Studiofour’s latest residential project, the Albany Road Residencce, located in Toorak, Melbourne, exemplifies their holistic design philosophy aimed at enhancing clients’ health and well-being. Co-director Annabelle Berryman highlights the importance of connecting clients with nature as a key component of this approach. The project involved renovating an aging apartment within a building designed by Guilford Bell, known for its restrained material palette and rectilinear forms, which was constructed in 1965.
The design vision extends Bell’s architectural language into the apartment’s interiors, creating a cohesive sense of place. The subdued interior palette mirrors the building’s exterior elements, such as almond tiles and lime-washed timber batten paneling, while linear shapes in the joinery reflect the exterior forms. This thoughtful integration gives the interiors a renewed sense of purpose and character. In reconfiguring the space, studiofour focused on enhancing flow and flexibility.
By removing dated compartmentalized areas, they created a layout that promotes healthier living and fosters connections with the surrounding garden. Framing views of the landscape provides opportunities for both openness and retreat, contributing to a balanced living environment. The furniture selection reinforces this philosophy, featuring simple pieces that resonate with the apartment’s subtle design and natural connections.
The Albany Road Residence stands as a testament to a holistic design approach, where architecture, interiors, and landscaping collaborate to create a healthy, sustainable living space. This project not only revitalizes a historic apartment but also embodies the studio’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents through thoughtful design.