The complete sell out of Melbourne developer, Kalex’s latest project, Park and Raphael, has solidified the team in the local market.
The series of 19 luxury townhouses, ranging from 150 to 220 square metres, have completely sold out for between $875,000 to $1.35 million each.
Park and Raphael is a collaborated with some of Melbourne’s most creative design talents; Architecture is by award-winning practice Jackson Clements Burrows (JCB), interiors are by respected studio DesignOffice, furniture hails from experts Great Dane Furniture and landscaping is by progressive duo Urban Commons.
CITY MEETS ABBOTSFORD
Located on 59-67 Park Street, this project is on the edge of the Yarra River, Parks and Raphael is in walking distance to Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Richmond.
With its proximity to the city while being surrounded by parks, cafes, and cottages, Kalex is able to provide accommodation that ticks all the boxes.
“This pocket of Melbourne has the best of both worlds,” Managing Director of Kalex, Kyp Bosci said.
“On the one hand it is secluded – nestled amid parkland – and on the other it’s connected to the CBD, the inner north and the city’s entertainment precincts.”
Kalex has worked with various designers, architects, and suppliers to produce living areas that suit the Abbotsford charm.
THE DESIGN
Kalex collaborated with JCB for the architecture of Parks and Raphael. JBC co-founder, Tim Jackson said that they explore the uniqueness of the situation and the circumstances in which they find their projects.
“It’s not about just an object for its own sake, we try to make sense of the location generally and offer something that consolidates itself with the past but also suggests possibilities for the future,” Jackson said.
Mr Jackson said believes that the collaborative element brings more eyes to the project and provides a natural authenticity.
The team inspiration by the local terrace houses is evident in the design, with brick screen facades, black metal and timber detailing. Mr Jackson said they wanted to retain the integrity of local character, while offering new ideas of contemporary living.
“Through that authenticity always comes a product that will stand the test of time, and it will be as valuable today as it will be in 20 years time,” Mr. Jackson said.
The interiors consisted of two or three bedrooms, with a total of seven different configurations to choose from.
THE INTERIORS
Kalex teamed up with DesignOffice for the projects interiors, where each detail has been perfectly selected. Mark Simpson said that DesignOffice believes the most important thing for them is understanding someone’s brief.
The neutral tones of the polished concrete, the integration of timber, right down to the subtle details throughout the project, each add to the stunning interiors.
Mr Simpson said that the kitchens quickly became a focal point for them.
“A lot of the discussions we engaged in were about actually responding to the way that people live,” Mr Simpson said. “The design of the kitchens have come about as a result of a brief about contemporary lifestyle and they’re designed in response to the increased importance [that] cooking and food and communication, and conviviality have all become as part of peoples lives.
The kitchens centre around social-able island workspaces that were built by local craftsman Cantilever. Fitted with Gaggenau appliances, DesignOffice have created a quality heart of each home.
The Scandinavian homewares were provided by Great Dane, each home-owner will be invited to sit down with the supplier and appropriately fit out their home.
LANDSCAPES
Urban Commons joined the team to provide the project with custom landscapes.
Working with Kalex on their last project, 350 Clarke Street in Northcote, the team designed a rooftop BBQ unit that comes complete with a kitchenette.
Adding rooftop gardens, that are completely edible (and low maintenance), Urban Commons was able to make the most of the limited space that had to work with.
Construction is currently underway on the project, with the companies instagram keeping their buyers up to date.
Article source: The Urban Developer http://www.theurbandeveloper.com/inside-park-and-raphael-kalexs-sell-out-collaboration/
