Fresh design and chic finish reach new heights in St Kilda
New areas always open the door for fresh designs that look to the future. Cambridge’s St Kilda estate is a fine example. Housing continues to stretch the boundaries – none possibly as brave and bold as this home.
It doesn’t fit any compartment of style. It created one – a totally new approach that takes contemporary minimalism next level. While the lines are clean, straightforward and simple, the definition is by no means clear. The street-front impression disguises this home’s sophistication behind a façade of solid vertical cedar panelling. The only hint of this home’s internal innovation is the slatted feature that masks glazing at one end. At night, hidden spotlights instil a theatrical aspect – akin to full-length drapes waiting to be drawn.
This box-like design completely masks what lies behind the façade. Essentially, the lines follow a huge L-shape – rooms neatly encased within the simple containerised aesthetics of vertical cedar.
At the rear, a wrap-around decked stage links all rooms along this northern face beneath boxed eaves; a continuous outdoor thread that culminates in a loggia lounge at one end. Its immediate connections are from one bedroom and the main living area, but the deck stroll ensures access from the kitchen and dining hub, around to a media snug and master bedroom.
The centre of attention focuses on the family zone. Innovative design comes to the fore again, with an entire wall finished floor-to-ceiling with boxed shelving. Complete with a central alcove for the flat screen, the staggered approach is a striking feature for both the lounge and dining settings. Eyes then draw to the kitchen. Devoid of hardware, the bank of cabinetry is also floor-to-ceiling – dramatic in black, with a mirror splash back filling the entire inset along the cooking station. Bold by day, its mood changes at night, thanks to LED strip below overhead units. Contrasting this is the island unit – white finish, also devoid of hardware, other than the black tapware. Behind all this is a scullery – open-shelf pantry storage, good work space, sink, dishwasher and drinks’ fridge.
Designed around entertaining, this home boasts intriguing features which enhance its versatility for guests and work. Four bedrooms are placed for privacy; there’s a dedicated study and both bathrooms are fully tiled and styled in tune with the chic tone elsewhere. The media snug is a private retreat for the master suite, or separate area for movies. There’re even spots in some bedrooms behind closed doors for a screen.
Beautifully landscaped, with room for a pool, the other gem is the contemporary ‘summer house’ tucked in one corner by the raised vege patch. This property has thought of everything.
Walk to the St Kilda Reserve, tennis courts and café – life here takes care of today as it looks to the future.