Melbourne apartment of the week: The Beckworth, Glen Iris

The Beckworth's design team comprises of some of the industry's best – Telha Clarke Architects, Studio Tate Interior Design and John Patrick Landscape Architects, and it's clear the team worked collaboratively to create a collection of homes which feel warm, inviting and liveable. Every aspect of the design has been considered with a holistic approach and thought given to how residents will use each space.

I recently caught up with Alex Hopkins, Director and Principal Designer at Studio Tate, to learn more about the design process and some of the stand-out features of The Beckworth apartments. 

Urban.com.au: Where did you draw inspiration for The Beckworth from?

Alex Hopkins: Enduring materials and a restrained approach to form inspired our approach to interior architecture at The Beckworth, a collection of 18 intelligently planned two and three-bedroom residences in leafy Glen Iris. In collaboration with architects Telha Clarke, The Beckworth exudes elegance and is characterised by an architectural layering and framing of balconies and terraces. A push-pull effect to the architecture inspired the interior layouts allowing the design team to maximise daylight whilst creating a sense of individuality and customisation.

Natural stone and timber joinery were employed to create a contemporary, pared-back aesthetic, allowing residents to dress the interior with their own narrative. To establish this sense of personalisation, two schemes were employed: from light and airy, to dark and sophisticated. Moments of luxury pepper the building, starting notably with a shared wine room in which residents can store and discuss varietals with their neighbours or guests. Master ensuites include freestanding baths set on stone plinths to exude hotel-like indulgence, while textured carpets create warmth and comfort underfoot.

In respecting the minimal yet robust exterior, intelligently crafted joinery conceals clutter, integrated fridges and pantries allow natural stone and timber to reign supreme, and stone cleverly conceals kitchen rangehoods for the ultimate in sophistication.

U: What were the top 6 features you decided had to be included within the development and why?

AH:

1. A large butler’s pantry: perfect for residents who like to entertain, this key amenity ensures these residences feel more like a larger home than an apartment.
2. Natural stone benches: a quality, timeless statement such as the use of natural stone ensures a quality outcome.
3. Well-appointed walk-in robe to each master bedroom suite: key for any resident especially a down-sizer, ample storage ensures the transition from house to apartment is an easy one.
4. Double vanities with freestanding tub to each master bedroom suite: a luxurious bathroom can make the home feel like a hotel and what a special experience to have each day.
5. Walk-in laundry: similarly, to the relevance of a well-appointed WIR, a separate laundry makes day to day living that much easier.
6. Communal wine room: fosters a sense of community within the development and provides each apartment owner with the ability to store their wine in a locked cabinet.

U: What do you think buyers love most about The Beckworth?

AH: This development provides buyers with well-planned, considered homes. With purchasers being increasingly more informed, intelligently designed interiors, alongside luxurious materiality and quality amenity is of key importance to ensure a successful outcome.

U: If you had to choose your favourite aspect of the building, what would it be?

AH: Each residence has an expansive terrace which provides a beautiful connection to the outdoors, this creates a greater sense of space to the living and dining areas especially when the glazed sliding doors are open –
informing another room albeit outdoors.

U: What makes your project stand out from other properties on the market?

AH: During this current climate, a considered floorplan to ensure a seamless flow through each apartment certainly provides a point of difference. This coupled with the refined and classic joinery design ensures The Beckworth stands out from the crowd.

Project Credits
Interior Design: Studio Tate
Architect: Telha Clarke
Builder: Harris HMC
Development and Project Manager: Point Polaris
Landscape Architects: John Patrick