Peel

by Milieu Property

At the foot of the building is Congress – the first venue for Milieu Hospitality. Contributing to the revitalisation of a previously dormant precinct, Congress is intended to be a friendly neighbourhood bistro with the promise of wine and espresso until late. And for a suburb unrecognisable from it’s

recent past, this refined yet approachable meeting place hopes to establish itself as one of the locals – new to the area and keen to meet like minded guests, whether they reside above in Peel By Milieu, or are visitors from near and far alike.

For property developer Milieu and collaborators DKO Architecture and DesignOffice, Peel By Milieu – a vertical community comprising 36 apartments with a ground floor bistro, on the former site of a disused auto-garage – was an exercise in sensitively respecting the changing neighbourhood’s history.

Each design decision was led by the objective to craft an honest and genuine tribute to Collingwood’s urban fabric. Sympathetically responding to the site’s context, DKO established the unique built form with a diagonal roof that slopes from the height of a neighbouring building towards the apex of the iconic Peel Hotel on the opposite corner.

With further consideration for site context, references to Collingwood’s varied architectural history is expressed in the building’s exterior, from hooded windows informed by local fenestration techniques, to cracked brickwork and perforated breezeblock inspired by the predominant local materiality. This scale of project afforded Milieu the ability to craft a design that responds to the urban context and current thinking about density and liveability, while delivering beautifully personal environments atypical of developer-led projects. Behind the building’s façade is a collection of 36 apartments, unambiguously refined in design and ultimately driven by liveability. Milieu is genuinely interested in creating communities, and not just buildings. They place longevity and positive social impact at the heart of our work, with the belief that quality small-space living can revolutionise the future of Australia’s urban centers.

DesignOffice’s considered approach to interior design is seen in sophisticated spatial planning that includes flexible zones for multi-purpose use, creating homes that can respond to the occupant’s changing needs over time. The materials palette has been carefully edited for timelessness: terrazzo, stainless steel, timber veneer and concrete. High ceilings enhance the sense of space, with consideration for maximising the wellbeing of residents reflected in each apartment’s northern aspect. Living areas extend to generously sized terrace balconies, and large format windows welcome an abundance of natural light – design signatures more akin to a house than an apartment.

DesignOffice wanted to work with Milieu, to develop a shared aim to create high quality homes which are a joy to live in. Clever attention to detail is found in window seats nestled between bedrooms and balconies to provide an opportunity for rest, while bespoke welcome stations and cleverly concealed joinery to mitigate clutter, allowing residents to make the most of their living areas.

At the foot of the building is Congress – the first venue for Milieu Hospitality. Contributing to the revitalisation of a previously dormant precinct, Congress is intended to be a friendly neighbourhood bistro with the promise of wine and espresso until late. And for a suburb unrecognisable from it’s

recent past, this refined yet approachable meeting place hopes to establish itself as one of the locals – new to the area and keen to meet like minded guests, whether they reside above in Peel By Milieu, or are visitors from near and far alike.

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