From State Savings Bank to stylish apartment, the new living quarters extending from the heritage-protected 1920s building is a city dweller’s dream.
Sustainably sourced Australian timber, Big River Armourpanel Spotted Gum plywood, was key to the exquisite livability of this award-winning building design known as ‘Taking it to the Bank’.
The striking new home located in the heart of Melbourne was executed by building designer Jackson Fitzroy-Kelly of JFKDESiGN Landscape|Buildings|Interiors for his clients – an empty nester couple wanting a stylish and contemporary home that could also accommodate studio and office space below.
The exterior palette is one of smooth concrete, black zinc, original red brick and galvanised steel columns, which accentuates the warm timber tones used within and is balanced by extensive natural light.
All internal timber is a variation of Big River Spotted Gum plywood, including window reveals, kitchen carcasses, kitchen joinery and wall panelling. The custom joinery units also act as furniture, with various items including the bookcase and concealed desk in the guest room/study. The joinery units, such as the bedroom’s window seat and storage unit, are even strong enough to sit on thanks to the F27 Armourpanel – a high-quality, decorative finish timber with exceptional high-strength properties.
The plywood has been a linking feature throughout the home, connecting each expertly crafted space and adding a depth and richness to the overall design.
Custom-designed, blown glass pendants by artist Laurel Kohut, are dotted throughout the home to add accents of colour.
Carefully considered windows allow for daylight to stream in, while north-facing 2.7 metre-high glazed sliding doors provide views that stretch over the leafy treetop-lined residential landscape, and beautiful blend of indoor and outdoor living.
“The focus for JFKDESiGN was and always is liveability, and a home that is a pleasure to live in for our clients,” Jackson Fitzroy-Kelly explains. “We chose Big River plywood for its durability, unique finish, bespoke application, and Australian origins.”
Big River Armourpanel is precision-engineered using a cross-ply manufacturing process, bonding five layers of Australian eucalypt hardwood sheets together to form a solid, stable timber. Its durability makes it ideal for use in hardwearing areas, including flooring, wall panelling, screening, cabinetry, ceiling linings and joinery.
Building Awards:
- 2016 Building Designers Association of Victoria Awards:
- Residential Design of New Homes: $500,000-$1 million construction cost
- Residential Interior Design
- Excellence in the Use of Glass
2016 National Building Design Awards:
- Best Residential Interior Design
Source: Big River Group