SPACES

at Yarra’s Edge in Melbourne makes the most of its riverside position, says Michael Weiner, Mirvac Design director. yarrasedge.mirvac.com What was the starting point for the project and how does the design reflect the surrounding context and the local lifestyle? We wanted to maximise being right on the water, and create light- lled, exible indoor/outdoor spaces while referencing the maritime/industrial heritage of the site. We did this by creating a series of vertically modulated terraces with the de ning design element being what I call jewelled boxes in materials that reference the site’s history such as raw tinted concrete, zinc and copper that age over time. The houses have a very strong sculptural form and a sense of uniqueness and individuality. What were the challenges and how did you resolve them? The houses are organised around a three-storey space with a large skylight and all the rooms open on to this. The sense of light and space is truly special. Ensuring this sense of volume, space and light was a primary design goal. Describe the completed interior? The interior architecture and the exterior reference the inspiration for the site, creating a holistic composition and living experience. The light, space, connection to the river and materiality create a sense of wellbeing and calm. What are some favourite design elements? Were there any devices used to maximise the sense of space? The jewelled boxes on the exterior, the three-storey void with the skylight that lls the house with light, the master bedroom that feels like it is hovering over the river and the roof terrace overlooking the city and the river are all fabulous. What informed the selection of ttings and nishes? We wanted the houses to be luxurious, re ned, with a connection to the heritage of the site and a warmth that said home. How do you envisage a future owner using this space? We try to create opportunities for different ways of living, with exible spaces and colour schemes that allow owners to re ect their personalities.