Why spend your time longing for dreamy European shores when you can create a Mediterranean oasis in your own home? We set to work to deliver our clients their dream: a new resort-style home that would transport them overseas all year round, with the help of our architect team, Page Stewart.
Our client’s brief was for this single-level home to be theirs forever, so we worked closely with them to determine exactly what would deliver them their ultimate lifestyle. Low maintenance living and energy efficiency were the practical drivers, as well as an abundance of storage. Privacy was a key factor, while ensuring vistas throughout the house took in the thoughtful landscaping. And, a true sense of Mediterranean palazzo luxury tied the brief together.
With natural light a priority, we made the most of the northern orientation to maximise both interior and exterior light. As a result, the home cleverly combines a courtyard and central atrium, complete with a luxurious, fully tiled plunge pool. Stone travertine cladding wraps all the way around to the north-facing courtyard, creating a tranquil space bathed in sunshine.
The simplistic landscaping is juxtaposed brilliantly with vibrant pops of greenery, while the outdoor shower with brushed brass fittings and rustic potted plants exudes all the charm of a sun-scorched Italian villa.
Entering the home, the modern Mediterranean façade commands attention, especially the eye-catching oversized door, surrounded by a luxurious bronze shroud and trims. Walking through the entranceway, the resort-style theme continues. Elegant brass metal trims border the French oak herringbone flooring, and chic bronze glass doors lead into the living area, creating an uninterrupted flow throughout the home.
Above all, this home was designed to be sustainable, with energy-efficient features installed throughout. Large thermally broken windows and doors offer a glimpses of the lush greenery outside, opening the home to the outside world and creating a spacious feel. Meanwhile, solar panels provide sustainable energy, and under-slab heating serves to keep the interior comfortable all year around. The home also features reverse cycle heating and cooling with individual climate control for each room.
A clever combination of natural materials with luxurious finishes extends the luxurious resort-style theme seamlessly throughout the home. We added natural stone slabs throughout, including limestone benchtops in the bathrooms, marble in the powder room and quartzite in the kitchen and living area. Natural stone tiles add a textured, coastal feel to the bathrooms, while brushed nickel and brass fittings add a luxurious, polished look to each space. A statement in-situ basin created with New York marble sets off the powder room magnificently.
Care has been taken to ensure every detail of this home was created using high-quality materials, meticulous finishes and consideration of energy-efficient design principles. There’s also a strong focus on zoning, with distinct spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and playing, as well as high ceilings for airflow and the prerequisite of excellent storage throughout. It’s a luxurious home that can be enjoyed all year round; a private Mediterranean sanctuary in the heart of Melbourne that our clients love.
