Toorak Penthouse

Interior Architecture : Designed by Dita Studio

Like all of our projects, there were many hidden challenges built into the brief, which ultimately were overcome and contributed to the uniqueness of the design. Should you ever wander through spaces designed by our studio, it is with hope you will find a sense of “calmness.” Sober volumes, which appear rigorous and more importantly welcoming spaces that can invite and make you want to stay there. The materials for our Penthouse project were chosen to whisper a story. The very small selection of materials were kept to a strict minimum. What catches the eye is purposefully minimal rather than highlighted.

On arrival at the Penthouse you are greeted by a small space, one wall light and one art work, which then reveals to a large expansive open area of overwhelming lightness and the main focus - is towards the Melbourne Skyline.

To achieve this brightness and to elevate the elegant spaces, we had all the walls painted by hand with a matte textural paint, new timber flooring throughout and designed all subtle soft grey joinery that was further elevated in lightness through the skylights that were introduced above the kitchen and stairwell areas.

The result is a sophisticated home characterised by lightness and simplicity, radiating from the soft grey palette, materials that are raw in appearance, and a small collection of furniture and artwork that bring the magic of human interactivity into the overall picture.

Our brief from the client was to create a very luxurious but ultimately understated Penthouse apartment.

The view

The top floor of the residence is organised around one large open space that frames the view – facing the view was the living, dining, study and cooking: our clients then would retreat to the lower level to their bedrooms.

Our clients wanted to entertain at all times of the day – to have spaces that would create a crystalline diffusion from dawn to dusk. We were so fortunate to have a project come into our office where the Penthouse apartment had uninterrupted views of the city. We were able to create a sense of boundlessness through the use of direct and indirect lighting, challenging the different moods which was another credit to the project.

Whilst there are multiple layers and shades of subtle greys achieved in the interiors throughout, the use of warm timber floors, textured hand painted walls, light cabinetry and featured stone – the material palette allows the surrounding views to come alive.

Photography: Timothy Kaye. www.timothykaye.com