Inspiration Design
Marmont presents a collection of seven bespoke townhouses designed to evoke a sense of individuality. Each townhouse has three large bedrooms, a double garage, large open plan living areas and a generous rear yard. Set within the residential hinterland of Mont Albert, it was important that while creating a multi-residential product, we maintain that notion of ‘my house’.
Japanese minimalism was a major source of inspiration for Marmont; an aesthetic Cera Stribley Architects has interpreted abstractly and contextually. Mont Albert itself was also a source of inspiration for the project, particularly the suburb’s verdant landscape and plethora of heritage homes. This influence is illustrated through a series of curved shapes, denoted to emulate the soft and organic forms of nature, along with a series of traditional design features. Additionally, Marmont draws on the notion of the ‘Australian Dream’, and the sense of individuality and singularity held by a house. As such, each residence is crafted to feel unique, bestowed with bespoke and considered features reminiscent of a home.
Marmont Story
What does your design for Marmont take into consideration?
From concept initiation, the design team looked to Mont Albert’s abundant greenery. Subtle, soft curves are employed throughout the project, reflecting this element of nature while bringing a unique design aesthetic to the project. There is a strong relationship to Japanese minimalism in our design. Clean lines and minimal variation in materiality results in a strong and more defined architectural form. This notion of Japanese minimalism is further defined by the stepped access way to all dwellings where we are proposing large stepping concrete pads reminiscent of traditional Japanese gardens.
What materials have you used for the facade, and how do they define the spaces within each apartment?
In all of our work, we tend to propose a neutral pallete to allow the building form to stand proud. Marmont’s primary façade employs a feature curve and a vertically aligned panel system, highlighting the entryway to each dwelling. This curved panelling lies upon dark brickwork, providing for a textured backdrop that evokes a residential feel. To tie in with our abstract reference to Japanese architecture, we have proposed natural concrete for planter beds. Because of the neutral palette, landscaping becomes an integral part of the project as contrasting greenery has a canvas to present off.
Why are the surrounding suburbs aspirational? What kind of amenity is on offer in Mont Albert?
Mont Albert and its surrounding suburbs are synonymous with family life, parks and recreation and schools. It was important that these factors were taken into consideration in the designing of Marmont. Whilst our townhouses are not the same size as traditional quarter acre blocks, the carefully curated layouts allow for residents to live in a similar way. Large open plan living areas, generous kitchens with walk-in pantries, ample storage, well-designed bedrooms and large private courtyards work to maintain all the functional aspects of a larger home, yet with a smaller footprint.
How has designing both the architecture and interiors at Cera Stribley Architects meant a more seamless approach, and a more fluid design overall?
With the opportunity to work out of the same office, both teams were able to work together to produce an outcome that shared the same ‘look and feel’. We are passionate about the relationship between Architecture and Interior Design and are often empowered by projects that allow us to combine both disciplines. One of the critical aspects of working both disciplines together is that you form a clear relationship in the built outcome from inside to out; ensuring the sentiment of ‘home’ is never lost.
