MELBOURNE

Luxurious finishes and ornate details concoct a glamorous mood in this bespoke penthouse.

A bespoke penthouse with high-octane interiors makes a big impression.

It kind of goes back to that old craft of what an architect used to be – they designed everything,” says David Hicks of the first full-scale property he has built and decorated from the ground up. “We were detailing gutters and external gates but also selecting wallpaper. This is not the kind of place you move into and put all your old furniture in. It’s something you do as a whole package. It’s a complete product.”

The interior designer is referring to a commission that began as four residences: one on the ground floor, two on the first floor and a penthouse with an infinity pool. All were bought off the plan with one client purchasing the entire first floor and converting it into one. David worked closely with all the owners, and says the personalisation process was very fulfilling. “All three homes are very different and all are bespoke. We have designed their dreams.”

The thrill of working top to toe was not lost on David who wanted to “bring the old glamour back into a modern building”. Inspired by the 1930s Villa Necchi Campiglio mansion by Italian architect Piero Portaluppi and the star of the film I am Love, little bit of Milanese modernism in the heart of Melbourne.

The Brutalist-inspired facade assumes an abrupt position on the tree-lined, heritage street in Melbourne’s South Yarra. It’s a concrete mix, but sandblasted to appear aged and weathered. In the penthouse, however, the interior is a “bit more of a surprise, a bit more lavish”, says David. “It has that European mentality whereby the outside is quite harsh and brutal, but the interior is luxurious and more ornate.”

This is apparent from the very first step into the lobby with its chevron marble floor, grand void and large Venini smoked-glass chandelier. There’s an elevator for convenience but the fire staircase has been conceived as a grand feature with custom carved treads that lead to a hotel-inspired glass ‘reception vestibule’ with an ebony Art Deco hall table framed by vintage Murano sconces and a custom floor patterned in silver travertine, Calacatta Oro and Portoro marble.

» Melbourne designer David Hicks created a Brutalist look for the facade of this three-level apartment block in Melbourne’s South Yarra, then counteracted it with luxurious interiors. » His bespoke design for the penthouse provided the perfect opportunity to indulge his predilection for glamour, layering velvet sofas, Murano glass chandeliers and moiré wallpaper with brass-inlaid oak doors, gold sconces, marble and parquetry flooring. » Reminiscent of a beautiful old hotel, the opulent finishes and ornate detailing make for a supremely indulgent abode.