"Encompassed by an oasis of greenery": How John Patrick designed Serpells Place to blend with Templestowe's landscape
Deemed one of Melbourne's greenest pockets, Templestowe is an oasis of wide open space, lush scenery, hidden walking trails and native wildlife.
The latest residential development to land in the suburb blends into its surrounding context like the last piece of the puzzle, with a collection of just 20 house-sized apartments, designed by award-winning firm KUD.
Taking its name from the site's location on Serpells Road, Serpells Place oozes with living greenery, with Melbourne-based landscape architects, John Patrick put to the task of connecting the residences to the suburb's landscape.
Headed by John Patrick himself, the Director said the inspiration for the design was taken from all across Templestowe, with the landscaping creating a sense of sanctuary, allowing the residents to feel completely immersed in nature.
For Serpells Place, John Patrick has designed tranquil garden retreats in the form of ground floor courtyards and spacious terraces.
The plant palette has been selected for its ability to flourish throughout the year with very little maintenance required from residents.
"This creates a sense of privacy – of being encompassed by an oasis of greenery – providing an idyllic backdrop for outdoor entertaining or quiet relaxation. This sense of immersion is enhanced by an overhead canopy on the terraces, draped with cascading vines," John Patrick said.
To the middle level, the building is softened by fluid curves, imbuing a sculptural quality that is only enhanced by cascading vines, while expansive glazing allows abundant natural light into the homes whilst allowing for a connection to the landscaping and surrounding views.
Landing on Templestowe's golden mile, KUD's Managing Director, Billy Kavellaris, said they designed the residences to connect to the outdoors, with the spaces set to deliver the luxuries owner-occupier's had grown accustomed to in Kew's prestigious locale.
"One of the things Templestowe is renowned for its rolling hills, abundant landscaping and mature trees."
"Drawing inspiration from this, we incorporated large openings to create physical connections to the outdoors, including expansive terraces, in addition to visual connections from the living spaces, which look out to the landscaping and surrounding views," he added.
Within walking distance of magnificent parklands and Templestowe's vibrant village hub, Serpells Place cultivates an elevated way of life, encompassed by nature.
The Yarra River meanders its way along the suburb’s western boundary, hugged by multiple parklands including Finns Reserve, a haven of lush vegetation and recreational amenity with an impressive children’s playground.
Further north, Westerfolds Park is a 120-hectare sanctuary perfect for picnicking, cycling, walking and canoeing, while resident kangaroos are also known to be found hopping around sharing the space.
Even closer to Serpells Place, the Ruffey Creek Trail provides a scenic route for your morning jog, encompassed by greenery from end-to-end, and leading all the way down to the idyllic Ruffey Lake Park.
In addition to winding rivers and verdant parklands, Templestowe is beloved for its recreational amenity. Fostering a strong sense of community, the suburb is home to a myriad of sporting facilities including tennis courts, a bowls club, football ovals and more.