In Conversation with Nature – Toorak Residence by Architecton
Approached with experience and discernment, Toorak Residence emerges as a considered dwelling with a flowing spatial plan. Designed by Architecton, the luxury home embraces its context, enabling seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Located in the affluent suburb of Toorak and in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Toorak Residence is a strong presence in the surrounding architectural environment. Settled within an area defined by large plot sizes, high fences and a variety of design styles, the home sits at over 1000 square metres and features three spacious levels. Architecton addresses the Toorak streetscape in the predominant manner, delineating the front of the property with a fence that has an imposing vertical aspect. Nonetheless, Toorak Residence appears distinct from its neighbours. Elegant landscaping visually softens the exterior of the dwelling, interacting with its materiality and structural dimensions to create a nuanced and individual presentation.
Arriving at Toorak Residence, the process of entry is elongated by carefully layered experiential details. Beyond the front gate lies an informal garden space – a tactile composition of pleasant greenery – which effortlessly navigates residents towards the main entrance. Stepping inside the home, the design palette is introduced in tantalising fashion, with the main volume of the house omitted from view. A neutral-toned corridor stretches out from the doorway, showcasing features of glass and stone. As the remainder of the expansive ground floor is revealed, a clear opening of 18 square metres connects the grand living room to the northern garden, framing the latter as a striking vista.
Throughout Toorak Residence, dialogue between the home and its natural surrounds is thoroughly maintained, resulting in an experience of urban retreat. The transparent boundary engages the garden space to both the northern and southern orientation, maximising access to natural light inside the home. Similar reasoning informs the atypical position of the swimming pool, which sits embedded into the front garden. In contrast to the area adjacent to the main living space, the location of the pool remains sunlit from season to season. Continuing the materiality of the floor and ceiling from the inside of the home to outside, Architecton emphasises the cohesive nature of the property.
Lighting and materiality play a vital role in establishing the character and atmosphere of the home. Artificial lighting is considered on equal terms to its natural counterpart, with the former contributing to a sense of spatial flow. At the stairwell, a bespoke internal handrail is fitted with a concealed strip of LED lighting that traces the occupants’ journey to the level above. On the first level, the great length of a corridor is highlighted with another strip of LED, lengthening the perceiving volume of the home. Private rooms feature integrated statement lights that wash the walls with a warm and comforting tone. The material palette is intentionally restrained, championing concrete, natural stone, timber and glass in order to create the ideal canvas for light.
Drawing towards the landscape, Toorak Residence does justice to the rigour of Architecton. The peaceful home encourages intuitive patterns of movement, guiding residents to a lifestyle in conversation with nature.
