Centred around a historic gumtree: How Carr designed the completed Camberwell apartments, Victoria & Burke
A 220-year old gumtree influenced every design decision in the recently completed Camberwell apartment development, Victoria & Burke.
Carr Design had to work closely with landscape architect Jack Merlo to work out how to incorporate the grand old tree into the design of both the building and the surroundings.
Architect Chris McCue, Director at Carr, said the tree created a great opportunity to get a horizontality to the building form.
"It also means there is a large percentage of garden area, something that is quite rare and offers something completely unique to the project," McCue said.
"The verticality of the tree is complemented by vertical metal blades, offset by stepped horizontal stacks. The effect is a considered, contemporary form that offers both privacy and openness."
McCue says the concept of blending horizontal and vertical forms and materiality comes back to the surrounding urban context, drawing on the grand Victorian houses along Victoria street, as well as mid-century dwellings from the broader Camberwell precinct.
"The existing context also plays into the materiality, with the rough stucco used as a reference to both a Victorian-era palette, and the more common 1930s bungalows."
The interior spaces have been planned with an emphasis on openness and natural light, with warm timber floors leading to a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen, a focal point of each residence, features a discrete scullery and abundant storage.
Boasting Camberwell's largest evergreen outdoor areas, full-height sliding doors enable residents to enjoy alfresco entertaining surrounded by lush greenery, offering the functionality of a traditional backyard in an apartment setting.
The attention to detail extends to the choice of premium Gaggenau & Liebherr appliances, secure basement garages, integrated gas fireplaces, wine fridges, and a walk-in wine cellar in the penthouse.
Just four apartments remain.