Verdant outlook

A garden offers two things to an apartment. On the one hand it brings an invitation to take off your shoes and get in touch with nature, and on the other, it provides a beautiful outlook.

This spacious garden residence is one of ten in an inner-harbour apartment development. Designed by architect Brian Hollis of Robert Ferguson Architects, the front of the substantial building is visually broken down to give the look of pavilions, with forms that replicate the scale of the smaller Federation dwellings nearby.

"While the building has an understated presence when seen from the street, the rear, north-facing aspect is more reflective of its true nature, with broad expanses of glazing capturing magnificent harbour views," says Hollis. "At the same time, this side is also in keeping with the greater environment the layered, cantilevered balconies echo the rocky outcrops found in the area."

Sandstone cladding, clear balustrades and overhanging eaves in varying proportions give the facade an organic look and make it hard to see where each unit begins and ends. The extended eaves provide balcony space on the floor above and solar control below.

Seen from the rear, the apartment building has a hierarchical material sensibility. Lower levels feature sandstone, the middle levels are painted and the upper level is finished in shiny zinc cladding.

Besides the sandstone cladding elements, the garden apartment's outdoor environment features a Calacatta white marble barbecue area and Spanish marble floors. The latter give way to blackbutt timber floors indoors although some of the apartments have stone floors throughout.

"The design maximises visual appreciation of the garden from most rooms," says Hollis. "A series of bifold doors stack back in the living area and master bedroom, leaving an open flow between the indoors and out."

Set to the rear of the living spaces, the kitchen looks out across the room to the garden and water views beyond.

Differences in heights between the marble surface outdoors and the timber floors indoors have been kept to only 10mm, to further blur the line between the two environments.

"The grassy outlooks contribute greatly to the character of the garden apartments but through various choices of flooring, balcony options and other finishes, each apartment achieves an individual feel," says Hollis. "What they all have in common are brilliant views and spacious and light-filled interiors.

"The actual garden of each apartment has proportions more often found with a freestanding family home," says Hollis. "An area concealing a garage access ramp is screened behind a low wall and plantings, so the eye is drawn to the grass and sky."

Story by: Trendsideas