The Lothian by Kennedy Nolan

Drawing on a contextual richness, The Lothian is an experimental residential assortment, bringing together an unexpected typology within the one form. Kennedy Nolan crafts a series of interlocking homes, linking back to the heritage of the area and reinterpreting the new through the lens of the old.

Together with developer Excelon Projects, Kennedy Nolan proposes the North Melbourne medium density residential formulation as a unique and considered response to context. Occupying its own island site, the complex is bordered by accessible pathways on all of its edges and, although a series of homes within the one form, its bold address of the street has a deceiving quality about it. While the traditional apartment or townhouse arrangement has a knowing front – sense of access and entry – this model pioneers itself as a means to challenge the expected. Encased in warm red bricks, the otherwise monolithic façade is broken by a series of geometric openings, offering a playful engagement with the streetscape. In an area known for its historically rich and preserved heritage homes, The Lothian is a welcomed addition, combining a crafted approach while referencing a material sensibility.

Generously conceived, the homes draw on a grander sense of scale and volume – also rarely seen in new residences – adding a distinctive point of difference in the process.

Built by Bear Projects, The Lothian spreads over four levels and sees a series of multi-level residences all convene behind a shared façade, complete with a roof garden sitting at the top. Six four-level townhouses stretch the height of the building, spreading functionality vertically, while two two-level apartments complete the mix. Drawing on the formation of terraces and cottages in the area, the multi-level homes connect back to the vertically stacked way of living, switching up the widely spread one-level approach so often seen in contemporary examples. Generously conceived, the homes draw on a grander sense of scale and volume – also rarely seen in new residences – adding a distinctive point of difference in the process.

The use of red brick also pays homage to 19th and early 20th century buildings of the area and, although contemporary in their composition, becomes an expression of the handmade at the same time. A sense of durability and robustness also speaks to an intentional timelessness and designing for longevity, not disposability. Similar philosophies are brought internally, with exposed concrete and expressed metal work connecting each of the levels. Injections of colour and personality are folded into the experience of the home in both the kitchen and bathroom areas, adding a deepened and more recessive feel to the more intimate zones. Imagined as a long-lasting and sustainable model, with integrated energy capture systems throughout, the homes become an exemplar for future contemplation.

Encased in warm red bricks, the otherwise monolithic façade is broken by a series of geometric openings, offering a playful engagement with the streetscape.

Kennedy Nolan’s The Lothian is a considered insertion of permanence and sits as a welcomed addition amongst its heritage urban fabric, aiming to inspire other contemporary formulations within the building’s surrounding context.