How KUD's Billy Kavellaris designed the Templestowe apartments, Serpells Place
Located on Templestowe’s golden mile, Serpells Place is the work of Hub Property Group, Hewson and Gacesa.
The joint venture engaged Kavellaris Urban Design to curate the 20-apartment project, with the Cremorne-based architect firm's Director, Billy Kavellaris at the helm.
Crafted to command the streetscape whilst honouring its esteemed location, the building features a bold and engaging facade design, with clean lines and robust materials juxtaposing with the vibrant greenery of the landscape.
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.
“A composition of contemporary form, enduring materiality and generous scale, the architecture of Serpells Place has been born out of a commitment to excellence.” Kavellaris said.
Renowned for its rolling hills, abundant landscaping and mature trees, Kavellaris drew great inspiration from the location of Serpells Place.
"Serpells Road is one of the most esteemed streets in Templestowe. It’s wide, filled with trees and has a beautiful link to the past, lined by large acreage properties," he said.
"We took elements of the area and then metaphorically put them together to create something that is dynamic and engaging. There’s a lot of fluid forms and a nice combination of organic and industrial materials. There’s also beautiful facade articulation, with three layered planes that present individual design moments to create one unified gesture."
"Also, every residence is huge – they’re essentially home-style residences," Kavellaris added.
Large openings create a physical connection to the outdoors, while the expansive terraces, which adjoin to each of the homes, further connect Serpells Place to its surrounds.
"There’s also visual connections from living spaces, which look out to the landscaping and surrounding views. And then we have large light courts that allow sunlight and ventilation in through two sides of the residences, which is really quite rare," Kavellaris said.
Through envisioning the interiors and exteriors as a combined concept, the architecture seen from the streetscape is transported inside.
"Whenever we design a building, there’s a language we explore on the outside, and then we pick up on these cues internally. It might be in the materials, the textures, or a form. The idea is that as you walk in, there’s a language and a story that unfolds in a linear way."
Whilst designing the interiors, KUD took cues from the facade to create a seamless, free flowing transition between in and out. Favouring soft textures, natural materials and cool tones, the finishes palette has been carefully curated to cultivate a rich and harmonious sensory experience, enhanced by plentiful natural light.
“No expense was spared for the finishes and fixtures of Serpells Place. Enhanced by expansive living spaces, the level of quality and craftsmanship speaks for itself."
The pièce de résistance is the sophisticated chef’s kitchen, where you’ll find features of everyday luxury including a sleek wine fridge, state-of-the-art appliances, a butler’s pantry and a bar area.
"The kitchens are probably bigger than what you’d find in a residential house. They’ve got extensions of bars and their own butler’s pantry as well as heaps of storage. These residences are for people who want spacious, high-quality design with the low maintenance lifestyle of an apartment."
The striking island bench has been designed to emulate the soft curves of the facade, adorned in an elegant and durable grey marble.
Sophisticated yet comfortable, the open-plan living area is a haven for unwinding or entertaining. Here, soaring windows provide seamless outlooks to the landscaping, encouraging residents to feel as if they are wholly immersed in nature.
Sliding doors collapse the boundaries between in and out, allowing the terrace, living, dining and kitchen areas to become one all-encompassing sanctuary.
"Afforded with timber floorboards, there is a warmth to this space that evokes the essence of a home, complemented by an opulent fireplace for cosy nights in during the colder months of the year," Kavellaris concluded.