Habitus, South Melbourne VIC

Located within a quiet setting in South Melbourne, and only minutes away from the CBD and Port Melbourne beach, Habitus is a boutique collection of contemporary five-storey terrace homes situated to appeal to owner-occupiers seeking an urban lifestyle.

Designed by Melbourne architectural firm, DKO, the brief was to create something different to what was previously on the market, an added level of luxury with space and light being paramount. Surpassing all expectations, natural light is enjoyed in abundance throughout each of the spacious and superbly configured residences.

DKO were brought in to review developer, Beulah’s, existing permit for 30 townhomes and to create a premium offering. “Developer Beulah faced challenges concerning the contrast between delivering a high yield and wanting to create a premium offering that features open, light-filled residences,” says Koos de Keijzer, Principal at DKO.

“The DKO team set to redesign the original permit, maximising the gaps between each row of townhomes, which in turn, enhanced privacy and reduced the amount of screening required.”

Koos de Keijzer, Principal at DKO

“The changes also resulted in a reduction from 30 townhomes to 25 and improved natural light, privacy and amenity across the project,” says Koos.

DKO achieved the stunning final result by adopting a spacious yet vertical approach set over five levels, resulting in 25 elegant and sophisticated three-bedroomed residences that have a unique architectural character.

Internally, natural materials define the space, embracing a palette of stone, warm timber and black metal detailing. Superbly engineered kitchens feature monolithic stone benchtops which appear to effortlessly float and elongate the kitchen space.

Sitting over delicately textured timber joinery the finishes are accompanied by a range of exceptional Gaggenau appliances. “In keeping with the rest of the interior design, the Gaggenau appliances were selected for their sleek and streamlined appearance,” adds Simone.

DKO chose ovens from the Gaggenau 200 series, including built-in microwave oven from the same series. Sitting flush to the surface, they integrate seamlessly while making a bold statement. Both anthracite and silver finishes were selected to match the style of the particular kitchen’s design. The range, which has been inspired by the requirements of leading professionals and top chefs, not only works for its superior functionality but the signature finishes of the appliances were able to blend seamlessly with the natural and tactile material elements of the kitchen.

The Gaggenau Vario gas cooktop, from the avant-garde 400 series, was selected, with the option to tailor the modular experience further by integrating a teppan yaki and induction wok. Further appliances from Gaggenau include the integrated dishwasher and 400 series wall-mounted hood, positioned in every Habitus townhome, while integrating the automatic espresso coffee machine from the 200 series was an option for residents.

An abundance of storage solutions within the kitchen further enhances the seamless and luxury flow, ensuring clutter is diminished and creating a calm environment.

“The clever use of cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling smoked mirror walls adds a sense of layered depth and spaciousness, while smooth black lines and detailing heightens the kitchens’ considered design”

Simone Tyson, Senior Associate, Interiors at DKO

Visually alluring, the exterior of Habitus combines bronze aluminium detailing with pre-cast concrete and dark textured bricks, paying homage to the locality’s industrial pedigree. Fusing clean lines and generous proportions, each of the three bedroomed apartments enjoy a feeling of space and light, with a variety of options for entertaining across its five floors, from the kitchen to the upper roof terrace, offering a rich, fulfilling and integrated experience.

The impressive result was one of the most satisfying aspects of the design for DKO: “The end result is exactly as we envisioned it,” says Simone. “An initial sketch articulates the design intent and it’s extremely satisfying to see it come to fruition.”