Melfort Townhouses

IN RECENT…

years, Melbourne’s leafy Hawthorn neighborhood has emerged as one of the Australian city’s most desirable places to live. So, when a rare, Georgian-style mansion hit the market, Paul Conrad of Conrad Architects jumped at the opportunity to re-imagine a classic of the past for modern day living. The result is Melfort by Conrad Architects – a stunning series of five townhomes inspired by a single classical shell.

THE FIRST…

town house is located within in the original home, while the remaining four are accommodated by a sensitive addition built out from the back.

FOR CONRAD…

working within a historical building brought distinct challenges. For starters, the mansion, which was built in 1935, required considerable renovation. At the same time, Conrad saw a rare opportunity to harness the richness of the building’s historical character. “Georgian architecture is characterized by balance” he said, “it is typically symmetrical with classical proportions, and ornamentation is used sparingly.”

DRAWING…

on these existing characteristics, the Conrad team created a contemporary design language based on minimalism and restraint. Pairing understated materials with fine details, the new townhomes evoke a distinctly European sensibility. Throughout each residence, pale oak wood flooring and kitchen joinery set a core neutral palette while Carrara marble details in the kitchen, bathrooms, and fireplaces adds a luxurious gravitas.