Adjacent to the grand Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick Gardens is a luxurious residential oasis with a storied site history. A Milieu development, the new precinct offers work from some of Victoria’s best design firms: Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O. and Flack Studio.
Located just 10 kilometres from the CBD, the Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick is defined partly by its link to Port Phillip Bay and partly by the leafy areas of a south-eastern enclave. The site of Elsternwick Gardens was first part of the luxurious residential Rippon Lea Estate for 170 years, then it was acquired by the Commonwealth Government who used the land to support Australia’s first TV broadcast facility. “The opportunity to create a collection of new buildings and a new community at Elsternwick Gardens is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something we don't take lightly,” says Shannon Peach, director at Milieu. The luxurious residential estate consists of three works: Rippon Lea Terrace, Gordon Place and the Garden Pavilion.
As well as planning the entire project, Woods Bagot takes on the design of Rippon Lea Terrace. Set along the west of the site, the building serves as an example of how strong forms can sit well in a natural setting. The structure celebrates mid-century modernism - examples of which can be found across south Melbourne - and features six levels with views of the estate. Natural materials such as timber and stone are used in large built elements as well as fine details, and together with local blown-glass lights, establish a sense of warmth.
Conversely, Gordon Place is crafted by K.P.D.O and presents two four-storey buildings to Gordon Street. Renowned for its luxury homes, the design firm uses fine finishes enhanced by a neutral colour palette. Oak floors are met with warm white walls, stone elements are layered, door handles are handmade, and pieces of painted wood highlight rich textures. The gentle visual character of each space allows future residents to express their personality through their own furnishings.
“For the Garden Pavilion we engaged Flack Studio,” says Peach. “This is our third project with Flack. We're excited to see signature details and an emotive collection of finishes in these premium apartment offerings.” As 40 per cent of the luxurious residential project is gardens, the work of landscape designer Oculus is also vital. “There's a kind of wellbeing built into the idea of landscape,” says Bob Earl, director at Oculus. “We don't always know that we're seeking it out, but I think once we're in it, we realise that we feel better, that it has an impact on our lives.” In Elsternwick Gardens, the homes and the site are intertwined to promote the idea of living well in place.
Engaging with the history and nature of its site, Elsternwick Gardens is a luxurious residential oasis close to the city and bay. Though Rippon Lea Terrace, Gordon Place and the Garden Pavilion embody the separate efforts of Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O. and Flack Studio on behalf of Milieu, they link to the land in the same way and thus signify a great success in collaborative design.
00:00 - Introduction to the luxurious development
01:44 - The initial planning process
02:43 - Engaging with the landscape
04:06 - Gordon Place by K.P.D.O.
05:23 - Rippon Lea Terrace by Woods Bagot
06:20 - The Garden Pavillion by Flack Studio
07:03 - Final reflections
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Visualisations by Stab Studio.
Architecture by Woods Bagot.
Interior design by Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O. and Flack Studio.
Build by Wilderness Building Co. and Candour (display suite).
Styling by Karin Bochnik.
Landscape design by Oculus.
Development by Milieu.
Filmed by The Local Production.
Edited by Jack Rintoul.
Production by The Local Production.
The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
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