"Designed to appeal to both homeowners and first home buyers": How Ewert Leaf designed Camberwell's Timeless
Construction is underway on Camberwell's latest residential development, Timeless.
CDG Group engaged Will Leaf's Ewert Leaf to design the project which comprises a mix of 28 apartments and townhouses, catering not only to downsizers but also first home buyers.
The architectural essence of Timeless is understated yet captivating, drawing inspiration from Camberwell's iconic heritage character. It harmonises classical design features with contemporary elements, resulting in a unique aesthetic appeal.
The interiors of Timeless blend a timeless aesthetic with modern convenience, providing a tranquil ambiance and thoughtfully curated layouts. Each space exudes a sense of luxury while also offering a blank canvas for residents to personalise.
Natural stone, timber flooring, and plush, woollen carpets make up the refined suite of finishes, which are bathed in abundant natural light pouring through soaring, full-height windows.
The open plan living areas, flooded with light, serves as a hub for socialisation and relaxation, offering an outlook to the streetscape. Echoing the architectural design, curved forms feature within the joinery, fireplace, and island bench, creating a seamless cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces.
When asked about the biggest source of inspiration for Timeless, Ewert Leaf expressed their admiration for Camberwell's distinctive residential character, both in terms of architecture and interior design.
As one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs, Camberwell boasts a collection of stately Victorian and Edwardian homes. Thus, the architects aimed to create a design that pays homage to these residences while incorporating their own unique vision.
“Our intent was to create a refined and sophisticated palette; one that would appeal to all demographics and lifestyles. I really love the beautiful sense of contrast in the palette, like the cool, elegant stone against the warm timber floors,” Leaf said.
“We wanted to ensure that the end user has an experience that is an upgrade from their current residence. Both upsizers and downsizers will be enamoured by the bright interiors, the generous location and the understated, sophisticated architecture that Timeless offers."
Timeless stands on a corner site, providing two distinctive frontages that respond to the respective streets. The Mowbray Street entrance offers a private residential experience, while the Burke Road entrance engages with the street interface, featuring a ground floor commercial component and a sophisticated foyer space.
The choice of materials for both facades was deliberate, favouring robust brick and smooth render, complemented by metal cladding on the recessed top level. To soften the overall appearance, organic curves were incorporated alongside rectilinear forms.
"We’ve purposefully selected materials that age gracefully for both facades."
The seamless transition between external and internal design features is evident in Timeless, facilitated by having the project's architect and interior designer within the same office. The interiors echo the classic materiality introduced on the facade, showcasing curved features like the joinery and island bench, reinforcing the cohesive design language throughout the development.
When asked about their favourite aspect of Timeless, Ewert Leaf emphasised its appeal to both homeowners and first-time buyers, fostering a diverse and vibrant community within the development.
"Timeless is designed to appeal to both homeowners and first home buyers, which means the community that will unfold within the development will be a diverse and colourful one – I think this is a really exciting element. I also love the wonderful sense of arrival created by the opulent lobby area. It evokes a strong feeling of pride and of ‘coming home’."