Streets ahead

For many of us, the appeal of a resort holiday lies in the beauty of the surroundings and the extravagant accommodation things that are often missed on return to the city.

The Kilbryde apartments, designed by Simon Carnachan and ASC Architects, offer the best of both worlds, combining the convenience of inner-city living with the relaxed lifestyle afforded by tropical surroundings.

Simon Carnachan, of Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects, says lifestyle factors were a key determining element in the design.

"As well as providing high-end accommodation, the Kilbryde apartments have been designed to appeal to all the senses," he says.

The complex comprises two main blocks. One is made up of two buildings, housing a variety of differently-sized apartments and a penthouse. These two buildings are connected by a bridge, which provides an outdoor living area. The other block is made up of four, four-level villas. Each has its own small back garden.

The exterior of the complex is precast concrete, which offers a feeling of permanence and solidity. It is also weather-resistant. It was important to the developers that any potential leaky building issues be dealt with pro-actively.

The same forethought was used when designing the roof. The copper roof is low maintenance, stands up well in rainy weather, and will age to a bronze-green patina.

The distinctive low-pitched rooflines and short eaves complement the wide windows and balconies found in all the units. Horizontal slats on exterior shutters and interior blinds add to the impression that the Kilbryde apartments are an island getaway within the city.

Extensive tropical-style plantings soften the building's profile and enhance the resort-like feel the developers wished to achieve. Climbing vines and a variety of palm trees are found throughout the complex, particularly around the shared pool and along the main walkways.

Interior designer Robyn Carnachan carried the breezy, tropical feeling inside the residences. She says her challenge was to enhance the exterior design, while using interior finishes that would appeal to a wide range of potential tenants.

"With commercial residential projects, I don't know the end client," she says. "So I decide on something that I think will appeal to everyone."

Based on the architect's vision for the interiors, she offered residents a limited selection of timber, carpet and paint options.

"I wanted an interior that was very clean almost slick without being frightening. The colour scheme would have to work with either modern furniture or antiques," she says.

Carnachan chose European oak and Tasmanian oak as the floor options. The European oak could be oiled to either a light or dark finish, while the Tasmanian oak was left its natural golden colour.

Realising that many residents would prefer carpet in some lounge or bedroom areas, she chose Feltex carpet in Malay Grey and Tuscan Tan.

The flooring choices are complemented by Resene paints from the Whites and Neutrals range. In this apartment, Carnachan used Alabaster for the ceilings and Quarter Tea on the walls.

A fully-appointed and spacious kitchen area is essential to any upmarket residential unit. And so, the kitchens in the Kilbryde apartments were designed to meet the high expectations of future residents. Villas in the development also have a wine cellar.

This kitchen is based on a two-island design, with plenty of storage and integrated appliances. Its open plan allows for easy interaction between the workspace and the adjacent dining area. The appliances are arranged for efficient workflow.

European oak floor joins this apartment's kitchen and dining area. The dark wood contrasts with the white and aluminium finishes found on the appliances and contemporary dining room furniture.

The free-flowing nature of the living areas is enhanced by large windows. Sliding glass doors open to the balconies, and views of the port and city merge with the interior.

Full-length louvred aluminium shutters can be closed over the glass doors, offering privacy while keeping the open, airy feeling that defines the entire complex.

The use of floor-to-ceiling glass continues in the bathroom, where they are covered by electronic louvres.

In the bathrooms, Carnachan says she wanted to create the illusion of wide open spaces and continuous clean surfaces. She specified white SpazioCasa fixtures and tiles. The geometric lines and uniform colour visually expand the room. White walls and fixtures allow future owners to personalise the space with coloured towels and accessories.

Story by: Trendsideas