SPACES

between Michael Mccormack, director of Milieu, and Jesse Linardi, DKO Architecture design director, resulted in an innovative, space-saving home.

How did you become involved with this project and what was the client’s brief? Jesse is a great friend and he was looking to design a home for himself. When we saw this site we knew it was ideal for a collaboration. The project is in Collingwood, quite near the Milieu office, so we know the neighbourhood well and wanted to contribute positively to the area. What were the challenges and how did you resolve them? We acquired what was an old garage, and converted the small footprint into two vertical homes. The biggest challenge was working within the 76sqm site. We came up with a scheme that extends to all boundaries – a challenge in itself for council approval – and rises six levels, including a basement lounge, ground-level garage, and roof-top terrace. How would you describe the completed interior? It was driven by a need to maximise space. SLAB Architecture, run by Jesse’s wife Seada, devised an interior scheme that marries the exterior materials with steel and raw concrete, softened by natural finishes. Adaptable spaces, clever storage, and inbuilt joinery were all essential. What are some of your favourite design elements? Were there any devices used to maximise the sense of space? The exterior is cocooned in pressed and perforated metal cladding, creating a jewellery box-like form. Operable screens open to the street, so the building changes in appearance as well as adapts to interior needs. The kitchen and living areas have multifunctional elements such as a movable timber slab on the table which acts as a chopping block and extended bench but, when removed, increases the dining capacity. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? We worked with Hub to select key pieces. Due to the lofty ceilings and full-height glazing, the spaces feel open and generous even when furnished. Were the owners happy with the execution? With the owners also acting as architects, they are thrilled, and we plan more collaborations in future. milieuproperty. com.au; dko.com.au; slabarchitecture.com