Larnook by Lowe Living

Lowe Living’s prestigious Larnook project reflects both the botanical beauty and history of the moneyed Melbourne suburb of Armadale.

Peeking shyly from between the leafy boughs on one of Armadale’s loveliest tree-lined streets, Larnook delivers modern luxury with its foundations in history. This prestige Melbourne project was developed and built by Lowe Living, with architecture by Warren and Mahoney, which took its cues from the area’s rich heritage.

Peeking shyly from between the leafy boughs on one of Armadale’s loveliest tree-lined streets, Larnook delivers modern luxury with its foundations in history.

Larnook draws on the suburb’s botanical beauty, with the established trees embraced for the privacy and shade they offer, as well as the dappled light that lends the interiors a sense of magic and movement. Nearby Larnook mansion, built in 1881, gave the project its name as well as inspiring the design, with elements of the mansion reimagined in a contemporary context. “The refined tiered podium represents the splendour of the site’s historical legacy in architectural proportion, scale and materiality,” explains Nick Deans, principal architect at Warren and Mahoney. “By integrating that history into the contemporary build, the development blends seamlessly into the broader suburban context.”

In referencing the stately splendour of this and other historic homes in the inner-city suburb, Larnook is imbued with gravitas and a sense of understated luxury. “The Orrong Road facade continues the stunning layering of materials and fine-grade detail that references the Larnook mansion,” says Nick. “Timeless and elegant, the light-coloured render and brickwork contrast with charcoal architectural screen detailing. An abundance of cascading greenery intertwines with the suburb’s leafy character.”

Larnook draws on the suburb’s botanical beauty, with the established trees embraced for the privacy and shade they offer, as well as the dappled light that lends the interiors a sense of magic and movement.

This quiet luxury aesthetic is continued in the interiors of the building’s two- and three-bedroom residences – 11 in total, including a palatial penthouse – which combine classic appeal with exceptional design, including sustainability credentials like a 7.5-star energy rating. Floorto-ceiling windows invite in light and shade from nearby trees, while lush plantings by Eckersley Garden Architecture double down on this connection with nature, softening and giving vibrancy to the built form.

Melbourne-based interior design studio GOLDEN was brought in to work on the interiors. “GOLDEN’s modern interior style blends seamlessly with the historically inspired architecture of Larnook,” says Tim Lowe, Lowe Living’s managing director. “There was a lot of consideration around the details and quality. For example, the island bench was designed with an angled setback, mimicking the architectural design.”

A refined scheme of oak flooring, honed natural stone and pale grey bespoke joinery sets a tone of approachable opulence. “The brief was to create a home like a haven, that’s accessible, with spaces that are comfortable and luxurious – but in a humble kind of way,” says Tim.

“GOLDEN’s modern interior style blends seamlessly with the historically inspired architecture of Larnook,” says Tim Lowe, Lowe Living’s managing director.

The kitchens are a highlight, built for entertaining and culinary artistry, with integrated Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances and ample storage, set within a luxuriously appointed space of soft grey cabinetry and bespoke feature lighting, with the generous natural stone island bench an aesthetic and functional focal point.

Gourmands seeking inspiration outside their own kitchen are well catered for with the high-end shopping and dining destinations in the neighbourhood, from coffee at local favourite Moby to the wealth of local providores and dining meccas, plus fashion and homewares stores as well as health and well-being facilities. “Larnook delivers the best of both worlds: a short stroll from High Street with its fantastic eateries, while being on Larnook Street, which is such a tranquil, gorgeous, treelined environment,” says Emma Lowe, Lowe Living managing director.

A limited number of these prestigious residences are now on the market, with fully furnished display apartments available to view.

Development and build by Lowe Living. Architecture by Warren and Mahoney. Interior Design by GOLDEN.  Landscape by Eckersley Garden Architecture.