Social connectivity at heart of new, small footprint development in Clifton Hill

The benefits of small footprint living underpin the design philosophy of new Clifton Hill development 122 Roseneath St.

The development, scheduled for completion in late 2017, showcases a new way of thinking about multi-residential developments, one that is true to its context and respectful to existing residents within the neighbourhood.

“Living small is not just about size; it’s a way of life that treads lightly on the planet and fosters community, helping our city grow more sustainably,” architect Quino Holland says.

Holland is co-director at the socially engaged property developer Assemble and the current project is a collaboration between like-minded partners Wulff Projects, Icon Co. and Assemble.

Their mixed-use development at 122 Roseneath St. is designed around flexible communal spaces, including a multi- purpose workshop and a communal room for dining and entertaining. A hallmark of the project is two raised linear parks that intercept the three buildings, with drought-resistant native landscaping by MALA.

“With thoughtful integration of communal areas, we’ve designed a place where collective culture can thrive,” Wulff Projects director Adam Wulff says. “Neighbours are encouraged to interact in and through what is shared – all the while having a sense of ownership of their personal space.”

The development is only a short walk to the cafes, grocers and shops of Queens Parade. It is closer still to Clifton Hill train station, itself just a 15-minute ride to the CBD. 122 Roseneath St. also connects to the breathing spaces of the Merri Creek nature corridor, with its bike trails leading directly to the Yarra River and Federation Square.

Architecturally, the development responds to the history of its location, retaining the bones of a Brutalist-style building on site and referencing its materiality throughout the design.

Veil-like metal balustrades are a nod to surrounding architectural features in the heritage-listed local area, while timber undersides to the development’s balconies add a warm highlight to the northern facade. The project’s flexible design – the result of a sustained period of community consultation – offers residents numerous choices.

122 Roseneath St. presents a mix of studio apartments; single- to three-bedroom apartments; and two- to three- bedroom townhouses. Internal areas range from 38 square metres for studios to 148 square metres for three- bedroom townhouses, in addition to generous balcony and terrace areas.

Prices support community diversity, ranging from $380k to $1.5m. Potential residents were consulted on the functions for the communal room and adjoining terrace, the type of ground floor retail tenancy, car park demand, pet-friendly owners corporation rules and sustainability features, including external operable shutters, an embedded energy network and a shared composting facility.

A philosophy of flexibility and owner choice continues the design brief inside the dwellings. The proposal offers standard and premium options across kitchens, bathrooms and flooring as well as extras – including the possibility to add a children’s baths beneath the shower, the provision for a pet door or an ‘arrival station’ by the door to drop off coats, keys and shoes on the way in.

“A customisable approach will allow residents to personalise their space and allocate their budget to what’s most important to them,” director of Icon Co Ashley Murdoch says.

All the interiors have been designed to last the distance and age well with use. Subtle but robust, the design features high quality cork, timber, marble and engineered stone, complemented by fine tiling and high quality tapware.

The small footprint overlay responds respectfully to its surroundings. With Clifton Hill now protected by a suburb- wide heritage status, 122 Roseneath St.’s views of its surrounds – neat rows of Victorian terraces and tree-lined public gardens – are guaranteed into the future.

In addition, with Clifton Hill’s median price for a freestanding home currently more than $1 million, the development represents an affordable as well as sustainable choice for those looking for the cultural benefits of living near to the city centre. The development is in the catchment areas for the highly sought-after Clifton Hill and Spensley Street primary schools.

“With a commitment to great design, we believe a vertical life can be happily lived by all sorts of people – families, friends, pets, bike-lovers and green thumbs alike. Our mission is to create homes that we want to live in ourselves,” Holland says.

For more information visit the website.